Chemistry and Biochemistry - ULethbridge Stories

Shining Student Carl Day

Carl Day began his studies at the University of Lethbridge in 2021, initially planning to pursue a career in accounting. However, after some guidance from his father, Carl made the switch to science, choosing chemistry as his field of study — he’s not a fan of microscopes!

Dr. Jessica Willi Advances Biochemistry Research at ULethbridge

Dr. Jessica Willi, a Swiss biochemist, brings her passion for synthetic biology to ULethbridge as one of the newest faculty members in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

Shining Graduate Taylor Adamitz

Taylor Adamitz's 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.

Alumnus Dr. Dylan Girodat returns to ULethbridge to spark scientific curiosity in students

Dr. Dylan Girodat, originally from Southern Alberta, has returned to his roots at the University of Lethbridge, where he’s eager to give back to the community that shaped his journey.

Dr. Ying Zheng, Instructor III, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

In addition to teaching chemistry to ULethbridge students, Dr. Ying Zheng was one of the founders of the Lethbridge Chinese Cultural Dance Club.

Shining Student Christy Bore

Christy Bore is actively engaged in research at the University of Lethbridge, participating in multiple independent studies and an undergraduate thesis in organic chemistry.

Dr. Susan Findlay, Associate Chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Instructor III

Dr. Susan Findlay fell in love with teaching when she was eight years old and had her first job as a chess tutor. She's been teaching chemistry at ULethbridge for almost 20 years.

Josh McNeil strikes a winning balance between athletics and academics

From the baseball diamond to the chemistry lab, Josh McNeil is learning to keep a lot of balls in the air. The pitcher/catcher with the Prairie Baseball Academy and second-year science student says connecting with teammates and classmates is key.

Ty Dudas finds the formula for success in the lab

Ty Dudas, a third-year neuroscience student at the University of Lethbridge, has truly embraced the institution's liberal education philosophy. While majoring in neuroscience, Ty's curiosity led him to explore other fields, particularly organic chemistry.

Shining Student Uvindu Abeysekara: A journey of academic excellence, research, and community engagement at ULethbridge

With unwavering determination, creativity, and an outgoing nature, Uvindu Abeysekara's ULethbridge journey serves as an inspiration, urging us to seize opportunities and push beyond our comfort zones for a transformative university experience.

Collegiate and high school iGEM teams work to counteract clubroot and aquaculture disease

At the University of Lethbridge, the award-winning undergraduate and high school iGEM teams are spending their summers focusing on separate but critical projects in counteracting clubroot and targeting disease in aquaculture.

From iGEM to innovating antibiotics: Sydnee Calhoun's inspiring journey at ULethbridge

From her early involvement in the iGEM competition to her research in the field of biochemistry, Sydnee Calhoun (MSc '23 (BSc Co-op '19)) has left an indelible mark on the University and the world of scientific innovation.

Shining Student Ty Dudas

Third-year neuroscience student Ty Dudas embraces ULethbridge’s liberal education philosophy and takes courses outside his major. This discovery led him to organic chemistry and research he hopes will be used to make new medicines and agrochemicals cheaper.

Shining Student Veda Hegde

Participating in research and her graduate studies supervisor's support has helped master's student Veda Hegde evolve into a strong and independent researcher at the University of Lethbridge, where she has trained a few undergraduate students in the Thakor lab and emerged as a student leader.

Shining Student Matthew Cameron

When choosing where to pursue a degree in biochemistry, ULethbridge was an obvious choice for Shining Student Matthew Cameron because of his familiarity with the campus, and the liberal education foundation that lets students develop knowledge in various disciplines.

Shining Student Zachary Robinson

After completing many independent studies and a summer work term in Dr. Trushar Patel’s lab, Shining Student Zachary Robinson decided that scientific research was something he wanted to pursue long-term.

Shining Student Makay Murray (BSc ‘19)

Makay Murray (BSc '19) hopes to one day work in the field of drug discovery and design to help eradicate the next big disease. After excelling in chemistry research as an undergraduate student at ULethbridge, Makay decided to stay on and pursue his master's and then his doctorate.

Shining Student Briana Boychuk

ULethbridge has a solid computational chemistry research program, incredible faculty and excellent facilities. When Briana Boychuck realized she wanted to pursue a life-long career in research, ULethbridge seemed to be a perfect fit.

Dr. Laura Keffer-Wilkes (MSc ’12, PhD ’16)

"I always loved science growing up and often gave my family impromptu lectures about all the cool things I learned in class that day."

Shining Student Ally De Jonge

Shining Student Ally De Jonge discovered archaeology by taking courses outside of her major. This past summer, she was privileged to be part of a team of students to excavate at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

Shining Student Julia Stroud

In diving headfirst into the world of research, Shining Student Julia Stroud decided to make herself uncomfortable to try something she had no predisposition to, and she's glad she did as her career path has been positively changed.

Shining Student Ashley Vuong

From a very young age, some people know exactly what they want to do when they "grow up." For Shining Student Ashley Vuong, her calling was to become a teacher. And while she changed majors from biological sciences to chemistry after her first semester, she has never wavered from becoming a teacher.

Q&A with Fall 2022 graduate Elizabeth Trofimenkoff

Connect with new Master of Science (chemistry) graduate Elizabeth Trofimenkoff (BSc '20, MSc '22) on her experiences at ULethbridge.

Shining Student Fabian Rohden

A chance meeting with a uLethbridge student in Egypt inspired Shining Student Fabian Rohden to continue his studies combining biochemical research with science policy at the U of L.

Shining Graduate Rebecca Ha

Shining Graduate Rebecca Ha (BSc '22) chose uLethbridge because of its inclusivity and smaller class sizes, allowing greater opportunity to make connections with her professors and peers.