Robert Godin – Group leader
orcid.org/0000-0001-7945-8548
How I got here: B.Sc. @ University of Ottawa, Ph.D. @ McGill University, Postdoc @ Imperial College London
Starting point (hometown): Bathurst, NB
Robert joined The University of British Columbia in July 2018, after spending nearly three years in London, UK. His interests have always been rooted in photochemistry, and now he leads the Solar Energy Conversion and Spectroscopy group. Combining his love of instrumentation and careful analyses, the group is looking to develop advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the spatial and energetic heterogeneities in charge carrier dynamics of low cost, carbon-based photocatalysts. This knowledge allows us to understand the limitations of photocatalytic systems and establish design and preparation guidelines for the next generation of high efficiency materials. When outside of the lab, Robert enjoys taking advantage of the great outdoors, exploring the Okanagan’s wine and craft beer industries, and quietly (for now) rooting for the Montreal Canadiens.
Peter Osei Ohemeng – postdoctoral researcher
How I got here: Mphil from University of Ghana, Legon, Accra
Starting point (hometown): Akim-Oda, Eastern Region, Ghana
Degree Information: Graduated PhD student, Chemistry, UBC Okanagan
Peter has completed a two-year Master’s degree program in Chemistry from the University of Ghana and is currently a PhD student here at UBC Okanaagan. Presently, his research is vastly concentrated on tweaking the morphology of carbon nitride (CNx) as a means of ameliorating its photocatalytic performance towards water purification. Peter will also employ state-of the-art chromatographic techniques to investigate and develop standard procedures for the separation and purification of carbon nitride, all in an effort to unravel the hidden optical properties of the organic semiconductor. He is exceedingly excited to be affiliated to the SolarSpec group and is looking forward to building strong expertise in spectroscopic techniques and semiconductor photocatalysis. Outside working in the lab, Peter takes delight in singing, watching soccer games and exploring new places.
Dr. Muhammad Ashraf – postdoctoral researcher
How I got here: M. Phil. @ University of Malakand, Pakistan, Ph.D. @ King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), KSA, Postdoc @ University College Dublin, Ireland.
Starting point (hometown): Swat, KPK, Pakistan.
Ashraf joined The University of British Columbia in August 2024, after spending five years in Saudi Arabia and nearly one year in Ireland. His research interest is centered at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry and engineering organic semiconductors (specifically carbon nitrides-based nanomaterials) for energy harvesting/ storage applications such as (1) Photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting into molecular hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), (2) Photoreforming of plastic- or biomass-derived waste into organic valuables and “green” H2 fuel (3) Organic transformations (4) Organic photovoltaic (OPV) / perovskite solar cells (PSC) (5) Supercapacitors and Battries.
Ashraf is enthusiastic about joining the SolarSpec group, where he aims to deepen his expertise in spectroscopic techniques and engineer the band gap of carbon nitrides for photoredox catalysis. Outside the lab, he enjoys hiking, watching cricket, and exploring new places.
Sutripto Khasnabis – PhD student
How I got here: Bachelor of Engineering from Ramaiah Institute of Technology, India
Starting point: Kolkata, India
Degree information: PhD student, Chemistry, UBC Okanagan
Sutripto is currently pursuing a PhD at UBC Okanagan. His project is focussed on exploring the area of Transient Absorption Microscopy (TAM) and allied spectroscopic techniques to study the underlying charge transfer phenomena of photoactive materials and interfaces. Sutripto wants to work on the theme of sustainable energy and ultimately contribute to the mitigation of the larger problem, which is the climate crisis. This makes working with the SolarSpec group greatly exciting. Outside the lab, Sutripto takes a lot of interest in travelling, playing badminton and identifies as a food enthusiast. He also (secretly) wishes to be a good swimmer one day.
Sam Morris-Probert – MSc student
How I got here: Graduated from Kelowna Secondary School, Kelowna, British-Columbia
Starting Point (hometown): Kelowna, BC
Degree Information: M.Sc. Student, Chemistry, UBC Okanagan
Sam is in his final year of his bachelors of science, specialising in chemistry. Sam is most interested in using analytical chemistry to help people, and is very excited to work on applicable research with Solarspec. His project is focussed on studying the photodegradation pathways of organochlorines and on determining the concentrations of organochlorines in soil samples. Outside of school and lab work he is an avid fan of table-top RPG’s of many varieties, alpine skiing, going on long walks, and petting dogs.
Hugo Greulich – MSc student (V.I.R.S.)
How I got here : Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
Starting point (hometown) : Geneva, Switzerland
Degree information : M. Sc. Student, Chemistry, EPFL
Hugo is in the final year of his Masters in Chemistry at the EPFL in Switzerland. Within this programme he was able to join the SolarSpec group for a semester project. He will be working on the TAM system, adding the IR range to the existing UV-Vis setup. His love for chemistry is passionate, but Hugo has to share his heart with FC Barcelona, of which he has been a loyal supporter since 2001.
Simon Oliver Angerer – MSc student (V.I.R.S.)
