A materials science engineer at the University of Texas has used the beamlines at the Canadian Light Source on the USask campus many times in his research and is appreciative of their availability, calling the facility a treasure.

One of Dr. Pranesh Aswath’s projects is developing a new additive for engine oil that improves the durability of catalytic converters and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The interim provost and vice-president of academic affairs says they are looking at ways to cut down the phosphorous in the oil by half, because of mandated emission reductions and higher fuel standards in the auto sector.

Dr. Aswath says some of his best conversations have been in the cafeteria at the CLS, because you will run into a professor or student working on something completely different, so you learn about many diverse fields of study. He describes the CLS as a huge plus for Canada and for science.