Luis D. Virla, Ph.D.

Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. Email and Phone Number

Assistant Professor @ University of Calgary
Calgary, AB, CA
Luis D. Virla, Ph.D.'s Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Canada
Luis D. Virla, Ph.D.'s Contact Details

Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. work email

Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. personal email

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About Luis D. Virla, Ph.D.

Connecting engineering, policy and society.* R&D Lead specialized in clean tech development and policy innovation. * PhD in Chemical Engineering focused on catalyst development and environmental solutions. * Energized by green chemistry, energy policy, aboriginal rights, and climate change. * More than 5 years of experience in R&D projects with project coordination, data analysis, process modeling, experimental design, and mentoring. * 20+ years of volunteer experience in workshops programming, class/activity planning and delivery, fundraising events and community leadership.

Luis D. Virla, Ph.D.'s Current Company Details
University of Calgary

University Of Calgary

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Assistant Professor
Calgary, AB, CA
Website:
ucalgary.ca
Employees:
14568
Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. Work Experience Details
  • University Of Calgary
    Assistant Professor
    University Of Calgary
    Calgary, Ab, Ca
  • University Of Calgary
    Assistant Professor
    University Of Calgary Jul 2024 - Present
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    In my research team, we explore how clean technology innovation can be optimized and accelerated while aligned with societal needs and priorities. We use a bridging approach based on transdisciplinarity and systems engineering in constant feedback with macro (landscapes) and micro (Indigenous and local) systems to address that. We strive to translate our results into relevant outputs for scientific and social practice.
  • Vortis
    Director And Chief Technology Office (Cto)
    Vortis Feb 2023 - Present
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    • Develop simple and affordable pathways to capture, covert and market carbon emissions.• Oversee the development and implementation of the technology roadmap based on partners’ needs/expectations.• Monitor KPIs, budget of the technology portfolio, and lead a high-performing team to achieve the company’s goal.• Supervise the company’s operations to ensure alignment with the company’s policy and vision.
  • Innolab Space
    Co-Founder / Director
    Innolab Space Jul 2018 - Present
    Calgary, Canada Area
    • Oversee project/initiative portfolio focused on sustainability research and education• Develop operational budget, funding strategy and grant applications to finance research activities• Conduct research activities as principal investigator in projects related to sustainable development• Mentor young professionals involved in research projects around the world• Prepare knowledge dissemination documents for various audiences such as peer-reviewed publications, reports, policy… Show more • Oversee project/initiative portfolio focused on sustainability research and education• Develop operational budget, funding strategy and grant applications to finance research activities• Conduct research activities as principal investigator in projects related to sustainable development• Mentor young professionals involved in research projects around the world• Prepare knowledge dissemination documents for various audiences such as peer-reviewed publications, reports, policy briefs and white papers Show less
  • Technische Universiteit Delft
    Research Fellow, Department Of Multi-Actor Systems - Faculty Of Technology, Policy And Management
    Technische Universiteit Delft Aug 2020 - Aug 2024
    Netherlands
    • Explore innovative strategies for sustainable transitions and its impact in SDGs for Canada, Latin America, and Europe, along with its intersectionalities across regions and continents.• Coordinate and execute research objectives proposed for LANDMARC and TIPPPING+ projects focused on land-use changes, clean energy development, behavioral changes, and socio-economic tipping points at local and regional levels.• Create transformative spaces for stakeholders across industries… Show more • Explore innovative strategies for sustainable transitions and its impact in SDGs for Canada, Latin America, and Europe, along with its intersectionalities across regions and continents.• Coordinate and execute research objectives proposed for LANDMARC and TIPPPING+ projects focused on land-use changes, clean energy development, behavioral changes, and socio-economic tipping points at local and regional levels.• Create transformative spaces for stakeholders across industries, communities, institutions, and governments, to communicate effectively and accelerate sustainable transitions.• Support research portfolio and teaching/mentoring activities within the faculty, and enable accessible dissemination plans with an international focus. Show less
  • Nanostech
    Technology Lead – Carbon Management
