Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at Saint Mary’s University offers undergraduate education in a supportive and friendly environment. Our broad range of courses offers a rigorous core education in the theory and practice of chemistry. We also provide students in other disciplines with an introduction to the principles and practices of this central science, which contributes to their fundamental understanding and appreciation of the physical world.

Our chemistry professors are committed to engaging undergraduate students in research activities. Motivated students have the opportunity to gain valuable experience as research assistants. Many present their research projects at regional and national conferences. Students who may have an interest in a specific area of research are encouraged to contact our Chemistry Faculty members directly. Both our Majors and Honours programs are fully accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry.

To contact a Chemistry Department member directly, visit our Faculty and Staff page for our department members contact information.

NEWS

Chemistry Students multiple ChemCon 2023 Award Winners! May 27, 2023 Dalhousie University recently hosted ChemCon 2023 with the theme focusing on diversity in Chemistry. Being the first in-person ChemCon event post the Covid-19 pandemic, it allowed for many our students to participate in this annual event with a number of our students also being award winners. Our Chemistry Students who received awards at this year’s Chemcon were: Sumayyah Ayesha Bibi Chotoye: Gordon Young Award for the Best Undergraduate Research: Thai Do: Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation in Inorganic Chemistry Tanner George: Best Graduate Oral Presentation in Inorganic Chemistry MacAulay Harvey: Best Graduate Oral Presentation in Physical Chemistry Lo Grant: Best Graduate Oral Presentation in Macromolecular Chemistry Congratulations Sumayyah, Thai, Tanner, MacAulay and Lo!
Chemistry Faculty Member, Dr. Mary Sheppard, medal recipient at Spring Convocation May 23, 2023 At May 2023’s Spring Convocation, professor Mary Sheppard was the recipient of the Father William A. Stewart, SJ Medal for Excellence in Teaching. This award, given by the Saint Mary’s University Alumni Association and Faculty Union, was determined by nominations from current and former students and colleagues. *Congratulations, Dr. Sheppard!*
Chemistry Student, Sumayyah Chotoye, one of four Spring Graduates, ties for the Bachelor of Science Undergraduate Gold Medal May 23, 2023 In a first in Saint Mary’s University history, four Spring graduates tied for the Bachelor of Science Undergraduate Gold Medal, earning the top GPA marks in the program. Abby Brouwer, Sumayyah Chotoye, Jaylynn Skeete and Allison Vandaele received their medals at the recent May convocation ceremony. Typically, only one undergraduate student in each faculty receives this award. “We could have approached this four-way tie as a problem, but instead we celebrate the outstanding performance of these hardworking graduates whose commitment and perseverance are an inspiration to us all,” said Interim Vice-President, Academic and Research Madine VanderPlaat at the May 18 ceremony. All four graduates received numerous awards and scholarships during their time at Saint Mary’s. Sumayyah Chotoye, from Port Louis, Mauritius, majored in chemistry (honours) with a minor in French and is currently in the Master of Science, Applied Science program at Saint Mary’s. Congratulations, Sumayyah!
