Our Team
Higgins group and friends - July 2022
Drew Higgins
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University
Experience
Assistant Professor - McMaster University (2019-present)
Associate Staff Scientist - Stanford University / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (2017-2018)
Banting Postdoctoral Fellow - Stanford University (2015-2017)
Visiting Scholar - Los Alamos National Laboratory (2014)
Education
PhD, University of Waterloo, 2015
MASc, University of Waterloo, 2011
BASc, University of Waterloo, 2009
About Drew
Drew was born in London, Ontario — a city commonly regarded as the 2nd best London in the world. He studied Chemical Engineering through the University of Waterloo’s 5-year co-op program, which allowed him to gain almost two years of experience working in academic laboratories and industrial settings. Recognizing that academia suited his lifestyle, he pursued graduate school and completed his MASc in 2011 and PhD in 2015 in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Professor Zhongwei Chen. During this time, his research focused on the development of nanostructured catalyst materials for low temperature fuel cells and metal-air batteries. He also spent almost one year at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) as a visiting scholar working with Dr. Piotr Zelenay, Dr. Gang Wu and LANL’s fuel cell research team.
In 2015, Drew began a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University under the supervision of Professor Thomas Jaramillo, carrying out fundamental electrochemical CO2 reduction catalysis research. He was promoted to an Associate Staff Scientist in 2017, and continued with his research in the field of electrocatalysis for electrochemical CO2 reduction, fuel cells and electrochemical water splitting technologies, and carrying out in situ / operando characterization of electrocatalyst materials..
He finally made his return to the Great White North, where he began as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University in January 2019. Outside of work, Drew can be found hanging out with his partner and twin babies, socializing with friends and colleagues, playing sports, spending time outdoors, or yelling at the television while watching his beloved Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Raptors or Toronto Blue Jays.
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Ricardo Marques E. Silva
Education:
Ph.D. (Material Science and Engineering), Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil
M.Sc (Material Science and Engineering), Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil
B.Sc (Material Science and Engineering), Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil
Project:
Development of Heterostructured Semiconducting Nanoparticles for Methane Conversion by Photoelectrocatalytic Process
About Me:
I was born in the south of Brazil and currently am a visiting researcher at Drew's team. I studied Materials Engineering at the Federal University of Pelotas, where I have taken the first steps in academic research. As a follow-up to some projects, I decided to start my postgraduate studies. Thus, I received my Master's and Ph.D. by the Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering at the Federal University of Pelotas. During my doctorate, I held an exchange (BE MUNDUS support) at Silesian University, Poland, and held an exchange (PDSE support) at McMaster University, Canada for 12 months each. Following this I recieved a postdoctoral fellow in the Materials Engineering Department at the Federal University of São Carlos/SP and currently I am a researcher fellow at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). I have been developing research in the areas of nanotechnology and photo-electrochemistry, focused on conversion and energy storage.
Jihyeon Park
Education:
Ph.D. in School of Earth Science and Environmental Engineering, GIST, S. Korea
M.E in Chemical Engineering, Inha University, S. Korea
B.E in Chemical Engineering, Inha University. S. Korea
Project:
A low-IrO2 catalyst for water electrolysis in acidic condition
About Me:
Hi, guys! I’m a chemical engineer who will become a professor someday. I decided to become a chemical engineer when I saw the movie Iron man in 2008. In that movie, Tony stark makes an Ark reactor as an energy source for Iron man. I was completely fascinated by it. During my master’s course, I specialized in TiO2 anodization and Li-ion batteries. And in my Ph.D. program, I conducted research from electrocatalysts and alkaline liquid fuel cells (stack) to combining electrochemistry with artificial intelligence. As soon as I finished my Ph.D. course, I joined our group in Oct. 2022. So far, I’m still getting used to living in Canada but, nothing to complain about! The members are so kind and nice, and they help me a lot. Outside of my work, I love going out somewhere to do something such as hiking, skiing, or just a trip. I’m always prepared, so if you want, go with me anytime 😊. At last, my MBTI is ESTJ (Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging).
