Computational Electrochemistry Laboratory (CEL) @ Guelph

Growing up, Leanne was mesmerized by mathematics and loved solving puzzles with her grandfather. She found her affinity for chemistry while attending Queen’s University and had the opportunity to combine these two subjects for an NSERC-USRA project, a collaboration between Nicholas J. Mosey and Suning Wang†. She continued developing her expertise in Physical Chemistry during her PhD at Stanford University, where she led efforts on unravelling the discharge mechanisms of batteries and the second-order effects of electrolyte in catalysis under the tutelage of Jens K. Nørskov. She then moved to the California Institute of Technology as a Postdoctoral Scholar in the group of Thomas F. Miller III. Despite (or perhaps because of) the perpetual sunshine in California, she missed the snow too much and made her way back to Canada to start her independent career. In her spare time, Leanne enjoys taking photos, playing the piano, and finding ways to be creative in all aspects of life.

Originally from Mount Forest, Ontario, William developed a fascination with science early on. His deep interest and appreciation for physics and chemistry during high school inspired him to pursue a BSc in Nanoscience at the University of Guelph. His first introduction to research was through the Inorganic Chemistry Exchange (ICE) program in which he worked with the Dolgos Group studying the synthesis of electron/oxide mixed conductors with intended application as an electrolyte material for fuel-cells. Driven by his interest in computational research and the catalysis and energy sector, William opted to join the Computational Electrochemistry Lab and pursue a 4^th-year research project under Leanne’s guidance focusing on studying the Ammonia Oxidation Reaction in which he currently resides. In his spare time William enjoys the outdoors, going to the gym, and spending time with friends.

Shayne grew up in the small town of Lucan keeping himself busy with sports, especially hockey and baseball. He found a penchant for chemistry in high school and decided to continue studying chemistry at the University of Guelph. His first experience in research was in our Computational Electrochemistry Laboratory, where he was introduced to computational chemistry focusing on first-principles calculations of a Cu-doped Ni(OH)₂ electrocatalyst for the ammonia electrooxidation reaction. Shayne decided to continue building his expertise in this area and is starting his MSc Degree in Fall 2022. In his spare time, Shayne enjoys watching and playing sports such as baseball and golf, as well as enjoying the outdoors.

Brendan grew up in the town of Brooklin, Ontario. After graduating high school, he went on to pursue a BSc in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Guelph. His first research experience was in the group of Prof. Derek K. O’Flaherty, where he focused on organic synthesis for applications to nucleic acid chemistry. Brendan became intrigued by the potential of computational simulations to solve urgent problems in energy and decided to join the Computational Electrochemistry Laboratory to pursue an MSc degree. When not focusing on science, Brendan likes to spend his free time going to the gym, writing songs, hanging out with friends, and trying new recipes.

Alex grew up in Windsor, Ontario and took a liking to chemistry and physics courses in high school. He is currently pursuing his BSc in Nanoscience at the University of Guelph. Alex’s first research experience was here in the Computational Electrochemistry Lab where he studied the Urea Oxidation Reaction using first-principles calculations. He has since completed other experimental work in electrochemistry studying catalysts for water electrolysis. With continued interest in electrochemistry and the desire to scratch the programming itch in his brain once more, he has decided to join the Computational Electrochemistry Lab once more. Outside the lab, Alex is the Vice President of Financial Affairs of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Council at the University of Guelph. In his free time, Alex enjoys board games, watching hockey, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the outdoors.

Originally from London, Ontario, Brendan completed his BSc in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Guelph. Throughout his undergraduate studies, Brendan participated in various research projects. Brendan first engaged in a research project as an Undergraduate Research Assistant for Prof. Dmitriy Soldatov. In this project, Brendan explored the photoreactivity of olefin-containing molecules in the solid state, specifically crotonic acid. In Brendan’s fourth year of his undergraduate studies, he joined the group of Prof. Derek O’Flaherty to complete his honours research project. Here, Brendan studied nucleic acid chemistry and organic synthesis methods. Outside of academia, Brendan is an avid sports fan, with particular interest in soccer and football. Brendan also enjoys to workout and listen to music on his free time. Brendan’s love for coding and chemistry is what led him to join the Computational Electrochemistry Laboratory for his MSc.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta and raised in Guelph, Olivia has always had a passion for chemistry. After discovering her knack for physics in high school, she decided to merge her passions, completing her B.Sc. in Chemical Physics at the University of Guelph. As a co-op student, Olivia obtained a broad range of research experience including programming robotic elements for an automated electrocatalysis lab, optimizing Archimedes Screw Pumps to improve flow rate and most recently, working with Prof. Alex Gezerlis to study many-body systems of fully-polarized, strongly interacting fermions using Variational Monte Carlo. Olivia is excited to spend her final summer in Guelph working in the Computational Electrochemistry Lab before she heads to the University of Toronto in the fall to pursue her Juris Doctor degree. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys working out, playing board games, and sipping cold beers on hot days.

Stephen originally decided to pursue an education in chemistry due to the balance of highly theoretical and practical concepts. During his BSc and MSc, he worked on research projects focused on plasmonic nanocomposites and electrochemical catalysis as well as using different computational techniques to explain and predict the experimental behaviour of solid-state materials. Stephen’s current research focuses on applying computational methods to help develop a deeper theoretical understanding of electrochemical catalysis systems for carbon dioxide reduction, urea oxidation, and ammonia oxidation reactions. Stephen spends his free time enjoying the outdoors, building computers, and working on various hobby projects.

The Akita Inu (秋田犬 or “dog from Akita Prefecture”) became famous through the true story of Hachikō, a testament to the gentle and loyal nature of this breed. The story is retold in the Futurama episode “Jurassic Bark”, the ending of which is likely better known as the most heartrending moment of all time—even by Futurama standards.

Michi is now on Instagram!