Meet Daniel Wang, a driven international student from Nanjing, China who is currently completing his third year of the Materials and Nanosciences (MNS) program at the University of Waterloo. With a natural curiosity and passion for both chemistry and physics, Daniel’s story is a prime example of how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity and not be afraid of stepping outside your comfort zone. It’s these experiences that have allowed Daniel to excel in his field but also embrace an enriching journey of self-discovery.
Choosing the Right Path
When asked why he chose MNS, Daniel emphasized his love for both chemistry and physics. “I didn’t want to give up either subject,” he explained. Initially focused on chemistry, Daniel pivoted to MNS upon discovering the program’s unique integration of his favourite disciplines. Why settle for one when you can have both? Courses like MATH 128, CHEM 265, and PHYS 234 stand out to him as highlights in the program, with each course deepening his appreciation for the microscopic world and the role of mathematics in understanding it. “Physics gives meaning to the math, transforming it into a tool for exploring deeper layers of science,” he shared.
But the most important course that Daniel took was MNS 101, taught by the MNS program advisor, Prof. Rick Marta. This course solidified his decision to stay in the program and introduced him to interdisciplinary learning in a collaborative environment where he could see how different scientific fields intersect – the hallmark of the MNS program. The quality of teaching was excellent, and from that point on, Daniel had the freedom to choose between physics and chemistry courses, or more interdisciplinary courses.
Research Journey from Solar Cells to Glucose Monitoring
Daniel’s research journey reflects his adaptability and willingness to seek hands-on learning. Although he faced some initial challenges securing his first co-op, he found an opportunity by volunteering in Professor Vivek Maheshwari’s lab, where he worked on improving perovskite solar cells by gaining knowledge in polymer chemistry and fabrication methods. There, Daniel fabricated solar cells and through his efforts, was able to improve the efficiency of these cells from 12% to 18%. This increase in efficiency translates to lower energy loss.
This foundational experience paved the way for a subsequent co-op placement with a pharmaceutical company in Montreal, where Daniel explored drug synthesis and modification to dramatically enhance performance efficiency of 45 different drug targets. By synthesizing these drug targets through modification of different functional groups and synthesis routines, Daniel was able to reduce the IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration which refers to how much of the drug can inhibit 50% of the target function) for a specific target to 0.35 as compared to the original 1.9-2.0.
Building on these experiences, Daniel joined the IDEATION Lab under Dr. Mahla Poudineh, where he advanced CO2 sensing technologies and then moved on to continuous glucose monitoring for diabetes care. “The goal is to improve stability, cost and patient comfort in glucose monitoring devices,” he explained, noting that his work on microneedles and conductive polymers could lead to non-invasive and more efficient glucose detection. He’s now working on a publication for the research he has done in the IDEATION Lab.
Beyond the Classroom
Daniel is not only a dedicated researcher, but also a spirited leader. As Vice President of the MNS Society, he coordinates activities like review sessions and bonfire events, creating a close-knit community within his program. His passion for sharing knowledge extends to his role as a Science Ambassador, where he engages in outreach to inspire future scientists. In addition, he’s an avid basketball player and even won an intramural championship, showing his commitment to both physical and academic pursuits.
Originally from Nanjing, a historical Chinese city, Daniel finds Waterloo’s slower pace refreshing. “In Nanjing, life moves fast, and there’s little time to explore the rich history around you. Here, I can take the time to connect with friends and visit different places,” he reflects. His Canadian experience has been enriched by interactions with multicultural students, staff and faculty at the University of Waterloo. He’s worked alongside peers from India, Iran, and beyond – an experience that would be rare in his hometown and an experience that he is grateful for. This exposure has broadened his worldview and taught him the importance of cross-cultural communication in collaborative research.
Daniel’s advice for international students centers on embracing new experience and speaking up. “Canada is a place where people genuinely want to hear your voice,” he says. For those coming from different cultural backgrounds, he encourages stepping out of comfort zones and to engage with diverse communities to make the most out of every opportunity. “Every international study has a unique story. Don’t be afraid to share yours.”