Lai Yee Jack

Near-completion PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering specializing in membrane technologies, polymer science, gas–liquid contacting, and CO₂ capture technologies. Experienced in membrane fabrication, surface modification, experimental design (DoE), materials characterization and process modeling. Actively seeking research-focused roles or process engineering roles where research outcomes can be translated into practical, scalable solutions.

PhD Researcher at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) (2023-08 – Present)

• Led end-to-end research on superomniphobic hollow fiber membranes for gas–liquid contacting CO₂ capture applications
• Designed and fabricated fluorinated PVDF-HFP membranes using scalable spinning techniques suitable for industrial translation
• Applied Design of Experiments (DoE) to optimize spinning and surface modification parameters, improving membrane liquid repellency and stability
• Performed comprehensive material and performance characterization (SEM, EDX, AFM, nitrogen permeation, porosity, contact & sliding angles)
• Designed and commissioned a lab-scale gas–liquid membrane contactor in collaboration with an external industrial partner
• Conducted long-term stability and temperature-dependent gas-liquid contacting CO₂ absorption studies under realistic operating conditions
• Developed and validated 1D and 2D mass transfer models using MATLAB and COMSOL Multiphysics
• Mentored a graduate student in membrane fabrication and experimental protocols

Teaching Assistant at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) (2023-08 – Present)

• Managed procurement of laboratory consumables, equipment, and external services
• Maintained project budgets, expenditure tracking, and technical documentation
• Conducted laboratory demonstrations, tutorials, and training sessions on simulation software
• Assisted lecturers with assessment moderation, invigilation, and academic administration

Operation Engineer Intern at Malaysian Refining Company SDN BHD (2021-09 – 2022-04)

• Supported daily operations of refinery process units (ARU, SWTU, SRU, SFP)
• Monitored plant performance using PI System (PI ProcessBook, PI DataLink)
• Conducted equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and operational data analysis
• Participated in storage tank decontamination and pipeline leak testing projects
• Collaborated with operations and technology teams to identify root causes of high H₂S concentration in amine systems
• Contributed to process optimization of the Amine Regenerator Column

Tutor at Freelance (2020-01 – 2022-03)

• Tutored Form 4 & 5 students during COVID-19 Pandemic
• Taught Add Math, Math, Physics and Chemistry

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering – Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) (2023-08)

Bachelor's Degree with Honours in Chemical Engineering – Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) (2019-05 – 2023-05)

Foundation Program – Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)