Dear Waterloo Chemistry Alumni,
As the 2025/26 academic year draws to a close, it is my pleasure to share the latest issue of Chemistry Matters, your window into the people, progress, and accomplishments of Waterloo Chemistry. It has been another outstanding year for the department, and we are delighted to bring you some highlights.
We invite you to take a few moments to explore the stories in this issue. Exciting developments continue across the department, including the recent addition of two new faculty members: Dr. Kirsten Meyer (Biochemistry, Microbiology and Pharmacology) and Dr. Duong Bui (Bioanalytical and Structural Biology), both cross‑appointed with the Department of Biology. Their arrival strengthens our interdisciplinary expertise, and we look forward to sharing more about their innovative research programs in future editions of Chemistry Matters.
It was also a remarkable year for our undergraduate programs. An impressive 78 students completed CHEM 494 independent research projects, culminating in a vibrant “Chem 494 Day.” Across eight parallel oral‑presentation sessions, students showcased outstanding scholarship spanning the full breadth of chemistry’s subdisciplines. The day concluded with a celebratory lunch at the Grad House. Twenty-five of these students also represented Waterloo at the 54th Annual Southern Ontario Undergraduate Student Chemistry Conference (SOUSCC) at the University of Toronto Mississauga, and we are pleased to share some highlights from that event in this issue.
For many of our CHEM 494 students, this milestone also marked the completion of their undergraduate journey at Waterloo. On June 19, these graduates - alongside those completing MSc and PhD programs within Chemistry - will cross the stage at Convocation in the PAC, officially joining you as the newest members of the Waterloo alumni community.
As alumni, your continued connection to Waterloo Chemistry makes a real difference. Whether through offering co‑op opportunities, attending our annual alumni gathering at the Canadian Society for Chemistry Conference, supporting the department through donations, or simply sharing your experiences, you help shape the future of our community. I encourage you to keep your contact information up to date, join us at upcoming events organized by the Science Advancement Team (Sci‑toberfest is coming!), and share your stories – we would love to feature alumni voices in future newsletters.we would love to feature alumni voices in future newsletters.
And of course, if you ever find yourself back in the Waterloo area, please feel very welcome to stop by and say hello. We would be delighted to see you.
John Corrigan
Professor and Chair