Engineering confidence in the lab

Sheridan Faculty of Applied Science & Technology (FAST) professor and Environmental Control program coordinator Dr. Anita Usas Neving’s applied research journey has been motivated by her eagerness to set her students up for success.

As Principal Investigator on the project “Critical Metals Liquid-Liquid Extraction Technology Development”, conducted by Generator at Sheridan’s Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing (CIM) in partnership with engineering and consulting company Hatch, Usas Neving is advancing more efficient and sustainable methods for extracting critical metals. Yet, she measures success not only by technical outcomes, but also by the growth and confidence she sees in the students she mentors along the way.

Usas Neving prioritizes giving students opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Through applied research projects, students get to translate theory and classroom knowledge into practice — whether it's conducting experiments, working in lab environments that mirror industry environments or presenting findings to professional stakeholders. Those hands-on experiences help them prepare for the workforce and understand how engineering concepts are applied in real-world settings.

“Applied research gives students experiences they simply can't get in the classroom alone, and that's where confidence is built — and where future engineers begin to see what's possible.”

– Dr. Anita Usas Neving

Third-year Chemical Engineering Technology student Leslie Birch reflected on their time working under the guidance of Usas Neving, noting her dedication to providing students with strong foundational knowledge and technical experience that will prepare them for their careers.

“Dr. Usas Neving provided us with a significant background on the project partner and the project’s goals, hosting a weekly meeting to ensure we had access to all the resources we needed,” Birch said. “She also taught me how to manage a budget, adapt project schedules and communicate progress to partners — all which gave me valuable professional experience I could take straight to my resume.”

Usas Neving’s passion for teaching and mentoring is deeply connected to her own professional background. Coming from an industrial research environment, she values staying closely connected to current industry practices and emerging trends.

“Keeping those industry connections alive is important,” she said. “It allows me to bring the most up-to-date knowledge back to students and help prepare them for what they’ll actually be encountering in the field.”

An example of how that industry-informed approach has directly shaped student success is how Usas Neving’s mentorship helped Chemical Engineering Technology graduates Vikram Pandey and Hughroy Staple’s capstone research project earn provincial recognition at two innovation competitions.

Usas Neving’s research journey at Sheridan began in 2016, when she led “Optimization of Low-Temperature Preservation of Cold-Pressed Juices” conducted by CIM and FAST in partnership with Greenhouse Juice Co. The project tested new technology that removed an inactive substance from the company’s 100% organic, cold-pressed juice to give it a longer shelf life. Her current work on critical metals extraction also builds on two previous CIM and FAST projects with Hatch, “Analysis Development for LLE Prototype” and “Liquid-Liquid Custom Mixer-Settler Technology Development and Piloting”, working to find more efficient, safer and environmentally friendly ways for the mining industry to complete the process of separating metals from water and other organic solvents.

Eager to embed this research into her curriculum, she often references her projects in class and during labs, providing students with real-world examples of advanced topics like liquid extraction, hydrometallurgy and fluid mechanics. Usas Neving feels strongly that through experimentation and applied problem-solving, students can connect the dots between classroom learning and professional practice more easily.

Gurvir Singh Matharoo, also a third-year Chemical Engineering Technology student at Sheridan who worked with Usas Neving on her most recent project, highlights the consistency and care she brings to her mentorship throughout the research process.

“When I encountered new concepts or challenges, she offered intuitive guidance, practical troubleshooting and steady support during experiments,” explained Matharoo. “She helped me understand how academic research translates into real-world engineering practice.”

When asked what she would share with colleagues considering research involvement at Sheridan, Usas Neving emphasized the value for students. Acknowledging that grant writing and project management may seem daunting at first, she said the result is essential in providing students with meaningful hands-on experience.

“When faculty stay engaged in the lab and actively mentor students, it transforms how they learn — and how prepared they are for industry,” she said. “Applied research gives students experiences they simply can’t get in the classroom alone, and that's where confidence is built — and where future engineers begin to see what’s possible.”

Interested in learning more about how to get involved as a faculty or staff member in research, innovation and entrepreneurship at Sheridan? Visit sheridancollege.ca/generator