Yanwen was born in Zhuozhou, but grew up in Tangshan and Beijing, China. She came to University of Alberta in 2015 and joined the Tykwinski group in winter 2019 as a CHEM 401 student.
Kate was born in Canton, China and completed her BSc degree at the University of Alberta. During her study at the University of Alberta, she joined Dr. Vladimir Michaelis’ group to investigate dental material components using solid-state synthetical method. This work provoked her interest in doing inorganic research. Afterwards, she pursued this interest by joining Dr. Arthur Mar’s Group to study quaternary chalcogenides systems. In 2019–2020, Kate did her internship at Gilead, where she found her interest in organic synthesis. With a curiosity in highly conjugated molecules, she decided to pursue her Ph.D. degree at University of Alberta in Dr. Rik Tykwinski’s group.
During her free time, Kate likes singing, playing guitar and doing different sports.
Munashe was born in Zimbabwe and did his primary and high school in Zimbabwe. He got a presidential scholarship to study in South Africa at the University of Johannesburg. In his undergraduate he did a BSc in Biochemistry and Chemistry, then BSc honors in Chemistry. He also did an MSc in Chemistry with Prof H.H. Kinfe working on synthesis of carbohydrate based thiochrams analogues as potential anti-malarial drugs. He then moved to the University of Alberta to pursue his PhD studies in 2019 and joined the Tykwinski/Stryker groups.
Shedrack hails from Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry (BSc. Industrial Chemistry) from Ebonyi State University in 2014. Subsequently, in 2019, he completed his master’s degree in Chemistry (MSC. Organic Chemistry) at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He embarked on his doctoral journey in fall 2022 as a Ph. D. student in the Tykwinski group at the University of Alberta. His research focusses on the synthesis and characterization of linear and cyclic ployynes. Outside of academia, Shedrack finds joy in singing, track events, and all things chemistry.
Dominic Lavergne Bio coming soon.
Hossein graduated with honors from the Faulty of Pharmacy at the University of Rome Torvergata. He then moved to the University of Alberta where he received his MSc in Chemical Biology. Currently Hossein is pursuing his PhD in organic synthesis with the Tykwinski group.
Taoran was born in Tangshan, China and completed her BSc with honors in Chemistry at the University of Alberta. She completed her undergraduate research under the supervision of Professor Derda, then joined the Tykwinski group as a graduate student in 2024.
Vish was born in Surat, India, and completed his undergraduate studies in Ontario, Canada, where he conducted research with Dr. Ken Maly, WLU. During this time, he explored TADF molecules and polycyclic hydrocarbons, sparking his interest in the photophysical properties of acenes. Vish is now pursuing his graduate studies in Dr. Rik Tykwinski’s group, focusing on the synthesis and study of acene derivatives for singlet fission applications. Outside lab, Vish loves to travel and cook multi cuisine food.