    Nanostech Jan 2024 - Jul 2024
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    • Manage and develop a carbon management technology portfolio and team related to CO2 capture, removal, and conversion• Design and scale carbon management technologies aligned with the organization's priority areas.• Develop and implement experimental activities to validate technologies and support model development.• Perform process modelling, techno-economic analysis, and life-cycle assessments for technology evaluation.• Review state-of-the-art technology roadmaps, emerging… Show more • Manage and develop a carbon management technology portfolio and team related to CO2 capture, removal, and conversion• Design and scale carbon management technologies aligned with the organization's priority areas.• Develop and implement experimental activities to validate technologies and support model development.• Perform process modelling, techno-economic analysis, and life-cycle assessments for technology evaluation.• Review state-of-the-art technology roadmaps, emerging markets, and new opportunities in the carbon management space to inform own technology development strategies.• Prepare funding applications and knowledge dissemination documents to support program goals. Show less
  • Nanostech
    Research And Development Lead
    Nanostech Mar 2021 - Jul 2024
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    • Joint venture with Vorsana Environmental Inc.• Supported innovation portfolio and strategy creation in biofuels, CO2 capture and conversion, and new catalytic pathways.• Developed hub concept/laboratory facility for manufacturing and testing new catalytic and reactor technologies.• Coordinated investment, IP generation, and knowledge dissemination strategies.
  • The Canadian Energy And Climate Nexus / Le Lien Canadien De L’Énergie Et Du Climat
    Advisory Board Member
    The Canadian Energy And Climate Nexus / Le Lien Canadien De L’Énergie Et Du Climat Oct 2020 - Jun 2023
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    Support project deployment and evaluations aimed to unify and de-polarize the climate and energy sectors in Canada. I am focused on enabling the creation and implementation of a collaborative frameworks for co-development of sustainable transition strategies along with key stakeholders from various societal sectors.
  • Ciclo Technologies Inc.
    Co-Founder & Scientific Advisor
    Ciclo Technologies Inc. Jan 2021 - Dec 2022
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • University Of Calgary
    Research Associate
    University Of Calgary Jan 2020 - Dec 2022
    Calgary, Canada Area
    • Energy and Environment Research Group (EERG)• Develop innovative catalytic technologies for CO2 conversion into added-value products and net-zero emission technologies for GHG mitigation• Design and build pilot reactors for the evaluation of novel catalysts used on CO2 conversion• Perform process simulation and techno-economic analysis of technology alternatives using modeling tools such as ASPEN-HYSYS, PRO II, ALCES, GCAM and other tools• Find funding opportunities for novel… Show more • Energy and Environment Research Group (EERG)• Develop innovative catalytic technologies for CO2 conversion into added-value products and net-zero emission technologies for GHG mitigation• Design and build pilot reactors for the evaluation of novel catalysts used on CO2 conversion• Perform process simulation and techno-economic analysis of technology alternatives using modeling tools such as ASPEN-HYSYS, PRO II, ALCES, GCAM and other tools• Find funding opportunities for novel research projects and prepare the corresponding grant applications • Supervise graduate and undergraduate during the development of their thesis, projects or internships• Communicate research outputs through the preparation of reports and peer-reviewed publications Show less
  • University Of Calgary
    Postdoctoral Associate
    University Of Calgary Mar 2019 - Jan 2020
    Calgary, Canada Area
    • Energy and Environment Research Group (EERG)• Develop innovative catalytic technologies for CO2 conversion into added-value products and net-zero emission technologies for GHG mitigation• Design and build pilot reactors for the evaluation of novel catalysts used on CO2 conversion• Perform process simulation and techno-economic analysis of technology alternatives using modeling tools such as ASPEN-HYSYS, PRO II, ALCES, GCAM and other tools• Find funding opportunities for novel… Show more • Energy and Environment Research Group (EERG)• Develop innovative catalytic technologies for CO2 conversion into added-value products and net-zero emission technologies for GHG mitigation• Design and build pilot reactors for the evaluation of novel catalysts used on CO2 conversion• Perform process simulation and techno-economic analysis of technology alternatives using modeling tools such as ASPEN-HYSYS, PRO II, ALCES, GCAM and other tools• Find funding opportunities for novel research projects and prepare the corresponding grant applications • Supervise graduate and undergraduate during the development of their thesis, projects or internships• Communicate research outputs through the preparation of reports and peer-reviewed publications Show less
