This cluster focuses on the development of functional materials and devices to address pressing global and sustainability challenges through transformative technologies. We engage in fundamental and applied research spanning from atomic-level understanding to device fabrication, leading to the development of advanced materials and devices for various applications including healthcare, sustainability, nanoscale engineering, quantum technologies, catalysis, photonics, and sensing devices.
Virgis Barzda
Non-invasively images live cells and subcellualar organelles to study cardiac and skeletal muscle cells and the organization of cancerous tissue.
Ulrich Fekl
Synthesizes functional molecules, many of which contain metals, for future materials and for green and sustainable chemistry.
Maciej Korzyński
Uses a vast toolkit of synthetic inorganic chemistry to generate bespoke functional materials with applications in catalysis and long-term information storage.
David McMillen
Uses synthetic biology approaches to design cell-based solutions to problems in sensing and human health, in Canada and in under-resourced global communities.
Alana Ogata
Studies nucleation and growth mechanisms of biominerals, such as bone and biosilica, using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and single-molecule enzymology to design new bioinspired materials.
David Armstrong
Provides training in computational chemistry methods for studying organic and inorganic materials with applications in catalysis, diagnostics, and energy.
Paul Piunno
Provides interdisciplinary research opportunities for undergraduates for the development of sensor technologies within microfluidic constructs for diagnostic applications.