Research
Jeella Acedo, PhD – Associate Professor
My research program is on the discovery and characterization of peptide antimicrobials. Research projects involve interdisciplinary fields (i.e., biochemistry, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, natural products research, and bioinformatics). Students who are interested in doing research projects should contact me at jacedo@mtroyal.ca. Applicants must have completed BCEM 2201 (General Biochemistry) and preferably BCEM 3201 (Protein Biochemistry). Please submit a copy of your CV, transcript, and cover letter highlighting your career goals and research interests.
For more information, visit our group website: bit.ly/acedogroup
Nathan Ackroyd, PhD - Professor
My wet-lab research is mostly in the area of multi-step synthesis of potentially useful organic or organo-metallic compounds. With Susan Morante, I am beginning to work on the identification of bee hair pigments. Students with a background of CHEM 3103 and/or 3201 may look for a project using their spectroscopy or synthesis skills.
Students who are interested in working, either as a volunteer or for CHEM 5201 during Fall or Winter semesters are welcome to set an appointment to discuss more specifics. Email me at nackroyd@mtroyal.ca.John Chik, B.Sc., PhD - Associate ProfessorMy personal research interests crosses the boundaries between chemistry, physics and biology. I am particularly interested in how the cellular solution environment shape protein structure and function. My main focus is on how osmotic stress/crowding could potentially modulate protein conformation. The primary tool for this research is hydrogen/deuterium-exchange mass spectrometry using Mount Royal's newly acquired LTQ XL mass spectrometer coupled with the Accela UPLC. I am also interested in using this powerful instrumentation to conduct proteomic, metabolomic and other biochemical research. Although I focus on using mass spectrometry methods, I am open to using any and all technologies that can result in novel insights into an interesting question or problem. Website: https://sites.google.com/mtroyal.ca/johnchik
Karen Ho, MSc, B.Sc., EdD - Senior Laboratory Instructor
My research focuses on supporting post-secondary students’ meaningful learning in a science laboratory setting. Using a design-thinking approach, I am interested in designing laboratory curricula that utilize the elements of transdisciplinary learning, research experience, or community service learning to foster students’ epistemic fluency. My recent project involves the use of different reflective strategies to facilitate students' multiple ways of knowing.
I am always looking for passionate students who are interested either in volunteering, paid, or taking Directed Readings and Independent Projects. Please contact me at kho@mtroyal.ca. Please submit me a copy of your CV, unofficial transcript, a brief statement on your research interest and why you would like to join my team.
For more information, visit my site: https://karen-ho.weebly.com/
Christopher Lovallo, PhD - Associate Professor
Research Interests: Many chemical reactions that cannot be easily performed in the lab can be modeled with a computer. In other cases, a model can add in the understanding of the detailed bonding or energy of a chemical process. My current projects involve the computational study on modeling metals in liquid helium, along with side projects on modeling transition metal complexes. I am also interested in the use of technology to teach undergraduate chemistry, particularly as it relates to so-called "dry" chemistry labs.
List of Projects: I am looking to accept CHEM 5201 students for projects involving chemical education or chemical modeling. Knowledge of quantum mechanics is not required; a hard worker who is willing to learn is what I am looking for.
Recent Publications and Presentations:
Lovallo, C.C., & Klobukowski, M. (2015) Comparison of Xenon and Radon Metal Halides. Chemical Physics Letters, 638, 249.
Fitzsimmons, A., Shim, J., Klobukowski, M., & Lovallo, C. C. (2011) Model Core Potential Studies of Radon Chemistry, Presented at World Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists 2011 Conference.
Lovallo, C. C., Zeng, T., & Klobukowski, M. (2009, June 29). DFT / iMCP as a Tool for Organometallic
Chemistry. Presented at 64th ACS Northwest Regional Meeting (Tacoma, WA).
Lovallo, C. C. (2012) "The Chemistry Between Us": How a General Education Course Can Help Bring Context into Introductory Chemistry. Presented at the 39th College Chemistry Canada Conference, Calgary, AB.
Lovallo, C. C. (2011) The Bohr Model at (Almost) 100: Is It Relevant in the 21st Century? Presented at the 38th College Chemistry Canada Conference, Montreal, QC.
Nausheen Sadiq, PhD - Assistant Professor
My research program focuses on keeping Canadians safe by studying food, water and soil at the elemental level. By continuing the work I have conducted in my PhD, my postdoctoral fellowship and in industry, I hope to use my expertise in ICP-MS and metals analysis in order to determine the risk and benefits associated with the world around us!
The research being conducted will create a group of motivated, engaged and successful analytical chemists. By creating a safe and welcoming collaborative environment, the students will have the opportunity to learn and grow. Each project can be split up into summer research, 5201/5202 research projects or be conducted throughout the year, whatever is deemed the most appropriate.
Current projects of interest are:
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Optimization of multi-elemental bio-accessibility study to streamline studies with artificial body fluids.
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Utilization and confirmation of methods by conducting food analysis, beginning with GMO crops.
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Conduct a glacier to river analysis starting at the Athabasca Glacier and spanning to the bow river in Calgary.
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Explore soils from various farm land and abandoned oil sites to develop a baseline and potential areas of enhanced exposure.
The above list is a jumping off point and I encourage students (you) to bring your own ideas for projects that you would like to explore further. If interested in working with me, please reach out via email at nsadiq@mtroyal.ca.
Dylan Webb, PhD - Assistant Professor
You want to blow stuff up? Make a fire or two? Or how about some drugs? My research program involves organometallics, combining the world of hydrocarbons with that of metals. We learn how to properly handle dangerous materials and sensitive procedures all to generate compounds ripe for the pharmaceutical industry.
My desire is to get students in the lab to do something practical, fun, and engaging. We want to synthesize novel compounds, which means making compounds that haven't been made before, and use them as catalysts or as pharmaceuticals to combat diseases such as cancer. Currently we are using cannabinoids as our starting material. We've been scoping out the reactions necessary to generate cannabinoid-based metal complexes.
I am also open to other projects that involve synthesis, so feel free to reach out if you are interested in a directed reading (CHEM4299) or an independent project (CHEM5201 & 5202). Otherwise, I'm happy to take on volunteers if there's space in the group. If things go well, there are funding opportunities available.
Flick me an email: dwebb@mtroyal.ca or check out my research website: https://nzwebbdylan.wixsite.com/webb-lab