Our Lab
We are an international group of interdisciplinary researchers - including chemists, biologists, data scientists, and engineers. Our work and lab is built on a philosophy of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). This stems from the belief that increasing the intersections of identity in research improves our research and us as environmental scientists. Our aim is to create more inclusive science, where the quality of teams and inclusion of teammates is a key factor.
Prinipal Investigator
Roxana Suehring
Roxana is an environmental analytical chemist with a research focus on the fate and behavior of emerging organic contaminants in the aquatic environment.
She holds a doctor of natural sciences from the Leuphana University Lueneburg and Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (Germany) and a Dipl. Ing. (FH) degree in Environmental Engineering from the University for Applied Science in Luebeck Germany.
She has been a postdoctoral fellow at Leuphana University (2015), University of Toronto (2015 - 2016), and Stockholm University (2018 - 2020). From 2016 - 2018 she led a team of regulatory scientists at the Centre for Envirnoment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science in the UK.
She joined the Department for Chemistry and Biology at 自淫系列 in 2020 where she leads the Emerging Contaminants Lab.
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Yanan Li
Yanan is an analytical chemist specializing in advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry (University of Waikato, New Zealand), an M.Sc. in Food Science (University of Leeds, United Kingdom), and a B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry (Northern China University of Science and Technology).
Yanan鈥檚 research develops and implements high-resolution LC/GC-MS/MS methods for trace-level organics via targeted and non-targeted analyses. Currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at 自淫系列, his work focuses on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), plastic additives, and microplastics in environmental matrices, including rink ice-shaving waste, with an emphasis on rigorous sample preparation and QA/QC for complex compositions.
Beyond research, Yanan is active in EDI-focused outreach and serves on the Executive of the Chemical Institute of Canada鈥檚 Pride Member Resource Group.
Graduate Students
Ericka De Oliveira
Ericka De Oliveira is a PhD candidate in Molecular Science at 自淫系列. Her research uses passive sampling methods to monitor Persistent, Mobile, and Toxic (PMT) plastic additives in urban Ontario waters. By conducting screening-level risk assessments on these emerging contaminants, Ericka translates complex analytical data into actionable priority lists for provincial and federal regulators. In her spare time, she loves reading thriller novels and watching horror movies!
Eric Fries
I am a PhD candidate in the Environmental Applied Science and Management program here at 自淫系列. My research focuses on plastic additives - chemicals added to plastics during manufacturing to impart unique properties - and how these chemicals leach out of plastic waste in aquatic environments. I specifically focus on plastic additives that are persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT), developing new methods to analyze these chemicals and investigating their occurrence in different environments and matrices. When I'm not in the lab, you can probably find me in a movie theatre, baking, or cycling!
Aaron McQuaid
I am a PhD Candidate in the Environmental Science and Management (ENSCIMAN) Program within the Emerging Contaminants Lab since January 2023. My research is focused on Emerging Contaminants of Arctic Concern (Plastic additives and flame retardants) where I analyze organophosphate esters, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and UV Stabilizers. I have received a certificate in Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences through the Chang School, completed coursework towards Public Administration and Governance Certificate and French and took part in a 1-month research expedition to the Arctic. I am involved in numerous different organizations from the Black Volunteer Collective, the Black Graduate Student Council, SciXchange, 自淫系列 Senate among others. My passion is focused on environmental justice, Arctic research, chemistry and policy.
Jaeeun Ahn (Jenny)
I am a Master鈥檚 student in Environmental Science and Management (EnSciMan). With a background in chemistry, I am particularly interested in environmental chemistry and analytical chemistry. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, knitting, and playing video games.
Camille Anne Javonillo
Camille is a recent graduate of 自淫系列, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Chemistry. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Environmental Applied Science and Management at the same university under the guidance of Dr. Roxana S眉hring. Her research focuses on using analytical chemistry to develop methods for quantifying pharmaceutical contamination in Arctic birds. Outside of the lab, Camille enjoys exploring her passion for food by cooking and dining at various restaurants. She also loves hiking, camping, and going on road trips.
Thomas Crookes
Graduate Students
Natalie Di Rosa
Natalie is a fourth-year Chemistry student at 自淫系列 completing an undergraduate thesis in the Emerging Contaminants Lab. Her research focuses on the isolation and analysis of Persistent, Mobile, and Toxic (PMT) plastic additives in various biota samples. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and trying new restaurants or caf茅s.
Kirstin Verde
Kirstin is an undergraduate Chemistry student currently conducting research in the Emerging Contaminants Lab at 自淫系列. Their undergraduate thesis focuses on a method development project for the isolation and analysis of Persistent, Mobile, and Toxic (PMT) plastic additives. Outside of the laboratory and their academic studies, Kirstin enjoys spending their free time playing video games and reading!
Sara Assadi
Sara is an undergraduate Biology student at 自淫系列 completing her undergraduate thesis in the Emerging Contaminants Lab. After completing her mini thesis, she is now continuing her research through an undergraduate thesis. Outside of the laboratory and her academic studies, Sara enjoys binge-watching early 2000s shows, reading, spending time in nature, practicing yoga, journaling, and going on walks.
Fatima Sajjad
Fatima is a fourth-year Biomedical Sciences student at 自淫系列 completing an undergraduate thesis in the Emerging Contaminants Lab. Her research focuses on PMTs and PFAS in Arctic water samples, with an interest in understanding their occurrence and potential for long-range transport. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new places around the city, and watching movies.
Lab Space and Equpment
Our lab is situated in the in the heart of Toronto. The lab features an Agilent technologies 6546 Quadrupole Time-Of-Flight mass-spectrometry System with liquid chromatography (HPLC-QToF) with on-line solid-phase microextraction, as well as a wet chemistry lab for sample preparation and clean-up. We are currently in the procurement process for a gas-chromatograph with head-space solid-phase extraction and thermal desorption unit. Moreover, we have access to a laser-directed infrared spectrometer for rapid microplastic identification through our project with Agilent technologies.
Wet Chemistry Lab
Agilent technologies 6546 Quadrupole Time-Of-Flight mass-spectrometry System with liquid chromatography (HPLC-QToF)
Interested in joing oue lab?
Undergraduate students are accepted into the lab on an ongoing basis. Please contact us if you are interested in undergraduate thesis projects or summer research positions in the lab. Prospective MSc and PhD students are welcome to contact us directly to discuss project and funding opportunities. Potential students can only be accepted into the lab if they are admitted into the or the program.