Research Interests

Chemistry

I am mainly interested in Environmental Chemistry, with respect to analytical technique development and inorganic synthesis. However, I have enjoyed research in geochemistry, as well as soil science.

Interdisciplinary

My current research is looking into carbon degradation of paper sludge amendments over mine tailings. However, I have had the opportunity to spend several weeks at the Synchrotron Radiation Centre (SRC) in Madison, Wisconsin learing to determine the chemical speciation environmental samples using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF). My current research is being directed by my graduate advisor, Dr. Graeme Spiers from the Laurentian University Chemistry Department.

In a five-year involvement with the University of Guelph's Land Resource Science (LRS) Department, I was able to indulge my interest in Environmental Science. I have worked with Dr. Goss' Nutrient Management group and with Dr. S. Glasauer in BioGeoChemistry. In this department I have also taken courses in Geology, Meteorology, and Soil Chemistry. Furthermore, I have taken two Graduate courses, modelling soil/water interfaces, taught by Dr. L. Evans.

Microbiology is also a pet project of mine and I have come to learn many valuable techniques, such as: light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), anaerobic technique, sterile technique, and darkroom processes. For the opportunity to gain this knowledge, I have to thank Dr. T. Beveridge, Dr. S. Glasauer, and their research teams.