  • Vorsana Inc.
    Research & Development Lead
    Vorsana Inc. Jan 2020 - May 2021
    Calgary, Canada Area
    • Lead high-performing team towards developing a valuable innovation portfolio• Scale-up new technologies for process optimization and intensification• Design and execute testing plans focused on biofuels, biochemicals, green catalysts, and CCUS• Coordinate investment, IP generation and knowledge dissemination strategies
  • Industrial Climate Solutions Inc
    Post Doctoral Research Fellow
    Industrial Climate Solutions Inc Jan 2019 - Jan 2020
    Calgary, Canada Area
    • Design, build and evaluate the performance of a pilot-scale froth contactor, for use with proprietary and non-proprietary solvents, to develop scale-up parameters for bringing the process to industrial markets• Evaluate alternative solvents for a regenerative froth contactor for CO2 capture and conversion• Study the effects of screen design and column configuration on the performance of the contactor and develop operational and design guidelines based on the optimum… Show more • Design, build and evaluate the performance of a pilot-scale froth contactor, for use with proprietary and non-proprietary solvents, to develop scale-up parameters for bringing the process to industrial markets• Evaluate alternative solvents for a regenerative froth contactor for CO2 capture and conversion• Study the effects of screen design and column configuration on the performance of the contactor and develop operational and design guidelines based on the optimum specifications• Identify key modelling assumptions and develop thermodynamic, heat and material balance correlations for the scale-up of the CO2 capture system• Develop and execute rigorous tests and Quality Assurance plans to guide the validation programs, design and integration of test assemblies and analysis, interpretation and reporting of performance results• Communicate results through preparation of of technical reports, peer-review publications, white papers and fact sheets for diverse audiences Show less
  • University Of Sussex
    Research Fellow, Transrisk Canada Case Study, Spru – Science Policy Research Unit
    University Of Sussex Aug 2016 - Dec 2018
    Calgary, Canada Area
    • Undertook research on climate change in the Canadian energy sector (with a focus on the oil sand sector), as part of the Transitions Pathways and Risk Analysis for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Strategies (TRANSrisk) Canada case study• Worked with community leaders to progress stakeholder engagement work within the energy sector. • Participated in TRANSrisk partnership events and meetings, mainly through online tele-conferences and presentations• Produce high-quality… Show more • Undertook research on climate change in the Canadian energy sector (with a focus on the oil sand sector), as part of the Transitions Pathways and Risk Analysis for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Strategies (TRANSrisk) Canada case study• Worked with community leaders to progress stakeholder engagement work within the energy sector. • Participated in TRANSrisk partnership events and meetings, mainly through online tele-conferences and presentations• Produce high-quality research outputs for publication in monographs or recognised high-quality journals, or performance/exhibition, as appropriate, and contribute to the School’s REF submission at acceptable levels of volume and academic excellence• Contribute to the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, for example for funding purposes• Explore opportunities for enterprise activity, knowledge exchange income and/or consultancy, where permissible• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks and relevant external networks in order to form relationships and collaborations Show less
  • University Of Calgary
    Phd Researcher
    University Of Calgary Jan 2014 - Apr 2018
    Calgary, Canada Area
    • Laboratory for Environmental Catalytic Applications (LECA)• Developed a low-cost heterogeneous catalyst for CO2 re-utilization using waste materials such as petroleum coke• Implemented in-situ techniques for the synthesis and characterization of air-sensitive carbon-supported metal carbide catalysts such as XRD, SEM, TEM, CO chemisorption temperature-programmed reduction/desorption• Designed and built a bench scale plug-flow micro reactor to study the catalytic activity of the… Show more • Laboratory for Environmental Catalytic Applications (LECA)• Developed a low-cost heterogeneous catalyst for CO2 re-utilization using waste materials such as petroleum coke• Implemented in-situ techniques for the synthesis and characterization of air-sensitive carbon-supported metal carbide catalysts such as XRD, SEM, TEM, CO chemisorption temperature-programmed reduction/desorption• Designed and built a bench scale plug-flow micro reactor to study the catalytic activity of the prepared materials for CO2 conversion to useful products applying reactor design principles and VMGSim process simulator• Determined experimental pathways for recycling of deactivated catalyst using CO2 gasification and minimization of its environmental impact during preparation, utilization and disposal• Communicated research findings to broader scientific and industry community through papers and conference presentations; preparation of successful proposals for external funding bodies; prepare academic outputs and public deliverables for knowledge dissemination Show less
