News

 

December 3, 2011 - Fraser Valley High School Chemistry Competition

In celebration of the International Year of Chemistry the Department of Chemistry and NSERC Science Promotion, invited several local high schools to compete in a day of chemical challenges. Students were challenged during a full day of fun in the lab by testing their skills in an extraction of a complex mixture, an analytical determination of an unknown sample and a written examination. While all teams exhibited a high level of skill, Yale Secondary School (Abbotsford, BC) won first place, followed by Mountain Secondary School (Langley, BC) and Credo Christian High School (Langley, BC).  

 

November 4, 2011 - Official Opening of the Neufeld Science Centre Expansion including the 2000sq.ft. Chemistry Research Laboratory

The new Neufeld Science Centre research wing was officially opened on November 4, 2011.  In attendance were Honourable Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament, Langley and the Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister Responsible for Energy and Mines, Minister Responsible for Housing, and MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove.  The momentous occasion was the culmination of just over a year of design and construction since breaking ground in August 2010.  The new wing will provide upper level chemistry students and graduate students significantly more research space to obtain the hands-on chemistry experience Trinity graduates are known for.     

 

April 6, 2010 - TWU CHEM Society Career Night

This Tuesday from 7:00 - 8:00 (NEU 36), the TWU Chem Society is holding a career night featuring four TWU chem alumni (a private lab worker, government lab worker, teacher and a grad student).  Each will talk for a few minutes about their career and then we will have a question and answer time.  And of course there will be refreshments!

Even if you are not a chem major or minor, I'm sure that the thoughts shared by our panel will be applicable in a number of different areas, making it a very worthwhile evening.

 

March 24, 2010 - High School Chemistry Expo

The Trinity Western Chemistry Club would like to invite your school to this year’s “Chem Expo.” As usual, we will have a number of different stations set up where students can learn about Chemistry. This may include molecular models, introduction to instruments such as NMR, and basic chemical reactions. Chem Expo will be held in the Neufeld Building on the campus of Trinity Western University on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 from 9 AM to 11:30 AM. We hope you can join us! RSVP to Caitlyn.grypma@mytwu.ca

 

March 18, 2010 - Dr. Don Page - Science and Christianity Lecture

Although Dr. Page is a physicist, please consider attending one or both of our two special lectures sponsored annually by the Vancouver Area Science & Religion Forum, a network which includes a good number of TWU faculty in the sciences as well as other disciplines. Thursday 18 March 2010 Dr. Don Page of the University of Alberta is a highly-regarded theoretical physicist who has worked with Steven Hawking. In recent years he has been speaking and writing in the area of physics & Christianity, at places like Wheaton, New York U, Shandong U (see http://arxiv.org/find/gr-qc/1/au:+Page_D/0/1/0/all/0/1 for examples). At TWU his lectures are as follows: 1:10pm, RNT 121: "Religious and Scientific Faith in Simplicity" 7:30pm, Block Hall: "Philosophical and Theological Implications of a Multiverse" Abstracts are on the TWU Academic Events page: http://www.twu.ca/academics/research/academic-events.html

Brief Bio: Don Nelson Page was born Dec. 31, 1948, in Alaska, where he grew up before studying at William Jewell College, Caltech (under Kip Thorne), and the University of Cambridge (under Stephen Hawking). He taught physics at Penn State University and now at the University of Alberta, where he does research in theoretical gravitational physics. He and his wife Cathy have three biological children, born 1987, 1989, and 1995, and two daughters born in 1993 or 1994 and in 1997 that they adopted in 2000 from Haiti.

March 16-18, 2010 - CHEM 199 Laboratory Special Project Demonstrations 

The purpose of this Special Projects Lab is to allow students to experiment with a project of their choice over the course of a three-week period.  Early in the semester students will form teams, review a number of possible projects, and submit two proposals to their instructor for experimentation as a Special Project. The Special Projects Lab is an opportunity for students to explore an area of chemistry of interest to them which is not covered in the course.  It is also an opportunity for students to demonstrate initiative in their choice and execution of an experimental project. As part of the requirement, on March 16-18th, students will perform a 20min team oral presentation during their regularly schedule lab period. 

