Wilailak Chanklin

I wasn’t always good at chemistry—in fact, I failed it at first. That struggle forced me to work harder, and as I explored topics like chemical bonding, acids and bases, and organic chemistry, I realized these concepts were the foundation of countless everyday products, from fuels powering our vehicles to the plastics and materials we use daily.

My curiosity grew as I wondered how these substances were made and processed. At the same time, I enjoyed the logic and problem-solving aspects of math and engineering, which naturally led me to engineering.

When I entered my first year at Burapha University in Thailand, I quickly realized that physics challenged me more than I had expected. Rather than letting it hold me back, I focused on areas where I excelled.

Then, I found my true academic home in chemical engineering, where chemistry meets process design and innovation. During my degree, I gained hands-on experience through a co-op work term at an oil refinery, where I saw real-world applications of distillation, heat exchange, and hazardous materials removal units.

My senior project on biodiesel deepened my understanding of catalysis, feedstock selection, and emission reduction strategies, reinforcing how biofuels contribute to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.

At the same time, I discovered my excitement for teaching, whether it was tutoring high school subjects or helping fellow students in chemical engineering coursework. That realization led me to pursue an academic career, which meant further education.

I began my graduate journey at the Petroleum and Petrochemical College (PPC) at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, specializing in petrochemical technology because of my interest in value-added petroleum products. Later, I conducted my thesis research at the University of New Brunswick in Canada, focusing on bio-composite materials—a step toward reducing reliance on petroleum-based plastics.

During my postgraduate years at UNB, I expanded my research into polymer nanocomposites focused on enhancing electrical conductivity while maintaining mechanical integrity. This improvement was crucial for energy storage applications like batteries, supercapacitors, and flexible electronics.

Alongside research, I actively engaged in teaching, tutoring, assisting in labs, and leading classroom discussions. I experimented with various teaching methods, and the moment a student had that "aha" realization when a complex concept finally clicked, it was what fueled my passion for education.

Now, I’m exactly where I trained myself to be—an instructor, helping students navigate their own journeys in chemical engineering. I was fortunate to have mentors who pushed me to explore, question, and grow, and my goal is to do the same for my students.

I believe in the philosophy that “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” My role is not just to provide knowledge but to equip students with the problem-solving skills and mindset to tackle engineering challenges independently.

To those who may be unsure about their path: Chemical engineering is not just about working in factories or labs, it’s about solving global challenges and creating impact across industries.

Whether you develop sustainable fuels, design pharmaceuticals, improve clean water access, or innovate materials for the future, this field offers endless opportunities. If you are curious about how science transforms industries and how engineering can drive change, chemical engineering is waiting for you.

Educational background

• Ph.D. (2016) Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick
• M.Sc. (2009) Petrochemical Technology, The Petroleum and Petrochemical College (PPC), Chulalongkorn University
• B.Eng. (2007) Chemical Engineering, Burapha University