LEITCH LAB

Abbie joined the Leitch Lab in August of 2025 after completing her Ph.D. at UNC Greensboro. She is currently investigating palladium-catalyzed C-H activation and functionalization of thiazoles. Abbie also enjoys the gym, hiking outdoors, movie nights, and watching Penguins hockey.

Ricky is a synthetic chemist with a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary. His research interests span synthetic methodology, catalysis, and construction of complex molecules. He is also passionate about chemistry education and finding ways to make chemistry more accessible and engaging for students. Outside of the lab, you can find Ricky bouldering, learning kpop choreography, or searching for the perfect matcha latte.

Shiqi joined the Leitch group in August 2023. His research focuses on palladium precatalysts, with a particular emphasis on the recovery of used catalysts. Outside of the lab, he enjoys hiking, playing Minecraft, watching sitcoms, and learning English (he has a "word panel" on a fume hood sash).

Muskan joined the laboratory in May 2024 as a PhD student. Her research focuses on the synthesis and reactivity of bicyclic compounds for the development of three-dimensional bioisosteres relevant to drug discovery. Outside the laboratory, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Mingen mainly focuses on organic/organometallic research and analytical characterization (NMR, HPLC, computational chemistry). He prefers technical depth, structured explanations, and automation or script-based solutions, and enjoys breaking down complex problems into clear, workable components.

Daniel joined the group in 2026. He is co-supervised Dr. Nelson Lam and the Lam lab. His background focuses on synthetic organic chemistry and some catalysis. His current research focuses on the formation of bridged bicyclic compounds and their diversification via photoexcitation. Outside the lab Daniel enjoys bouldering, volleyball, soccer and listening to music.

Nelson rejoined Leitch Lab in January 2025 as a Master's student, having previously done undergraduate research in the group. His project is focused on recovering and reviving palladium catalysts, including their phosphine based ligands, using chelating bis-amidate ligands. In his free time, Nelson likes looking for new music, going to the gym, and going to local hardcore shows.

Maya joined the group in September of 2025 and is studying the formation of palladium oxidative addition complexes for quantitative reaction predictions and mechanistic studies. Outside of the lab, Maya loves rock climbing, hiking, and hunting for sea glass.

Sarah joined the group in 2021, completed her Honours thesis in 2024, and began her Master's in January 2026. Her research focuses on combining experimental and computational techniques to develop predictive models of NMR chemical shifts. Outside of the lab (and computer), she enjoys playing FromSoft games, reading, baking, and going to local indie concerts.

Katie joined the group in 2024, completed her Honours thesis in 2026, and began her Master's in September 2026. Her research focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of bicyclic structures for the development of three-dimensional bioisosteres relevant to drug discovery. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, traveling, and going to spin classes.