The drover group
 The university of windsor, Windsor, ON

AMBASSADOR BRIDGE, WINDSOR, ON

group, SPRING 2022 (CHEMPROM)

group, SUMMER 2022 (Joey's bday)

group, summer 2021 (escape room)

Graduate student positions available

merlot - group mascot


Merlot is a French Bulldog who was born in St. John's, Newfoundland (Canada) on February 5, 2015 to Russian parents. For some time, she was on the Canadian dog show scene, but quickly outgrew it. When not "resting", she enjoys being walked or fed. She also loves going for car rides, chewing "cheesy bones", and eating fruitables. She is excited to engage with new students joining the lab!

Postdoctoral TEAM members
​

Dr. Marissa Clapson
PhD, University of Calgary (Warren Piers)
Marissa.Clapson@uwindsor.ca
Twitter: @Chemrissa
Postdoctoral Researcher

Hello! My name is Marissa. I completed my PhD at the University of Calgary under the supervision of Dr. Warren Piers with a focus on the development of PCP cobalt carbene complexes for the activation of small molecules. I also have a background in SoTL explorations; developing gamified learning experiences for teaching university level chemistry, which is the foundation of my company ChemEscape Consulting Inc. Now, I am working in the Drover group developing iron fluoride piano-stool complexes for the fluorination of C-H bonds! When I am not in the lab I like to spend my time hiking, reading, drinking wine, and playing board games.
Dr. Suman Debnath
PhD, University of Wyoming (Dean Roddick)
suman.debnath@uwindsor.ca
Twitter: @sumaniitg
Postdoctoral Researcher

Hi, I am Suman. I was born and grew up in Kolkata, a city in the eastern part of India. I obtained my PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from University of Wyoming, United States under the supervision of Prof. Dean Roddick.  My doctoral research primarily focused on the application of novel perfluorinated phosphine ligands (“PFAP’s”) to a variety of challenging problems in metal (particularly in Ru, Os, Ir, Pt) coordination chemistry and homogeneous catalysis, with a particular emphasis on catalytic hydrocarbon dehydrogenation and alkene oligomerization chemistry. I have several years of research experience as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Prof. Jason England) and Ewha Womans University, South Korea (Prof. Wonwoo Nam) where I worked on developing first-row late transition metal complexes able to activate O2 for catalytic activation of unactivated C-H, O-H, N-H bonds. In the Drover lab, I am working on the development of new molecules for H2 sensing in collaboration with Rondeau-Gagne/Mutus group. Besides chemistry, I enjoy traveling, playing chess and listening to music.
Dr. Pawan Kumar
PhD, Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), |CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (Bipin Kumar Gupta)
pawank@uwindsor.ca
Postdoctoral Researcher

Hello! My name is Pawan Kumar. I obtained a PhD in Physics from CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, India. My research interests are in the development of various luminescent materials/nanomaterials of various shape, morphology,  size, and studying their physical and optical properties for various applications. I have several years research experience as a postdoc at Yonsei University,  South Korea (2018–2020) and University of Oklahoma, USA (2020–2021), Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Énergie Materiaux Télecommunications (INRS-EMT) (2021-2022), Canada. In the Drover/Rondeau-Gagne/Mutus groups, I am working on the development of new molecules for H2 sensing. Outside of research, I like to travel and watch sports. 

GRADUATE TEAM memberS:
​

Joseph Zurakowski (G2)
BSc Carleton University
zurakowj@uwindsor.ca
Twitter: @jzurakowski1
Ph.D. Student 
NSERC Vanier Scholar
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Recipient 
NSERC CGS-M Recipient
New Energy Research Prize Awardee

Hello! My name is Joey, and I started in the Drover lab in September 2020! I grew up in Ottawa and completed my B.Sc. in chemistry at Carleton University. My research in the Drover lab is focused on new opportunities in borane appended transition metal complexes. By adding Lewis acidic boranes into the secondary coordination sphere of transition metals, I hope to influence reactivity at the metal center and activate small molecules like CO­2, H2, N2and O2, and study their transformations into value added products. Research is difficult, especially during a pandemic, but it’s the team that makes it all easier. Reach out to me if you’d like to chat about the Drover lab and the research environment here at UWindsor. Outside of research my hobbies include bouldering, reading books (mostly biographies), and eating gluten free food! 
1. Zurakowski, J.A.; Austen, B.J.H.; Dufour, M.C.; Bhattacharyya, M.; Spasyuk, D.M.; Drover, M.W. Dalton Trans. 2021, 50, 12440-12447. DOI: 10.1039/D1DT02331D

2. Zurakowski, J.A.; Austen, B.J.H.; Drover, M.W. Organometallics 2021, 40, 2450-2457. DOI: 10.1021/acs.organomet.1c00194

