My lab is built on the principle that the best science emerges when curiosity meets structure. Upon joining the group, students will work with me to select a few research projects within surface science, as confined by my groups Research Focuses and instrumentation. One will be safe, while the other will be risky and boundary pushing.  This dual-focus allows exploration of bold, high-impact ideas, while ensuring publishable results and timely graduation. These focuses are crafted together – passion and personal investment from researchers are the keys to long term success in challenging research topics.

My research sits at the intersection of physics and chemistry, two STEM disciplines where, historically, technical mastery has been stressed above all else. While achieving high quality scientific results is essential, I believe scientific training must extend further for a modern scientist. Equally as important are adaptability, independence, critical thought, comfort in navigating open-ended problems, strong presentation and communication skills, and being inclusive and thoughtful community leaders. A student will set, in additional to their technical goals, goals toward advancing their skills in leadership, mentorship, community engagement, and inclusivity. These personally defined goals will be tracked in individual development plans that are regularly updated at our one-on-one check-ins as they move through their program. This broad focus prepares students for diverse post-graduation options across academia and industry.

Ultimately, my goal is to train scientists who are technically excellent, intellectually flexible, independent, and socially conscious, preparing them to thrive in future endeavors like academia, industry, or entrepreneurship. To do this, I take a very hands-on approach, stressing a collaborative mindset and structured culture, ensuring every student/member feels supported beginning to end.

Mentorship by senior researchers was critical to my own success in both academia and industry. My group thus stresses a layered peer-mentorship model. Students will be placed into sub-teams capable of supporting their research focuses, allowing for natural channels for daily collaboration, support, and mentorship.

Sub-teams come together at regular weekly group meetings allowing students to leverage the collective expertise of the group, receive feedback, troubleshoot openly, communicate progress, and situate their research in broader scientific and societal contexts, including commercialization. Weekly literature and methods sessions keep students up to date on the latest developments in the field, while sharpening their discussion skills.

On the most granular scale, weekly one-on-one meetings with myself provide students dedicated time for research guidance, well-being check-ins, and individual development updates.

Science is at its best when it is shaped by many perspectives. Women, Indigenous peoples, Black scholars, racialized researchers, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ scientists remain underrepresented in STEM fields, particularly in senior leadership positions. I believe that diversifying the STEM community at all levels is essential, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because science advances most effectively when it draws from the full range of human creativity and experience. My lab actively works to counter this exclusionary legacy in STEM. Every person, regardless of background, identity, or lived experience, is welcome here and deserves the opportunity to thrive as a scientist. You are welcome here.

Equity and inclusion are not boxes to be checked, but ongoing processes of learning, reflection, and action. I am not an expert in social justice or equity studies, but I listen to those who are, regularly update my training when possible (Queen’s has fantastic resources), and strive to integrate that knowledge into my lab’s research culture and my teaching. Just as lab safety is a continual responsibility, so too is the creation of an equitable, inclusive, and accessible working environment. You can expect that we will talk about these issues openly and treat them with the same seriousness we give to scientific integrity or data quality.

The under representation of many groups in STEM is a structural issue that cannot be solved by goodwill alone. My group values action. Students and group members are strongly encouraged to promote inclusion within and beyond the lab, whether through outreach to Indigenous communities, organizing women-in-science events, mentoring younger students, or leading discussions on mental health and belonging in academia.

Together, we can help build a research culture where every person feels that they belong, and where scientific curiosity, creativity, and respect are inseparable.

Graduate students who join my group will target completing:

A MSc in 1.5-2 years with at least 1 academic journal article

A PhD in 4-5 with 2-4 journal articles.

PDF’s will be signed on 2-year contracts (2-4 journal articles), with options for renewal depending on their personal goals.

I explicitly detail these times because while I want your time in my group to be fun and impactful, it should not be your only life goal. Graduate school is a stepping stone, with people enriched the most by moving on to new challenges and new techniques in new places. So, enjoy your time here, visit often after you leave, and stay in touch, but be ready to forge new horizons with the skills you gain.   

The goal of my group is to prepare students and PDFs for exciting and fulfilling careers. This can take many forms. To support these many forms, I stress both academic and industrial networking. 

Our group is aligned with Queen’s Carbon-to-Metal coating institute, connecting us with Canadian and International labs, as well as a wealth of industry partners across different fields. I spent four years in industry myself as a Senior Research Scientist, and I still maintain strong connection and research projects with these partners. Students and PDFs will have access to this group network, as well as will be able to build their own network with travel and conference opportunities.

A focus of our group is also to make and patent commercially exciting tech, preparing members for entrepreneurial pursuits. Come find what moves you. There is no wrong choice, and you will be supported in finding the career that speaks to you.   

Our group is centered on transparency, openness, honesty, and, most importantly, happy students and PDFs. We are a team that respects one another, works together, and celebrates each other’s achievements.

If you publish your first paper, we are heading to the Graduate Club to celebrate. If you defend your thesis, we are going out for dinner. If your experiment fails overnight, we are taking a long lunch outside (weather permitting), maybe with some fun lawn games. Group spirit matters, and I fully support all member efforts to build it.

Turn the weekly literature review club into a weekly pastry club. Start a weekly ice hockey or video game get-together. Join a recreational sport. These small connections are what make graduate school and research a joy.

Group social events are planned at various times, some during regular working hours and some afterward, to allow inclusive participation for members with families and diverse social needs. I look forward to seeing everyone at the annual holiday party at my house.

I am a first-generation student from a disadvantaged background. Central to my growth as a person was the travel I engaged in as a student. Experiencing new cultures, meeting people with diverse beliefs and talents, and broadening my perspective on cultural values were transformational for a girl from the prairies.

I strive to offer these same opportunities to all members of my group. Every member is provided annual opportunities for national and international travel, which may include conferences or student exchanges through our international partnerships. These experiences foster cultural growth, while also allowing group members to share their research, build networks, and engage with the global scientific community.

Creativity is the heart of research. The culture of overwork in STEM is neither healthy nor effective. Research should be an important focus while you are here, but it is not your only focus.

I strongly support work–life balance, recognizing that group members often juggle academic, financial, familial, and personal responsibilities. Members are actively encouraged to take advantage of Queen’s supports for time management and project planning training, while being sure to focus on mental health and personal well-being. As a night owl myself, I back flexible scheduling that supports diverse lifestyles and responsibilities.