A recent national conference has showcased that the research output from a predominantly undergraduate institution can be impactful and leave lasting impressions on the national and international stage.
The StFX Chemistry Department had a large delegation, both of faculty and students, attend and receive terrific feedback on their research work during the 108th Canadian Society for Chemistry Conference and Exhibition (CSC 2025) held in Ottawa, ON from June 15-19, 2025.
"This conference is the largest national gathering of the discipline each year and is a critical event for both faculty and student, facilitating networking and scientific discussion. This year, we were fortunate to send a large cohort to Ottawa, four faculty and three students, one of the largest groups from the Maritimes and the largest from the Maple League," says chemistry professor and attendee Dr. Geniece Hallett-Tapley.
"For the students, this event is exceptionally important for both growing scientific communications skills, but also to support networking for future employment and graduate school opportunities."
All department members, Dr. Alex Foo, Dr. Geniece Hallett-Tapley, Dr. Gerry Marangoni, and Dr. Shah Razul, presented contributions on the research taking place in their respective laboratories at StFX. The students, Leah Baylis, Anna Mulak, and Sydney Palmer, all presented poster contributions of their current research and received wonderful feedback from their national colleagues.
"Many individuals were amazed at the level of experiential exposure and autonomy that our undergraduate students are afforded, akin to junior graduate students at most larger institutions," Dr. Hallett-Tapley says.
"The student successes are a testament to the overall vision of our institution putting student education as a top priority."
Synopsis of student presentations:
- Leah Baylis presented on her use of light-generated hydrogen for improvements in industrially relevant reductions.
- Anna Mulak presented on her work related to improving the efficiency of light-generated hydrogen fuels.
- Sydney Palmer presented on her ongoing collaboration with the MacQuarrie group at CBU examining the use of light-activated biochar materials for novel pollutant remediation strategies.
