Razieh Karimihaghighi

I am an experienced chemist in the field of analytical/physical chemistry. I have significant knowledge and experience of working with Gas Chromatography (GC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), ICP Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Auger spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). During my Ph.D., I focused on the corrosion of materials under highly ionizing radiation.

Post-doctoral Associate                                                                                                       Jun. 2021-Present

University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

• Developing a long-term corrosion model for X-750, a nickel-based alloy which is the main component of nuclear reactor fuel channels, taking into account highly ionizing radiation and solution conditions such as solution pH, ionic strength, and temperature.
• Using various surface analysis techniques (scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy) to determine the morphology and composition of the surface, and solution analysis techniques (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)) to determine dissolved metal ions in the solution. 
• Designing and implementing research protocols, materials selection, and instrumentation within the constraints of a budget.
• Collecting, analyzing, and organizing complex data sets to interpret the underlying processes and make recommendations with minimum supervision.
• Supervising personnel in the laboratory to coordinate research efforts and ensure they are supported and effective.
• Writing reports, regulatory documents, articles, and presenting at seminars and conferences.

Research Assistant                                                                                                       Dec. 2014 - Apr 2021

University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

• Developed a fundamental understanding of nickel corrosion, as the main component of thin-walled heat exchanger tubing in nuclear power plant steam generators. This project was funded by the Canadian Nuclear Laboratory (CNL).
• Investigated the short- and long-term behaviours of nickel under various conditions, such as different solution pHs, ionic strengths, and temperatures, and particularly in conditions similar to those experienced by steam generator turbines. 
• The corrosion dynamics were investigated by performing a combination of electrochemical techniques and coupon-exposure tests in the presence and absence of gamma radiation. All the tests were complemented by post-test surface (included SEM, optical microscopy, AES, and XPS), and solution analysis (included ICP-OES).
• Collecting, analyzing, and organizing complex data sets to interpret the underlying processes and make recommendations.
• Explored the underlying corrosion processes by computational numerical simulation model using the transport of diluted species and chemistry modules in COMSOL Multiphysics v5.0.
• Constructed a detailed project plan, identified and formulated appropriate research questions, and designed suitable techniques to investigate the problem.
• Trained to work independently as well as collaborate with others, approach problems systematically, evaluate arguments, and think critically.
• Attended more than 15 domestic and international conferences.

Teaching Assistant                                                                                                       Sep. 2015 - Aug 2020

University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

• Supervised and instructed 1000 students in laboratories over a period of 5 years.
• Obtained strong working and theoretical knowledge of various analytical instruments such as HPLC, AAS, UV/VIS spectrophotometry and GC.
• Developed strong written and oral communication skills, and became comfortable leading classes.

Corrosion Engineer                                                                                                               Jan 2013-Aug 2014 

Techinco (Zagros oil and gas company), Shiraz, Iran                                                                          

• Managed quality control for the installation, inspection, and maintenance of corrosion prevention systems, such as cathodic protec­­­tion and protective coatings for pipelines and equipment. 
• Inspected welds on pipelines and industrial equipment using NDT techniques such as visual testing, penetration testing, and magnetic particle testing, in support of the operation and maintenance of the facility.
• Cooperated between the technical team and management, providing technical reports to management and clients, including evaluations and advice.
• Collected, reviewed, and analyzed data from corrosion-prevention test stations to determine the need for maintenance, repair, and/or replacement.

Research Assistant                                                                                                                Sep. 2010 - Aug 2013

Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

• Conducted a multi-disciplinary project on developing Fitness For Service (FFS) software for Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) and Hydrogen Blistering (HB) damaged equipment based on the API 579 - 1/ASME FFS-1 standard.
•  Learned the C# language programing and SQL server database programming.
• Carried out failure analysis on HIC and HB damaged equipment to understand the main reason for the failure, and then performed FFS assessments to ensure the safety of continued operation.
•  Worked with a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and technical specialists to fulfil the project requirements.
• Determined the project scope, project schedule, and division of tasks within the project.

Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry                                                                                                                         

University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

Project:  Non-Linear Effects of Solution Parameters and Gamma Radiation on Nickel Oxidation Dynamics.

B.Sc. in Chemistry                                                                                                                     

Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran

Project: Batch Adsorption of Lead Ions from Wastewater Using Rice Husk as a Natural Adsorbent.