Current Faculty

Dr. Nola Etkin researches the preparation of new types of metal-containing compounds that can be used as catalysts for industrial processes, such as olefin polymerization—the making of plastics. Her research targets specialty application plastics, including those that are strong or have high melting points. She is also interested in the synthesis of medicinally important compounds.

B.Sc. Hon. 1987 University of Ottawa, Ph.D. 1993 University of Alberta
Associate Professor of Chemistry
(902) 566-0693
(902) 566-0632
KC Irving 205

Dr. Barry Linkletter works to better understand and synthesize molecules that will interact and associate with four-stranded DNA, a novel DNA structure. These stabilizing molecules are candidates for drugs that regulate cell proliferation and may find a use in cancer therapy and genetic research.

B.Sc. 1988, University of Prince Edward Island, Ph.D. 1995, McGill University, Montréal, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California at Santa Barbara, 1996-2000
Associate Professor of Chemistry
(902) 628-4328
(902) 566-0632
KC Irving 213

Dr. Brian Wagner researches the ability of large, hollow, cage-like “host” molecules to encapsulate other small “guest” molecules. This often increases the fluorescence, or the ability to emit light, of the guests. Real-world applications include enhanced trace analysis of pesticides and the design of molecular sensors.

B.Sc. Hon. (1985 Dalhousie University), Ph.D. (1990 University of Western Ontario)
3M Canada Teaching Fellow

Dr. Jason Pearson is a computational chemist whose work is focused on the understanding of inter-and intra-molecular interactions and how they affect chemical properties as well as chemical reactivity. To accomplish this, his group uses and develops quantum chemical methods for electronic structure prediction and analysis.

BSc (2002) Cape Breton University, BTech (2003) Cape Breton University, PhD (2007) Dalhousie University, PDF (2008) Australian National University
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
(902) 566-0934
(902) 566-0632
KC Irving 210

Dr. Shaver, an organometallic chemist with a “green” focus, works to exchange toxic reagents for non-toxic alternatives, perform “green” reactions without solvents to eliminate the release of toxic chemicals, and replace petroleum-based products with renewable feedstocks (raw materials) with the help of metal catalysts.

B.Sc. (Honours), Mount Allison University, Ph.D., University of British Columbia, NSERC PDF, Imperial College London
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
(902) 566-0375
(902) 566-0632
KC Irving 211

Dr. Bissessur’s research includes the development of nanocomposites for use in lithium rechargeable batteries like those found in cell phones. He also studies the use of specific types of nanocomposites to help remove sulfur from petroleum products which would lead to lower processing costs and reduce sulfur oxide emissions into the environment.

B.Sc. (Hons.) 1987 University of Manitoba, M.Sc. 1989 University of Rochester, Ph.D. 1994 Michigan State University
Associate Professor of Chemistry
(902) 566-0510
(902) 566-0632
KC Irving 214

Dr. Kerr's research group at the University of Prince Edward Island is engaged in projects directed at the development of sustainable production methods of bioactive marine metabolites, and discovering new bioactive bio-products. The latter group includes natural products with activities in assays of relevance to human and animal health and with activity as marine antifouling agents.

Professor, Canada Research Chair in Marine Natural Products
(902) 566-0565
(902) 566-0632