About | UofC NanoGroup

ABOUT US

The University of Calgary nanoGroup is a student-led organization founded in 2013 with one central focus: to cultivate and support the nanotechnology community at the University of Calgary Campus. We strive to engage students in a variety of nano-related activities – design projects, outreach programs, academic research, entrepreneurial pursuits and networking with local industry.

We exist to inform the public of the opportunities and benefits that nanotechnology holds for Alberta and alerting students to avenues for technology commercialization are additional objectives. We are a Graduate Research Network (GRN) under the Graduate Students' Association (GSA) at the University of Calgary. We are an initiative from nanoAlberta, the nanotechnology branch of Alberta Innovate Technology Futures (AITF).

Executive Team

I am starting my 4th year as a PhD student in Dr. Belinda Heyne’sresearch group in Chemistry. My research focuses on assessing the interactions between light, molecular absorbers and a variety of hybrid-metallic nanoparticles. I’ve served on several committees throughout my time at the University of Calgary, from 2016 to 2018 on the GSA’s academic standing committee, and from 2016 to 2018 on the science students’ appeals committee; as well as holding executive positions in student-run clubs on campus, 2014 to 2016 as the VP Academics for the Russian Speaking Students’ Association; and 2017 to 2018 as the VP Opreations, 2018-2019 as Co-President of the UofC nanoGroup. Apart from my academic and volunteering commitments I like spending my leisure time outdoors, hiking and road biking, or playing my favorite guitar riffs on an unjustifiably large collection of instruments and equipment.

President

Vladimir Kabanov

As a member of the Chemistry department at the University of Calgary and having carried out extensive research into the stability of gold nanoparticles in solution with various surface ligand modifications, I feel that I would be an asset to the UofC Nano group in the either the position of VP Operations or VP Finance. I am a MSc student in the department of Chemistry, entering the second year in September. In my spare time, I enjoy rowing (the sport), and running, as well as playing piano. As a member of the UofC Nano group, I plan to promote the group within the Faculty of Science, as well as in the broader University community. I believe that Nanoscience is a very important science and would benefit from the inclusion of the diverse group of scientists, in all faculties, that study in this field. I hope to work towards building a strong community between these researchers, and making the general public more aware and interested in this branch of science.

VP Finance

Cyrus Mackie

My name is Olga Kravchenko and I am getting a MCs in Chemistry at university of Calgary. I enjoy chemistry, squash and cooking. Nanoscience is a growing field of research which needs to be presented to the community to enlighten and inspire scientists. In order to achieve this, we must create positive and clear communication for all interested people.

VP Communications

Olga Kravchenko

I’m an Eyes High postdoctoral fellow in chemical and petroleum engineering department at the University of Calgary. I have a PhD in chemistry from the University of Alberta, where I was involved with the UofA nanoGroup as 2017-18 Co-President and 2016-17 VP Finance to organize nanoGroup events including the Alberta Nano Research Symposium and the nanoNexus networking event. I have the experience of coordinating well-organized public events, and I want to join 2019-20 UofC nanoGroup team as Postdoctoral Representative to organize fun and engaging scientific and networking events.

Postdoctoral Representative

Maryam Aghajamali

I am starting the third year of my PhD in Chemistry. I received a minor in nanoscience here at the University of Calgary during my BSc, my MSc in Chemistry at UVic involved making lanthanide-based nanoparticles for a variety of applications, and my PhD here at U of C is focused on making metallic nanoparticles.

Member at Large

Stephanie Bonvicini

I received my BSc in chemistry from the University of British Columbia (Okanagan) and am currently in my 4th year of my PhD here at the University of Calgary. My research focuses on nanostructuring silicon materials, nanoparticles, and nanowire fabrication for battery applications.

Member at Large

Alison Fulton

Advisory Faculty Member: Dr. Colin Dalton, Adjunct Professor, Schulich School of Engineering

Partners

(Co-)President

The President is responsible for the overall direction and management of the Group and for promoting the Group among both undergraduate, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty. The primary role of the President is to provide guidance and cohesion for the Group as well as to further its vision and mission through his activities and leadership. The President is further responsible for the scheduling of the year’s events and priorities, as well as working with the VP Finance to secure the Group’s annual funding. The President also has signing authority over the Group’s bank account. The president sets executive meetings as required, and is ultimately responsible for ensuring equitable division of labour between members of the Senior Executive.

VP Finance

In their capacity as financial officer, the VPF is responsible for all monies received and disbursed by the University of Calgary Nanotechnology Group, and shall account for them according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, monitoring and recording each transaction from the Group’s bank account. They are also responsible for ensuring that a regular audits and financial reports are completed to the satisfaction of funding sources, that all accounts receivable are collected, and that all bylaws pertaining to finances are upheld. It is also the job of the VPF, alongside the President, to secure funding for the financial commitments of the Group, seeking out appropriate funding bodies and preparing proposals as required. At the conclusion of each event, the VPF is further responsible for compiling a report on the event’s financials with a detailed budget, as well as any follow-up documentation requested by the funding bodies. Portions of this responsibility may be shared with other executives, and details should be collected from the associate VP directly responsible for the event. The VPF is also given signing authority over the Group’s bank account.

VP Operations

The VP Operations (VPO) is responsible for the routine functions of the Group, oversees VP Academic, and contributes to the organization of events. The VPO must ensure that these VPs have the resources and direction they require to carry out their duties, and is ultimately responsible for ensuring smooth operation of their designated events.
Additionally, they are responsible for coordinating and promoting the larger, irregular nanoGroup events throughout the year. These include, but are not limited to, speaker events and workshops aimed at educating membership. Also, the VPO spearheads initiatives to organize symposia, competitions, and/or conferences.
The VPO works closely with and oversees the VP Academic in the planning and organization of events.

VP Communication

The VP Communication (VPC) is broadly responsible for both intra-group communication and for promotion of events outside the Group. The VPC is responsible for managing the member lists, drafting and/or editing internal nanoGroup communications such as emails to members and advisors, and ensuring impartiality, factuality and objectivity in all communications. Additional responsibilities include design and maintenance of the nanoGroup’s website, as well as email-based promotion of the Group’s events – emails and announcements sent out will be based on material provided by the VP responsible for the event.
As part of their responsibilities, the VP Communication is further responsible for the Group’s outreach efforts, overseeing the VP Outreach in his organization of events aimed at groups off campus. Similarly, the VPC is responsible for carrying out the Groups mandate of moving toward a province-wide student nanotechnology presence.

VP Academic

The VP Academic (VPA) is responsible for planning nanoTalk events and is responsible for engaging the academic side of the Alberta nanotechnology community. nanoTalks are regular lectures on recent nano academic accomplishments in the Alberta nanotechnology community. The VPA is responsible for: inviting speakers, establishing a budget for each event with the VPF, room booking, promotion and advertising the event with the VPC, purchasing refreshments for the event, making event posters and facilitate poster distribution, and other planning details. The VPA reports to the VPO.

VP Outreach

The VP Outreach (VPOR) is responsible for coordinating the Group’s outreach efforts the to the community, with focus on planning and organizing events for grade school, middle school, high school students and undergraduates. This includes organizing general nanotechnology presentations, demonstrations, and tours, as well as collaborating with other groups interested in nanotechnology education and outreach such as Let’s Talk Science.

Members at Large

Members at Large (MAL) provide support to the executive. Roles that MAL may provide include support on various projects or committees, and they may substitute for other executives where appropriate.