Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto
Katie grew up in Whitby, ON before heading to uOttawa to pursue her BSc in Biopharmaceutical Science. While there, she worked on nickel-catalyzed cross coupling of methyl esters under the supervision of Dr Stephen Newman, and then transitioned to a co-op term in the lab of Dr Michael Organ, where she synthesized potential inhibitors of biotin biosynthesis for antibiotic applications. Since joining the Rousseaux group, Katie’s research has focused on the synthesis and reactivity of cyclopropanols and cyclopropylamines. Outside of the lab, Katie enjoys reading, re-watching her favourite TV shows, and Olympic weightlifting.
James hails from Brantford, ON, but fled to Edmonton, AB to pursue post secondary studies. While in Alberta, he completed his BSc in Chemistry in 2018 at the King's University under the supervision of Dr. Kris Ooms, where he studied siloxy-functionalized polymers. He then completed his MSc in 2021 at the University of Alberta with Dr. Steve Bergens. During his MSc, he focused on the synthesis of photoactive NHC complexes. As a PhD student, he is focusing on asymmetric arylation reactions using metallophotoredox strategies. When not in the lab, James spends much of his free time working out, playing sports, hanging with friends, or meal prepping.
Ben was born and rasied in the lush rainforests of suburban Vancouver, British Columbia. He obtained his B. Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Toronto, joining the Rousseaux group in 2021 to complete an honours thesis project focused on developing a Ni-catalyzed reductive alkyne hydrocyanation reaction using an electrophilic cyanating reagent. Now continuing in the group as a PhD student, he is working on improving and expanding the chemistry of Ni-catalyzed reductive cyanation methods. Outside of the lab, Ben enjoys cooking, gaming, and longing for the North Shore Mountains.
Sam was born and raised in Surrey, BC, but decided to swap coasts to study at Dalhousie University in Halifax. There, she completed a B.Sc. in chemistry in 2022 under the supervision of Dr. Saurabh Chitnis, working on the development of novel P–N polymers. As an M. Sc. student, she is working on investigating and developing new nickel catalysts to be used for cross-coupling. Outside of the lab, Sam likes to hike, go to the gym, and explore the city in search of the best cup of coffee.
Brian was born and raised in Vaughan, ON. He completed his B. Sc. in chemistry at York University in May 2020. During his undergraduate thesis, he conducted research under the supervision of Dr. Arturo Orellana, developing Pd-catalyzed allylation and dehyrogenative methods for 4-alkylpyridines. Continuing in the Orellana group, Brian received his M. Sc. in chemistry in August 2022, where he developed iridium-catalyzed allylation and pyridylic oxidation methods for 4-alkyl pyridines. As a Ph. D. student, Brian is working on the synthesis of alpha-alkoxy cyclopropyl boronates. Outside of the lab, Brian likes to rock climb, sing jazz standards, and dance.
Terry was born in London, ON, and grew up in Taipei, Taiwan. He then came back to complete his B. Sc. in Biological Chemistry at the University of Toronto in 2023. Under the supervision of Prof. Mark Taylor, Terry studied the mechanism of the boron/Pd-catalyzed regioselective alkylation of azoles. Joining the Rousseaux group as a M.Sc. student, Terry is working on three-component cross-coupling reactions of NHP esters. Outside of the lab, Terry enjoys playing the guitar, cooking, watching movies, and playing video games.
Negin finished her B.Sc. at Concordia University in Montréal in 2022. At Concordia, she worked on the regioselective mechanochemical synthesis of isoxazoles under the supervision of Dr. Pat Forgione. After completing her undergraduate studies, she moved to Toronto to work at Axios Research until she decided to pursue graduate studies. As a Ph.D. student in the group, Negin is working on the role of disubstituted malononitriles as nitrile-trasnfer agents in nickel-catalyzed cyanation reactions. When not in the lab, Negin enjoys working out, dancing, and outdoor activities.
Livi was born and raised on the East coast of Canada and moved to Toronto in 2021 to start her B.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Toronto. In summer 2023, she worked in the Taylor group on investigating new hydrogen atom transfer catalysts for site-selective C-H functionalization. She also previously worked in the Nitz Lab on the development of substrates for degradation of PNAG that define endo-glycosidase activity. As a member of the Rousseaux group, she is working on Ni/photoredox catalyzed couplings of NHP oxetanes. Outside of the lab, she enjoys sailing, baking, hiking, and cuddling her two cats.
Sam was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. She completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry in 2025 at York University. There, she completed her honours thesis project under the supervision of Dr. Christine Le, developing an alternative method for amide synthesis via a Suzuki cross-coupling of carbamoyl fluorides. Joining the lab as an M.Sc. student, Sam is working on the Ni/photoredox catalyzed coupling of NHP oxetanes to access aryl-oxetanes. Outside of the lab, Sam enjoys working out, reading, and outdoor activities with family and friends.
Alexei grew up in the forests surrounding Montreal, QC. He began studying organic chemistry because he wanted to take a course with his girlfriend in cegep. He went on to earn his B.Sc. in bio-organic chemistry at McGill University, where he joined CJ Li's group to conduct research on photochemical, metal-free acylation of olefins. In August 2025, he joined the Rousseaux group to explore and refine Ni-catalyzed reductive cyanation methods using electrochemistry. Outside the lab, Alexei enjoys cycling, skiing, rock concerts, and playing piano or board games with his family — who miss him very much and would be sad if they were left out of his biography.
Hannah was born in Busan, South Korea, and grew up in Toronto, Ontario. She is currently completing her BSc in chemistry with minors in mathematics and biology. In the summer of 2024, Hannah worked in the Morris Group, investigating amino acid-based iron complexes. In the summer of 2025, she started in the Rousseaux Group, where she is working on the conversion of tertiary alcohols to tertiary thiols through photochemical methods. She is continuing this project for her third year thesis. Outside of the lab, Hannah enjoys reading, hiking, and travelling.
Laura was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and is currently completing her BSc in Biological Chemistry at the University of Toronto. In the summer of 2025, she worked in the group of Prof. Bruno Matos Paz at the University of São Paulo (USP), where she contributed to developing starting materials for the enantioselective organocatalytic synthesis of rotenoid analogues. In the Rousseaux Group, Laura is currently working on the optimization of metal-catalyzed deoxygenative gem-diborylation of ketones as part of her CHM499 research project. Outside the lab, she enjoys playing the guitar, singing and playing music with her family, practicing sports, and spending time with her friends.
Haozhe was born in Zhuji, China, and grew up in Shanghai. He is completing his B.Sc. in Synthetic & Catalytic Chemistry at the UofT. His previous research in small-molecule catalysis, photocatalysis, and total synthesis has driven his interest in developing new synthetic methodologies. Starting in Fall 2025, he joined the Self-Driving Lab 2 as a CHM499 student under the supervision of Prof. Sophie Rousseaux. He is conducting high-throughput experiments to optimize and discover new coupling reactions while learning to automate experimental workflows. Outside the lab, you can find him in a swimming pool or throwing a frisbee.