Xiaoxuan Yang
Education:
Ph.D. (Inorganic Chemistry), Northeast Normal University, China
M.Sc (Physical Chemistry), Harbin Normal University, China
B.Sc (Chemistry), Harbin Normal University, China
Project:
Development of Advanced Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction Reaction
About Me:
During my graduate studies, I studied Chemical Engineering as a visiting Ph.D. student at University at Buffalo, the State University of New York (SUNY), and obtained my Ph.D. at Northeast Normal University in 2021. My research interests mainly focus on the design, synthesis, and characterization of functional nanomaterials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Outside of work, I like to socialize with friends, and watch movies. If the vacation time is sufficient, I have a love for travelling. If not, I also enjoy drawing pictures, reading books, or listening to music at home. In terms of sports, I like hiking and running. For me, the meaning of work is to show the personal values and gain a sense of accomplishment; and also, the meaning of life is to feel the world’s beauty and gain a sense of happiness.
Shayan Angizi
Education:
Ph.D. in Chemistry, McMaster University, Canada
M.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Iran
B.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering, IK International University, Iran
Project:
Development of Advanced catalysts for glycerol electro-oxidation reactions
About Me:
I am currently a post-doctoral fellow in Drew’s team working on catalytic glycerol oxidation, planning on becoming a Prof. someday in a prestigious North American university. I finished my undergrad and master’s programs in Iran and then joined McMaster University in 2019 for my Ph.D. My research interests are the synthesis and design of new catalysts, electrochemical applications of nanomaterials (2D and 1D materials) and surface chemistry. I also love fabricating novel electrochemical devices and testing them as alternatives to conventional platforms. Outside of work, I do photography with a great interest in portrait and street photography. I enjoy playing basketball and recently joined a gym to practice swimming more!
PhD Students
Ahmed Abdellah
Education:
M.Sc. in Laser Applications in Metrology, Photochemistry and Agriculture, National Institute of Laser Enhances Sciences, Cairo, Egypt
B.Sc. in Chemistry, Asuit University, Egypt
Project:
Novel Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide into Fuels and Chemicals.
About Me:
During my graduate studies, I worked as a Research Assistant and Fine Products Manager in Nanotech Egypt for a Photovoltaics Company. I have more than seven years of experience in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials for Biomedical, Environmental, and Energy Applications. I worked as a Senior Researcher in the most prestigious The American University in Cairo and the Zewail City of Science and Technology. I am a first and co-author of nine peer-reviewed research articles in addition to three conference posters. I’ve been honored with two international visiting scholar internships at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) in Singapore under the supervision of Prof. Jackie Ying and Leng Leng Chung, and at Georgia Tech in the USA under the supervision Prof. Mostafa Elsayed and Faisal Alamgir.
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Fatma Ismail
Education:
M.Sc., The National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Cairo University, Egypt
Diploma, The National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Cairo University, Egypt
B.Sc, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Egypt
Project:
Design and Characterization of Novel Nano-Hybrid Structures for Carbon Dioxide Reduction via Electrocatalysis.
About Me:
In 2013, Fatma joined Zewail City of Science and Technology as a Senior Researcher working on developing novel nanostructured materials and the utilization of these materials in energy-related applications including DSSCs and Supercapacitors. She joined KAUST in 2015 as a visiting scholar under the supervision of Dr.Eddauodi and Dr.Abdelsaboor to start her M.Sc. research by investigating the use of MOFs/nano-metal oxide composites in DSSCs and understanding the physical dynamics of the produced materials using the ultrafast laser spectroscopy. In 2016, Fatma joined Gatech as a visiting scholar to complete her M.Sc. studies under the supervision of Dr.Mostafa Elsayed in the Laser Dynamics Laboratory [LDL]. Besides the academic life, she likes music, traveling, singing, watching movies, socializing and making new friendships and having quality time with her precious daughter.
Chunyang Zhang
Education:
M.Sc. in Polymer Chemistry, Pittsburg State University, US
B.Sc. in Metallic Materials Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, China
Project:
In Situ Soft X-rays Characterization of Catalysts and Electrodes for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction (co-advised with Professor Adam Hitchcock)
About Me:
In my undergraduate studies, I have been selected as university-sponsored exchange student to study in US for 1 year. I was granted a full research scholarship and Excellence in Scholarship Award due to my research work during the master studies. I have worked as a research assistant in Chinese Academy of Sciences and Peking University, which are both the most prestigious research institutes in China. I am a first and co-author of ten peer-reviewed research articles and have done 2 times poster conference presentations on ACS National Meetings. I have more than three years of experience in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials for energy application. Outside of the research, I like to stay at home and relax (which is my favorite). And I also enjoy playing bridge, exercising and cooking.
