Working towards a sustainable future
Welcome to the Clapson Group Research website at the University of Prince Edward Island
Our Vision
In the Clapson Research group, we focus on training the next generation of skilled organometallic researcher and sustainability leaders. We extend our vision of future chemistry in small molecule activation and catalysis to incorporate concepts of sustainable design, targeting green chemistry principles to overcome global challenges such as greenhouse gas remediation, zero-carbon processes, and alternative fuels.
We know that successful and innovative research takes place when we have a diversified team. We work to create an inclusive research environment in which we all have access to the supports required to be successful chemists.
Direct efforts made to promote diversity and equity can enable all students to access the tools, programs, and resources needed to be successful in not only their degree, but their intended career. The thoughtful design of these programs; indigenous engagement, anti-black racism workshops, and gender equity in STEM programs for example, creates equal opportunity amongst the student and university population, fostering respect and communication across all gender, racial, and other minority communities. In the Clapson Research Group equity, diversity, and inclusivity go hand-in-hand, inviting all persons to the table, respecting/valuing their opinion, and ensuring they are provided with the tools for success. Here, we need to not only provide tools that promote equity, but also challenge the systematic barriers that result in their requirement. In our efforts to uphold these values we work closely with students and researchers to develop inclusive workspaces, open avenues for nonjudgmental communication, create opportunity for career development (conferences, publications, workshops, etc.), and provide support in pursing scholarships, grants, and other ventures.
Want to learn more about our group work environment? Please do not hesitate to reach out to be put in contact with current group members.
News
February 19, 2026
Green Chemistry Symposium Teams Celebrate a New Publication
Congratulations to the Green Chemistry symposium teams on another excellent Chemistry Education article. The article explores the application of active learning approaches to teaching green chemistry and their application at the national 2025CSC conference and in a 3rd-year inorganic chemistry classroom. The inquiry-based and gamified activities described herein are designed to integrate individuals into the green chemistry community, build confidence in green chemistry content, and explore discipline-specific applications. Read more here: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2026/su/d5su00967g.
Dr. Marissa L. Clapson was awarded the Wiley Research Heroes Prize, Highly Commended Recognition – Research and Culture Award. The Wiley Research Heroes Prize is a global award that celebrates researchers and colleagues who go above and beyond to make research more inclusive, innovative, and impactful. Awarded annually, it recognizes exceptional professionals across five distinct categories, including the highly competitive Research Culture Award.
April 30, 2026
Clapson Awarded Wiley Research Heroes Prize, Highly Commended Recognition – Research and Culture Award
May 12, 2026
Congratulations to our Recent Graduates
Congratulations go out to Jill Harper and Ali Nasoudi, Honours students from the Clapson group, for graduating this year! Jill Harper was awarded the Best Thesis Presentation award this year in the Department as well as the Dr. Leon Loucks Memorial Scholarship in Chemistry. Amazing work from each of you. We are excited to see your next steps!
May 29, 2026
The Clapson Group Represents at the x2026 Conference in Toronto
The Clapson Group hosted a number of successful workshops and symposia at the Canadian Societies for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering 2026 Conferences and Exhibition (x2026). The flagship symposium, Talking the Talk to Stride in Pride – A Workshop Exploring Methods to Incorporate Pride into Research and Education Practice was well attended. The symposium celebrated Queer Chemists and Chemical Engineers, providing paths forward for the incorporation of EDI-AR initiatives into research and education. A common theme was moving from performative words to taking action, the importance of such initiatives echoed by attendees. Congratulations Dr. Clapson (University of Prince Edward Island), Jenny Oh (University of Toronto), and Kristen Perry (University of Toronto).
May 11, 2026
Welcome Our New Summer Researchers
The Clapson Group is happy to have Ryan Zdaniewicz (3rd-year chemistry Honours student) and Leticia Alveraz (3rd-year psychology major) join the team as summer researchers! Ryan will be working on developing PCP ligands featuring Lewis acids in the secondary coordination sphere for small molecule activation while Leticia will be working to develop a series of tetradentate S,N Schiff-base ligands for ring opening polymerization of biorenewable materials. Welcome to the team!
Get Involved
Join the Clapson Group
Interested in joining the Clapson group exploring sustainability in organometallic chemistry?! We are accepting graduate and undergraduate student researchers and summer volunteers.
Email mlclapson@upei.ca with your resume to inquire about new opportunities.
Donate
Whether it is supporting a research student, an exciting research project, or new teaching initiatives, your donations can make a huge difference in helping us to make an impact in society.
Message mlclapson@upei.ca to learn more.
Collaborations
We want to help you meet your research goals, whether it is partnering in future research projects, process development for current materials, or consultant on private research initiatives and teaching programs, we are hear to help!
Message mlclapson@upei.ca to learn more.