Harlyn Silverstein (University of Manitoba)- Xerox Research Centre Canada Award ($250)
Abstract: ‘Unusual magnetic behaviour in the potential multiferroic Pb3TeCo3V2O14.”
After receiving my B.Sc. (Hons) majoring in Biochemistry from the University of Winnipeg back in 2010, I decided to refocus my attention towards the solid state sciences. I started working with Dr. Christopher Wiebe at the University of Manitoba immediately after graduation. My research concentrates on synthesizing new materials and examining the physics governing their many properties including exotic magnetic states, superconductivity and multiferroicity. I am in my 1st year of the Ph.D. program and hope to become an academic with my own research program in the future.
Paolo Bomben (University of Calgary)- 1st place Award for Graduate Student Oral Presentation ($75)
Abstract: “Trisheteroleptic Cycloruthenated Chromophores for the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell.”
Paolo Bomben received his B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Windsor in 2007 where he performed an Honours project under the supervision of Prof. Charles L. B. Macdonald. Shortly thereafter he joined the lab of Prof. Curtis P. Berlinguette at the University of Calgary working towards his Ph.D. studying bidentate cyclometalated Ru(II) sensitizers for the dye-sensitized solar cell. He currently holds scholarships from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and from Alberta Innovates Technology Futures. After completion of his Ph.D. studies he will join a startup company based in Calgary.
Renee Man (University of British Columbia)- 2nd place Award for Graduate Student Oral Presentation ($75)
Abstract: “Thermally Stable and Catalytically Active Pd@Silica Core-shell Nanoparticles”
After education in Hong Kong and Vancouver, Renee completed her Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at the University of British Columbia in 2009, working under the supervision of Dr. Peter Legzdins in C-H bond activation initiated by tungsten nitrosyl complexes. Currently she is a Ph.D candidate in the lab of Dr. Michael Wolf at the University of British Columbia, working on the development of novel metal-containing heterogeneous catalysts for methane oxidation. After completing her Ph.D, Renee intends to pursue further research in both inorganic and materials chemistry.
James Walker (University of Saskatchewan)- Award for Graduate Student Poster ($75)
Abstract: “Metal Site Preference in the Multiferroic Al1-xGaxFeO3 Systen”
James Walker is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science degree at the University of Saskatchewan after receiving his Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry in 2011. Past research has included examining oxygen deficiency in systems adopting the brannerite- or pyrochlore-type structure, which have been proposed as materials for nuclear waste sequestration. James’ present research involves metal site preference multiferroic compounds, which are being considered for next generation memory devices in computers.
Megan Blades (University of Calgary): Award for Graduate Student Poster ($75)
Abstract: “Developing Three-colour Fluorescence Cross-correlation Spectroscopy”
I am currently a MSc candidate at the University of Calgary. I completed my BSc at U of C in 2011, with a Biological Sciences major and a minor in Nanoscience. It was through the Nanoscience Program that I met my current supervisor, Dr. David Cramb. After earning a Julie Payette NSERC Research Scholarship, I began my MSc research on Multi Colour Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy. I will be finishing my graduate degree this summer (2012) and beginning medical school in the fall.
Danielle Wilson (Simon Fraser University): Award for Graduate Student Poster ($75)
Abstract: “Photomodulated Enzyme Cofactor Mimic based on Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate”
Danielle Wilson received her B.Sc. (Honours) degree from Brock University
in 2010, and worked under the supervision of Professor Martin Lemaire
on the preparation of spin crossover complexes for use in multifunctional
metallopolymer materials. She then joined Professor Neil Branda’s research group in 4D Labs at Simon Fraser University where she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. degree. Her research interests include developing new methods to use light as a stimulus for regulating function in biological systems. In particular, her work focuses on the design of photoresponsive small molecules based on diarylethenes that can interact with macromolecular targets such as enzymes and reversibly alter their activity.