Ata Rafiee, Class of '25

Protecting Health Through Science: Ata Rafiee’s Journey in Welding Fume Research

For Ata Rafiee, research is more than an academic pursuit—it’s a commitment to protecting the health of people whose work exposes them to unseen risks. A 2025 PhD graduate in Medicine at the University of Alberta, Ata’s doctoral research sheds new light on how welding fumes affect the human body and how science can better safeguard welders’ health.

Originally from Iran, Ata completed his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Bernadette Quemerais and Dr. David Wishart. His thesis, Assessing Welding Fume Exposure Among Professional Welders, explored how inhaling welding fumes leaves measurable traces in the body. By analyzing biomarkers found in urine and exhaled breath, Ata identified what he describes as “footprints” of exposure, i.e., biological signals that reveal both the presence of harmful substances and the body’s response to them.

Using an innovative combination of biomonitoring and metabolomics, Ata’s work contributes new knowledge to exposure science. This integrative approach not only helps quantify exposure levels but also identifies early markers of potential health effects, supporting prevention efforts and improved occupational protections for welders.

Lessons in Persistence and Discovery

One of the most valuable lessons Ata took from his PhD journey was learning to trust the process. “Research requires patience, resilience, and the ability to keep moving forward when challenges arise,” he reflects. Through setbacks and long timelines, he learned to adapt quickly, remain persistent, and stay focused on the larger goal of advancing knowledge that can make a real-world difference.

Sharing Research on the Global Stage

Ata has presented his research at major international conferences, delivering oral presentations across Europe and North America. Highlights include the International Symposium on Biological Monitoring in Milan, the International Society of Exposure Sciences Annual Meeting in Montreal, and the International Occupational Hygiene Association Conference in Dublin. His work has also been featured at Nanosafe conferences in France, reflecting sustained international engagement over several years.

Recognition and Impact

Ata’s research excellence has been recognized with numerous awards and scholarships, including the Alberta Innovates Graduate Studentship Award, the Dean’s Doctoral Award from the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, and the IPA/DGUV Award for Young Exposure Scientists from the International Society of Exposure Science. His findings have been published in leading peer-reviewed journals, further extending the impact of his work within the scientific community.

Advice for Future Graduate Students

Ata encourages new graduate students to believe in themselves, even when the work feels overwhelming. “Graduate school is about pushing your boundaries and growing through challenges,” he says. Just as important, he emphasizes the need for balance, taking care of one’s well-being is essential for long-term success.

Looking Ahead

Next, Ata plans to continue his research in biomonitoring while deepening his expertise in metabolomics and its applications to environmental and occupational exposures. His long-term goal is to establish his own research group, mentor emerging scientists, and advance exposure science to protect and improve human health.

Inspired by Love and Loss

Ata draws his deepest inspiration from his father, whose unwavering support shaped his journey. Quoting the renowned Iranian poet Rumi, “The wound is the place where the light enters you,” Ata reflects on how loss transformed into strength, guiding his path forward with purpose and compassion.

Outside the lab, Ata finds balance at the gym. Those who know him best describe him as hardworking and uplifting, qualities that have clearly defined both his research journey and his vision for the future.