The University of Winnipeg and Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited invites all students, faculty and staff to attend a special presentation on Ford’s Award-Winning Advancements on the Use of Biomaterials in Vehicles by Dr. Ellen Lee, Technical Expert in Plastics Research, Ford Motor Company. Lee speaks on Monday, October 24, 2011 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex (main atrium), 599 Portage Avenue.
Lee’s presentation will discuss the discovery and use of sustainable materials, such as soy foam and wheat straw in lieu of petroleum, minerals, and other non-renewable resources in Ford vehicles and manufacturing. Lee is part of the Ford Research Biomaterials Group, that researches ways to incorporate bio-based, recycled and reclaimed materials into car components.
Faculty, staff and researchers are invited to a VIP reception with Dr. Lee from 1:30- 2:30 pm following the presentation, in the atrium. Please RSVP by Friday, October 21 to lisa@dooleycommunications.ca
Dr. Ellen Lee’s Bio
Since joining Ford in 1998, Lee has worked in composite material development and processing,including nanocomposites and microcellular injection foaming. Of particular interest are sustainable materials, including bio-based resins from renewable resources, bio-based chemicals and precursors from biomass, and natural fiber reinforcement for both conventional and bio-based thermoplastics and thermoset composites. Lee led the implementation of the industry first application of wheat straw reinforced composite in the 2010 Ford Flex interior bin and is currently migrating the technology to additional applications and vehicles. Lee and her colleagues hold over 10 patents in these subjects.
Outside of Ford, Lee is also passionate about the environment and living sustainably. A dedicated locavore, she is a member of two CSA (community supported agriculture) farms
and can often be found working in her home vegetable garden in Ann Arbor, MI. Lee received her BS. degree in chemical engineering from Northwestern University and a PhD in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
