Alex Taylor

I am a Materials and Nanosciences graduate from the University of Waterloo. I completed a 5 year co-op degree gaining experience in researching physical chemistry and materials science. I have 2 years of lab experienced obtained through professional academic research and industry labs.

Research Assistant | University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
MAY 2023 – AUGUST 2023
Joined the Smith Research Group at the University of Waterloo. Carried out research in materials chemistry affiliated with automobile industry partners, gaining research experience in an academic setting. Characterized iron-carbon microfilms on steel as a function of phase transitions using Raman spectroscopy. Used techniques such as XAS, FTIR, and UV-vis in addition to Raman spectroscopy. Gained experience working in a metallography lab with equipment such as auto polishers, mounting press, belt sander, and cut off saw. Worked to refine the deposition and synthesis process to maximize film efficiency, working independently to design and conduct experiments to test possible process improvements and analyze results to determine their viability.
 

Chemical Sensor Scientist & Research Assistant | Questat, Ottawa, ON
MAY 2022 – DECEMBER 2022
Hired to assist in the development of a suite of chemical sensors to be integrated into a comprehensive, point of care, blood analysis device. Worked both independently with tight deadlines in a fast-paced start-up environment to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, interpret results and scale-up processes. Played a critical role in the research, development and optimization of formulations and synthetization processes for blood gas sensors & ion-selective electrodes. Carried out lifetime testing, and analysis of materials being considered for use in containing calibration fluid.
 

Data Analyst | University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
JANUARY 2021 – DECEMBER 2021
Hired as a full-time intern who independently designed and built bibliometric, funding, and graduate student reports within Power BI and Excel. These reports were built on data sets of tens of thousands of entries and automated to update monthly. Reports provided critical input for department chairs and Faculty of Science Dean. Collaborated with many different offices and departments to create and distribute a comprehensive data warehouse. Gained extensive experience in data analysis, documentation, creation, and compilation in Microsoft Office, especially within PowerBI and Excel. Organized data and information for the creation of a new outward facing Science Faculty website. Position was extended as a part-time role and a second co-op term after the initial work term.

Honours Materials and Nanosciences (Co-Op) | University of Waterloo
SEPTEMBER 2019 – APRIL 2024
Achieved Dean’s Honours List and Excellent Academic Standing in multiple semesters.
 

Undergraduate Research Project | University of Waterloo
SEPTEMBER 2023 – APRIL 2024
8-month independent undergraduate research project pertaining to the characterization of novel metal-organic ligand systems in solution and the solid phase. Characterization techniques involved Raman spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and IR spectroscopy.