From Chemistry Labs to Leadership Roles: Dr. Paul Smith’s Career Journey

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Dr. Paul Smith’s journey from a high school chemistry class in the UK to leading some of Canada’s top research organizations is a story of curiosity, mentorship, and bold career moves. With experience spanning Xerox, the Perimeter Institute, and national science boards, he’s passionate about connecting basic science with real-world impact. At CSC 2025, Dr. Smith will share the lessons he’s learned—and the inspiration that’s guided him along the way.

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Dr. Adya Karthikeyan: Surface Engineering with the Purpose

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CSC WIDE May 2025 Spotlight Video - This month we feature Dr. Adya Karthikeyan, a postdoctoral fellow at the Polytechnique Montreal, where they explore surface polymers for agricultural applications. During Ph.D. studies at McGill University, Dr. Karthikeyan used nature inspired surfaces to surface engineer cooling materials for heat transfer.

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Chemistry, Community, and Courage

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Plenary speaker Dr. André K. Isaacs brings passionate advocacy and path-breaking research to the Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition (CSC 2025). Born in Jamaica, Isaacs was inspired by his uncle to pursue chemistry, and afterwards moved to the U.S. to live up to that legacy. A queer, Black immigrant, he champions diversity in science and speaks to the importance of inclusive mentorship. He will share his research on Nitrogen Heterocycles and his dream of a more equitable and motivating scientific community at CSC 2025.

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