Wajdi Alnoush
Education:
M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University at Qatar
B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University at Qatar
Project:
Novel Catalysts for Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Reduction
About Me:
Wajdi was born and raised in Doha, Qatar. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ). He is also an alumni of Teach for Qatar (TFQ) where he completed the 2-year fellowship program. He has worked on several experimental and modeling research projects mostly in the oil & gas field covering the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors. He also completed three industrial internships at Qatar Aluminum (QATALUM), Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO), and Dolphin Energy. He spent almost one year working as a research associate with the petroleum engineering department at TAMUQ’s Multiphase Flow in Porous Media (MFPM) laboratory. He is passionate about education and self-development. Besides work, he can be found playing soccer, reading a book, looking up the newest tech gadgets (but holding back from buying everything), or trying to establish a start-up.
Storm Gourley
Education:
MASc in Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo
BASc in Nanotechnology Engineering, University of Waterloo
Project:
Discovery, development, and implementation of new, high performance mixed metal oxide (MMO) positive electrode materials for rechargeable zinc-ion batteries
About Me:
I am originally from Toronto, Ontario. I studied Nanotechnology Engineering at the University of Waterloo for my BASc. from 2013-2018. I was fortunate enough to have worked in several industry positions across various fields during my undergraduate degree including internships at Tesla, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA), The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, ON), and WSP Engineering (Markham, ON). I completed my MASc. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo in 2020 under the supervision of Dr. Zhongwei Chen. There I focused on the design and development of high capacity, cobalt-free positive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. My research interests are focused on sustainable energy technologies, environmental policy, and the integration and scale-up of research projects to commercial applications. Outside of work I am a big NBA nerd (go Raps/go Heat!), I have a love for music, gaming, and a developing interest for homebrewing.
Ecem Yelekli Kirici
Education:
M.Sc., Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
B.Sc., Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
B.Sc., Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
Project:
Value added anode processes coupled with Carbon Dioxide Reduction, Electrocatalytic Glycerol Oxidation
About Me:
My interest and enthusiasm in science has always played a major role in my life. I studied Chemical Engineering at the Middle East Technical University [METU] for B.Sc. During my undergraduate study, I attended to Budapest University of Technology and Economics [BME] as an exchange student for one year where I conducted a research project on nanotechnology area. Upon my return to METU, I have conducted a research project on nanocomposite coating in the electrochemistry field. I completed my master degree in Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the Bilkent University in 2020. There I focused on the fabrication of superoleophobic textured surfaces and oil droplet manipulation on these surfaces. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and experiencing new cultures, learning new languages, trying new cuisines and restaurants and socializing with friends.
Amirhossein (Kora) Rakhsha
Education:
B.Sc. in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, University of Tehran
Project:
Developing electrodes for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide.
About Me:
I am a combination of moustache, zinc oxide, and sustainable energy :) In 2016, I began my bachelor thesis synthesizing and characterizing the one-dimensional nanostructures of zinc oxide. This amazing material with its breathtaking morphologies became part of my life ever since. I joined our group here at Mac in September 2020 and I’ve been working with these wonderful lovable people that you see on this very page on your screen since then.
I’m super outdoorsy and I love sports. In summers, I’m either at the beach or on a camping trip; in winters, I’m either planning what to do for the next summer or falling down skating (I’m getting thereeeee ^.^)
Navid Noor
Education:
BSc. in Textile Engineering, Fibre Science and Textile Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology
MSc. in Textile Engineering, Fibre Science and Textile Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology
Project:
Next-Generation Graphene based Supercapacitors for Automotive Applications
About Me:
Navid received a B.Sc. in 2016 and M.Sc. in 2018 in Textile Engineering, fibre science and textile chemistry, from Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran, Iran), where he gained experience on electrochemical sensors and wastewater treatment. Navid has also worked as an R&D engineer on producing chemical additives for the textile industry. He is always motivated to overcome critical problems using innovative solutions and also to push the boundaries forward. Navid's goal is to save the environment by inventing new, robust and reliable ways. Outside of research, Navid is a great soccer fan. Also, he can be found reading a book, taking photos, hanging out with friends, playing sports, spending time outdoors. Navid likes learning about different cultures and new languages.
Shunquan Tan
Education:
M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, U.S.
