About the Invention

Mechanical Engineer, Dr. Indira Samarasekera has created mathematical models to predict the mechanical properties of hot rolled steel. By adding this artificial 'intelligence' to steel mills in the form of information and sensors, the machine operators are informed of and can correct defects in the process of 'continuous steel coating' at every moment of production.

About the Inventor

Dr. Indira Samarasekera knew from a young age that she liked physics, math and problem-solving. Dr. Samarasekera was born in 1952 in Sri Lanka. She earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ceylon in 1974, a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, and her Doctorate from the University of British Columbia in 1980. She is currently a Professor in the Department of Metals and Materials Engineering, and, since 1996, the holder of the Dofasco Chair in Advanced Steel Processing at the University of British Columbia.

She has received several honours recognizing excellence in research, including Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and an E.W.R. Steacle Memorial Fellowship. Dr. Samareskera attributes her success in part to a mentor who inspired her to use her talents to benefit her country and to her unconventional grandmother who was a great optimist and a 'do-er' with an inherent belief in people.