Undergraduate Scholarships Program - Applications now being accepted April 20, 2023 Applications for the Undergraduate Scholarships Program is now available for the 2023-24 academic year! Some of the awards that the Chemistry Department is involved in selecting applicants are: Cleary Family Scholarship Joseph & Charles Hinman Canadian Memorial Bursary Jack Ginsburg Memorial Scholarship John C. O’C. Young Scholarship All students who attended Saint Mary’s University for the 2022-2023 academic year and who will be continuing their undergraduate studies in the 2023-2024 academic year are encouraged to apply, and outline their unique, individual qualities in their personal statement. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2021 at 11:59pm Students can visit smu.ca/awards to find the Saint Mary’s University Undergraduate Scholarships Program application, as well as other applications that are currently available for the 2023-2024 academic year. Questions can be emailed to financial.aid@smu.ca.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Danielle Tokarz April 19, 2023 High numerical aperture imaging allows chirality measurement in individual collagen fibrils using polarization second harmonic generation microscopy. Published in the journal, Nanophotonics (2023). Authors: MacAulay Harvey, Richard Cisek, Mehdi Alizadeh, Virginijus Barzda, Laurent Kreplak and Danielle Tokarz. Co-author MacAulay Harvey is a current graduate student supervised by Danielle Tokarz at Saint Mary's University. Co-author Richard Cisek is a Saint Mary's University part-time faculty member with both the Astronomy & Physics Department and the Chemistry Department.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Christa Brosseau and associate research students April 19, 2023 Development of an Electrochemical Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Biosensor for the Direct Detection of Glutathione. Published in Journal of Raman Spectroscopy (2023). Authors: Sumayyah Chotoye, Rachael Ball, Maddison Eisnor and Christa Brosseau. Co-authors Sumayyah Chotoye and Rachael Ballare current research students supervised by Christa Brosseau. Co-author Maddison Eisnor is a SMU Chemistry alumnus.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Jason D. Masuda and PhD student Tanner George April 6, 2023 Planar bismuth triamides: a tunable platform for main group Lewis acidity and polymerization catalysis. Published in Chemical Science (2023). Authors: Tyler J. Hannah, W. Michael McCarvell, Tamina Kirsch, Joseph Bedard, Toren Hynes, Jacqueline Mayho, Karlee L. Bamford, Cyler W. Vos, Christopher M. Kozak, Tanner George, Jason D. Masuda, and S S. ChitnisCo-author Tanner George is currently a PhD research student working in the Masuda research group
SMU Student Chemistry Society hosted successful fundraiser March 30, 2023 On March 27, 2023 our Chemistry Student Society held a bake sale where all proceeds will be donated the Canadian Cancer Society. The society raised $310 to aid the Canadian Cancer Society in its research and programs. A successful (and tasty) event! Well Done! SMU Chemistry Society!
Chemistry Student, Sumayyah Ayesha Bibi Chotoye, wins national award March 29, 2023 Fourth year chemistry student Sumayyah Ayesha Bibi Chotoye has won the Chemical Institute of Canada’s CIC Analytical Chemistry Division Undergraduate Travel Award in Honor of Dr. Nick Toltl. This award will give Sumayyah the opportunity to talk about her thesis, titled “Two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC): A Novel Technique For the Analysis of Bisphenol Contaminants in Canned Food Item,” at the Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition in Vancouver. Sumayyah was also a 2022 Dean of Science summer research scholarship holder. Past Chemistry Students who were also recipients of this award were Maddison Eisnor (2020) and Kaleigh McLeod (2021). To learn more about Sumayyah, visit their award profile here. Congratulations Sumayyah!
Two refereed articles for Chemistry Professor Emeritus, John C. O'C Young March 20, 2023 "Reaction Kentics with Flowthrough Colorimetry" (refereed article). Published in Chem. Educator, 2023, 28, 60-64. Author: Young, John C. O'C. - and - "A Kinetic Non-Flooded Initial Reaction Rate Procedure for Determining Reactant Order Values" (refereed article). Published in Chem. Educator, 2023, 28 15-28. Author: Young, John C. O'C.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Jason D. Masuda March 15, 2023 Synthesis and crystal structures of halogenated oxathiazolones and an unexpected propanamide. Published in Acta Cryst. (2023). C79. Authors: T. George, S. W. McWilliams, J. D. Masuda and M. J. Schriver Co-author Tanner George is currently a PhD research student working in the Masuda research group.
