Undergraduate Research
Open Projects
Project I: Lenz Lenses for the analysis of Tiny Biological Samples using Benchtop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Students working with this project will develop Lenz Lenses for a benchtop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer using CNC micro-milling, to aid the development of fast NMR techniques. The objective of this project is to manufacture magnetic “Lenz lenses” to facilitate fast NMR techniques on very mass limited environmental samples. Students in this placement will work with the course instructor to design and manufacture magnetic “Lenz lenses” with a variety of geometries to accommodate extremely mass limited samples (e.g. eggs, seeds, cells). In addition to learning how to use Computer Assisted Design (CAD) software and CNC machining, students will also have the opportunity to explore and learn about fundamental and cutting-edge NMR techniques and experiments. Interested students will have the opportunity to work alongside the instructor on NMR spectrometers and become exposed to state of the art experiments and analytical instrumentation.
Learning Skills: CAD usage, CNC Machining, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.
Number of Positions: 1 student
Project II: Resampling for Noise Suppression and Sensitivity Enhancement in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
WIP, to complete…
Other projects may be available for driven students. please enquire!
Joining the Group
There are numerous opportunities to learn cutting edge techniques in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and CNC machining, and apply them to real world environmental problems. Full training will be provided, and no experience is expected. We welcome all applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher with a passion for chemistry/biochemistry, physics, or environmental sciences. Preference may be given to related sub-disciplines (e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, physics) according to the projects available.
To apply to join the group either for coursework or as a volunteer, enquire about USRA awards, or undertake a research course in the laboratory, please send your updated resume and transcript to andre.simpson@utoronto.ca.
Research Courses
Research courses are available for credit for students in and beyond second year. More details are available here.
CHMD90/91: Thesis project course available to chemistry students in their fourth year.
PSCB90H3: Available to students second year and beyond in the physical sciences.
Students in related sub-disciplines interested in completing a thesis in the lab group are encouraged to reach out to discuss the possibility of completing a thesis in the lab group.
NSERC USRA Research Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st (department of chemistry) of the year of the application. It is strongly recommended that students reach out in the winter semester to inquire about this opportunity early.
USRA awards are competitive awards to pay undergraduate students to perform research for 16 weeks ( $ 7,500 ) in an academic laboratory. Please see the links below for more information regarding USRA applications and eligibility. Competitive applicants in second or third year (minimum B average) are encouraged to reach out to enquire about applying for a USRA.
USRA Application Instructions: Chemistry Program – USRA instructions
NSERC webpage for USRA applications: NSERC USRA