Our Team

director

Dr. Lukas bichler

Dr. Lukas Bichler’s industrially driven research focuses on manufacturing and casting of near-net-shape non-ferrous alloys for the automotive and aerospace industries. Specifically, the research seeks to advance the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms related to microstructure, processing and properties.

Dr. Bichler was appointed UBC STAR Director in August 2026 pro tem for a 3-year term.

Management Committee

Dr. Shahria Alam

Associate Professor, Engineering

Dr. Gino DiLabio | molecular & materials modelling

Dean, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science
Associate Director, Regional Socio-Economic Development Institute of Canada

Dr. Abbas Milani | Advanced Materials and Fabrication

Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Director, Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute

Dr. Hadi Mohammadi

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Paul Van Donkelaar

Professor, Health and Exercise Sciences
Associate Vice-Principal, Research

operations team

patrick gall | Manager of Operations, Partnerships and Strategy

Patrick supports large, interdisciplinary research networks and provides project management support, including governance and reporting. He works closely with the director and UBC STAR research teams to help identify research opportunities, develop funding proposals, and support new and emerging research partnerships.

Ryan Mandau | Lab Technician

Ryan provides technical support in the UBC STAR Hub and STAR Impact Research Facility (SIRF), including setup and testing of the blast simulator and ballistic range, as well as prototype design and materials testing for all UBC STAR affiliated research projects. He also provides our research teams with specialized user training on equipment and safety.