Chemistry Faculty Member, Cory C. Pye, to serve on the editorial board of the journal "ACS Chemical Health and Safety"March 3, 2023Dr. Cory C. Pye has accepted an invitation to serve on the editorial board of the journal "ACS Chemical Health and Safety". "ACS Chemical Health and Safety" is a global platform for ensuring that all members of the chemical enterprise receive access to new research, safety information, regulatory updates, effective chemical hygiene practices, and hazard assessment tools. It is published by the American Chemical Society.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Jason Masuda February 23, 2023 Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activities of Boron-Containing Isoniazid Derivatives. Published in Chemistry Africa, 2023, 2522-5766. Authors: Kostelnik, T.I.; Morrissey, M.K.; Vogels. C.M.; Masuda, J.D.; Westcott, S.A
SMU Chemistry Department Hosts IUPAC Women in Chemistry Global Women's Breakfast 2023 February 16, 2023 Having participating in this global event since 2019, the Department again part-took in this event by hosting a pizza lunch and connecting with various like-minded organizations, globally. The year's event theme was "Breaking Barriers of Science" where the group discussed barriers specifically encountered by women.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Danielle Tokarz February 15, 2023 Investigation into the structure of crystalline maltodextrin particles by second harmonic generation microscopy. Published in the journal “Biomedical Optics Express”, vol. 14, Authors: Elisha Bennett, MacAulay Harvey, Richard Cisek and Danielle Tokarz.Co-author Elisha Bennett is a current Honours student in the Department of Chemistry at Saint Mary’s University.Co-author MacAulay Harvey is a current graduate student at Saint Mary’s University
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Jason Masuda February 8, 2023 Iminophosphine platinum(II) complexes containing long chain aniline derivatives: synthesis, characterization, and anticancer properties; Published in Polyhedron, 2022, 116236; Authors: Hsu, S.Y.; Murphy, M.C.; Smolensky, N.T.; Vogels, C.M.; Lebel, A.A.; Masuda, J.D.; Boudreau, L.H.; Morin, P.J.; Westcott, S.A.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Cory C. Pye February 8, 2023Interpreting the Microwave Spectra of Diatomic Molecules, Published in Spectroscopy Journal, 1(1), 3-27 (2023) (Feb 8, 2023) Author: Pye, Cory C. This paper is meant as a review/tutorial for learning the basics of microwave/rotational spectroscopy.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Cory C. Pye Dec 14, 2022 An Ab Initio Investigation of the Hydration of Tin(II), Published in Liquids, 2(4), 465-473 (2022) (Dec 14, 2022) Authors: Pye, Cory C.; Gunasekara, C. Mahesh. Co-author Mahesh was a former undergraduate co-operative education research student of Dr. Pye and is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University.
Chemistry Department Member, Katherine Robinson, receives recognition for 2 authored articles December 6, 2022 Editors of Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A! have chosen and promoted as an Editor's Pick “Cut-and-Pasting Ligands: The Structure/Function Relationships of a Thermally Robust Mo(VI) Precursor.” Accepted for publication in the Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A, November 9, 2022. Authors: Michael A. Land, Dexter A. Dimova, Katherine N. Robertson and Seán T. Barry - And – Editors-in-Chief have selected as Editor's Choice article “Reaction of bis(dialkyl-phosphino)amines R₂PNHPNR₂ (R = i-Pr, t-Bu, Ph) with halogens X₂ (X = Cl, Br, I): different solvents – different stories.” Canadian Journal of Chemistry, 100, 737–750 (2022). Authors: Robert D. Riley, Katherine N. Robertson and Jason A. C. Clyburne. Congratulations Katherine!
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Cory C. Pye November 25, 2022 An ab initio study of the effect of hydration on the vibrational spectrum of hydrogen vanadate ion, Published in Journal of Solution Chemistry, (November 25, 2022) Authors: Pye, Cory C.; Berryman, Victoria E. J.; Goodall, Barbara L. Co-authors Victoria and Barbara were former undergraduate research students of Dr. Pye and are graduates of Saint Mary's University. This work was based on part of the honours thesis of Victoria (“Vikki”) Berryman (nee Walker).
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Member, Katherine Robertson October 25, 2022 Synthesis of 5’-thymidine conjugated formylphenylboronic acids as potential lysine targeting iminoboronate reversible covalent enzyme probes. Authors: Alana M. M. Rangaswamy, Michael H. R. Beh, Ebrahim Soleimani, Steve Sequeira, Julie Cormier, Katherine N. Robertson and David L. Jakeman. Published in Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2022
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Member, Katherine Robertson October 25, 2022 Gram-Scale Synthesis of the N-Phenyl Phenothiazine Photocatalyst by Benzyne Addition. Authors: Erin N. Welsh, Katherine N. Robertson and Alexander W. H. Speed. Published in the Canadian Journal of Chemistry, 2022
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Member Katherine Robertson and Chemistry Faculty member Jason Clyburne October 25, 2022 Reaction of bis(dialkyl-phosphino)amines R2PNHPNR2 (R = i-Pr, t-Bu, Ph) with halogens X2 (X = Cl, Br, I): different solvents – different stories. Authors: Robert D. Riley, Katherine N. Robertson and Jason A. C. Clyburne. Published in Inorganic Chemistry, 2022
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Member, Katherine Robertson October 25, 2022 Mapping ‘Dual-Base’-Enabled Ni-Catalyzed Aryl Amidations: Application in the Synthesis of 4-Quinolones. Authors: Ryan T. McGuire, Travis Lundrigan, Joshua W. M. MacMillan, Katherine N. Robertson, Arun A. Yadav and Mark Stradiotto. Published in Angewandte Chem International Edition, 2022
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Member, Katherine Robertson October 12, 2022 Origin of Decomposition in a Family of Molybdenum Precursor Compounds. Authors: Michael A. Land, Goran Bačić, Katherine N. Robertson, Seán T. Barry. Published in Inorganic Chemistry, 2022
Journal Cover featuring recently published paper from faculty member Robert Singer and co-workers October 4, 2022 The recently published paper by Singer et al. Improved Green Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Symmetrical Cationic Gemini Surfactants has a related cover. Artwork finalized by Olivia Singer with pictures supplied by the other authors. Link to cover on the journal website.
