Research Team
Graduate Students
PhD Candidate
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2021)
- BSc Chemistry Co-op, Toronto Metropolitan University (2019)
Rachele previously did her master's under the supervision of Dr. Foucher and Dr. McWilliams, with a thesis focused on preparing new polystyrenic onium and substituted thionylphosphazene antimicrobials for hospital settings. For her doctoral studies, she will now be exploring the functionalization of lignin products to make sustainable resins in collaboration with Dr. Sacripante. When not in the lab, Rachele can often be found attending a concert or musical theatre production, solving puzzles in an escape room with her friends and labmates, or playing Animal Crossing or Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch.
MSc Candidate
- BSc Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Trent University (2021)
Anthony finished his BScH in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with a publication titled “Eco-design and tunable structure-properties of chitosan-epoxy-glycerol-silicate biohybrids using integrated crosslinking” under the supervision of Dr. Merchant at Trent University. Under the co-supervision of Dr. Sacripante, he is currently working on extracting polymers from seaweed, where he will functionalize it to create different polyesters and polyurethanes with a cross-linked silane precursor. In his free time, you can find him watching SSC Napoli, working out or playing video games.
MSc Candidate
- BSc Chemistry Co-op, Toronto Metropolitan University (2024)
Garry graduated from the chemistry co-op program at Toronto Metropolitan University and completed 1 year of co-op work at LANXESS. For his master's studies, he will be working towards synthesizing novel TPED derivatives with different functional groups to use as initiators in epoxy resin applications under the co-supervision of Dr. Heyd. Garry can speak 4 languages.
Incoming MSc Candidate
- BSc Chemistry Co-op, Toronto Metropolitan University (2025)
Wilson first joined the Foucher group in early 2024 to synthesize polyferrocenylsilanes. Since then he has continued working with the group as an undergraduate thesis student and is now a masters student working on the synthesis of novel pincer ligands for polystannanes. Outside of the lab, Wilson likes to engage in hobbies such as creative writing, pondering philosophy, or finding new ways to use his creative abilities.
Incoming MSc Candidate
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2025)
Principal Investigator
Professor
- PhD Chemistry, University of Toronto (1994)
- MSc Chemistry, Queen's University (1990)
- BSc Chemistry, Queen's University (1987)
Awards: 2018 Dean's Service Award (Department of Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science)
- 75+ Publications
- 51+ Issued US Patents
- 15+ US Patent Applications
Daniel Foucher completed his undergraduate degree at Queen's University in 1987 and joined the Macartney group later that same year as a masters student. His master’s thesis, completed in 1990, focused on the ligand substitution and electron transfer reactions of pentacyanoferrate-ligand complexes. He joined Ian Manners at the University of Toronto that same year for doctoral studies, and his PhD dissertation involved two research foci: the first was the preparation and polymerization behaviour of novel strained borasiloxane monomers, and the second was the synthesis and thermal polymerization behaviour of strained ferrocenylsilanes and ferrocenylgermane systems. The latter project was the first example of electrochemically active, tuneable, soluble high molecular weight film forming organometallic polymers. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1994 and spent an additional year of postdoctoral studies with the Manners group before joining the Xerox Research Centre of Canada in 1995 as a research scientist. At Xerox, he worked on water dispersible sulphonated polyester resins for emulsion aggregation toners, low cost polyester resins, and photopolymerizable polymers as masks for inkjet printheads. After leaving Xerox in 2001, he joined the Yazaki Technical Centre in California, working on matched refractive index UV curable coatings for fiber optic networks. He returned to Canada in 2003, taking the position as an R&D and Quality Control Manager at Chemque, a specialty urethane manufacturer. In late 2007, he returned to academia as an assistant professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and was tenured in 2010. His current research is focused on the preparation of light and moisture stable polystannanes as well as self-assembled quaternary ammonium and phosphonium materials as antimicrobial agents.
