Robert Godin – Group leader
orcid.org/0000-0001-7945-8548How 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 Research Fellow
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.
Dr. Brian Tam – Postdoctoral Research Fellow
How I got here: B.Sc. Combined Honours in Physics and Chemistry @ UBC Vancouver, Ph.D. in Physics @ Imperial College London, Postdoc in Chemistry @ Imperial College London
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Brian returned to the University of British Columbia in March 2026 after about seven years of PhD and postdoctoral research in London, UK. In the SolarSpec group he is using Transient Absorption Microscopy (TAM) (yes, the punchline writes itself) and complementary spectroscopic techniques to improve our understanding of charge carrier transport. This work aims to ultimately improve the energy conversion efficiency of photo(electro)catalysts. Candidate materials include carbon nitride-based photo-absorbers and co-catalysts that can be used to promote green hydrogen and renewable solar fuels production. In his spare time, Brian enjoys running 10 km to half-marathon distances, hiking, and outrigger canoeing with the global paddling ohana.
Sam Morris-Probert – PhD 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.
Julia Knapp – PhD student (V.I.R.S.)
How I got here: B. Sc. @ Universität Bielefeld and Université de Paris; M. Sc. @ Universität Leipzig and Ohio University
Staring Point (hometown): Munich, Germany
Degree information: PhD student, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Germany
Julia joined the University of British Columbia in September 2026 for a three-month research stay as part of her PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany. Her research interests are centered on the light-matter interactions of titanium-based metal-organic frameworks. During her time at UBCO, she will investigate various Ti-MOFs using transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS). Outside of the lab, she enjoys hiking, baking, and traveling.
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 |
| 2026 | |
| Sutripto Khasnabis | Recent PhD graduate from UBC Okanagan |
| Emmanuella Esebor | Recent B.Sc. graduate from UBC Okanagan |
| Easton Bates | Chemistry Technician @ Saltworks Technologies |
| Sammy Kalny | Recent B.Sc. graduate from UBC Okanagan |
| Talia Kantautas | Recent B.Sc. graduate from UBC Okanagan |
| 2025 | |
| Luke Kline | Undergraduate student @ Amherst College |
| Raad Sarker | Undergraduate student @ UBC Okanagan |
| Stella Widjaja | Undergraduate student @ UBC Okanagan |
| Peter Osei Ohemeng | Lecturer in Chemistry, Okanagan College |
| Amaya Perry | Recent B.Sc. graduate, looking for opportunities |
| Erick Jo Prada | PhD student @ University of São Paulo, Brazil |
| 2024 | |
| Hugo Greulich | Recent MSc graduate from EPFL |
| Simon Angerer | PhD student, Chemistry @ Universität Regensburg |
| Tianrun Hou | Masters student @ Yale University |
| Sujitha Suresh | BS-MS student, Chemistry major @ IISER Pune |
| Rohan Dilip | Undergraduate student @ UBC Okanagan |
| Jessica Valentina Zarama Buritica | Project manager @ Prelabs Inc. |
| Cassandra Mesburis | PhD student, Chemistry @ University of Toronto |
| Katharina Mazzotti | Research Associate @ CrushDynamics |
| Mitchell Beckedorf | Medical student @ University of Calgary |
| Stephanie Busse | Undergraduate student @ UBC Okanagan |
| 2023 |
|
| Jenna Holland |
Recent B.Sc. graduate from UBC Okanagan |
| Maryum Asif | Pharmacy student @ UBC Vancouver |
| Alex Barrett | Inventory manager @ Ten-ten Ventures |
| 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 | PhD student, Chemistry @ University of Chicago |
| Saiya Gill | Medical Student @ University of Galway |
| 2022 | |
| Haris Vidimlic | IT Project Manager @ Niagara Catholic District School Board |
| Kaye Bennett |
MChem student @ York University (UK) |
| Kai Qi | MSc student @ Cornell University |
| Kadie Wert | Environmental Chemist @ |
| Cody Crozier | Hazardous Materials Professional @ WSP Canada |
| Laura Stephania Amaya Porras | Graduate from Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Columbia |
| Nicole Alejandra Solano Banuelos | Graduate from Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico |
| Emma Mitchell | Teaching lab technician @ UBC Okanagan |
| Ziyi Zhang | MSc student @ Simon Fraser University |
| 2021 | |
| Jeremy Waikwa | Intern @ Parallel 49 Brewing |
| Evan Keenan | Founder, Boreal Hydrogen Geosciences Ltd. |
| James Kivai | Engineer in training @ Primary Engineering |
| Destiny Ellenor | Analytical Chemistry @ Innovate Phytoceuticals |
| Gabrielle Albrecht | Veterinary Assistant |
| 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 | Medical Student @ 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 |