Undergraduate Research Day 2022 On Friday Oct 7th, from 12:45pm to 2:15pm, the SMU Chemistry society is hosting 'Undergraduate Research Day 2022' in SB 265. Students who did research in the Chemistry Department during summer 2022 will provide an insight on the project they have been working on. Presentation topics include EC-SERS and LSPR, second harmonic generation microscopy, two-dimensional liquid chromatography, fungal inhibitory metabolites, and demethylation of alkaloids. It is great a opportunity for undergraduate students to see the various research interests of the faculty members in the chemistry department. Attendance will count as bonus for second year chemistry courses and above. Pizza and drinks will be offered.
Chemistry Food Cupboard A Success! September 28, 2022 In March of 2022, the Department of Chemistry EDI (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) Committee launched an initiative for Nutrition Month, where we hosted a food cupboard on the 5^th floor hallway. The food cupboard was generously supported by the staff, faculty, and students of the department, as well as individuals outside of chemistry.Lauren Grant, a PhD student in Clarissa Sit’s lab and a member of our EDI committee helped get this initiative up and running. Over the month of March, we gave out an estimated 15-20 bags of groceries and over $150 in gift cards. It was very popular indeed, and anonymous comments from users collected afterwards gave the initiative lots of praise. During the LOGIC retreat this year (Leaders Overcoming Great Inequalities in Chemistry, a satellite event of the Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition), Lauren presented a poster on the Chemistry food cupboard via Twitter, and her poster won. Congrats Lauren!
Chemistry Faculty Member, Cory C. Pye, promoted to Section Editor-in-Chief of the journal “Liquids”. September 13, 2022 Dr. Cory C. Pye, editorial board member of Liquids, has been promoted to the Editor-in-chief for the “Chemical Physics of Liquids” section, and is a guest editor for the special issue “Hydration of Ions in Aqueous Solution”. This journal is published quarterly by MDPI.
Chemistry Faculty Member, Cory C. Pye, to serve on the editorial board of the journal "Spectroscopy Journal" August 16, 2022 Dr. Cory C. Pye has accepted an invitation to serve on the editorial board of the new journal "Spectroscopy Journal". "Spectroscopy Journal" is an international open-access peer-reviewed journal, focusing on publications on spectroscopy, This journal will be published quarterly online by MDPI.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Members, Christa Brosseau and Robert Singer September 26, 2022 Gold Extraction Using Novel Ionic Thiourea Derivatives Published in Australian Journal of Chemistry, 2022. Authors: Megan Himmelman, Amir Joorab-Doozha, Christa Brosseau, Robert Singer Co-author Megan Himmelman is a recent MSc graduate (co-supervised by Brosseau and Singer) and Amir Joorab-Doozha was a research associate in the Brosseau grroup at Saint Mary's University.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Jason Masuda September 24, 2022 An Unusual Tri-coordinate Co(II) Silylamide with Potential for Chemical Vapor Deposition Processes, Published in Zeitschrift für anorganische und allgemeine Chemie. Authors: Zanders, D.; Masuda, J.D.; Lowe, B.; Curtis, S.; Devi, A.; Barry, S.T.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Jason Masuda September 22, 2022 Atomic Layer Deposition of PbCl2, PbBr2 and mixed lead halide (Cl, Br, I) PbXnY2-n thin films, Published in Dalton Transactions, 2022. Authors: Popov, G.; Bacic, G.; Van Dijck, C.; Junkers, L.S.; Weiss, A.; Mattinen, M.; Viheraara, A.; Jalkanen, P.; Mizohata, K.; Leskela, M.; Masuda, J.D.; Barry, S.T.; Ritala, M.; Kemell, M.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Members, Robert Singer and Jason Masuda September 20, 2022 Improved Green Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Symmetrical Cationic Gemini Surfactants, Published in ACS Omega, 2022. Authors: Olivia M. Singer, Jacob W. Campbell, Jacob G. Hoare, Jason D. Masuda, Gerrard Marangoni, and Robert D. Singer Co-authors Olivia Singer, Jacob Campbell and Jacob Hoare were research students in Dr. Singer's lab and Campbell and Hoare are graduates of Saint Mary's University.