In our Catalyzing Chemistry series, we talk to the department's graduate students about their research, interests, and the journeys that brought them to U of T.
Bio: Lucan Clair is from the small town of Campbellford, ON and did his undergrad in chemistry at Queen's University. During his undergrad, Lucan performed two research projects under the supervision of Dr. Cathleen Crudden and Dr. Paul Duchesne. Lucan is very excited to come to Toronto, to work with Professor Datong Song, and to gain valuable research experience in organometallic/inorganic chemistry and catalysis.
Campus: St. George (downtown)
Area of Study: Inorganic Chemistry
Research Group: The Song Research Group
What branch of chemistry do you specialize in, and whose research group have you joined?
I specialize in Inorganic Chemistry! I am a member of the Song Group, a lab which I came to join for the availability of my specific project: the design and synthesis of organometallic catalyst complexes for use in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide into methanol, the latter being an important industrial feedstock.
What excites you about this area of research?
Catalysis, particularly in the realm of organometallic chemistry, is exciting as its applications provide possible ways to reverse the runaway greenhouse effect, thereby combatting global warming and climate change!
What are you looking forward to most as you begin your graduate studies at U of T?
I am looking forward to meeting new people and collaborating with fellow graduate students on chemistry research!