CHEMISTRY 199 Lab Special Project Schedule 2010

Section	Room	Time	Project Title
L1	NEU 146	8:10-8:40am	Invisible Inks from Tumeric, Rose Petals and Henna
L1	NEU 147	8:10-8:40am	Synthesis of Wintergreen Oil From Aspirin
L1	NEU 146	8:40-9:10am	Preparation and Demonstration of Ferrofluid
L1	NEU 147	8:40-9:10am	Charles Law
L1	NEU 146	9:10-9:40am	Preparation and Demonstration of Instant Cold/Hot Packs
L1	NEU 147	9:10-9:40am	Ethanol From Newspaper
L1	NEU 146	9:40-10:10am	Determination of Iodine in Seaweed, Kelp and Seaweed Pills
L1	NEU 147	9:40-10:10am	Synthesis of a Cockroach Pheromone
L1	NEU 146	10:10-10:40am	Analytical Determination of Vitamin C in various fruit juices
L1	NEU 147	10:10-10:40am	Petri Dish Clocks
L1	NEU 146	10:40-11:10am	Synthesis of A Cockroach Pheromone
L1	NEU 147	10:40-11:10am	Luminol & Chemilluminescence
L2	NEU146	6:50-7:20pm	Determination of Vitamin C Concentrations by Titration
L2	NEU147	6:50-7:10pm	Qualitative Analysis of the Constituents of Milk
L2	NEU146	7:20-:7:50pm	Cerium-catalyzed Bromate-Malonic Acid
L2	NEU147	7:10-7:30pm	The Determination of Vanillin in Vanilla Extract
L2	NEU146	7:50-8:20pm	Using Balloons for a Dramatic Presentation of the Acid-Bicarbonate Reaction
L2	NEU147	7:30-7:50pm	Resolution of Optically Active Complexes
L2	NEU146	8:20-8:50pm	Rainbow Colours with Mixed Acid-Base Indicators
L2	NEU147	7:50-8:10pm	The Science of Soaps and Detergents
L2	NEU147	8:10-8:30pm	Iodine Fluorescence Quenching Clock Reaction
L2	NEU147	8:30-8:50pm	Luminol
L3	NEU 146	8:20 – 8:45am	Titration using electrical conductance
L3	NEU 146	8:45 – 9:10	Banana ripening
L3	NEU 146	9:10 – 9:35	Cigarette analysis
L3	NEU 146	9:35 – 10:00	Iron in vitamin tablets
L3	NEU 146	10:00 – 10:25	Hydrolysis of aspartame
L3	NEU 146	10:25 – 10:50	Super absorbent polymers
L4	NEU 147	7:00-7:30pm	Converting Municiple Waste into Automobile Fuel (Ethanol from Newspaper)
L4	NEU 147	7:30-8:00pm	Organic Synthesis of Cockroach Pheromone
L4	NEU 147	8:00-8:30pm	Titremetric Determination of CO2 in Pop Rocks
L4	NEU 147	8:30-9:00pm	Dermining amount of Vitamin C in Tablets

  

March 15, 2010 -   Chemistry Research Seminar

 The Department of Chemistry is pleased to welcome Dr. Peter Wilson, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, for a lecture titled ""Natural Product Targets and New Methods for Total and Asymmetric Synthesis" on Monday, March 15th at 7:00pm in NEU 148- Block Hall. This seminar is co-sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the TWU Chemistry Society. For more information, please contact  Dr.Craig Montgomery.  For more information on Professor Wilson's research, please follow the link above for his research program specifics.

 

February 19, 2010 - Chemistry Lab Supervisor Position Open

Position Title Chemistry Laboratory Supervisor 
Application Closing Date March 31, 2010 

Position Summary
Maintains the physical plant and inventory of the chemistry labs; keeps lab equipment repaired and maintained; co-ordinates and supervises all student staff; ensures all required safety procedures are consistently met; assists in the preparation and management of the chemistry laboratory budget. 

Job Standards/Requirements 

Education: B.Sc. in chemistry required. Emergency First Aid required.

Must have 1-2 years previous experience in Lab. preparation and development, operation of advanced analytical equipment and chemical inventory control. 
Superior interpersonal skills with a wide range of students, staff and faculty. Skilled in the handling and resolution of conflict. Skilled in planning work to efficiently and effectively meet deadlines. 

