Team

PI: Dr. Jun-Ray Macairan

Dr. Jun-Ray Macairan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Trent University. He completed his B.Sc. in Biochemistry in 2016, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Concordia University in 2021, where he was recognized as both valedictorian and the recipient of the Governor General's Gold Medal. Under the supervision of Dr. Rafik Naccache, his doctoral work focused on designing carbon dot nanomaterials for applications in bioimaging and chemical sensing.

Following his Ph.D., he pursued postdoctoral research at McGill University under the supervision of Dr. Nathalie Tufenkji, where he developed innovative techniques to investigate the environmental fate and impacts of micro- and nanoplastics. His interdisciplinary approach bridged analytical chemistry with environmental science to address the challenges posed by emerging contaminants.

At Trent, Dr. Jun-Ray Macairan leads a research program centered on three interconnected areas: (1) understanding the behavior and effects of organic and inorganic pollutants in natural systems; (2) developing sustainable, carbon dot-based technologies for the detection of environmental contaminants; and (3) advancing green remediation strategies using nanocellulose-based materials. His work contributes to both fundamental science and practical solutions for environmental monitoring and cleanup.

Anas Alzouabi

MSc Student

Their project focuses on designing carbon dots for detecting biological analytes related to illness. By functionalizing the surface of the carbon dots, they aim to achieve high specificity and sensitivity in complex biological environments. This research supports the development of simple, fluorescence-based tools for early disease detection.

Katrielle Blais-Pennock

Undergraduate Honours Thesis Student (Past USRA Summer Research Assistant)

Their project focuses on creating carbon dots that can detect chromium(VI) in water. They are working to improve how well the dots respond to chromium and are studying how the detection process works.

Hobbies/Interests:

Reading
Baking/Cooking
Drawing

Sean Calingayan
Undergraduate Honours Thesis Student (Co-supervised w/Dr. Arun Moorthy)

Their project explores the use of carbon dots as an alternative tool in forensic science for visualizing fingerprints. By designing carbon dots that interact with fingerprint residues, they aim to enhance contrast and detail under specific lighting conditions. This approach could offer a safer, more cost-effective method for print detection.

Hobbies/Interests:

Making music
Fashion design
Performance art

James Beatty
Undergraduate Honours Thesis Student

Their project investigates how micro- and nanoplastics may leach from coffee pods during use. They are analyzing the types and amounts of particles released under typical brewing conditions. The goal is to better understand potential exposure risks associated with single-serve coffee systems.

Kai Miyasaki
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Their work examines how different reaction conditions—such as the choice of reagents, temperature, and reaction time—affect the optical and physical properties of carbon dots. They are exploring how these parameters influence size, fluorescence, and surface features. This work will help guide the design of carbon dots with specific properties for sensing applications.

Joshua De Sousa

Undergraduate Honours Thesis Student

Their project involves developing carbon dots to help detect different types of pesticides. They are adjusting the properties of the dots and exploring how they interact with various pesticide compounds.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse