News, Events & Seminars

Bookmark this page to keep up with the latest news, events, and developments taking place at the Department of Chemistry.

Our Seminar Series hosts guest speakers who present on a variety of topics, thanks to the support of Friends of Chemistry and GreenCentre Canada.

You can also catch up with everything that's happened over the past year (or more!) through our QChem Chronicles.

Seminar Series

We thank Friends of Chemistry and GreenCentre Canada for their support of our seminar program.

All seminars begin at 11:30 AM on Fridays in CHE117, unless otherwise indicated.

Sep 2022 | Oct 2022 | Nov 2022 | Dec 2022 | Jan 2023 | Feb 2023
Mar 2023 | Apr 2023 | May 2023 | Jun 2023 | Jul 2023 | Aug 2023

September 2022

September 9th
Speaker: Sami Khan - Simon Fraser University
Title: Innovating at Interfaces: Enhancing the Performance and Longevity of Sustainable Energy Systems
Host: G. Jerkiewicz

Abstract (PDF, 129 KB)

September 16th
PhD Departmental Seminar
Speaker: Graham Beaton - PhD Student
Title: The Structure-Function Relationship and Applications of Noble Metal Nanomaterials
Host: K. Stamplecoskie - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 46 KB)

September 23rd
PhD Departmental Seminar
Speaker: Mai-Jan Tom - PhD Student
Title: Regioselective and Stereospecific Rhodium-Catalyzed Allylic Cyanomethylation: Construction of Acyclic b-Quaternary Stereogenic Nitriles
Host: A. Evans - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 218 KB)

September 30th
Russell Lecture
Speaker: Karen Wooley - Texas A&M University
Title: Natural Product-based Polymers that Address Health-Food-Energy-Water Challenges: Structural, topological and morphological diversities for sustainable, degradable polymers derived from carbohydrates
Host: C. Crudden

Abstract (PDF, 158 KB)

Russell Lecture Brochure (PDF, 341 KB)

October 2022

October 7th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Understanding Your Graduate Financials
Host: Department of Chemistry

Abstract (PDF, 429 KB)

October 14th
PhD Departmental Seminar
Speaker: Sangeeth Das Kallullathil - PhD Student
Title: A tensor decomposition method for calculating vibrational spectra of molecules
Host: T. Carrington - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 50 KB)

Speaker: Derek Esau - PhD Student
Title: Controlled-Atmosphere Flame Fusion Growth and Preparation of Non-noble Transition Metal Crystal Electrodes for Electrochemical and Electrocatalysis Research
Host: G. Jerkiewicz - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 93 KB)

October 21st
Speaker: Caitlin Miron and Jeff Albert - X-Chem Montreal: Take the Lead
Title: Fast-Follower Design of CNS-Penetrant BRD4 Inhibitors and Asymmetric Synthesis of Potent CXCR7 Modulators
Host: A. Petitjean

Abstract (PDF, 60 KB)

October 27th at 9:30 a.m. in CHE117
Queen's Graduate Chemistry Symposium
Speaker: Samantha Michelle Gateman - The University of Western
Title: Understanding Corrosion using a Multiscale Electrochemical Approach
Host: QGCS

Abstract (PDF, 60 KB)

October 28th
Walter A. Szarek Lecture
Speaker: Jennifer Kohler - UT Southwestern Medical Center
Title: Intestinal fucose, in sickness and in health
Host: C. Capicciotti

Abstract (PDF, 46 KB)

Walter A. Szarek Lecture Brochure (PDF, 311 KB)

November 2022

November 4th
Frost Lecture
Speaker: Vojislav Stamenkovic - University of California, Irvine
Title: Electrochemical Interfaces for Energy Conversion and Storage
Host: G. Jerkiewicz

Abstract (PDF, 134 KB)

Frost Lecture Brochure (PDF, 224 KB)

November 10 at 9:30 a.m. in CHE117
Speaker: Uwe T. Bornscheuer - University of Greifswald
Title: Enzyme Discovery and Engineering to Create Biocatalysts Suitable for Applications
Host: D. Zechel

Abstract (PDF, 111 KB)

November 11th
Inaugural Open Plastic Lecture
Speaker: Uwe T. Bornscheuer - University of Greifswald
Title: Recent Progress in the Enzymatic Degradation of Plastics and Especially PET
Host: D. Zechel

