Leah Baylis, a StFX chemistry graduate student, has left for Spain where she will conduct research for the next three months as a recipient of the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (CGS-MSFSS).
Ms. Baylis of Barrie, ON, recently received the $6,000 award, which supports high-calibre Canadian graduate students in building global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of research experiences at institutions abroad. Last year, Ms. Baylis was also the recipient of a prestigious $27,000 Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s (CGS-M).
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity as it provides the chance to collaborate with experts in my field, advance my technical skills and contribute to meaningful research focused on sustainable solutions,” says Ms. Baylis, who completed her undergraduate degree at StFX in 2023 and is currently a master’s student under the supervision of StFX chemistry professor Dr. Genice Hallett-Tapley.
Ms. Baylis will spend the next three months visiting the labs of Dr. Marisa Marin and Dr. Paco Bosca at the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia – Institiuto de Tecnologia Quimica in Valencia Spain where the primary goal of her work will be to develop a multi-component reduced graphene photocatalyst to facilitate CO2 reduction and H2 generation under UVA-Visible light irradiation.
She says the research she is currently doing at StFX relies on photocatalytic hydrogen generation for the degradation of harmful pollutant chemicals. “The work I get to do while in Spain allows me to investigate a new set of catalyst: reduced carbon based catalysts. While the project in Spain focuses more toward recyclable energy sources as opposed to pollutant degradation, both projects emphasize environmental sustainability using UV-Visible light and multicomponent heterogeneous catalysts.
“This opportunity marks a milestone in my academic and professional career. But, even beyond the scientific aspect, my time is Spain will allow for personal development, cultural exchange and fostering new collaborations that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible without the MSFSS.”
Dr. Hallett-Tapley says the MSFSS will provide Ms. Baylis with an immersive cultural and travel experience to build upon her research interests in another area of the globe. “Leah will have a valuable opportunity to expand her knowledge into hydrogen fuel applications within an internationally renowned research group. The experience Leah acquires with Dr. Marin and Dr. Bosca at ITQ-UPV will build upon her foundation from StFX and provide a strong basis for a continued career in applied photochemistry and sustainable fuel design.”
Ms. Baylis says what excites her most about the opportunity to travel and research in Spain is being fully immersed in a culture different from her own. She says it’s truly exhilarating to combine her love of environmental science with her love of travel and adventure.
“StFX has had a profound impact on my life,” says Ms. Baylis. “The school introduced me to some of my closest friends and I was able to build strong connections both personally and professionally. I am especially grateful for my supervisor, Dr. Geniece Hallett-Tapley, whose mentorship inspires me to strive towards becoming a strong female scientist. The small class sizes really made me feel like I was able to ask questions and develop relationships with my professors, which ultimately led to my interest in research and paving the way for me to pursue a master’s degree. I am truly proud and thankful to be a Xaverian.”