Proven ability to operate and troubleshoot lab. equipment and instrumentation. Aptitude to learn new techniques, instrumentation and computer software. Able to read, understand and apply equipment repair manuals. Ability to manage expenditures within the lab program of the department. Warm-hearted, committed, dedicated and mature evangelical Christian with a keen desire to serve in work, church, family and community. Firm commitment to T.W.U.'s mission, Community Standards and Statement of Faith. Impeccable character and reputation. Pleasing personality with a positive and progressive outlook in the midst of a busy and challenging atmosphere. 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.twu.ca/hr. However, in accordance with Canadian government immigration regulations, this advertisement is directed, in the first instance, to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who will be given priority.

February 11 & 18, 2010 - Mountain Secondary School Chemistry Laboratory Experience

 The Department of Chemistry had the privilege of hosting two session of IB Chemistry students fromt Mountain Secondary School. To increase their laboratory skills, IB students were able to perform two of the experiments TWU first year chemistry students are expected to perform. This included the extraction of caffeine from consumer grade  teabags followed by FTIR & GC-MS analysis. The following week, students were also able to synthesize acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) with subsequent analysis by melting point and infrared analysis.    

January 28, 2010 - TWU Chemistry Society

 All undergraduate chemistry students are invited to attend the TWU Chemistry Society PLANNING MEETING to be held on Thursday, Jan 28 at 11:00 PM in NEU 36. Come and give your thoughts and ideas about Chem Club events this semester. (and have few Timbits!!)

 

December 8, 2009 -Chemistry Christmas Party

In keeping with the tradition, the annual Chemistry Christmas Party with Lasagna Dinner will be held on Tues Dec 8 at 6:00 pm at Dr. Montgomery’s (maps available). All Chemistry students are welcome to attend. Please purchase a ticket for $2 from Club Exec (Crystal, Heather, Kathryn, Tim and Caitlyn) or Dr. Montgomery. 

December 7, 2009- Senior Research Thesis Seminar

In consultation with a faculty advisor, a student in CHEM 409 will propose a chemical research project, which will actually be investigated in the follow up course, CHEM 410. The student however must first do a thorough search of the relevant chemical literature. A specific project proposal is then to be formulated and presented in a written report. This course is intended to develop the skills necessary to conduct a literature review, outline the chemical research that would need to be done, and to communicate that idea in a proficient manner to the Department of Chemistry. Students enrolled in this year's class will present their project December 7th at 4pm (Room Number to be announced). Pizza and pop will be supplied after.

Rose Rogawski - Investigation of the effectiveness of BH₃ as a protection group for Triarylphosphine Ligands 

Hilda Cao - Using Fluorous Biphase Systems to promote [non-disclosed] of [non-disclosed].

Andrew Dawn - The Selective Solubility of Cotton

Rachel Fox - Biochemistry of UNC-53 Synthesis, Purification and Assay

December 2, 2009- Most Creative Christmas Tree 2009

Congratulations to the TWU Chemistry Society for conjuring the most creative Christmas Tree in this year's Spirit of Christmas Tree Decoration contest. The hard work of Chemistry undergrads, Crystal Wuthrich, Tim DeJong, Kathryn Raymond, Kristina Selvig and others resulted in a tree that gave a few round bottom flasks, test tubes, and elements a short break from the harsh life of the chemistry labs. 

November 26, 2009- Christmas Tree Decorating Party

As part of the Great West Life Spirit of Christmas, the Chemistry Society will once again compete to win the prize for the best tree. With the Biology Department out of the competition for this year, the TWU Chemistry Society feels like their chances are good this year. As in past years, the funds raised will be benefiting local charities.

Purpose: Synthesize the most beautiful and clever Chemistry Christmas tree decorations for a winning tree

Materials: Bring any glitter, tinsel, model kits or brilliant ideas

Conclusions: To be drawn by the judges

 

November 25, 2009 - Chemical Institute of Canada Award

The Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) is a professional association of chemists (Canadian Society for Chemistry), chemical engineers (Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering) and chemical technologists (Canadian Society for Chemical Technology) who are employed in, or associated with industry, academia, government and other organizations across Canada and the world.

