Name
Joud Jelassi
Program
Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
Research Supervisor
Dr. Sepideh Pakpour
Hometown
Ankara, Turkey
Awards
Graduate Dean’s Leadership Award
UBC Okanagan Graduate Research Scholarship
Please describe your research.
My research focuses on airborne microplastics and nanoplastics, tiny plastic particles that are small enough to be suspended in the air around us, and that we can inhale. While plastic pollution is often associated with oceans or aquatic systems, these particles are also present in the air we breathe, and we still know very little about how much is in the air, where they come from, or how they travel.
To study this, I collect air samples from different locations across multiple geographical scales. I have collected samples from local sites here in Kelowna, to regional sites across British Columbia, national sites across Canada, and even global locations spanning both major cities and some of the most remote regions in the world. By comparing these samples, I can begin to identify patterns in where microplastics and nanoplastics are found, how their characteristics change from place to place, and what factors, such as weather conditions, population density, or nearby sources, might influence their presence in the air. My work also allows me to better understand which industries contribute most to this pollution and which populations may be most at risk.
What inspired me to pursue this field is how understudied it is, especially given its potential impact on both environmental and human health. There are still many unanswered questions, and that sense of curiosity and discovery is what drives me. I’m particularly motivated by the idea that my research can contribute to real-world change, whether by informing policy, identifying major sources of pollution, increasing public awareness, or supporting health-focused studies. My lab (the Pakpour lab for Biomedical Microbiome Research) does novel and exciting work on understanding the health impacts of these particles, and my work complements this by providing critical information on their concentrations and characteristics in the air, helping ensure that health studies are grounded in realistic environmental exposure levels.
Please describe how your award has impacted your academic and research endeavours.
Throughout my years at UBC Okanagan, I have taken on leadership roles both within my department and across campus. My contributions have focused on three key areas: community-building, professional development, and institutional advocacy. Through these efforts, I have worked to enhance both the day-to-day experience of graduate students and the long-term systems that support them. These experiences have also shaped me academically, giving me a deeper understanding of systems, governance, and the broader structures that influence research and higher education. As a result, I now approach my work with a greater awareness of how research fits within and can contribute to these larger systems.
Receiving the Graduate Dean’s Leadership Award has been a meaningful recognition of these efforts. It has served as a reminder that the work I have done, and continue to do, is valued and impactful, particularly in creating systems and spaces that support and empower other graduate students.
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I chose to pursue a graduate degree because I was drawn to research and the opportunity to explore complex, real-world problems in depth. Growing up, my parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for education and the opportunities it creates, and that has been a guiding force in my academic journey. Graduate school has given me the space to think critically and develop skills that extend beyond technical expertise, including problem-solving, communication, and interdisciplinary thinking. Throughout this journey, I have truly fallen in love with research, the creativity it allows, the opportunity to explore new ideas, and the innovation that it brings. Beyond research, graduate school has also allowed me to grow through teaching, mentorship, and leadership experiences.
Why did you choose to come to UBC Okanagan and study?
I moved to Kelowna when I was 17 to pursue my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering with a Biomedical Option at UBC Okanagan. I was initially drawn to UBC Okanagan because of its smaller campus and close-knit environment, as well as the structure of its engineering program where I would have the opportunity to explore different disciplines during the first year before having to choose a specialization. At that time, it felt like the right place for me to grow and discover my interests.
In my final year, I became especially interested in working with my current supervisor, Dr. Sepideh Pakpour, through my Capstone project. Her interdisciplinary approach to research, along with the work being done in her lab, deeply inspired me. I saw an opportunity not only to develop as a researcher but also to explore questions that genuinely excited me. I was also drawn to the challenge of working at the intersection of multiple disciplines, which pushed me to think in new and creative ways. Her mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my academic journey and has supported my growth as a researcher, a leader, and as a person. This growth has extended beyond my research, allowing me to take on leadership roles within the graduate student community and contribute to building spaces that support connection, collaboration, and student engagement.
Over the years, UBC Okanagan, and especially the School of Engineering, has truly become a second home to me. I am deeply grateful for the strong sense of community and for all the people—whether students, faculty, or staff —who have played an important role in shaping who I am today, both personally and academically.
Where do you hope your degree/research will take you next?
One thing I’ve learned throughout my graduate journey is that paths are rarely linear and passions can evolve over time. What excites me most is exploring the ever-evolving kaleidoscope of experiences and challenges ahead. I hope to continue in academia, with the long-term goal of becoming a professor, where I can pursue research and mentorship at the intersection of science, innovation, and policy, while contributing to knowledge and creating opportunities.
Please share a little bit about yourself.
I am a Tunisian, Turkish, and Syrian international student, and I moved from Turkey to Kelowna in 2018. Since then, Kelowna has become home, shaping both my academic journey and personal growth in meaningful ways.
Outside of my research and academic life, I create spaces where people can connect, express themselves, and feel part of a creative and supportive community. I find a lot of meaning in building environments where people are brought together through art and music, and where they can support and uplift one another. When I am looking to unwind, I find peace in spending time in nature, climbing, exploring creative projects, and being with friends, all of which help me recharge and stay grounded.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Your graduate journey is one of the most exciting and transformative times. It will challenge you, but also offer incredible growth. Lean into your community, show up to events, and explore your interests. Build relationships, as they will shape your experience far beyond academics. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone or fail! Some of the most meaningful growth comes from trying and embracing the unfamiliar.