ASQ Hamilton resumed its Scholarship Award in 2025, after a brief hiatus tied to COVID and changing the educational institution that we visit. We selected the McMaster Engineering Capstone Expo as the location and the event, where we find worthy projects that reflect the use of quality principles and tools, including statistical methods, to develop new products and to improve processes that ensure products are made right the first time.
This year, we selected Team Poly-MANKK, a chemical engineering team, who used statistical methods including DoE, ANOVA, and Regression Analysis in the development of a polysaccharide-based compostable paper coating. Their industrial partner was Oligomaster, with Kushal Panchal as their liaison. Their faculty advisor was Associate Professor Li Xi, Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University.
Team Poly-MANKK’s project presents the novel development of a truly compostable, high-performance barrier coating for paper and molded-fiber food packaging using a modified polysaccharide system with complementary bio-additives. The work integrates formulation design of experiments (DoE), coating process optimization and validation of water, grease, and oxygen barrier performance, while also ensuring compostability, economic feasibility, life-cycle impacts and market positioning to advance a scalable zero-waste packaging alternative to current PE-laminated and PLA-coated paper products.
ASQ Hamilton invited the members of Team Poly-MANKK to present the results of their capstone project to the members of our section at an event on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. At the conclusion of their excellent presentation, they were awarded $300 as a group.
On the following page, you will find descriptions, in their own words, of their experience of presenting to an audience of professionals.
ASQ Hamilton wishes the best and future success to the members of Team Poly-MANKK: Anesuishe Mushosho, Katayun Fani, Khushi Narayanan, Milan Mangat, and Nicholas Salama.
Kris Krishnamoorthy, P.Eng.
Section Chair / ASQ Hamilton Section - 0400
krishnam55.kk@gmail.com
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“Presenting to the ASQ members was a rewarding experience. The audience’s thoughtful questions and genuine interest sparked an interactive and dynamic discussion. This opportunity allowed me to sharpen my communication techniques and successfully translate technical insights for a professional audience. My thanks to the members who took the time to attend and engage with our project.”
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Anesuishe Mushosho
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“It was such an amazing experience presenting to the ASQ members. It gave our team the opportunity to showcase the work we have dedicated the past eight months to, and I really appreciated how attentive everyone was throughout the presentation. The engaging questions and discussions made the experience even more rewarding. I am very grateful to ASQ for both the recognition and the opportunity to share our project.”
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Katayun Fani
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“I am grateful for the opportunity and recognition provided to our team by ASQ. It was a rewarding experience to present the work my team and I have dedicated the past eight months to developing while also connecting with industry professionals and gaining valuable insights and feedback on our project.”
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Khushi Narayanan
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“It was a pleasure presenting to the ASQ members. Everyone was highly engaged and asked thoughtful questions about our work. Their engagement made this opportunity especially valuable, as it strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas to new audiences and deliver a compelling pitch. Thank you to ASQ for providing such a meaningful experience!”
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Milan Mangat
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“I was unable to attend and to present in person, but I appreciate the opportunity that was offered and the award that I received from ASQ Hamilton.”
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Nicholas Salama
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