Each year, the local chapter of the CIC, provides a $100 award to the top 2nd year chemistry student at each university and college.  It is awarded to the student with the highest average in two chemistry courses, one of which is not organic chemistry.  The TWU winner for 08/09 was Elizabeth Kreiter, a music major and chemistry minor.  She received an A in both CHEM 222 (Organic) and 230 (Inorganic).  The winner is also invited to attend a dinner in their honour at the SFU Diamond Club.  Congratulations to Elizabeth!

November 9, 2009- Chemistry Research Seminar

The Department of Chemistry is pleased to welcome Dr. Daniel B Leznoff, Professor of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, for a lecture titled "Ancient Metals in Advanced Materials: Cyanide-based Coordination Polymers" on Monday, November 9th at 7:00pm in NEU 148- Block Hall. This seminar is co-sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the TWU Chemistry Society. For more information, please contact  Dr.Craig Montgomery.  

November 6-7, 2009 - Chemistry and Athletics

Cheer on your fellow Spartan soccer men and women who are undertaking a Chemistry or Science degree while playing varsity sports as they battle in the Canada West Championship's this weekend and next week's CIS National Championship games at University of Toronto and Trinity Western University. Notably, Goal keeper Andrew Kowan, midfielder Nikki Byrne, defender Jilian Dietrich, midfielder Chantelle Whitehead and midfielder Rachel Antionuk.

November 5, 2009 - Pre-Medicine Presentation

Chemistry alum, Simon Moore, now fourth year president of the UBC Medical School along with Dr. Jack Van Dyke, former dean of TWU Faculty of Natural Science will present a Pre-Medicine talk to students interested in pursing medical school November 5, 2009 in Block Hall, 7pm. Simon Moore was recently profiled in a Maclean's article where he discusses the reasons that led him, and many of his colleagues in the MD undergraduate program at UBC, and in schools across Canada, to careers as family practitioners. He was accepted to the Chilliwack community-based integrated program for his third year clerkship, and has returned to Vancouver for his final year. This presentation is sponsored by the the TWU Biology Club.

 

 

October 30-31, 2009- Murdock College Research Conference

Fourth year Chemistry undergrad, Rose Rogawski, presented her NSERC Undergraduate Summer Research Assistant (USRA) project titled "Methodology for the Protection and Deprotection of Triarylphosphines" at the Murdock College Science Research Conference at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Rose was awarded the USRA from the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada which she held under the supervision of Dr.Chad Friesen during the summer. 

 

October 17, 2009 - Fraser Valley High School Chemistry Competition

In celebration of the ACS National Chemical Week theme: "Chemistry - It's Elemental," the Department of Chemistry and NSERC Science Promotion, invited several local high school's to send teams to compete in a day of chemical challenges. Students were challenged during a full day of fun in the lab by testing their skills in organic synthesis of a pharmaceutical drug, analytical testing of a household product and a written examination. While all teams exhibited a high level of skill, W.J. Mouat Secondary School (Abbotsford, BC) won first place, followed by Mountain Secondary School (Langley, BC) and Walnut Grove (Langley, BC). For the full story, click here.

 

August 26, 2009 - New Chemistry Research Wing Addition

The largest TWU project is an addition to the Neufeld Science Centre, which will be a 7,778 square foot wing reserved exclusively for faculty and graduate student research. The new wing will include new chemistry and biology research laboratories, an expanded nursing laboratory and graduate student offices, in addition to ensuring that TWU's sciences research meets federal animal care regulations. The amount of the funding awarded to the expansion was $1, 655,000.00.

August 14, 2009 - Brassicaceae Tissues as Inhibitors of Nitrification in Soil

   J. Agric. Food Chem., 2009, 57 (17), pp 7706–7711

Paul D. Brown† and Matthew J. Morra*‡
† Departments of Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Studies, Trinity Western University, Langley, British Columbia V2Y 1Y1, Canada
‡ Division of Soil and Land Resources, Post Office Box 442339, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844-2339

Brassicaceae crops often produce an unexplained increase in plant-available soil N possibly related to bioactive compounds produced from glucosinolates present in the tissues. Our objective was to determine if glucosinolate-containing tissues inhibit nitrification, thereby potentially explaining this observation. Ammonium, NO2−, and NO3− N were measured in soils amended with Brassicaceae (Isatis tinctoria L., Brassica napus L., Brassica juncea L., and Sinapis alba L.) tissues containing different glucosinolate types and concentrations or Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) residues with equivalent C/N ratios as the Brassicaceae samples. There was greater accumulation of NH4+ N in soils amended with tissues containing high glucosinolate concentrations as compared to soils amended with tissues containing no or low glucosinolate concentrations. Nitrite N was detected only in soils amended with Brassicaceae tissues having the highest glucosinolate concentrations. The positive correlation of both NH4+ and NO2− N accumulation with the glucosinolate concentration indicates the participation of glucosinolate hydrolysis products in nitrification inhibitio