Email: daniel.foucher@torontomu.ca
Foucher Group Alumni
Graduate
Honourary Master of Science Student
- BSc Biomedical Sciences, Toronto Metropolitan University (2023)
Current: PhD Student in Molecular Science at Toronto Metropolitan University
Master of Science Graduate
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2025)
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2022)
Current:
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2024)*
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2022)
Current: PhD student in Chemistry at Nantes Université
*Co-supervised with Dr. Stephen Wylie
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2023)*
- BSc Chemistry, Queen's University (2020)
Current: PhD Student at the Institute for Frontier Materials at Deakin University
*Co-supervised with Dr. Guerino Sacripante
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2021)
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2018)
Current: PhD Candidate in Chemistry and Biochemistry at University of Windsor
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2020)
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2017)
Current: Polymer Materials Scientist at SRTX
- PhD Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2020)
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2015)
Current: Mass Spectroscopy Technologist at SCIEX
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2019)
- BSc Chemistry Co-op, McMaster University (2017)
Current: Research Coordinator at York University
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2019)
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2016)
Current: Regulatory Operations Coordinator at Innomar Strategies
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2018)
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2015)
Current: PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering at McMaster University
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2018)*
- BSc Chemistry, Western University (2016)
Current: Development Scientist at Impact Chemistry
*Co-supervised with Dr. Robert Gossage
Kamlesh Mistry
Master of Science Graduate
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2016)
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2011)
Current: Quality Manager at Attix Pharmaceuticals
Shane Harrypersad
Master of Science Graduate
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2015)
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2013)
Current: Senior Scientist at Bold Therapeutics Inc.
Dariush Firouzi
Doctor of Philosophy Graduate
- PhD Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University (2014)*
- MSc Mechanical Engineering, Eastern Mediterranean University (2007)
- BSc Materials Engineering, Shiraz University (2005)
Current: Plant Manager at RONCO SAFETY
*Co-supervised with Dr. Habiba Bougherara
Justin Kosalka
Master of Applied Science Graduate
- MASc Environmental Applied Science and Management, Toronto Metropolitan University (2014)*
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2011)
Current: Senior Manager of Operations and Business Development at Diteba
*Co-supervised with Dr. Robert Gossage
Yee-Yue Grace Luk
Master of Science Graduate
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2014)*
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2011)
Current:
*Co-supervised with Dr. Robert Gossage
Aman Khan
Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy Graduate
- PhD Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2014)
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2010)*
Current: Senior Quality Control Chemist at Apotex
*Co-supervised with Dr. Robert Gossage
Lukasz Porosa
Doctor of Philosophy Graduate
- PhD Environmental Applied Science and Management, Toronto Metropolitan University (2014)*
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2008)
- BSc Applied Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University (2006)
Current: R&D Director, Chief Chemist at ViaClean Technologies LLC
*Co-supervised with Dr. Gideon Wolfaardt
Jonathan Ward
Master of Science Graduate
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2013)
- BSc Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University (2010)
Current:
Damion Miles
Master of Science Graduate
- MSc Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University (2010)
- BSc Applied Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University (2008)
