The Hayes Group
September 2024
From left to right (Back): Edward Hsiang, Paul Hayes, Emily Trew, Armina Rashid, Thamara Salazar
For more group photos, click here.
Group Members:
Edward Hsiang
(Ph.D. Student)
Edward Hsiang grew up in Maple Ridge, B.C. and completed his undergrad at the University of British Columbia in 2018. He's held co-op placements at both an industrial research lab in Connecticut, as well as an environmental analysis lab in Calgary. After graduating with his B.Sc. Edward spent a year working at an environmental lab in Vancouver before pursuing graduate studies at the University of Lethbridge. His research now involves exploring the synthesis of rhodium borylene complexes and applying them to organic transformations. In his spare time, Edward enjoys cooking and visiting the mountains closeby.
Emily Trew
(M.Sc. Student)
Emily, a M.Sc. student in the Hayes group, grew up on the vibrant outskirts of Langdon, AB. She completed her B.Sc. in general science at Mount Royal University in 2024, where she volunteered her time tutoring and advocating for healthy relationships. During her time at MRU, Emily worked with former Hayes group member Dylan Webb, where she found her place in the world of organometallic and synthetic chemistry. Outside of the lab, Emily can be found spreading magic as a party princess, crocheting with her grandparents, and tending to her plant collection. Her current research focuses on cobalt compounds generated using the group's pyrrole-based pincer
Armina Rashid
(M.Sc. Student)
Armina was born and raised in Calgary, AB. Originally coming to Lethbridge to complete a B.Sc./B.Ed in General Sciences and Chemical Science Education, she discovered a passion for scientific research and synthetic chemistry. In June of 2023, Armina completed her B.Sc. in General Sciences at the University of Lethbridge; she began her M.Sc. in Inorganic Chemistry under Prof. Paul G. Hayes in September. Her research in the Hayes lab focuses on the activation of group 14 compounds, including germanes and stannanes, using bis(phosphinimine)pincer supported iridium complexes. In her free time, Armina keeps busy by working on her latest arts and crafts projects, reading romance novels, watching action movies, or yapping with her friends
Thamara Salazar
(M.Sc. Student)
Thamara Salazar was born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico. She received her bachelor's degree in Chemistry in 2022 from the University of Guanajuato. Before joining the Hayes Lab, she worked under the supervision of Dr. Crispin Cristobal, where she learned about synthetic and organometallic chemistry and also worked as a high school teacher. She started her M.Sc. program in the Hayes Lab in 2023. Her research involves the synthesis of group 3 and 13 metal complexes of phosphasalen ligands. When not in the lab, Thamara enjoys cooking Mexican food and reading books.
David Szucs
(B.Sc. Student)
David Szucs was born in Mississauga, ON and later moved to Lacombe, AB. He started his B.Sc. at the University of Lethbridge in the Fall of 2020, first as a general science major, but later switching into chemistry. David joined the Hayes lab in January 2024 as an undergraduate independent study student. His research involves the synthesis of and isolation of sterically bulky boranes and silanes. In his free time, David enjoys listening to his vinyl collection, and skiing whenever possible.
Johann Sebastian Box
(Research Associate)
Johann Sebastian Box has been a hard-working member of the Hayes group for 14 years! He has recently made a daring move to new scientific heights in the Science Commons at the University of Lethbridge. He has played a large role in the group, extending his efforts to help develop a wide range of chemistry.
Donald Glover
(Research Associate)
The younger brother to Johann, Donald Glover has been in the care of the Hayes group for less time, but has still proven to be an invaluable group member. Despite his small stature he stands up to the pressure of lending a helping hand (or four!) to all of our chemistry.