B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China
Project:
Developing electrodes for CO2 conversion
About Me:
Shunquan is pursuing his renewable energy dream in life. During his master’s study at Stanford University, he developed rich understandings of CO2 electroreduction reaction in Prof. Thomas Jaramillo's lab and studied advanced materials, gas diffusion electrodes, and reactor design. After the master’s study, he temporarily participated in a fuel cell project where he incorporated the atom layer deposition and the membrane electrode assembly in Prof. Fritz Prinz’s group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Moreover, the undergraduate study incubated Shunquan’s passion for novel photovoltaic materials. He enriched himself with skills and knowledge in perovskite solar cells and advanced optoelectronic characterizations under the supervision of Prof. Huanping Zhou at Peking University. Beyond science, Shunquan sincerely loves the diversity of life, so he likes playing tennis with his friends and learning cuisines in the restaurants.
Kholoud Abousalem
Education:
M.Sc of Nanotechnology, the American University in Cairo, Egypt.
B.Sc of Science in Chemistry, Mansoura University, Egypt.
Project:
Understanding Heterogeneous Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction via In-situ Liquid Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy.
About Me:
My research experience started during my third year of college when I had the opportunity to work on a research project in the water treatment field. After my graduation, I was granted a graduate full-tuition university scholarship by the AUC and was enrolled in the master’s program of Nanotechnology in 2019. In addition to my master’s studies, I have joined the research group of professor Nageh Allam at the American University in Cairo as a research assistant for more than 3 years. I have contributed to some research projects related to the synthesis and characterization of novel nanomaterials and their utilization in energy storage/production applications, particularly, photoelectrochemical water-splitting, electrocatalysis, and supercapacitors. I have been a first and co-author of 7 peer-reviewed research articles in addition to 4 conference poster presentations. Besides, in the summer of 2021, I joined Professor Clara Santato’s group in the Engineering Physics department at Polytechnique University as a research intern to work on bio-sourced materials for electrochemical energy storage applications. Beyond academia, I love hiking, playing chess, and reading books. Also, I enjoy doing handcrafts, Arabic calligraphy, and embroidery designs.
Alejandra Ibarra
Education:
B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, University of Sonora
Project:
Development of new mixed metal oxide (MMO) positive electrode materials for rechargeable zinc-ion batteries
About Me:
I studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Sonora, in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. During my undergraduate degree, I got the opportunity to get involved in different research projects, most of them in the nanomaterial´s field. I was employed as a research assistant developing advanced oxidation process for the degradation of dyes. On 2020, I started my bachelor’s thesis implementing new catalyst for the heterogeneous photo-Fenton process, aimed to the degradation of antibiotics. I am passionate about science and how it can be applied to solve nowadays problems. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music or reading books of different topics. I like learning new languages since it helps you connect with more people.
Caio Miranda Miliante
Education:
B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Project:
Computational screening of cathode materials for Zn-ion aqueous rechargeable batteries.
About Me:
Caio was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but moved to Porto Alegre to attend the Chemical Engineering program at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. There, under the supervision of Dr. André Muniz, investigated the Barocaloric effect in organic systems through Molecular Dynamic simulations, mainly focusing on its interpretation at the atomic level and the macroscopic consequences. During his time as an undergraduate researcher he was able to publish multiple papers in peer-reviewed journals and present his studies in national and international conferences. Currently his focus is on optimizing the screening process of cathodes materials and their evaluation through DFT calculations In his free time, Caio enjoys listening to music (mainly Jazz) and getting enraged every time a Botafogo player misses a goal.
Robert Fathieh-Ngunjiri
Education:
MASc. in Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo
BASc. In Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo
Project:
Integration of Machine Learning in the design and characterization of nano-structured electro-catalysts with optimized performance for room temperature reduction of carbon dioxide into C2+ products.
About Me:
I was born in Nairobi, Kenya. I came to Canada in 2013 for my undergraduate training in chemical engineering. What drew me to chemical engineering was a desire to remediate the increasingly wide-spread pollution that I observed in our natural environment. During my first co-op placement, I fell in love with research and have never looked back. I graduated from my undergrad with a specialization in materials science. I built on this during my masters where I focused on polymer engineering. After my MASc., I worked for two and a half years in industry as a research engineer mostly focusing in product development and technical customer service. Outside of research, I love spending time with my wife and energetic baby boy.