Current: Data Management & Validation Specialist at Wood
Undergraduate Thesis Students
| BSc Thesis Student | Year |
|---|---|
| Wilson Digby | 2024-2025 |
| Hamza Malik | 2024-2025 |
| Maya Mott | 2024-2025 |
| Angelica Treleven | 2024-2025 |
| Gabriel Velasco | 2024-2025 |
| Brigida Fernandes | 2023-2024 |
| Thomas Fernandes | 2023-2024 |
| Corradina Towie | 2023-2024 |
| Unnati Desai | 2022-2023 |
| Christele Ladores | 2022-2023 |
| Efijeni Zallota | 2022-2023 |
| Liam Brennan | 2020-2021 |
| Kaitlyn Silverthorne | 2020-2021 |
| Noah King | 2019-2020 |
| Mokhamed Ranne | 2019-2020 |
| Susanna Vu | 2019-2020 |
| Ashnie Badal | 2018-2019 |
| Jung-Won (David) Choi | 2018-2019 |
| Gloria D'Amaral | 2017-2018 |
| Kristy Halnan | 2017-2018 |
| Joseph Bedard | 2016-2017 |
| Jasveer Dhindsa | 2016-2017 |
| Julie Loungxay | 2015-2016 |
| William Scannell | 2015-2016 |
| Alexander Caschera | 2014-2015 |
| Brad Jacobs | 2014-2015 |
| Jeffrey Pau | 2014-2015 |
| Arash Shakeri | 2013-2014 |
| Tamara Al-Faouri | 2012-2013 |
| Hellen Deng | 2012-2013 |
| Shane Harrypersad | 2012-2013 |
| Aagam Patel | 2012-2013 |
| Amanda Mocella | 2011-2012 |
| Shayan Hamzehi | 2010-2011 |
| Laura Liao | 2010-2011 |
| Katie Lyashkevich | 2010-2011 |
| Kamlesh Mistry | 2010-2011 |
| Sarah Komejan | 2009-2010 |
| Patricia Stanescu | 2009-2010 |
| Jonathan Ward | 2009-2010 |
RA's, Volunteers, & PDFs
| Name | Status | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Danya Alnakash | Research Assistant | S2024 |
| Garabed Baboghli | Research Assistant | S2024 |
| Miristhika Thanaraj | Research Assistant | S2024 |
| Lucie Mouchiroud | Visiting Researcher | S2024 |
| Clémence Rakoto | Visiting Researcher | S2024 |
| Sara Thortveit | Visiting Researcher | S2024 |
| Christele Ladores | Research Assistant | S2023 |
| Nicola Piccolo | Research Assistant | S2023 |
| Manon Peragut | Visiting Researcher | S2023 |
| Clara Repiquet | Visiting Researcher | S2023 |
| Christine Miller | Volunteer | F2022-W2023 |
| Sidrah Rana | Research Assistant | S2022 |
| Léna Fréry | Visiting Researcher | S2022 |
| Liam Brennan | Research Assistant | F2021-S2022 |
| Dr. Gregory Hodgson | S2021 | |
| Dr. Tarunpreet Virk | F2020-S2021 | |
| Alexander Caschera | Research Assistant | F2018-S2021 |
| Kaitlyn Silverthorne | Volunteer | S2019-S2020 |
| Jada Wright | Volunteer | S2019-F2019 |
| Annaelle Venaud | Visiting Researcher | S2019 |
| Siobhan Liu | Volunteer | W2019-W2020 |
| Alston | Co-op Student | W2019 |
| Katelyn | Co-op Student | F2018 |
| Ashnie Badal | Volunteer | W2018 |
| Sidra Sabagh | Volunteer | F2016-W2017 |
| Jasveer Dhindsa | Volunteer | F2015-W2016 |
| William Scannell | Volunteer | S2015 |
| Malek El-Aooiti | Volunteer | W2015 |
| Kathleen May | Volunteer | W2015 |
| Dr. Aman Khan | S2014-W2015 |
Back: Wilson, Hamza, Dr. Foucher, Rachele, Anthony, Maya, Liam, Sarah, Angelica, & Christele
Front: Gabriel & Garry
Dr. Foucher, Thomas, Brigida, Christele, Anthony, Corri, Pierre, Liam, & Rachele
Christele, Efijeni, Rachele, Pierre, Liam, Nicola, & Dr. Foucher
Nicola, Alex, Dr. Foucher, Rachele, & Liam
Tarun, Nicola, Rachele, Kaitlyn, Alex, & Liam
Back: Dr. Foucher, Rachele, Alex, Noah, Mokha, & Joe
Front: Jeff, Jada, Kaitlyn, Gloria, & Susanna
Back: Rachel, Alex, Dr. Foucher, Joe, & David
Front: Jeff, Gloria, & Ashnie
Back: Lukasz, Joe, Alex, Kristy, Rachel, & Dr. Foucher
Front: Jeff, Julie, Gloria, & Des
Back: Dr. Foucher, Jasveer, Shane, Alex, & Aman
Front: Julie & Jeff
Back: Dr. Foucher, Arash, Alex, Aman, Kamlesh, & Shane
Front: Jeff & Dr. McWilliams
Professor |
Collaboration Type |
Website |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Habiba Bougherara | Mechanical Engineering | Dr. Bougherara Faculty Profile |
| Dr. Robert Gossage | Organometallics | Dr. Gossage Faculty Profile |
| Dr. Martina Hausner | Microbiology | Hausner Research Group (external link) |
| Dr. Darrick Heyd | Physical Chemistry | Dr. Heyd Faculty Profile |
| Dr. Alan Lough | X-Ray Crystallography | University of Toronto X-Ray Facility (external link) |
| Dr. Andrew McWilliams | Phosphazenes | Dr. McWilliams Faculty Profile |
| Dr. Guerino Sacripante | Green Chemistry | Sacripante Research Group (external link) |
| Dr. Mark Taylor | Organotin Catalysis | Taylor Research Group (external link) |
| Dr. Gideon Wolfaardt | Antimicrobials | Dr. Wolfaardt Faculty Profile |
| Dr. Stephen Wylie | Computational Chemistry | Dr. Wylie Faculty Profile |
