Biographical Sketch
I grew up in Port Kells, B.C. and graduated from Lord Tweedsmuir Senior Secondary School (Cloverdale, B.C.) in 1978. After completing first year Science at the Surrey campus of Douglas College (now Kwantlen College), I was recruited to the Chemistry co-operative education program at the University of Victoria by the late Graham Branton. I graduated with an Honours degree in Chemistry in 1983 after completing six, four-month work terms. On graduation I was awarded a 1967 Scholarship to pursue graduate work and I chose specialize in organometallic chemistry of the lanthanides under the direction of Professor Richard (Dick) Andersen at the University of California-Berkeley. I graduated from Berkeley in 1987 and was awarded Killam and NSERC postdoctoral fellowships to study with Professor Mike Fryzuk of the University of British Columbia. Following this, I worked as a research associate in the laboratory of Professor Chris Orvig, also at UBC, before beginning taking up an Assistant Professorship at the University of Victoria. I currently hold the rank of Associate Professor of Chemistry with tenure.
My research interests involve the structure, bonding and reactivity of lanthanide organometallic and coordination compounds, their use as catalysts for organic reactions and their application as therapeutic and diagnostic medical agents. My undergraduate teaching covers 2nd to 4th year inorganic chemistry (222, 324 and 423), spectroscopy (213) and a general survey course, Applications of Chemistry (400A). I enjoy teaching and I hope I convey my enthusiasm for Chemistry in my lectures. I was awarded 2005 Faculty of Science Award for Excellence in Teaching. I am actively involved in external professional organizations including the local section of the Chemical Institute of Canada (19 years on the Executive; Chair 2004-2009) and the Association of the Chemical Profession of British Columbia (founding member). Outside of chemistry, I am actively involved in several sports as a coach and/or participant (curling, baseball, golf, hockey) and have a passion for photography.