“When I met Prof. Baliga, I knew I had to be at McGill,” says Alexandre Lamoureux, a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering, speaking about Professor Bantwal Rabindranath (Rabi) Baliga, a specialist in the areas of heat transfer and fluid flow and the recipient of four outstanding teaching awards at McGill. “He is such a great lecturer and passionate about his work. He is, without doubt, a master in his field of research, and has trained an impressive legacy of disciples.”
Lamoureux’s own enthusiasm has served him well, too. He is the recipient of several student prizes, including the Vadasz Doctoral Fellowship for students in the Faculty of Engineering, the MEDA, or McGill Engineering Doctoral Award, and the Dean’s Doctoral Student Research Recruitment Award, along with other major government scholarships.
With an interest in fluid mechanics and heat transfer, Lamoureux thrives on the challenge of solving fluid flow and heat transfer problems. His research could help improve the design of compact heat exchangers used in gas turbines, or heat sinks in computer chips. He is also hoping to make contributions in the field of multiphase flow and heat transfer.
Lamoureux believes that McGill is providing him with the goods he needs to some day become a professor. “The great reputation is deserved. They support people financially, which is certainly appreciated.” The awards, he says, have given him the ability to continue his education.
Looking to the future, Lamoureux sees many bright days ahead for McGill, but does not want to take anything for granted. “We have to make sure our reputation endures, and we must not rest on our laurels.”