Executive Members
Co-Presidents
Erin Giroux
Erin is currently an MSc student in the Applied Bioscience program at Ontario Tech University. She is completing her research in the Forensic Chemistry & Materials Lab under the supervision of Dr. Theresa Stotesbury, focusing on characterizing the elemental and molecular degradation of blood pools. Prior to starting her Masters, Erin completed her Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree at Trent University, which included the completion of an undergraduate research thesis. When she's not in school mode, Erin enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and dog Penny
Adelheid Willsie
Adelheid is currently in the second year of her Master's at Trent in Environmental and Life Science. She also did her undergraduate at Trent in Forensic Chemistry. During her undergrad, Adelheid completed an undergraduate thesis on drug detection using electrochemistry, which was her first experience with independent research. After undergrad, she decided to continue her education in Chemistry with a master's where she pivoted to studying environmental chemistry.
Adelheid's current research in Dr Hintelmann's lab is on mercury in the environment. With her master's Adelheid has had the opportunity to go on two field sampling trips to a fly-in community in Northern Quebec in winter and summer.
VP Internal
Colin Elliott
Colin is currently a PhD candidate in Applied Bioscience at Ontario Tech University under the supervision of Dr. Theresa Stotesbury. Previously, Colin obtained a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science (BScFS) from Trent University, where his honours thesis analyzed the RNA degradation in bloodstains to estimate their time since deposition (TSD). Colin’s PhD research couples the rheological characterization of DNA extracts from bloodstains with fluorimetry for TSD estimations. In his spare time, Colin enjoys walks in nature, working out and watching and playing just about any sport.
cassandra
defrancesco
Cassie is a part-time PhD student in the Interdisciplinary Social Research program researching chemistry education under the supervision of Dr. Shannon Accettone and is also a full-time chemical technician at Trent University. She previously obtained her MSc In Environmental and Life Sciences focusing on aquatic chemistry of the Arctic Ocean, and a BSc in Chemistry and Forensic Science, both from Trent. In her free time, Cassie likes to play the saxophone, take photos, and hangout with her cats.
VP Events
Secretary
Meilin is currently an MSc in the Materials Science program at Trent University. She is currently under the supervision of Dr. Eric Keske, developing a facile route to synthesizing highly tunable ligands, more specifically, NHCs. She completed my Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Trent University. In her spare time, Meilin likes to explore new places for hiking and she loves snowboarding in the winter!
Faith freake
Faith is currently a MSc. student at Ontario Tech University, focusing on the Forensic concentration of Applied Bioscience. Her project, under the supervision of Dr. Theresa Stotesbury, will investigate bloodstain detection and enhancement in different environmental conditions. Prior to her MSc, Faith graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Joint Honours BSc. in Chemistry and Biochemistry, alongside a Certificate in Criminology. Faith enjoys spending time in the lab, nature and traveling!
Treasurers
Kyle is an international student from the Philippines in his 2nd year of the Material Science program at Trent University. He is currently developing organic-inorganic hybrid flocculants for the remediation of mature fine tailings under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Vreugdenhil. Previously, He received my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Minor in Mathematics at Trent University, where his undergraduate thesis was on developing a hybrid material for carbon dioxide capture. He enjoys playing basketball, cooking, and traveling when he isn't in the lab.
Daisee completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Forensic Biology with a minor in Chemistry in May and is now a master's student at Ontario Tech University. Outside of research, Daisee enjoys reading and travelling.
Undergrad Reps
Sharen is currently in her second year of the honors science program Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a specialization in health science and an option in pre-med. She is more than excited to be a part of the OTT-WIC family as an undergraduate representative and about the prospect of contributing to OTT-WIC's efforts in promoting inclusivity and making a positive impact in the field of chemistry. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and connecting with nature.
Valerie is a third year chemical physics student at Trent University with a particular interest in environmental and sustainable chemistry. She is currently researching more environmentally friendly alternatives to industrial grade traffic paint out of personal interest. Outside of her studies she enjoys painting and am a multi-instrumentalist.
Undergrad Reps
Skyler is an international student from Trinidad and Tobago in her third year of the Honours Science program Biological Science at Ontario Tech with a specialization in Life Sciences and a minor in Sustainability Studies. Outside of academics she works to promote sustainable and inclusive practices on campus as a Sustainability Champion. In her free time she enjoys gardening, baking and listening to Soca.