INTRODUCTION.
My name is Garrett Grubisa, and I am a fifth-year student in the Bachelor of Science program majoring in environmental chemistry at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). I have been engaged with research in the chemistry discipline since second year. What first sparked my interest in chemistry and research was listening to Dr. Kingsley Donkor teach with such enthusiasm and dedication. He mentioned that research is for everyone and to give it a try because you’ll never know if you like it. Since then I have written many literature reviews of scientific papers and conducted small research experiments in lab. I was fortunate enough to conduct my own research project in my fourth year under the supervision of Dr. Bruno Cinel and Dr. Sharon Brewer.
My interests evolve around the environment, including the study of reactions, sources, transport and effects of chemical species. I am most interested in water quality and analysis of soils using new techniques. My recent research paper “ Investigation into the Organic Molecules Present in Leachate of Soils Affected by Wildfire and Fire Retardant Using 13C NMR Spectroscopy” utilized Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as an analytical chemistry technique to determine changes in molecules within the soil under the effect of fire retardant, which has not been done to our knowledge.
My research experience has also been expanded through three co-op work terms. My first work term was at a mine in the environment department where I assisted with water management/quality research and wildlife research. My second and third work terms I assisted with genetic canola seed research and production, working in the field ensuring crop health and taking observations. These work terms have exposed me to how research is conducted within industry, preparing me for a career after a degree. I have also recently joined the science trajectory ambassador mentorship program as a senior mentor hoping to help first year students along their journey and encourage them to participate in research.
THE STANDARDS.
To demonstrate my understanding of the research process, I am providing a list of relevant courses and a copy of my directed studies research proposal.
List of Research Courses Taken:
- CHEM 4420: Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- This is a half-semester (6-week) advanced laboratory course in organic chemistry which illustrates advanced techniques and modern synthetic methods found in recent organic chemistry research literature.
- CHEM 2100: Introductory Analytical Chemistry
- Students are introduced to the principles of analytical chemistry and their practical application to solution samples. Topics include statistical method of data analysis, quantitative principles of chemical equilibrium, and fundamental concepts of gravimetric, spectrophotometric, electrochemical, and chromatographic methods of analysis. In the laboratory component, students perform experiments using the same state-of-the-art instrumentation used in many commercial and research laboratories. An analysis of samples of clinical, environmental, and biochemical interest is completed to illustrate the material discussed in lectures.
- CHEM 3140: Applied Analytical Chemistry
- This course will focus on analytical method development, including sampling and sample handling, extraction, determination, and data acquisition. The analysis of organic and inorganic compounds in a variety of matrices will be discussed. Case studies from the literature will illustrate typical applications.
- CHEM 4480: Directed Studies in Chemistry
- Students investigate a specific topic involving experimental work as agreed upon by the student and her/his faculty supervisor and co-supervisor. This course provides experience with research techniques and the presentation of results.
Research Proposal
- This is the research proposal for my directed studies project. I brainstormed ideas with my supervisor and eventually developed a proposal. The proposal was approved by the chair of physical sciences.
To demonstrate my knowledge of evaluating existing research, I am providing three recent literature reviews.
Recent Literature Reviews
- This literature review was assigned in my advanced organic chemistry laboratory. I chose this review because it is my most recent and most in-depth review.
- This literature review was completed as a part of my atmospheric chemistry course. I presented the review to my peers in a ten minute presentation.
- This literature review was completed as a part of my applied analytical chemistry course. This review places emphasis on review of the analytical method and provides some critiques of the method.
To demonstrate my knowledge of applying research methods, I am providing two recent formal reports and a list of relevant courses taken.
Applying Research Methods Example
- This is the final report for my directed studies project. It is my most recent report and longest. It is also my most advanced as I was able to use skills obtained in other courses over the last four years. I also created an original soil sampling procedure for this project.
- This is the final report for my project in the advanced organic chemistry laboratory. The report is written in a journal style. I chose to present this report as I learned many new research methods including distillation techniques, working under an atmosphere of nitrogen, liquid chromatography separation techniques, thin layer chromatography, and using nuclear magnetic resonance to elucidate the synthesized structure.
- This is the final report for my project in the organic chemistry laboratory. We were given an unknown acyl halide as a reactant to react with a known amino acid. Using organic chemistry techniques and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy I had to determine the identity of the starting material.
Applying Research Courses
- CHEM 4400: Advanced Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
- This is a half-semester (6-week) advanced laboratory course in analytical chemistry in which students apply instrumental methods to the chemical analysis of real sample types.
- Includes a 3-week research project lab of choice, currently determining concentration of capsaicinoids in different hot sauces using different extraction methods.
- CHEM 3240: Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- In this laboratory course, students perform a selection of organic chemistry experiments that are designed to develop synthetic skills and application of spectroscopic techniques to organic molecules.
To demonstrate my knowledge of analyzing and drawing conclusions, I am providing a poster summarizing my directed studies research project. Along with a PowerPoint presentation of our conclusions from a group research project. I am also providing a list of relevant courses which have helped me to draw conclusions.
Examples of Analysis and Drawing Conclusions
- My most recent research poster of my research project. See engaging in knowledge mobilization section for where the poster has been presented.
- Also see conclusion within directed studies report in the applying research methods section.
- A three week group research project within my instrumental analysis laboratory. Conclusions of the research were presented to peers using these slides. My contribution was writing the research proposal, aiding with laboratory tasks including making stock and standard solutions, writing the report including the conclusion, and the PowerPoint presentation. I presented the stock solutions, standards, and data/results.
Analyzing and Drawing Conclusions Related Courses:
- BIOL 3000: Biometrics
- Students are introduced to statistical procedures for biological research. Topics include the nature of data, probability, hypothesis testing, goodness of fit, analysis of variance, correlation, and regression. The computer lab laboratory provides students with hands-on computer experience in graphical and statistical analysis.
- COMP 1020: Introduction to Spreadsheets
- This course provides students with an introduction to spreadsheets using Excel. Students develop the spreadsheet skills they need for other courses, and ultimately the modern workplace.
- I have used Excel in every chemistry course I have taken and this course helped me analyze my data further in lab.
- CMNS 2290: Technical Communication
- Students study a variety of technical communications used to document professional activity, including proposals, technical and formal reports, policies and procedures, technical descriptions and definitions, and instructions. Students learn the importance of documentation and accountability as part of professional due diligence, applicable across many fields including journalism, business, government, public service, consulting and research institutes. Students develop skills in assessing communication needs in a scenario, identifying communication goals, audience need and relevant media. Finally, students learn skills in research and synthesis to ensure professional engagement and presentation of research material.
- This course aided my report writing skills. I learned proper referencing techniques and different styles of report writing.
To demonstrate my engagement in knowledge mobilization, I am displaying two pictures from previous poster presentations to peers and the public. I am also including two more posters I have created and presented to peers within the classroom.
Poster Presentations
- This poster was created and presented as a part of applied analytical chemistry lecture. It was part of a literature review focusing on the method and sampling techniques of the authors.
- This poster was created and presented as a part of inorganic chemistry I lecture. It was part of a literature review based on cobalt mediated radical cyclization’s.
REFLECTIVE ESSAY.
This reflective essay describes my undergraduate research experiences at TRU over the last five years. I explain the skills I have learned and how undergraduate research activities have impacted my future plans.