Shining Graduate Taylor Adamitz

Taylor Adamitz's (MSc '24) academic career at the University of Lethbridge took an exciting turn when his professor invited him to research tungsten hexafluoride during the summer. This experience ignited his passion for pursuing a master’s degree in chemistry focused on industrial applications.

Learn more about this exceptional graduate in the Q&A below!

Meet Taylor: Creative. Honest. Loyal.
Hometown: Stony Plain, Alberta
Program: Master of Science | Major: Chemistry

Get to know the professors in your field of interest. ULethbridge, especially in the sciences, has amazing undergraduate opportunities that give you hands-on academic research experience.

Why did you choose to pursue graduate studies at ULethbridge?

I was approached by Dr. Michael Gerken asking if I would like to work with him during the summer. After obtaining a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Undergraduate Research Award, I was able to research the Lewis acid behaviour of tungsten hexafluoride.

I continued this research as an independent study in my final year of my bachelor's degree and approached Michael if he had an opening for another graduate student. He said he'd be delighted to take me on as a master's degree student — and the rest is history.

What does your research focus on? What do you hope your research achievement will accomplish?

My research focuses on Lewis acid behaviour of tungsten hexafluoride as it pertains to mixed ligands, tridentate terpyridine, and phosphine oxides. The goal is to better understate the reactivity and other properties of this powerful oxidizer and resulting products of reaction and translate them into industrial applications.

What advice would you like to give those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

Get to know the professors in your field of interest. ULethbridge, especially in the sciences, has amazing undergraduate opportunities that give you hands-on academic research experience. This can also give you an edge in the market if you just want a bachelor's degree, or test the waters if you want a master's degree.

Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?

I'd like to thank Felix O’Donnell for being an amazing mentor both in the lab and in my personal life; for answering my endless questions as an undergraduate; providing me the computational data used in this thesis; and trouble shooting during my research. Also for enduring my quirks, as well as tirades and speeches on numerous topics, shared music, and provided sincere advice that helped to shape me as a person.

Did you receive scholarships and awards? If so, please tell us a bit about how they helped you throughout your studies.

I have received the Indspire Building Brighter Futures Award, the Dissemination Travel Award and the Dr. Barbara June Whitlock Chemistry Scholarship. These awards, in tandem with those garnered from my undergrad, have enabled me to graduate from my master's without student debt.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

My plan is to enter the work force, preferably in the research and development sector or in analytical chemistry. I hope to then translate this into a government research position securing good benefits and wages for me and my family.