Master Students
Arjun Rego
Education:
B.Sc. in Chemical Biology Co-op, McMaster University
Project:
Developing and Integrating Redox - Active Organic Materials for Supercapacitor Applications in the Energy Storage Industry
About Me:
I am from Toronto, but grew up in Mississauga, Ontario for much of my life. I am a 1st year Chemical Engineering Masters student developing organic materials for commercial supercapacitor applications in the energy storage sector. I have a keen interest in research aimed at improving the environment through innovative sustainable technology. I started in the Higgins lab in 2021 as an undergraduate co-op student while completing my degree in Chemical Biology. I previously worked at McMaster University in 2019 developing chemiresistor-based sensors to detect analytes in environmental water sources in a cost-effective manner. In 2020, I worked as a laboratory technician at a steel coating company in Hamilton known as Baycoat, where I supported the coating lines through identifying problems associated with defective material and providing feedback. Outside of my professional life, I am a big fan of music, I play & teach guitar, am an avid cyclist, and love cars!
Thomas Baker
Education:
B.Eng.Biosciences Co-op in Chemical Engineering, McMaster Universtiy
Project:
Development of Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Zinc Ion Batteries (ZIB)
About Me:
I am from Hamilton, Ontario and I am currently a Masters student in the Chemical Engineering Department here at McMaster University in Hamilton. I have had the pleasure of working on research projects in the past at McMaster. In the De Lannoy Lab group, I helped to analyse antiscalants on RO wastewater systems and investigated carbon nanotube adsorption to ultrafiltration membranes. I have also performed research in the Thompson Lab group on the chemical modification of lignocellulose to prepare bioplastics with tunable thermal and mechanical properties. Additonally, I worked with Hydromantis ESS. to model air delivery in wastewater treatment aeration systems using Python. I joined the Higgins group in the summer of 2021 as an undergraduate researcher investigating next-generation carbon – quinone based supercapacitors for automotive applications. Now I am extending my research on quinone applications of ZIB development. In the future I would like to continue graduate studies focusing on sustainable energy as I am very passionate about improving the sustainability of energy and material systems. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, gardening, and creative writing.
Matt Gibson
Education:
B.A.Sc in Nanotechnology Engineering, University of Waterloo
Project:
In Situ Soft X-ray Characterization of materials and catalysts for various technologies and processes such as Electrochemical CO2 Reduction (Co-advised with Professor Adam Hitchcock)
About Me:
I am from London; Ontario and I am currently a Master’s student in the Chemical Engineering
Department at McMaster University. I studied Nanotechnology Engineering at the University of Waterloo in my undergrad. During my time at Waterloo, I had several co-ops within the industry at companies like Amphenol and Electrical Contacts Limited. I spent some time in Drew's lab for one of my co-ops where I worked on developing metal free catalysts for hydrogen peroxide production. My research interests lie in developing and furthering the understanding of electrocatalysts for energy applications, and sustainable energy technologies. My project involves using STXM to further the advancement of catalysts for carbon dioxide reduction. Outside of work, I am a big sports fan, specifically of hockey (Go Leaf’s Go) and tennis. I have a love for gaming, playing sports such as tennis (any racquet sport) with friends, and reading books.
Undergraduate Students
Clara Argentino
Education:
B. Sc. Chemical biology co-op, McMaster University (Current)
Project:
Exploring Single Atom Catalysts for Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
About Me:
I am originally from Hamilton, Ontario but moved to St. John’s, Newfoundland and lived there until I finished high school. I came back to Ontario to start my undergrad at McMaster in Chemical Biology. I love chemistry and how it allows you to be creative and solve so many different problems, especially in a sustainable way. I am very excited to be spending my first 8-month co-op with this lab! Outside of work, I love going to the gym, listening to music, singing and dancing, and spending time with my friends & family!
Alumni
Hyejin Lee
Postdoc
Currently: Researcher at Sungkyunkwan University
Sudheesh Kumar
Postdoc
Currently: Researcher at KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)
Ladan Shahcheraghi
Master student
Jiatang Chen
Postdoc
Ilhan Yoo
Postdoc
Currently: Research Scientist at Zerocis
Katie Doran
Undergrad student
Currently: PhD Student at University of Toronto
Melissa Cusack Striepe
Undergrad student
Currently: MASc Student at University of Toronto
Michael Nguyen
Undergrad student
Amir Kazemi
Postdoc
Currently: Research Specialist at Resilience
Anja Schouten
Undergrad student
Currently: Undergraduate Student at McMaster University
Harleen Jaryal
Undergrad student
Currently: Undergraduate Student at McMaster University
Allison Suichies
Undergrad student
Currently: Undergraduate Student at McMaster University
Salma Ghanem
Undergrad student
Currently: Undergraduate Student at McMaster University
Gertrude Henneh
Undergrad student
Currently: Undergraduate Student at McMaster University
Siddharth Ajith
Undergrad student
Currently: Undergraduate Student at Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai