Today's Elements of Success features undergraduate Matthew Chow, who tells us about his research into asymmetric catalysis, soccer fandoms, and his time as a summer research exchange student at the National University of Singapore.
Bio: Hi! My name is Matthew Chow (he/him), and I am currently in my 4th year of studies at the St. George Campus pursuing a degree in the Synthetic and Catalytic Chemistry Specialist programme. I am an international student from Hong Kong and was honoured to be a recipient of the International Scholar Award back in 2022. Right now, I am a member of Professor Mark Taylor's research group, working on my CHM499 thesis focused on asymmetric catalysis.
I have previously participated in multiple research opportunities thanks to different funding sources, including the Summer Research Exchange Programme Award in 2024 and the University of Toronto Excellence Award (UTEA) in 2025. Outside of the lab, I like to listen to and discover new music (R&B, jazz/jazz rap, indie pop, etc.), play around with my film cameras, do some sports (bouldering, soccer...), and get unhealthily attached to Chelsea as they somehow find ways to fumble match after match every time.
Please tell us a little about your current research project.
I am currently working with Professor Mark Taylor for my CHM499 thesis. My project is actually an extension of what I did back in summer 2025 when I joined the same group as a UTEA scholar, where I optimised the synthesis of azole hemiaminal oxalates. What I am trying to do right now is to use those oxalate species and subject them to reductive nickel-catalysed conditions, forming radical species that can be coupled with aryl halides in an enantioselective manner.
I am enjoying my time at the Taylor group a lot, as what I'm doing aligns perfectly with my research interests in the field of synthetic organic chemistry. Shoutout to my mentor (also Matthew) and other members of the group for creating such a caring and fun environment both inside and outside of the lab!
My journey in chemistry began back in high school when a close friend (he's probably one of the smartest and most passionate chemists I've ever met) introduced me to the textbook Organic Structures from Spectra by Field, Kalman, and Sternhell. We would work through practice problems after class, trying to figure out the structures of organic molecules through analysing the given NMR and IR spectra. I was captivated by this process of puzzle-solving in elucidating complex structures. I then developed a strong passion for synthetic organic chemistry as I found an inspiring parallel between the two, where one forges meaning by assembling seemingly simple building blocks. We also worked in the same laboratory as high school student interns, which deepened my interest in hands-on laboratory work.
Can you recall a moment when chemistry blew your mind?
In a publication from 1996, Bohacek and coworkers postulated that there are more than 1063 possible molecules with molar masses between 500-1000 g/mol composed solely of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulphur. Not even the total amount of carbon in the entire universe is sufficient to make one copy of each!
What advice do you have for undergraduates considering a speciality in chemistry?
As I like to quote, "Opportunities present themselves to those who have prepared." Put yourself out there and don't be afraid to reach out, whether you're asking for help with course content or seeking research opportunities. Being proactive is key! Most important of all, have fun with chemistry. Go and explore the different subfields and find the one that truly excites you.
What can you tell us about your time as a research exchange student?
My time as a summer research exchange student has been truly memorable. In summer 2024, I travelled to the other side of the globe and conducted organometallic research at the National University of Singapore. I was exposed to a new environment and laboratory cultures, as well as colleagues who were the most supportive and fun to be around with. If you have the opportunity to participate in any research abroad experiences, go for it!
You have been working as a casual undergrad lab technician this semester. What led to this… and what can you tell me about that experience?
My course load for fall 2025 is relatively light, so I decided to sign up for the technician role when Professor Dicks advertised it. I am mainly responsible for lab changeovers, where I help with waste disposal, preparation of reagents used, and other miscellaneous tasks. The time commitment is not too bad as I devote around 4-5 hours per week. I think it is interesting and meaningful to learn more about the behind-the-scenes work in the practical sessions we all have participated in — it has made me more aware of proper waste disposal and the importance of keeping everything tidy in general.
Have fun with chemistry. Go and explore the different subfields and find the one that truly excites you! --Matthew Chow