The Group

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.

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Over the course of my undergraduate studies, I have been interested in green chemistry and chemical research related to climate change. For my fourth-year thesis, I worked on developing a photocatalyst for the conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol (a chemical fuel). My research interests are now primarily focused on climate change on a broader scale, and specifically, the permafrost feedback loop, considering that the Arctic is warming at an accelerated rate. Permafrost systems can be studied through the chemical analysis of permafrost soils, one useful method being ¹³C NMR. I am currently developing a pre-treatment method to improve the quality of soil spectra obtained using ¹³C NMR. I will be transitioning into an MSc in Physical Geography in the fall, where I will combine the use of spectroscopy with other analytical tools to study how Arctic permafrost systems might respond to future warming.

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.

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Past Graduate Students

• (In training!)

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Past CHEM 497 Students

• Mariangela Casarella (2021/2022)
• William Hachey (2021/2022)
• Daisy Nguyen (2021)
• Griffen du Maresq-Henshaw (2021)
• Danika Watson (2020/2021)
• Emerson MacNeil (2020/2021)

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Past NSERC USRA Students

• Howard Chan | 2022
• Danika Watson, BSc | 2021