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Jason Masuda September 13, 2022 Mesomeric Tuning at Planar Bi centres: Unexpected Dimerization and Benzyl C-H Activation in [CN2]Bi Complexes, Published in ChemPlusChem, 2022. Authors: Toren Hynes, Jason D. Masuda, and Saurabh S. Chitnis.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Jason Masuda September 13, 2022 Synthesis and crystal structure of 3-phenyl-1,4,2-dithiazole-5-thione, Published in Acta Cryst. E., 2022, E78. Authors: Melbourne J. Schriver, Tanner George and Jason D. Masuda. Co-author Tanner George is a graduate student in Chemistry at Saint Mary's University
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Cory C. Pye August 2, 2022 An ab initio study of the effect of hydration on the vibrational spectrum of hydrogen arsenate ion, Published in Computational and Theoretical Chemistry, 2022, 1215, 113838 (August 2, 2022) Authors: Pye, Cory C.; Chiome, Tinofadzwa; Goodall, Barbara L. Co-authors Tinofadzwa and Barbara were former undergraduate research students of Dr. Pye and are graduates of Saint Mary's University..
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Members, Cory C. Pye and Christa L. Brosseau June 16, 2022 Electrochemical Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (EC-SERS) and Computational Study of Atrazine: Toward Point-of-Need Detection of Prevalent Herbicides, Published in Journal of Physical Chemistry C 2022, 126, 9836-9842. (Jun 16, 2022), Authors: Albargouthi, Najwan; Eisnor, Maddison M; Pye, Cory C.; Brosseau, Christa L. Co-authors Najwan and Maddison are graduates of Saint Mary's University.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Danielle Tokarz May 26, 2022 Second harmonic generation microscopy of otoconia. Published in the journal “Biomedical Optics Express”, vol. 13, Authors: Kennedy Brittain, MacAulay Harvey, Richard Cisek, Saranyan Pillai, Sean D. Christie and Danielle Tokarz. Co-author Kennedy Brittain is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University. Co-author MacAulay Harvey is a graduate student at Saint Mary’s University
New research exploring automated cancer detection May 17, 2022 Chemistry faculty member, Dr. Danielle Tokarz, is exploring the use of custom laser-scanning microscopes in diagnosing diseased or cancerous tissue. More on her research may be found via this Saltwire publication featuring her research.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Cory C. Pye May 14, 2022 An ab initio study of the effect of hydration on the vibrational spectrum of hydrogen selenate ion. Authors: Pye, Cory C.; Akbari, Peyman; Goodall, Barbara L.; Shah Alam, Marwa Y. Published in Journal of Molecular Liquids 2022, 119383 (May 14, 2022). Co-authors Peyman, Barbara, and Marwa are former research students of Dr. Pye and graduates of Saint Mary’s University.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Member, Katherine Robertson March 23, 2022 Thermal Stability and Decomposition Pathways in Volatile Molybdenum(VI) Bis-imides. Authors: Michael A.Land, Goran Bačić, Katherine N. Robertson, Seán T. Barry. Published in Inorganic Chemistry, 2022
Undergraduate Scholarships Program - Applications now being accepted March 22, 2022 Applications for the Undergraduate Scholarships Program is now available for the 2022-23 academic year! Some of the awards that the Chemistry Department is involved in selecting applicants are: Cleary Family Scholarship Joseph & Charles Hinman Canadian Memorial Bursary Jack Ginsburg Memorial Scholarship John C. O’C. Young Scholarship All students who attended Saint Mary’s University for the 2021-2022 academic year and who will be continuing their undergraduate studies in the 2022-2023 academic year are encouraged to apply, and outline their unique, individual qualities in their personal statement. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2022 at 11:59pm Students can visit smu.ca/awards to find the Saint Mary’s University Undergraduate Scholarships Program application, as well as other applications that are currently available for the 2022-2023 academic year. Questions can be emailed to financial.aid@smu.ca.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Member, Katherine Robertson March 15, 2022 Tetra-μ-acetato-κ8O:O′-bis[(3-chloropyridine-κN)ruthenium(II,III)](Ru—Ru) hexafluoridophosphate 1,2-dichloroethane monosolvate. Published in IUCrData. Authors: A. J. Aquino, D. Gerrior, T. S. Cameron, K. N. Robertson, and M. A. S. Aquino
