The Group

Dr. Paul Duchesne

Assistant Professor

PDF: University of Toronto | PhD: Dalhousie University

Background in nanomaterials, catalytic materials synthesis, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and heterogeneous carbon dioxide reduction.

Current Group Members

Emerson MacNeil, BSc

PhD Candidate | 2021 – Present

I have always had an interest in transition metal chemistry, materials, and sustainability, so I have found the perfect home here in the Duchesne Group. I completed my undergraduate thesis project in the group by looking at the reduction of CO2 to C8+ alkanes using a supported transition metal catalyst. Now, as a PhD candidate, I am continuing this research with an added focus on using X-ray spectroscopy to characterize my catalyst materials. My future goals include working in industry with renewable fuels. Outside of the lab, I am a huge basketball fan, and I love playing tennis and snowboarding, as well.

Zhengkun Fang, BSc

MSc Candidate | 2022– Present

Solving environmental pollution problems is one of the important reasons why I chose Chemistry. Working in the Duchesne group gives me a perfect opportunity to further achieve my goals. My research goal is directly using Ni silicate minerals to achieve satisfactory CO2 conversion and CO/CH4 selectivity through simple chemical treatment. Most of the current research literature focuses on embedding Ni particles in surfaces, with silica minerals as a supporter to improve the activity. Only a small amount of research has been devoted to directly using nickel silicate minerals as a catalyst. In the future, I want to apply the knowledge I have learned to an energy company to create green environmental products. I enjoy playing basketball and collecting sneakers in my free time.

Past Graduate Students

  • Danika Watson, MSc (2021–2024) {Co-supervised with Prof. Neal Scott}

Past CHEM 497 Students

  • Beatrice Ngo Ngue (2025)
  • Emma Horton (2024/2025)
  • Lucan Clair (2024/2025)
  • Madison Coats (2024/2025)
  • Howard Chan (2023/2024)
  • Michelle Anderton (2023/2024)
  • Jayden Corbett (2022/2023)
  • Kate Rorabeck (2022/2023)
  • Alex Li (2022/2023)
  • Mariangela Casarella (2021/2022)
  • William Hachey (2021/2022)
  • Daisy Nguyen (2021)
  • Griffen du Maresq-Henshaw (2021)
  • Danika Watson (2020/2021)
  • Emerson MacNeil (2020/2021)

Past NSERC USRA/USSRF Students

  • Lucan Clair (2025)
  • Howard Chan (2022/2023/2024)
  • Danika Watson (2021)