Biography: Hi, I’m Charlotte Stein (she/her), and I am going into my 3rd year of undergraduate studies as a Chemistry Specialist with focuses in Green Chemistry and Practical Analysis. Over the summer of 2024, I volunteered at the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research and explored the microplastic content of North Pacific marine samples.
I grew up internationally, having most recently lived in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I hope to continue to explore the world both in and out of the lab!
Program: 3rd year Chemistry Specialist
Campus and Department: St. George Chemistry
Area of Interest: Environmental Chemistry
We asked:
Where did your interest in chemistry come from? In my final two years of high school, I took AP Chemistry which initially piqued my interest in studying science then AP Research, in which I studied the deposition of atmospheric pollutants from intense seasonal air pollution in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina into the city’s water sources. In 1st year chemistry classes, learning about ongoing research and seeing the passion for the subject in the Chemistry Department solidified my path into a chemistry specialist program.
What is your favorite fact about chemistry? Studying quantum dots in inorganic chemistry was so intriguing, because not only are they a Nobel-prize winning discovery, but they also combine all the chemical knowledge that I have collected into something revolutionary in the real world. Synthesizing and watching them fluoresce in CHM237 lab was incredible!
What course have you taken here that has seemed especially remarkable or surprising? I completed the Stowe-Gullen stream of the Vic One program (VIC170 and VIC171) which focused on the philosophy of science and methods of scientific research. These small, seminar-style classes were a great contrast to large 1st year lectures and put the content into perspective. Learning not only how to conduct research but also how to properly engage with the scientific community really helped me to think about how I wanted to use the knowledge that I was learning in the future.
What's next for you in Chemistry here at UofT? Can you tell us about your plans and the challenges you'll be taking on? I am thrilled to be furthering my interest in environmental chemistry by joining Professor Jennifer Murphy’s research group in the fall for my CHM395 project, which is focused on analysing the re-emission of deposited ammonium-containing pollutants onto urban surfaces into the atmosphere as gas phase ammonia.
I had initially approached Professor Murphy at the end of my 1st year to discuss how to best enter the environmental chemistry field. Her research into atmospheric pollutants perfectly aligns with the style of research and field that I want to explore in the future, prompting me to inquire about potential projects for my CHM395 research when the time came.