 

June 1, 2009 - Summer Research

First year chemistry undergraduate, Taylor Coft, and third year chemistry student, Rose Rogawski, received highly recognized NSERC Undergraduate Summer Research Awards which allowed these two students to work for 16 weeks as paid research assistants for Trinity Western University Chemistry professors, Dr. Craig Montgomer and Dr.Chad Friesen. Coft worked on metallophosphorane synthesis while Rogawski had an opportunity to work on fluoro-organic project centered around Fluorous Biphase Systems. In addition to these USRA students, third year chemistry student Katie Filion performed analytical polymer research under the supervision of Dr. Jack Van Dyke in an industrial-government partnership for the course of the summer. Under the supervision of Dr. Paul Brown, Simon Stuenenberg and Matt Pavinen were able to perform environmental research on the Langley Bog.   

 

May 28, 2009 - CSC Accreditation

The Department of Chemistry's BSc Chemistry Major, Graduate School Preparation Program and BSc Chemistry, Honours Program received accreditation from the Canadian Society of Chemistry (CSC). The Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) is the national technical association representing the field of chemistry and the interests of chemists in industry, academia and government. This accreditation ensures that educational programs have the potential to prepare graduates to practice their profession in a competent scientific manner.  It also helps to maintain national standards of education by providing an external audit service for programs, and by promoting the portability of the qualifications of graduates from such programs [CSC 2009].

 

 

October 2, 2007 - High School Chemistry Expo

Langley, British Columbia—On Oct. 2, Trinity Western University gave grade 11 and 12 students from Langley and Surrey a preview of opportunities they can look forward to if they pursue a degree in chemistry. The University held its first chemistry exposition, an event showcasing chemical demonstrations at several stations in the University’s science centre, organized by student leaders from TWU’s Chemistry Society.

“We wanted to introduce high school students to what an undergraduate degree in chemistry involves and what they will have opportunities to do at this level,” says Ram Hundal, a fourth-year student who leads TWU’s Chemistry Society.

Over 90 students from CREDO Christian, Langley Christian and Fraser Valley Christian high schools observed instrumentation and chemical demonstrations and interacted with TWU students and professors at the exposition. TWU faculty presented their areas of expertise, with demonstrations ranging from building computerized molecules to creating the polymer material used for hot tub insulation. TWU students also gave demonstrations and shared about opportunities in science with those in attendance.

“The chemistry exposition is something our student organization wanted to host for high school students in the surrounding area,” says Hundal, who coined the idea and planned the event. “Our faculty and whole chemistry department supported this student initiative and worked together to make it happen.”

 

October 11, 2007 - A Win for Green Chemistry

This recycling concept has existed since the early 90s, but Professor Friesen, a specialist in fluorine chemistry, has found a way to make it safer and more efficient by involving a special inert compound.

Metal catalysts have many applications in industry: from paints to plastics to pharmaceuticals. They are also useful in the production of fluorochemicals, whose unique molecular structure prevents them from mixing with water or oil, allowing regular materials to become impermeable to grease or water. They have practical implications in refrigeration, non-stick cookware and building materials.

The key to Professor Friesen's success is that he chose to work with the compound poly(hexafluoropropylene oxide) or poly(HFPO) a non-toxic, non-biocummulative fluorinated ether, an effective lubricant in extreme temperatures and harsh environment—from -100 to 360 oC. Through complex chemical experiments, he found a way to make the “non-sticky” poly(HFPO) backbone “stick” to the catalyst while allowing the reaction to occur. Through this process, the catalyst is removed from the product, removing toxicity and making it available for use again.

The eight-year project was made possible through collaboration with DuPont, one of the world's top research and development corporations, and with research assistance from select TWU chemistry students.

