Kate McAvan Stephens
MSc Chemistry Student
Honours BSc Chemistry with Thesis
Wilfrid Laurier University
[email protected]
Kate's LinkedIn

Kate is a graduate student working towards her MSc in Chemistry following the completion of her BSc Honours Chemistry degree with Thesis with the Dawe Research Group. Kate has 5+ years of laboratory experience as an analytical chemistry technician and analyst. Kate currently focuses on the design of new small molecules via ligand design and enjoys working as a team to aid in the understanding of structure-function relationships of new materials. Kate plans to graduate from her MSc in Spring 2027 and pursue further graduate studies. Outside of the lab, Kate enjoys hobbies such as camping, rock-climbing, sports and playing board/card games with friends and family. 

Undergraduate Thesis Title: Exploring Domino Reactions of Aminopyrazole Ligands with Carboxaldehydes: Tuning for Improved Molecular Design
Recipient of the Inorganic Poster Award (Undergraduate) at the CSC 2025
Recipient of a Poster Award at CSC 2025 in the Crystalline Materials: Structure to Function Symposium

 

 

Dylan Murray
Undergraduate Student (BSc Physics and Chemistry)
Wilfrid Laurier University
[email protected]
Dylans's LinkedIn

Dylan’s summer research is focused on crystal engineering via functionalization of pyrazole based ligands. Dylan is graduating in the summer of 2027 and plans to pursue graduate studies in the field of crystallography. Ouside of the lab, Dylan is a varsity athlete on the swim team at Wilfrid Laurier University and enjoys reading, skating, hiking and spending quality time with friends and family. 

NSERC-USRA Award Recipient 2026

 

Alexander Ichine
Undergraduate Student (BSc Biochemistry and Biotechnology)
Wilfrid Laurier University
[email protected]
Alex's LinkedIn

Alex is an undergraduate student working towards a bachelor's degree of biochemistry and biotechnology. His summer research is focused on filling knowledge gaps in regard to fluorescent urea and thiourea ligand systems. Alex is graduating in 2028, planning to pursue a medical degree, and eventually doing research in the medical field. Outside the lab, Alex is involved in intramural badminton, rock climbing, hiking, spending time with friends, and enjoys reading about interesting science discoveries.