3. Zurakowski, J.A.; Bhattacharyya, M.; Spasyuk, D.M.; Drover, M.W.* Inorg. Chem. 2021, 60, 37-41. DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c03409

[10 articles co-published]
Brady Austen (G2)
BSc University of Windsor
austenb@uwindsor.ca
Twitter: @AustenBrady
Ph.D. Student
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Recipient 
CIC AURIC Award Winner
​New Energy Research Prize Awardee

​Hello! My name is Brady, and I had the pleasure to start in the Drover lab in September 2020. I come from a small town north of Toronto and came to Windsor to study for my B.Sc. in chemistry. After conducting my honours thesis under Marcus’ supervision, I knew that I wanted to continue doing research with the Drover lab. This is when I decided to continue my schooling and do a masters with the Drover lab. When I’m not in the lab, you can find me playing games with my friends, or outside enjoying the nice days with friends and family.
1. Zurakowski, J.A.; Austen, B.J.H.; Dufour, M.C.; Bhattacharyya, M.; Spasyuk, D.M.; Drover, M.W. Dalton Trans. 2021, 50, 12440-12447. DOI: 10.1039/D1DT02331D

2. Zurakowski, J.A.; Austen, B.J.H.; Drover, M.W. Organometallics 2021, 40, 2450-2457. DOI: 10.1021/acs.organomet.1c00194

[7 articles co-published]
Leah Webster
l.webster19@imperial.ac.uk
Twitter: @LeahWebster20
MITACS-UKRI Scholar from Imperial College London (Chadwick Group)


Hello! My name is Leah, and I am a PhD student in the Chadwick Group from Imperial College London. Where I work on early transition metal pincer complexes for small molecule activation. I am currently a visiting PhD student in the Drover lab, thanks to funding from the UK-Canada Globalink PhD Exchange Scheme. My research in the Drover lab will look at new iron-based complexes utilising interactions with Lewis acidic borane in secondary coordination sphere for CO2 reduction. When I am not in the lab, I enjoy running, cooking and yoga.
Mitchell Demchuk (G1)
BSc University of Windsor
demchukm@uwindsor.ca
Twitter: @DemchukMitchell
M.Sc. Student ​
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Recipient 

Hi, my name is Mitchell. I am in my fourth year of Honours Chemistry here at the University of Windsor. I am also minoring in biology, as I was a biochemistry major for my first two years. I will be doing my undergraduate thesis with the Drover group and am very excited to see how my project will unfold. On my free time I enjoy playing sports, reading books, playing games, and hanging out with friends. ​
1. Demchuk, M.; Zurakowski, J.A.; Austen, B.J.H.; Nelson, D.J.*; Drover, M.W. Chem. Commun. 2022, 58, 68-71. DOI: 10.1039/D1CC06064C
Gabriel Jobin (G1)
BSc Wilfrid Laurier University
​jobing@uwindsor.ca 
Twitter: @gabe_jobin
M.Sc. Student ​
CSC Silver Medal (Honours Chemistry and Math)
​
Hello! My name is Gabe, I moved to Windsor to start in the Drover lab in September 2022. I received my bachelor’s degree at Wilfrid Laurier University in Chemistry and Mathematics. I did my undergraduate research on coordination chemistry and crystallography under Dr. Louise Dawe. It was such an enjoyable experience, I decided to continue my educational journey. Outside of school, my interests include, movies, sports, and going for walks.
Dante Conflitti (G1)
BSc University of Windsor
conflit1@uwindsor.ca 
M.Sc. Student

Hi, my name is Dante. I am a first-year graduate student. I recently completed my undergraduate degree in Honours Health and Biomedical Science. This is my first experience with this group and I am very excited to start on this new journey and see what my research has to bring. In my free time I enjoy being active and spending time with my fiancé, family and dog.
Devon Facchinato (Research Associate)
BSc Cornell University (USA)
Devon.Facchinato@uwindsor.ca
Research Associate

Hi, I’m Devon. I completed my undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Chemical Biological at Cornell University. This is my first research experience so I am looking forward to learning from others in the lab. I like to spend my free time with my family and I also love the outdoors. 
1. Facchinato, D.; Zurakowski, J.A.; Drover, M. W. J. Coord. Chem. 2022, ASAP. DOI: 10.1080/00958972.2022.2067989​

UNDERGRADUATE TEAM members:
​

Harvey Sharma (U4)
sharm18o@uwindsor.ca
Windsor IGNITE student
NSERC USRA student
BSc Honors Thesis Student

