Queen's Graduate Chemistry Society
The Queen's Graduate Chemistry Society was founded in 2009 by a group of graduate students primarily to act as a representative organization of all graduate students within the Department of Chemistry of Queen’s University at Kingston, Ontario.
As elected QGCS representatives, we act on behalf of the student body to enhance the quality of student education and experience by bringing forward the issues and concerns of our fellow graduate students at regular departmental, inter-departmental and union meetings. We also organize and promote social and recreational activities to foster connections between graduate students and help them unwind. Finally, we provide resources to connect seasoned and incoming student researchers with a variety of the desired departmental and university services.
Meet the 2025-2026 Executive Team
Hello everyone! My name is Anastasia, and I’m one of the co-presidents of QGCS, working alongside Dana. I’m a PhD student in the Crudden lab, working to synthesize functionalize, and analyze NHC-coated surfaces using photochemistry for the construction of biosensors and microelectronic devices. This would be my third year on the QGCS executive council, and I’m excited to continue to help bring the chemistry graduate student community together. This year we really want to focus on the needs of the students, and so if there are any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out to chemqgcs@queensu.ca.
Hey there! My name is Dana (she/her), and I am your co-president for QGCS this year alongside Anastasia. I am currently in my 3rd year of my PhD where I build NHC-based self-assembled monolayers on metal surfaces for various applications under the supervision of Dr. Crudden. In my spare time, I enjoy crocheting, running, and playing my bass guitar. I love hearing suggestions from everyone about how to improve the chemistry graduate student experience at Queen’s so please don’t hesitate to reach out to chemqgcs@queensu.ca if you want to see a specific event or activity in the chemistry department this year!
Hi! My name is Shannon and I’ll be acting at the VP Internal for the 2025-2026 year. I’m a PhD student in the Jessop lab and currently doing research to design CO2-responsive and degradable polymers. In my free time, I like to run, rock climb, and watch movies, especially Stanley Kubrick movies.
Hi, I’m Morgan! I’m the VP External and 5th floor rep for the 2025-2026 year. I’m a Masters student in the Crudden Lab working on NHC-protected gold nanoclusters for cancer therapy. Outside of the lab I like to lift heavy things, play squash, and watch tv!
Jack (they/them) is a PhD Candidate in the Ross Lab, where they work on interdisciplinary projects aimed at developing platforms for rapid natural product discovery. Outside the lab, they enjoy painting, reading, and taking walks on the waterfront.
Hello! My name is Danica and I am the VP of events for QGCS this year. I’m currently completing a master’s degree in the Zechel lab where I am trapping intermediate states of the enzyme carbon-phosphorous lyase to help identify the active site. Outside of the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, running and crocheting!
Hi, I’m Zhengkun Fang, a PhD candidate at Queen’s University and current VP international in QGCS. My research focuses on the novel metallic catalyst for CO2 methanation. Out of the research, I am a big basketball (Go Spurs!) and football fan.
Rebecca (any pronouns) is a PhD Candidate supervised by Dr. Zhe She and Dr. Stephen Brown. They are developing electrochemical biosensors to detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Outside the lab, she enjoys cooking, cycling, gardening, and are involved in community mutial aid and advocacy for marginalized folks/groups.
Hi! I’m Julia (she/her), a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Ross lab working on heterologous expression of natural products (which mostly involves moving small volumes of liquid from one place to another to make E. coli produce cool natural products). Outside of chemistry, I love knitting, puzzles, and baking.
Hi, I’m Ciara! I’m the QGCS Secretary. I am pursuing a Master’s degree in the Lee Lab where I am working on developing selenium containing molecules that can bind to anions via chalcogen bonds. When I’m not in the lab I like to bake and do puzzles.
Hi! My name is Isabella (she/her) and I'll be this years communications/social media coordinator! I am doing my Master's researching hydrovoltaic devices which produce energy through the evaporation of water in the Stamplecoskie group. I love learning new things, playing sports and losing chess.
Hey! I’m a MSc. student in Dr. Lee’s lab where I have been working towards incorporating stimuli-responsive chalcogen bonding within compounds for perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) capture/removal. Outside the lab, you can find me kicking a ball around or at the squash courts!
Hi, my name is Josh Innis and I am a PhD candidate in the Ross and Howe lab. My research focuses on biosynthetic enzymology, and seeing how we can exploit the enzymes nature provides to complete complex chemical reactions. In particular I work with a very cool but very annoying air sensitive enzyme. Outside of the lab I’m mostly reading, winning mariokart (birdo for the win) or hanging with my three-legged cat, Charm.