  • Investigación Y Desarrollo, C.A. (Indesca)
    Project Leader
    Investigación Y Desarrollo, C.A. (Indesca) Mar 2008 - Nov 2013
    Los Puertos De Altagracia, Venezuela
    • Managed and executed 26 projects with impacts of up to $10MM in savings, in the fields of industry technical support, evaluation of new technologies and development of solutions for petrochemical processes• Designed and built bench-scale laboratory reactors for the study of heterogeneous catalysts commonly used in petrochemical processes and conducted catalytic performance analysis• Developed and applied analytical methods (FTIR, GC, acid/base titration), programmed and conducted… Show more • Managed and executed 26 projects with impacts of up to $10MM in savings, in the fields of industry technical support, evaluation of new technologies and development of solutions for petrochemical processes• Designed and built bench-scale laboratory reactors for the study of heterogeneous catalysts commonly used in petrochemical processes and conducted catalytic performance analysis• Developed and applied analytical methods (FTIR, GC, acid/base titration), programmed and conducted verification and validation protocols, and collaborated in the development of reactor models for process optimization• Performed economic analysis to determine project feasibility, potential project benefits, and technology selection for process optimization using processing modelling tools (Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, MATLAB, PRO/II)• Collaborated with groups in industry and academia to integrate technical capabilities for problem resolution, improving effective communication and building bridges for industry-academia collaborations• Tutored four internship projects for undergraduate students in the field of catalysis Show less
  • Universidad Del Zulia
    Msc Researcher
    Universidad Del Zulia Jan 2009 - Oct 2013
    Maracaibo, Venezuela
    • Studied a novel regeneration method using hydrogen for catalysts deactivated during the selective hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene. • Implemented characterization techniques such as XRF, TPR, N2 adsorption and CO chemisorption • Developed an accelerated aging method to mimic industrial deactivation at laboratory scale• Studied the activity of selected catalysts using a bench-scale micro-reactor monitored by a GC-FID/TCD• Prepared academic outputs and public deliverables… Show more • Studied a novel regeneration method using hydrogen for catalysts deactivated during the selective hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene. • Implemented characterization techniques such as XRF, TPR, N2 adsorption and CO chemisorption • Developed an accelerated aging method to mimic industrial deactivation at laboratory scale• Studied the activity of selected catalysts using a bench-scale micro-reactor monitored by a GC-FID/TCD• Prepared academic outputs and public deliverables for knowledge dissemination, and proposals to external bodies Show less
  • Universidad Del Zulia
    Analytical Chemistry Undergraduate Tutor
    Universidad Del Zulia Jan 2007 - Jun 2008
    Conducted one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions to help students with the material taught in Analytical Chemistry, reviewing concepts and solving assignment problems to reinforce the content of the course topics.

Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. Skills

Chemical Engineering Microsoft Office Engineering Process Engineering Process Simulation English Spanish Heterogeneous Catalysis Autocad Project Engineering Project Management Petroleum Aspen Plus P&id Project Coordination Science Energy Public Speaking Analytical Methods Development Public Relations Saxophone Heat Exchangers

Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Luis D. Virla, Ph.D.

What company does Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. work for?

Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. works for University Of Calgary

What is Luis D. Virla, Ph.D.'s role at the current company?

Luis D. Virla, Ph.D.'s current role is Assistant Professor.

What is Luis D. Virla, Ph.D.'s email address?

Luis D. Virla, Ph.D.'s email address is lv****@****gary.ca

What schools did Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. attend?

Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. attended University Of Calgary, Universidad Del Zulia, Universidad Del Zulia.

What skills is Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. known for?

Luis D. Virla, Ph.D. has skills like Chemical Engineering, Microsoft Office, Engineering, Process Engineering, Process Simulation, English, Spanish, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Autocad, Project Engineering, Project Management, Petroleum.

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