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Biography
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Being a graduate of the Chemical Engineering Technologist program at Sheridan College, Shanta is proud to be giving back to the Sheridan community.
While attending Sheridan, Shanta was also completing a degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Toronto. The laboratory content and instrumental processes in the Chemical Engineering Technologist program effectively prepared her for the laboratory environment in industry.
Soon after graduation Shanta obtained a position as a chemist in the research and development department of GlaxoSmithKline designing time released active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Shanta also worked in research and development at Apotex Pharmachem Inc. with process development and thermodynamic safety studies of generic drugs. Her industry experience has centred around mechanistic pathways and reaction parameters to optimize product yield, reaction completion using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), x-ray diffraction and high performance liquid chromatography. Additional areas of interest included testing through the use of an ARSST and reaction calorimeter to monitor pressure rise and heat produced during chemical reactions, and Powder Safety Tests such as Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE), Powder Impact Tests and Powder Capacitor Capabilities.
After years in the pharmaceutical industry, Shanta decided to complete her Masters of Education and explore a new career direction in education. Her fundamental belief about education is that the classroom should provide a positive environment for all, and the curriculum should reflect current events and motivate, challenge and engage students. Course material should prepare students for future developments and promote critical thinking. Shanta believes that the course facilitator should be adaptable, flexible and understanding towards their students. And that it is the facilitator’s responsibility to engage and motivate students to take ownership of their education.