Abstract (PDF, 175 KB)

Open Plastic Brochure (PDF, 395 KB)

November 17th 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Chernoff Auditorium
Public Lecture
Speaker: Scott Cairns - Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
Title: The Road to Damascus - Notes from a Chemical Weapons Inspector
Host: R. Oleschuk

Abstract (PDF, 135 KB)

November 18th
Jones Lecture
Speaker: Scott Cairns - Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
Title: The Road to Damascus - Notes from a Chemical Weapons Inspector
Host: R. Oleschuk

Abstract (PDF, 56 KB)

Jones Lecture Brochure (PDF, 215 KB)

November 25th
PhD Departmental Seminar
Speaker: Emily Albright - PhD Student
Title: Investigation of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes as Ligands for Stabilizing Gold Nanoclusters
Host: C. Crudden - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 111 KB)

December 2022

December 9th at 11:30 a.m. virtual via Zoom
PhD Departmental Seminar
Speaker: Marshall Timmermans - PhD Student
Title: Genome guided approaches towards uncovering the hidden biosynthetic potential of marine proteobacteria
Host: A. Ross - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 111 KB)

December 14th at 9:00 a.m. in CHE117
Speaker: Daniel Foucher - Toronto Metropolitan University
Title: Designing Killer Surfaces: How to Stop a microbial invasion on Solid Surfaces
Host: G. Liu

Abstract (PDF, 81 KB)

December 14th at 1:30 p.m. in CHE202
Speaker: Theodor Agapie - California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Title: Synthetic Cluster Models of Protein Active Sites
Host: P. Jessop

Abstract (PDF, 96 KB)

December 16th at 11:00 a.m. in CHE117
Speaker: Victor Batista - Yale University
Title: Studies of Natural and Artificial Photosynthesis
Host: T. Carrington

Abstract (PDF, 661 KB)

December 19th at 10:30 a.m. in CHE117
Speaker: Michael G. Organ - University of Ottawa
Title: Designing Purpose-Built Ligands for Catalysts: “Say Live and Let Die….”
Host: P. A. Evans

Abstract (PDF, 81 KB)

January 2023

January 20th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Navigating SOLUS and Student Resources
Host: Department of Chemistry

Abstract (PDF, 129 KB)

January 27th
Speaker: Charles Xu - University of Western Ontario
Title: Conversion of Carbohydrates to Renewable H2 and Green Chemicals
Host: P. Jessop

Abstract (PDF, 69 KB)

February 2023

February 10th
PhD Departmental Seminar
Speaker: Yam Gotame - PhD Student
Title: Ferrofluid-Based Preconcentration and Ultra-Trace Determination of Pt, Pd, Au, and Ag in Complex Matrices Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Host: D. Beauchemin - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 29 KB)

Speaker: Margaret MacConnachie - PhD Student
Title: Sex Determination of Mummies Through Multi-Elemental Analysis of Head Hair
Host: D. Beauchemin - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 29 KB)

Speaker: Sho Fujita - PhD Student
Title: Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Pd and Ni Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Generation Systems
Host: G. Jerkiewicz

Abstract (PDF, 123 KB)

February 17th
Speaker: Cecile Malardier-Jugroot - Royal Military College of Canada
Title: Biomimicry for green chemistry application – role of confinement
Host: A. Petitjean

Abstract (PDF, 120 KB)

March 2023

March 3rd
PhD Departmental Seminar
Speaker: Jasmine Buddingh - PhD Student
Title: Functional Coatings for Ice Shedding Applications
Host: G. Liu - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 85 KB)

March 9th at 10:30 a.m. in CHE117
Speaker: Janine Mauzeroll
Title: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly: A Tale of Microscale Corrosion
Host: C. Crudden

Abstract (PDF, 55 KB)

March 10th Virtual via Zoom
Russell Lecture
Speaker: Charlotte Williams - Oxford University
Title: From Carbon Dioxide to Recyclable Polymers and Plastics
Host: A. Bongers

Abstract (PDF, 138 KB)

Kenneth Russell Brochure (PDF, 413 KB)

March 17th
Speaker: Sam Pazicni - University of Wisconsin–Madison
Title: Research-based insights into chemistry student learning and professional development.
Host: A. Bongers

Abstract (PDF, 45 KB)

