Robert Godin – Group leader

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.

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.

Jesus Jair Hurtado Campos – MSc Student

How I got here: B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta, Edmonton AB
Staring Point (hometown): Colima, Mexico

Degree information: M.Sc. student, Chemistry, UBC Okanagan

After working in research and development for companies, Jesus has joined UBCO to receive further research experience and obtain a Master’s degree in Chemistry. Jesus is very keen on serving as a bridge between academic research and innovative real-world application development. That is why he aims to focus his project on the potential applications of organic photocatalysts such as carbon nitride, which can pave the way for the eventual design of viable larger-scale photoreactors. He loves working in a lab setting and appreciates the opportunity to do so, as he feels like a fish in water there. In his leisure, Jesus enjoys the outdoors, watching sports, playing poker, chess, and gardening.

Emmanuella Esebor– Honour’s and work-study student

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.

Sammy Kalny – Directed studies student

How I got here: Graduated from Bowness High School, Calgary, Alberta
Starting point: Calgary, Alberta

Degree information: Undergraduate B.Sc., Chemistry, UBC Okanagan

Sammy is in her final year of her undergraduate degree, majoring in Chemistry. She has a keen interest in analytical chemistry and is passionate about using her work to make a difference in her community. Her research is focused on the size distribution of organic compounds in drinking water, and how the sizes of these compounds play a role in disinfection byproduct formation. In her free time, you can find Sammy skiing and snowboarding, hiking, or volunteering at the BCSPCA.

Easton Bates – Honours student

How I got here: Graduated from Joane Cardinal-Schubert, Calgary, Alberta
Starting Point (hometown): Calgary, AB