About being a Vanier Scholar
What does receiving a Vanier Scholarship mean to you?
I am incredibly honoured to be named as one of the Vanier Scholars and grateful to NSERC, McMaster, the Ayers’ lab, and all the others who have helped me along the way. This award validates not only the hard work and dedication I have put into my academic journey, but it also acknowledges my commitment to the communities I have served. The financial support and connections afforded by the Vanier Scholarship provide the unique opportunity to further my research while also continuing to grow as a leader. More than recognition, this award is a responsibility – to give back, mentor others, and use my graduate studies to make a difference.
Tell us about your Vanier research.
Chemists often describe molecules using terms like atoms, bonds, and electronegativity, but these concepts are not easily described by quantum mechanics. In quantum mechanics, electrons are not static particles but behave more like waves, and their complex interactions create the bonds that hold atoms together. My research aims to build a bridge between the everyday language of chemistry and the mathematical description by developing new ways to describe chemical bonds.
To accomplish this, I am developing algorithms that treat electrons as dynamic, fluid-like probabilities. In doing so, complex electron interactions can be broken down into simpler pieces using advanced mathematical tools, allowing us to intuitively describe how electrons move within a molecule and where they are likely to be found. Through this, we can better explain how chemical bonds are formed and how molecules react with each other. This is particularly valuable in materials science where understanding the behaviour of electrons in complex, correlated systems is crucial in designing electronic, magnetic, and spintronic materials and devices. Additionally, this method can be adapted to problems involving large numbers of interacting pieces in other fields like predicting how drugs interact at the molecular level or even optimizing traffic flow and supply chains. Ultimately, my research aims to improve our understanding of chemical bonds while creating new tools that can be used across multiple disciplines to solve problems involving complex, many-body systems
About graduate student life
What inspired you to pursue a postgraduate degree?
Ever since I was a child, I have enjoyed breaking things and solving problems which naturally leads one to research. At some point in my undergrad, I realized that I did not want to stop learning after a bachelor’s and was split between medical school and a PhD. During one of my humanitarian trips, I learned that 1) I can’t stand needles and 2) I became very interested in reducing cost of medication and reaction pathways; thus, I chose the path of a PhD.
Why did you choose to study at McMaster?
McMaster University is a world-class institution, home to state-of-the-art research/computing facilities and support networks. This, along with its reputation for providing opportunities to help its graduate students succeed, drew me to Mac. Additionally, I found the Ayers’ research group an ideal place to spend my PhD due to its scientific diversity and its large number of close-knit collaborators.
What do you love most about your graduate program?
Academically, I enjoy the problem-based courses I have taken here at Mac, as well as the external courses available over the summer; the flexibility allowed within the program is really important to grow as a researcher. Additionally, I love the sense of community within the chemistry department. Everyone is always very friendly and helpful, and the events hosted by the department are always a lot of fun.
What is your favourite thing about McMaster and the broader Hamilton community?
Quality of life-wise, I am really impressed by the public transport to and from campus. Aside from that, Hamilton is an interesting city with something for everyone – it has a great mix of nature with the numerous trails and green space nearby, and typical city activities like nightlife, art expos. etc.
When you’re not busy being a graduate student, how do you like to spend your free time?
Outside of research, I like outdoor activities (hiking, fishing, etc.), exploring Hamilton and Toronto, and travelling around Canada. With summer and fall around the corner, I am particularly excited to resume weekly Fairweather gatherings with the theoreticians from AN Bourns Science Building.
Beyond Grad School
What do you see as the next step in your life journey?
At this point, I am not sure where I will be next week, let alone in 2 or 3 years. Currently, I am trying to keep my options open by continuing my research and collaboration. What I enjoy most about PhD work and research in general, is solving problems and the ability to travel and see the world. My lab and its collaborators come from very diverse academic backgrounds, so my interests and opportunities are constantly changing. At this snapshot in time, I am leaning towards doing a postdoc somewhere, whether it is at a university, national lab, or industry.