Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Receives NSERC Scholarship

Blake Erb, University of Saskatchewan Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student, was recently awarded a $35,000 per year NSERC Canada Graduate Doctoral Scholarship. Blake’s research is on a novel energy exchanger for reducing energy use in building ventilation systems. Blake has been working under the supervision of Mechanical Engineering Professor Carey Simonson and Professor Emeritus Robert Besant on the testing and control of the energy exchanger.

Canadians spend over 90% of their time indoors and their productivity is directly linked to the indoor air quality. The energy required to heat, cool, humidify and dehumidify the air accounts for up to 50% of the energy consumed in buildings. Air-to-air energy recovery is a method of using the air being discharged from a building to pre-condition the fresh air being supplied back inside. Blake has developed a new energy exchanger using a Liquid-to-Air Energy Exchanger (LAMEE) that will provide energy cost savings while reducing the energy consumption effects on the environment. Blake anticipates completing his studies this August and has accepted a position with Venmar CES Inc., a local company planning to implement his research into a new product line.

 Professor Carey Simonson, who nominated him for the scholarship, said “Blake is an excellent, disciplined and dedicated student who has consistently demonstrated excellent scholastic talent in his courses and research. His high grades and numerous awards during his university studies are exceptional and rate among the very best from our department over the past decade. His work ethic and research productivity have surpassed all expectations.”

Each year, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) awards doctoral prizes to recognize excellence in student research in the natural sciences and engineering. These prestigious awards honour the achievements of Canada's most promising scientists and engineers. NSERC invests in people, discovery and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians by supporting 26,500 university students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies.

The College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan is committed to innovation in all aspects of engineering education and research. The College delivers an accredited professional education that effectively prepares students to become engineering professionals, society leaders and technical entrepreneurs.

Blake Erb, University of Saskatchewan Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student, was recently awarded an NSERC Canada Graduate Doctoral Scholarship valued at $35,000 per year. Blake’s research is on a novel energy exchanger for reducing energy use in building ventilation systems.

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For more information, contact:
Anne-Marie Cey
Communications and PR Strategist
College of Engineering, U of S
Phone: (306) 966-1473
Email: anne-marie.cey@usask.ca