“The fluorous biphase process is extremely important because it significantly reduces energy consumption and business costs,” explains Friesen. “So I wanted to maintain this principle, but alter it so there would be no chance of a harmful byproduct remaining.”

Friesen explains the fluorous biphase process as functioning like the mythical Trojan Horse. The horse is the catalyst in the reaction and the soldiers hiding inside of it are the metal. Once the horse gets past the gate, the metal is released to do the work in the reaction. The horse's tail, which is fluorinated and temperature sensitive, calls the soldiers back into the horse and they leave.

Friesen, 33, is no stranger to cracking difficult problems. At age 25, while working at DuPont, he discovered a use for hazardous chemical byproducts that scientists have been interested in for nearly 40 years.

However, completing this most recent project was a labour of love for Friesen, as funding to complete it has been surprisingly tight.

“It took four years to convince NSERC (The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) that we could solve the problem,” explains Friesen, who was overjoyed when he finally got the news about receiving the grant this year. “I think that at first they were skeptical that we were actually achieving this level of research. In the past TWU has been known for its liberal arts education, not science and research, despite thriving in areas like chemistry, biology, computer studies and nursing.”

The constant rejection for funding, despite consistently meeting the demands of the Council, was discouraging. Friesen and colleague Craig Montgomery, an inorganic chemist at TWU, both became adjunct professors at SFU at the request of NSERC, apparently to affirm their credibility, but they were still denied the grant. Finally, after filing for a patent, demonstrating their relationship with DuPont, collaborating with SFU, and establishing years of consistency, the chemists landed a $100,000 grant—$20,000 a year for five years—and are now able to continue the inventive analysis of fluorous biphase catalysis.

“We've got about 40 different versions of the poly(HFPO) to make and we've made three so far,” says Friesen. “The funding will allow us to hire more graduate and undergraduate researchers and fine-tune the process.”

The funding will allow for more students, like fourth-year Daryl Nyvall, to participate in the research and develop skills. Nyvall is the fifth consecutive TWU student to be offered a year-long paid internship with DuPont. Several of the interns have even been listed on previous patents, thanks to the research they conducted at TWU. If the current patent is approved, Nyvall will be listed as a co-inventor—along with Friesen, a former TWU student a DuPont researcher—for insulated perfluoropolyether alkyl alcohols which utilizes poly(HFPO).

“The internship positions are highly competitive,” says Friesen, “and they're awarded to only the very best. For the last five years we've had one student interning there each year and we've heard back that our students have been stellar.”

September 26, 2007 - TWU Student One Of 11 In Canada To Win Top Science Scholarship From Ottawa

When Cari Maschek left a full scholarship at a major Canadian University to learn in a smaller, more personal environment at Trinity Western University, she never imagined the move would lead her full circle—to another, even larger scholarship. With her high academic standings, strong research skills and extensive leadership opportunities at TWU, Maschek has earned one of Canada’s most prestigious science scholarships called the Post-graduate Studies Scholarship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). She is one of only 11 students in Canada to receive the federal government award in inorganic chemistry. Her scholarship, totaling $34,600 will be granted to her over the next two years.

“It was a big decision to come to Trinity Western,” says Maschek, a South Surrey resident who transferred to TWU after her first year of university studies. “But the atmosphere here allowed me to develop my ability to study and work at my best. It was the better choice and I’ve gotten much more than I ever expected.”

Maschek applied for the NSERC award last fall, while beginning her fourth year of chemistry at TWU and her second year as the head teaching assistant for entry-level chemistry classes at the University. “I know that I have leadership opportunities here, like being a teaching assistant, that I wouldn’t have at most other universities as an undergraduate student,” she admits. “And that really strengthened my application for the award.”

Over the past year, Maschek has also worked closely with Craig Montgomery, PhD, associate professor of chemistry and chair of the department of chemistry. Her senior thesis project is directly related to a larger project Montgomery has been working on for the past two years. Maschek uses a computer system to visually map out how a chemical reaction happens.

Maschek, who will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, has also gained acceptance directly into a chemistry PhD program at Simon Fraser University—a rare feat for an undergraduate student. “Usually students are accepted into a master’s program, and after they show that they can do the work, are accepted into a PhD program,” says Montgomery. “But Cari was accepted directly and unconditionally into the PhD program.”

Maschek will begin the PhD program at SFU this fall. Her career plans include researching and teaching.