Preventing Falls and Balance Issues in Nova Scotians March 7, 2022 Understanding and combating the debilitating health impacts of balance disorders is the focus of newly funded research by Saint Mary’s University’s Dr. Danielle Tokarz. Her research will help patients by limiting the dosage of certain medications, reducing the future number of Nova Scotians who will have balance issues. To read more about this research, visit the article: Prevent Falls and Balance Issues in Nova Scotians
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Cory Pye March 3, 2022 An ab Initio Investigation of the Hydration of Lead(II). Published in Liquids 2022, 2, 39-49. (March 3, 2022). Authors: Pye, Cory C.; Gunasekara, C.Mahesh
M.Sc. Applied Sciences (Chemistry) Student, Julie Dayrit, accepted to Lab2Market Women in Research program December 10, 2021 Julie Dayrit, a member of Dr. Clarissa Sit's research group, has been accepted into the Lab2Market Women in Research Program as an Entrepreneurial Lead Intern. The Lab2Market Women in Research Program is in partnership with Mitacs Accelerate. As a participant of this program we will be granted great opportunities to assess product-market fit for potential commercialization of our research, explained Julie. “My M.Sc. in Applied Sciences (Chemistry) project looks at the antimicrobial activity of traditional medicinal plants from the Philippines. With this program, we are planning to examine ways we can incorporate our preliminary findings and develop an antimicrobial product,” said Julie. “Of course, I would not have been blessed with this opportunity without the help and encouragement of my awesome supervisor, Dr. Clarissa Sit, who will also be my supervisor in this program.” Congrats Julie!
CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT NOW HIRING TAs! November 23, 2021 The Chemistry Department at Saint Mary's University is now accepting applications for TAing next term. To apply, visit our site. Deadline for applications is noon, Monday, December 13, 2021
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Jason Masuda November 16, 2021 Co(II) Amide, Pyrrolate, and Aminopyridinate Complexes: Assessment of their Manifold Structural Chemistry and Thermal Properties. Published in the European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, October 22, 2021. Authors: Zanders, D; Boysen, N.; Land, M A.; Obenlüneschloß, J; Masuda, J D; Mallick, B; Barry, S T.; Devi, A
SMU's Financial Need Based Bursary Program is currently available for the Fall term. October 25, 2021 Managing your finances while in school can be challenging! To assist students in need, Financial Aid & Awards provides a Financial Need-Based Bursary program in both the Fall and Winter terms. Bursaries are typically valued between $500 and $750 and are intended to supplement other funding sources. The Fall term application is available now. If you’re experiencing financial difficulty, we’d like to encourage you to apply online by October 31, 2020. Questions can be directed to financial.aid@smu.ca.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Members, Christa Brosseau and Cory Pye September 23, 2021 Fabrication of high-quality electrochemical SERS (EC-SERS) substrates using physical vapour deposition. Published in the journal “Physical Chemistry – Chemical Physics”, vol. 23, Authors: Carolyn G. Farling, Mary C. Stackaruk, Cory C. Pye, and Christa L. Brosseau. Co-authors Carolyn Farling and Mary Stackaruk are students at Saint Mary’s University.
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Members, Jason Clyburne, Jason Masuda and Cory Pye September 23, 2021 The thermal decomposition of gallium nitrate hydrate, Ga(NO₃)₃•9H₂O. Published in the journal "Polyhedron", vol. 197; Authors: Cory C. Pye, Arthur D. Hendsbee, Katherine D. Nizio, Barbara L. Goodall, Jane P. Ferguson, Jason D. Masuda, Jason A. C. Clyburne Co-authors Arthur Hendsbee, Katherine Nizio, Barbara Goodall, and Jane Ferguson are graduates of Saint Mary’s University.