March 23rd 10:00 a.m. in CHE117
Speaker: David J. Procter - The University of Manchester
Title: From sulfonium salts to samarium catalysis: new radical chemistry for synthesis
Host: A. Evans

Abstract (PDF, 1.5 MB)

March 27th at 2:30 p.m. in CHE202
Speaker: Michael Schuurman - University of Ottawa
Title: Developments in Quantum Chemistry for Molecular Excited States: Spectroscopy and Dynamics using DFT/MRCI
Host: T. Carrington

Abstract (PDF, 50 KB)

March 31st
Speaker: Sanela Martic - Trent University
Title: Diverse Stories of Electrochemistry
Host: G. Jerkiewicz

Abstract (PDF, 29 KB)

April 2023

April 5th at 9:30 a.m. in CHE202
Speaker: Hua-Zhong "Hogan" Yu - Simon Fraser University
Title: Quantitation of Supramolecular Host-Guest Complexation on Surface: from Nanostructure Differentiation to Electrochemical Sensing
Host: Z. She

Abstract (PDF, 127 KB)

April 7th (University Closed – No Seminar)
Speaker:
Title:
Host:

April 14th
Carbon to Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI)
Speaker: Catherine Murphy - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Title: On the Surface of Things: Ligand Display and Dynamics on Gold Nanocrystal Surfaces
Host: C. Crudden

Abstract (PDF, 1.4 MB)

April 17th time 11:00 a.m. in CHE202
Speaker: Kevin Golovin - University of Toronto
Title: Nanoscale, liquidlike polymer brushes: wettability, tribology, and adhesion
Host: G. Liu

Abstract (PDF, 106 KB)

April 21st
Frost Lecture
Speaker: Hung-Wen Liu - The University of Texas at Austin
Title: Exploring the Diversity of Unusual Sugar Biosynthesis
Host: G. Howe

Abstract (PDF, 11 KB)

April 28th
Speaker: Joel Reid - Canadian Light Source
Title: Finding Solutions with Synchrotron Techniques
Host:P. Duchesne

Abstract (PDF, 110 KB)

May 2023

May 5th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Conference Travel Awards Part I - The Application
Host: Department of Chemistry

Abstract (PDF, 615 KB)

May 12th
Speaker: Gianluigi Botton - McMaster University
Title: Using Electrons and Photons for Materials Characterization: Using the Best of Both Worlds
Host: G. Jerkiewicz

Abstract (PDF, 69 KB)

May 19th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Progress Milestones and Expectations
Host: Department of Chemistry

Abstract (PDF, 615 KB)

May 26th
Speaker: Fiona Kelly - Royal Military College of Canada
Title: Nanothermites as Replacements for Small Arms Primers
Host: Z. She

Abstract (PDF, 615 KB)

May 30th at 11:30 a.m. in CHE117
PhD Departmental Seminar
Speaker: Jennifer McLeod - PhD Student
Title: Employing Self-Assembled Monolayers and Electrochemical Transducers Towards Biosensor Development
Host: Z. She - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 179 KB)

Speaker: Yu Pei - PhD Student
Title: Manganese Electrochemical Detection in Drinking Water
Host: Z. She - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 60 KB)

Speaker: Dianne Lee - PhD Student
Title: Development of Self Assembled Monolayer of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes as Electrochemical Biosensors
Host: C. Crudden - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 159 KB)

May 31st at 2:30 p.m. in CHE117
Speaker: John Corrigan - University of Waterloo
Title: A Molecular Precursor Approach to Tailored Cluster Synthesis
Host: C. Crudden

Abstract (PDF, 145 KB)

June 2023

June 2nd
Speaker:
Title:
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June 7 at 2:00 p.m. in CHE117
Speaker: Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi - Stanford University
Title: An Insider/Outsider Journey: Life ReflecGons with Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi
Host: ACS Chapter & QGCS

Abstract (PDF, 37 KB)

June 9th
PhD Departmental Seminar
Speaker: Debasis Pal - PhD Student
Title: Rhodium- and Iridium-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution with Unstabilized Nucleophiles
Host: A. Evans - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 114 KB)

Speaker: Matthew Sanger - PhD Student
Title: CO2-Responsive polymers and their use in catalysts
Host: P. Jessop - Supervisor

Abstract (PDF, 84 KB)

June 16th
Speaker: Dave Thompson - Chemical Computing Group
Title:
Host: F. Heidar-Zadeh