Hi, I’m Harvey. I am in my third year of Biochemistry at the University of Windsor. I started my research journey with the Drover Lab in September 2021. I look forward to continuing to learn from the team and having fun doing chemistry! On my free time I enjoy working out, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family. 
Paola Noriega (U4)
noriega@uwindsor.ca
Windsor IGNITE student
BSc Honors Thesis Student

Hi, I'm Paola! I am going into my fourth year of Biochemistry at the University of Windsor, after having come back from an 8-month co-op at Johnson & Johnson. I will be completing my Honours Thesis with the Drover group, and am excited to do so! If you can't find me in the lab, I'm likely reading a book or out with friends.
Salomé Luce (U4)
luces@uwindsor.ca
MITACS Globalink Student - ESPCI

Hi, my name is Salomé. I am a french student at ESPCI, one of France’s leading universities for high-level scientific training. I joined Drover Lab as part of the Mitacs program for the summer of 2022 to continue exploring the world of chemistry research! I am very excited to work with the team members. In my free time, I like reading, playing sport, hanging out with my friends and playing games.
Connor Durfy (U4)
kdurfy@uwo.ca
Inorganic Chemistry Exchange Student - Western Univ.

Hey, I’m Connor! I’m going into my fourth year at Western University, pursuing an Honors Specialization in Integrated Science with Chemistry, and I have the pleasure of joining the Drover group this summer as a part of the Inorganic Chemistry Exchange. I’m excited to be in Windsor and to have the opportunity to learn from a new group of people in a field I’m passionate about! After finishing my undergrad I’m aiming to continue doing research by pursuing a masters and maybe a PhD in inorganic chemistry. In my free time you can find me reading books, watching live music, and getting outside to enjoy the weather with friends!
Paras Gupta (MITACS GLOBALLINK) 

FORMER TEAM members:
​

Postdoctoral Fellows:
  • Dr. Moulika Bhattacharyya, 2020-2021​ (Publications: IC 2021 and DT 2021)
Undergraduates:
  • Maeve Dufour, IGNITE Scholar, 2020-2021 (Publications: CEJ 2020, DT 2020, DT 2021, ChemRXiv 2021) - Current: Darvesh Laboratory, Dalhousie University
  • Lindsay Lesperance-Nantau, IGNITE Scholar, 2020-2021 (Publications: CEJ 2020 and DT 2020) - Current: Graduate Student in Carmichael Laboratory
  • Kyle Pearcy, Volunteer 2020 - Current: Environmental Technician 
  • Paola Noriega, Volunteer 2019-2020 - Current: Co-op UW Internship Student
  • Kasey Brown, Outstanding Scholar, 2019-2020 - Current: USRA, Mundle Group
  • Salomé Luce (U4), MITACS Globalink Student, Summer 2022, ESPCI
  • Connor Durfy (U4), Inorganic Chemistry Exchange Student, Summer 2022, Western

POSITIONS

We are interested in working with driven and excited co-workers who have an interest in synthesis, including organic and inorganic chemistry. Individual projects will be tailored to the interests of students, but will involve the use of organotransition metal or main-group chemistry to develop molecules, whose properties can be leveraged for exciting and new science!

Please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail: marcus.drover@uwindsor.ca (for more information, please see my contact page). 

DROVER GROUP OFFICE SPACE


​Graduate students

We are always looking for interested graduate students at the M.Sc. or Ph.D. level of study. Candidates with research experience will be preferred. If interested, please e-mail Marcus a copy of your CV (including the names of 2 potential referees), a transcript (unofficial is OK), and a brief summary about yourself including interests. ​
NSERC (Canadian): http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PG-CS/index_eng.asp
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): http://www.uwindsor.ca/education/scholarships-awards/ogs
Mitacs (All): https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/accelerate
Mitacs (International): https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/globalink/globalink-graduate-fellowship
Vanier (All): http://www.vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html
Fullbright (American): http://www.fulbright.ca/programs/american-students.html

​
​underGraduate students

NSERC USRA: http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/UG-PC/USRA-BRPC_eng.asp
Windsor: Undergraduate Summer Research Scholarship: http://www1.uwindsor.ca/chemistry/scholarship-awards
ICE Program: https://www.ryerson.ca/ice/
RISE Program: http://www.risecanada.ca


​POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS

Currently, we do not have funds to support PDFs. With that said, there are numerous opportunities for external funding. For appropriately credentialled individuals, Marcus would be happy to lend support for application development. Available avenues include:
NSERC PDF: http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PD-NP/PDF-BP_eng.asp
Banting: http://banting.fellowships-bourses.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html
Mitacs (All): https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/accelerate#postdoc
Mitacs (Chinese): https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/globalink/come-to-canada/early-career-fellowship-china
Fullbright (American): http://www.fulbright.ca/programs/american-scholars.html