2021 Applied Science (Chemistry) Graduate, Megan Himmelman, receives IUPAC Oral Presentation Award September 7, 2021 Megan Himmelman, a recent 2021 SMU graduate with a Masters in Applied Science, received a First Place Award during the 2021 IUPAC/CCCE Virtual Converence. Megan's award was for her Oral Presentation, under the General and Emerging Topics category. While studying for her APSc degree, Megan was co-supervised by Dr. Christa Brosseau and Dr. Rob Singer. Congrats Megan!
SMU Chemistry Department now hiring for 2021 Fall/1st semester TAs July 29, 2021 Currently registered Saint Mary’s University Student may apply. Applicants will be awarded positions based on the needs of the Department and the TA's qualifications. To learn more about the job opportunities and to apply visit. Application Deadline: Noon, August 11, 2021
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Jason Masuda July 8, 2021 (tBuN)SiMe2NMe2—A new N,N′-κ2-monoanionic ligand for atomic layer deposition precursors. Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A 39, 032409 (2021). Authors: Griffiths, Matthew B. E.; Zanders, David; Land, Michael A.; Masuda, Jason D; Devi, Anjana; Barry, Sean T.
2021 Chemistry (Honours) Graduate, Kaleigh McLeod, receives CIC Award July 8, 2021 Kaleigh McLeod, a spring 2021 graduate with a Bachelor of Science Biology and Chemistry (Honours), received the 2021 Chemical Institute of Canada Analytical Chemistry Division's Undergraduate Travel Award in honour of Dr. Nick Toltl. This is the top national award to an undergraduate student in analytical chemistry. Kaleigh's honours research was co-supervised by Dr. Christa Brosseau and Dr. Rob Singer. Click to read more. Congrats Kaleigh!
Future of medical-grade pulp production in Nova Scotia June 9, 2021 Last spring, Dr. Christa Brosseau and a team of chemists at Saint Mary’s University collaborated with Port Hawkesbury Paper in hopes of developing a home-grown solution to the global shortage of N95 respirators masks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from the study suggest the Nova Scotia pulp and paper industry may have a future in the production of medical-grade pulp for use in personal protective equipment (PPE). To read more about this study, visit the article: Saint Mary's study suggests a future for medical-grade pulp production in Nova Scotia.
Chemistry Students, Jennifer Kolwich and Lauren Grant, among SMU’s 3MT (Three-Minute Thesis) Winners April 13, 2021 The Faculty of Graduate Studies held SMU's annual 3MT (three-minute thesis) competition on the afternoon of Friday March 26. This event was held in person with nine graduate students competing and the audience was Zoomed in. The presentations were judged by Dr. Colin Dodds, Kathleen Jay and Kevin Shaughnessy. The hosts were Drs. Adam Sarty and Colleen Barber. Chemistry Students, Jennifer Kolwich and Lauren Grant were among the winners. Jennifer Kolwich, MSc Applied Science, supervised by Dr. Clarissa Sit for her thesis “Fighting fungi with fungi: An approach to combating white-nose syndrome” won “Second Place”. Lauren Grant, PhD Applied Science, supervised by Dr. Clarissa Sit for her thesis “L'Acadie Blanc: Nova Scotia's grape”, received “Honourable Mention”. Congrats Jenn and Lauren!
Peer-reviewed publication for Chemistry Faculty Member, Jason Masuda April 12, 2021 Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activities of Pentacyclic Oxadiazadiborinanes. Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society, 31(7), 1541-1550. Epub July 03, 2020. Authors: Gormley, Patrick T., Geier, Stephen J., Vogels, Christopher M., Khuong, B. Ninh, MacCormack, Tyson J., Masuda, Jason D., & Westcott, Stephen A
2 Peer-reviewed publications for Chemistry Faculty Member, Robert Singer March 17, 2021 Effects of food availability on microsporidiosis and alkaloid production in the two spotted lady beetle, Adalia bipunctata L. Published in Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, September 2020, vol. 175; Authors: Tom Steele, Susan Bjornson, Robert Singer AND Effects of temperature on alkaloid production and microsporidiosis in the two-spotted lady beetle, Adalia bipunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Published in Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, May 2020, vol. 172; Authors: Tom Steele, Susan Bjornson, Robert Singer. Tom was an NSERC-PGS funded PhD. Applied Science student at SMU. Of note, Tom actually wrote the second of these papers himself and conducted the entire publication process on his own too….all during the pandemic!! Susan Bjornson is a faculty member with the Department of Biology at SMU.