PackLead Industry Interest Form
The PackLead Innovation and Training Program connects companies in the food, packaging, and bioproducts sectors with UBC graduate trainees specializing in sustainability, materials science, food innovation, behavioral science, and circular economy solutions.
Please fill out this form if your company would like to host or collaborate with one or more PackLead trainees for internship or research projects:
Cohort 1 (2025- )
Clara Kramer (PhD)
Clara Kramer is from Duluth, Minnesota and completed her undergraduate in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Utah. She is currently a Ph.D. student in Chemical and Biological Engineering supervised by Dr. Emily Cranston. Clara’s work focuses on characterization and extended analysis of biopolymer and cellulose nanocrystal bio composites. In her free time, Clara enjoys biking, skiing, baking and being outside.
Golshan Matinfar (PhD)
Golshan Matinfar is originally from Iran. She earned her MSc in Food Science from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, specializing in structured emulsions to reduce trans and saturated fats in whipped creams. In 2024, she began her PhD studies at the University of British Columbia in a joint program with the Bioproducts Institute and the Food Process Engineering group. Her research focuses on developing bio-based coatings for food packaging using plant extractives. Outside the lab, Golshan enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling.
Hayley Simpson (Master’s)
Hayley is from Memphis Tennessee and holds BA degrees in Environmental Social Sciences and Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She has worked with environmental education and food access non-profits. She is completing her Master’s in Resources, Environment and Sustainability focusing on environmental communication strategies supervised by Dr. Jiaying Zhao. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and watching new movies.
Martin Galambos (Master’s)
Martin Galambos is originally from Hungary. He graduated as an Environmental Engineer and is now pursuing graduate studies in Chemical and Biological Engineering at UBC. His research focuses on developing ultra-lightweight, environmentally friendly materials for various applications. In his free time, he enjoys triathlon, hiking, reading, baking, and crocheting.
Mohsen Roytvand (PhD)
Mohsen Roytvand is originally from Iran. He earned his BSc in Industrial Engineering and his MSc in Macro Systems. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the UBCO, where he is part of the Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) Research Group under the supervision of Dr. Babak Mohamadpour Tosarkani. His research focuses on designing data-driven decision support systems for closed-loop supply chain networks, for recycling and reuse. In his free time, Mohsen enjoys biking, swimming, and hiking.
Qiyue Li (Master’s)
Qiyue Li is originally from Nanjing, China. She completed her BSc degree in Nutritional Science and MFS (Master of Food Science) at UBC. In 2025, she began her MSc in Food Science at UBC under the supervision of Prof. Vassilis Kontogiorgos and co-supervision of Prof. Emily Cranston. Her research focuses on the fabrication and characterization of pectin–nanocellulose films with potential applications in food packaging and material science. In her free time, Qiyue enjoys cooking and travelling.
Simon Sheppard (Master’s)
Simon Sheppard moved to the University of British Columbia (UBC) from Montreal to pursue his BA in psychology. In the fall of 2025, he returned to UBC to begin his Master’s in Cognitive Science. His past research has focused on encouraging sustainable actions through behavioural principles. In his spare time he enjoys hiking and spending time in the mountains.
Zhiyan Liu (PhD)
Zhiyan is originally from Sichuan, China. They hold a B.Eng degree from Sichuan Agricultural University in China and a M.Ag degree from Kyoto University in Japan. She began her PhD study at the University of British Columbia in January of 2025. Currently supervised by Dr. Feng Jiang, she is researching the processing and design of nanocellulose materials for future bio-based packaging in the Department of Wood Science.