Summer research program provides undergrads with new experiences and opportunities

For Aislinn Cassie-Morfoot, a fourth-year chemistry student at the University of Alberta, the opportunity to participate in the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) program has allowed her to become more independent and collaborative in her research.  

Working in Dr. Gregory Welch’s Advanced Functional Materials and Coatings Laboratory was a revelatory experience for her, showing her how comfortable and independent she could be in the lab.  

“I came into this opportunity with prior research experience, but during those experiences I appreciated heavier supervision and closer collaboration with my mentors,” explains Cassie-Morfoot. “This summer, I took more initiative and figured out problems I encountered in the lab more independently.” 

“It was exciting to know that my contributions, even as an undergraduate, can contribute to the greater picture, have real-world applications and international impact through collaboration with research groups outside of my own, and outside of the University of Calgary,” she adds.  

Nationwide exchange program opens doors to new opportunities 

Cassie-Morfoot spent the summer at UCalgary as part of the Inorganic Chemistry Exchange, a nationwide program that matches undergraduate students with research supervisors from across the country. 

Welch was able to support two students through the NSERC USRA program, both of whom worked on the transdisciplinary project “Superhydrophobic Antimicrobial Coatings for Frequently Touched Surfaces in Healthcare Institutions,” which received a Connector Grant (consolidating) from the Institutes for Transdisciplinary Scholarship in 2024, with grant lead and close collaborators Dr. Ray Turner, PhD, and PhD student Andrii Lekhan. 

According to Cassie-Morfoot, “projects are centred around the development of printed solar cells and antibacterial coatings with the focus on the design and synthesis of these materials, ink formulation, the printing of functional films, and the applications of these.”  

“My project bridged both major areas. This summer I focused on the synthesis and characterization of a new class of compounds to be used for both the coating of metal surfaces for antimicrobial use and for use in solar cells,” she adds. 

The Inorganic Chemistry Exchange program offers students the opportunity to acquire diverse skills and gain valuable experiences, explains Welch. “We always provide a great summer experience, both work and leisure. And all our applicants are exceptional students, so the quality of work is high.” 

“It was a pleasure having Aislinn at UCalgary this summer. She really grasped the project and worked hard, at a similar level to a graduate student. I was very impressed,” adds Welch. 

Opportunity to explore new areas of chemistry 

For Cassie-Morfoot, the summer spent at UCalgary was an invaluable experience, one she highly recommends to other undergraduate students.  

“I was able to explore a field of chemistry—materials chemistry—that I hadn't had the opportunity to learn about before, and I really enjoyed it,” she says. “I definitely have more to consider regarding what I would like to pursue in research from here on out.”  

“The USRA program is a great opportunity to learn beyond the classroom and build meaningful connections with graduate students and supervisors. Apart from the hands-on research experience you gain in the lab, you also gain valuable insights into potential careers paths and further academic studies. Your mentors are a great resource.”