Susanna Whitlock (Department of Chemistry) – University of Toronto

My name is Susanna and I spent eight weeks this summer at the University of Toronto (UofT) for IROP, working with Prof. Helen Tran’s research group (Team Tran).

My research project allowed me to learn a variety of lab techniques such as air sensitive chemistry, taking NMR measurements and flash chromatography as well as analytical skills, in particular the correct analysis of NMR spectra. As well as this, I also participated in a poster session and several group presentations, which enabled me to develop my scientific communication.

The chemistry department at UofT was extremely welcoming. I was assigned a PhD student mentor, who patiently answered all my questions and helped me in the lab. Outside of work hours, I participated in some of Team Tran’s social activities; we watched Oppenheimer, went to the theme park Canada’s Wonderland (at my request) and even went on a camping trip to Restoule Provincial Park! I also met a few other summer exchange students via the UofT exchange student Facebook group. I explored Toronto with them, going to some museums (like the Royal Ontario Museum) and even seeing a baseball game. As well as this, the sports facilities at UofT were excellent. As a student I got free access to many sports classes, gyms and an Olympic sized swimming pool! Toronto is also a fairly well-connected city. This allowed me to visit Ottawa during my IROP and then fly to Calgary to visit Banff once my IROP ended.

After having done my IROP, I feel much more confident going into my final MSci research year. Seeing how Team Tran worked together really inspired me – it’s clear to me now how different the research environment is to undergraduate chemistry. I’ve also been equipped with essential skills for my final year.  For example, I learnt how to use Adobe Illustrator to make my research poster, I then learnt how to succinctly present my research during the poster session. My presentation and PowerPoint making skills have also greatly improved as I participated in fortnightly sub-group presentations, as well as giving a 15-minute research presentation in a group meeting at the end of my IROP. My confidence and range of skills in lab has also improved as I got a lot of lab time over the IROP. This process has really inspired to potentially pursue a PhD overseas – I had a great time in Toronto and I recommend that everyone should do an IROP if given the chance!