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Alumnus/Alumna profile

Amin Nikpayam

BSc Chemistry 23
Works as a material scientist

Amin Nikpayam
Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

Program

Chemistry (BSc)

I had the chance to learn alongside senior researchers while still having fun, which made the experience both meaningful and enjoyable.

Career questions with Amin

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place? 

What I enjoy most about my work is the ability to apply scientific thinking to real-world problems and make decisions that have a tangible impact. I’ve always been curious about how things work at a fundamental level, which naturally drew me to chemistry. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a professional interest in quality, safety and ensuring that processes are reliable and trustworthy.

Looking back, what skills have been the biggest gamechangers in your career? 

Critical thinking and attention to detail have been the most important skills in my career. In regulated industries, small oversights can have significant consequences, so being precise and methodical is essential. Communication has also been a major factor: being able to clearly explain results, concerns or uncertainties is just as important as generating the data itself. Finally, having the confidence to question processes when something doesn’t feel right has been a key professional asset. 

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

Concordia gave me a strong scientific foundation and taught me how to approach problems in an analytical way. The lab work helped me understand the importance of procedures, documentation and reproducibility.   

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

One of my favourite memories is the time I spent in the research lab with the solar energy group. It wasn’t just about the work—it was the laughter, the supportive atmosphere and being surrounded by genuinely friendly people that made it special. I had the chance to learn alongside senior researchers while still having fun, which made the experience both meaningful and enjoyable.

Being involved in student association leadership also helped me grow, especially in communicating what students truly need to the department. 

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be? 

I would tell myself not to rush into decisions purely based on external expectations or short-term benefits. Take the time to understand what kind of work environment and responsibilities truly align with your values. It’s important to ask questions, especially when something feels unclear or uncomfortable. In the long run, clarity and integrity matter more than quick opportunities. 

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now? 

One of the most exciting shifts is the increasing emphasis on regulatory compliance and data integrity across industries. In addition to that, the rise of AI is transforming how we approach scientific work, especially by enabling faster data analysis and allowing simulations of experiments before they are even performed. This not only saves time and resources but also improves decision-making. 

Feeling inspired?