How I got here: Obtained Bachelor’s degree at the University of Regensburg. Currently finishing the international research module for the consecutive Master’s program SynCat.
Starting Point (hometown): Passau, Germany
Degree Information: M.Sc. Student at the University of Regensburg, Visiting International Research Student (V.I.R.S.) at UBC Okanagan
Simon is in the final months of his master’s program SynCat which specializes on synthesis and catalysis and will join the SolarSpec group for a two-month research internship. Simon is most interested in the synthesis of organic compounds by photocatalysis. His project is focused on making different heterogenous photocatalysts and testing their application in organic transformations. Outside of lab work he likes to go hiking, biking or playing boardgames.
Emmanuella Esebor– NSERC USRA undergraduate researcher
How I got here: NorthStar Academy
Starting point: London, Ontario
Degree Information: Undergraduate B.Sc., Biochemistry, UBC Okanagan
Emmanuella is a second-year undergraduate student at UBCO, who is majoring in biochemistry. Emmanuella is excited about working in the SolarSpec lab this summer, as she has always been passionate about chemistry. Her project is focused on incorporating iron into carbon nitrides to remove arsenic from water. When Emmanuella is not working or studying, she enjoys hanging out with friends, playing sports, and playing the piano.
Talia Kantautas – Work study student
How I got here: Graduated from Immaculata Regional High School, Kelowna, British Columbia
Starting Point (hometown): Winnipeg, MB
Degree Information: Undergraduate B.Sc., Chemistry, UBC Okanagan
Talia is a fourth-year student at UBC Okanagan majoring in Chemistry. She is passionate about analytical chemistry and is excited to research the capability of carbon nitride to produce hydrogen as a chemical fuel. When Talia is not in the lab, she enjoys running, hiking and volunteering in the ER at KGH.
And more to come!
We’re always looking for motivated students to join! Check out the Opportunities page for more info.
Group alumni
| Name | Current occupation |
| 2024 | |
| Tianrun Hou | B.Sc (Honour) in Engineering Physics @ The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
| Sujitha Suresh | BS-MS student, Chemistry major @ IISER Pune |
| Rohan Dilip | Undergraduate student @ UBC Okanagan |
| Jessica Valentina Zarama Buritica | Chemical Inventory Coordinator @ UBC Okanagan |
| Cassandra Mesburis | Recent B.Sc. graduate, looking for opportunities |
| Katharina Mazzotti | Recent B.Sc. graduate, looking for opportunities |
| Mitchell Beckedorf | Undergraduate student @ UBC Okanagan |
| Stephanie Busse | Undergraduate student @ UBC Okanagan |
| 2023 |
|
| Jenna Holland |
Undergraduate student @ UBC Okanagan |
| Maryum Asif | Undergraduate student @ UBC Okanagan |
| Alex Barrett | Recent B.Sc. graduate, looking for opportunities |
| Mira Cuthill | Co-op placement @ Distribution Engineering (UBC Okanagan BASc) |
| Chang Liu | Recent M.Sc. graduate, looking for opportunities |
| Yanliang Huang | Master’s student @ Stanford University (Environmental Engineering) |
| Advait Risbud | Undergraduate student @ IIT Bombay |
| 2022 | |
| Kaye Bennett |
MChem student @ York University (UK) |
| Kai Qi | MSc student @ Cornell University |
| Kadie Wert | Environmental Chemist @ |
| Cody Crozier | Hazardous Materials Technician @ Apex EHS Services |
| Laura Stephania Amaya Porras | Graduate from Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Columbia |
| Nicole Alejandra Solano Banuelos | Undergraduate student @ Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico |
| Emma Mitchell | Teaching lab technician @ UBC Okanagan |
| Ziyi Zhang | MSc student @ Simon Fraser University |
| 2021 | |
| Jeremy Waikwa | Undergraduate student @ UBC Okanagan |
| Evan Keenan | Student researcher @ Gold Leaf Technologies |
| James Kivai | Engineer in training @ Primary Engineering |
| Destiny Ellenor | Analytical Chemistry @ Innovate Phytoceuticals |
| Gabrielle Albrecht | Graduate from UBC Okanagan |
| Jasper Pankratz | M.Sc. Graduate from UBC Vancouver |
| 2020 | |
| Oluwayemisi Ogungbemi | @ Amazon |
| Peiwen Guo | Graduate from UBC Okanagan |
| Kshitij Suri | Software Developer @ Design IT Software |
| Quinn Krahn | Student in the UBC Southern Medical Program |
| Muhammad Ismail | College professor |
| Rachael Curry | Technical Manager @ Canned Wine Co. |
| Ethan French | Research Technician at The MGH/HST Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging |
| Abigail Law | |
| Grady Hewlett | Production Laboratory Technician @ BZAM Cannabis, LinkedIn |
| 2019 | |
| Natalie Stapleton | Product manager @ GWI |
| Ahmed Ibrahim | R&D @ Covar Pharmaceuticals |
| Kenny Batke | Account manager @ Weir Minerals |
| Cristian Kwasnek | Pharmacy student @ UBC Vancouver |