June 23rd
Speaker: Thanh Nguyen - University College London
Title:
Host: A. Evans

June 28th at 11:30 a.m. in CHE117
Robert S. Brown Lecture Speaker: Rebecca Goss - University of St. Andrews
Title:
Host: D. Zechel

June 30th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Conference Travel Awards Part II - Claim
Host: Department of Chemistry

July 2023

July 6th
Speaker: Elder Michael Clark
Title:
Host: QGCS

July 7th
Speaker: George diCenzo - Queen's University, Dept. of Biology
Title:
Host: G. Howe

July 14th 11:30 a.m. in CHE202
PhD Departmental Seminar
Speaker:
Title:
Host:

July 21st
Speaker:
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July 28th
Speaker: TBA
Title:
Host: QGCS

August 2023

August 4th
PhD Departmental Seminar
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August 11th
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August 18th
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August 25th
Speaker: Marcus Kim - Agilent
Title:
Host: Oleschuk/Deng

2023-2024 Seminar Schedule

Sep 2023 | Oct 2023 | Nov 2023 | Dec 2023 | Jan 2024 | Feb 2024
Mar 2024 | Apr 2024 | May 2024 | Jun 2024 | Jul 2024 | Aug 2024

September 2023

September 1st
Grad Orientation
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Orientation Day & Grad Talks: Understanding Your Graduate Financials
Host: Department of Chemistry

September 8th
Organic Reactions Inc. Lecture
Speaker: Robert A. Britton - Simon Fraser University
Title:
Host: A. Evans

September 15th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Graduate Financials Part II – Awards
Host: Department of Chemistry

September 22nd
Speaker: Bradley Cowie - Oxford University
Title:
Host: L. Lee

September 29th
Speaker: Eric McCalla - McGill University
Title:
Host: P. Duchesne

October 2023

October 6th
PhD Departmental Seminar
Speaker:
Title:
Host:

October 13th
Speaker: Bernie Kraatz - University of Toronto
Title:
Host: G. Jerkiewicz

October 19th time/location TBA
Speaker: Masaru Kondo - Ibaraki University
Title:
Host: C. Crudden

October 20th
Speaker: Jeffrey Keillor - University of Ottawa
Title:
Host: G. Howe

October 27th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Teaching Assistantships Part I – Policies, Responsibilities & Expectations
Host: Department of Chemistry

November 2023

November 3rd
PhD Departmental Seminar
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November 10th
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November 17th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Progress Milestones and Expectations Part I – Courses, Supervisory Committees, & Annual Progress
Host: Department of Chemistry

November 24th
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December 2023

December 1st
PhD Departmental Seminar
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December 8th
Speaker: Byron Gates - Simon Fraser University
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Host: G. Jerkiewicz

December 15th
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December 22nd
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December 29th (University Closed – No Seminar)
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January 2024

January 5th
PhD Departmental Seminar
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January 12th
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January 19th
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January 26th
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February 2024

February 2nd
PhD Departmental Seminar
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February 9th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Progress Milestones and Expectations Part II: PhD Comprehensive/Candidacy Exam, Thesis Submission, & Completion
Host: Department of Chemistry

February 16th
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February 23rd
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March 2024

March 1st
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March 8th
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March 15th
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March 22nd
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March 29th (University Closed – No Seminar)
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April 2024

April 5th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Conference Travel Awards Part I – The Application
Host: Department of Chemistry

April 12th
PhD Departmental Seminar
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April 19th
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April 26th
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May 2024

May 3rd
PhD Departmental Seminar
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May 10th
Speaker: Squire J. Booker - Pennsylvania State University
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Host: G. Howe

May 17th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Teaching Assistantships Part II – Application and Selection Process
Host: Department of Chemistry

May 24th
Kenneth Russell Lecture
Speaker: Raffaella Buonsanti - École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
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Host: C. Crudden

May 31st
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June 2024

June 7th
PhD Departmental Seminar
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June 14th
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June 21st
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June 28th
Speaker: Michelle Boutilier - Graduate Assistant
Title: Grad Talks: Conference Travel Awards Part II – The Claim
Host: Department of Chemistry

July 2024

July 5th
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July 12th
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July 19th
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July 26th
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August 2024

August 2nd
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August 9th
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August 16th
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August 23rd
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August 30th
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