Jason Carey's Research Group

Welcome to the webpage of the team members of the Composite and Biomedical Materials Research Groups.

Ahmed Samir Ead
PhD Candidate

Ahmed Samir Ead is a PhD candidate working in the area of braided composite materials. Having completed his BSc at the American University in Cairo, Samir pursued graduate studies at the University of Alberta. His MSc investigated the creep behaviour of Kevlar braided composites and his PhD work involves yarn twist and it’s impact on the behaviour of these materials. Alongside research, Samir’s passion for teaching has resulted in him receiving several teaching awards. In 2019, he co-instructed a design course with excellent reviews. Outside of university, he manages two YouTube channels, one of which has over 1M subscribers. During his free time, he enjoys reading and working out.


Eric Lepp
PhD Candidate

Eric Lepp graduated with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta in 2015. He entered the U of A’s graduate research program later that same year under the supervision of Dr. Carey, where he currently works towards a Mechanical Engineering PhD. Prior to undertaking graduate studies, Eric collaborated with Dr. Carey, along with Dr. Garrett Melenka and Dr. Nathanial Maeda, as an undergraduate research assistant. At this time, his work focused on digitally reconstructing 3D models of braided composite tubes and pig vertebrae from microCT images, segmenting their distinct features, and identifying key aspects of their geometry. His current thesis-based research uses stereo DIC to compare the evolution of surface strain at different regions along Kevlar/epoxy tubular braided composites as they are loaded to failure in static and dynamic tension, with the goal of identifying where, how, and under what circumstances such structures progressively degrade. Outside of research, Eric is a fourth-degree black belt in karate who loves to play video games, watch hockey, ski, snowboard, and windsurf.


Evans Frandsen
MSc Student

Evans is a MSc student who graduated from his BSc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta in 2021. During his time in undergrad, he participated in many student group projects including, Ualberta Aero Design and SEDS Can-SBX. This led to a desire to try and further understand how the world works. He also spent a year in Japan where he researched the thermal effects of lasing InP/InAs nanowires. Evans’ thesis is on the compressional effects of yarn twist in carbon and Kevlar fiber composites with a potential look into natural fiber green composites. When not doing research, Evans likes to do anything that gets him outside and moving such as running, cross-country skiing and cycling. He is a lover of life who likes finding opportunities for as many new experiences as possible.


Daniel Gye
Undergraduate Student

Daniel Gye is a fourth year Mechanical Engineering Co-op student at the University of Alberta. Within the Carey Research Group, he works on braid manufacture and testing. His current goal for the semester is the completion of a collaborative project involving the development and testing of a braided composite driveshaft for use within a passenger vehicle. Outside of work, Daniel is an avid powerlifter, and enjoys film, music, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.


Mairi Hoglin
Undergraduate Student

Mairi Boucher Hoglin is a third year Mechanical Biomedical Engineering student completing her second co-op term. Her research this semester is focused on the application of carbon fiber braided composites to automobiles, or more specifically to a driveshaft of a vehicle, alongside her colleague. When Mairi is not working or studying, she likes to spend her time playing hockey, being outside, and hanging out with friends and family.


Shalini Sivajeyan
Undergraduate Student

Shalini Sivajeyan is currently pursuing her BSc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. Her DRA work focuses on the use of Kevlar and carbon fiber braided composites for surfboard applications, specifically looking into the torsional stiffness and flexural properties. Aside from research, Shalini has a strong passion for engineering applications in space which drove her involvement on AlbertaSAT as a member on the Mechanical team. Outside of school, she is a lover of the outdoors who enjoys skiing, biking and swimming.

Jiakai Wen
Undergraduate Student

Jiakai Wen is pursuing his BSc in Mechanical (Biomedical) Engineering at the University of Alberta. He is currently focused on the manufacturing and testing of Kevlar and carbon fiber braided composites. Outside of research, Jiakai enjoys engaging with the school community through his volunteering at the Campus Food Bank and Engineering Student Success Centre. In his spare time, Jiakai also likes to play both the piano and video games.

Tom Cundict
Undergraduate Student

Tom Cundict is a volunteer student going into his second year of Mechanical Engineering. His current collaborative work investigates the possibility of braided composites as a viable material for hockey sticks. He also helps out around the lab with the manufacture and testing of braids for other studies. Outside of engineering, he likes to get outdoors to bike, hike, and play hockey. In the rest of his free time, you’ll find him playing video games and discovering new music to fill his ever-growing collection of playlists.

Cynthia Cui
Undergraduate Student

Cynthia Cui is pursuing a BSc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. Her work, in collaboration with her colleague Tom, focuses on the application of Kevlar braided composites in the shaft of a hockey stick. Outside of school, Cynthia enjoys swimming, rowing, and playing chess.