Chemistry Students Stand Out Among Best at Science Atlantic Conference

Students from Cape Breton University Chemistry earned top honours at the 2026 Science Atlantic Chemistry Conference, held May 5 to 7 at the University of New Brunswick’s Fredericton campus, as more than 80 undergraduate researchers gathered to present their work.

This year’s conference theme, “The Future of Chemistry,” highlighted future developments in chemistry which change the ways we do things, like the march towards using renewables rather than fossil fuels. Eleven CBU chemistry students and several CBU Faculty attended the conference.

“These intelligent and curious students have demonstrated strong scientific research and communication skills, connecting chemistry to environmental, health, and societal issues. Their futures are bright,” says Dr. Allen Britten, Professor of Chemistry at CBU.

Madison Power was awarded the CIC Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation in Materials Chemistry for her work on the ‘Development of Oxidized Magnetic Single-walled Carbon Nanohorn Adsorbents for Magnetic Dispersive Solid-phase extraction of Phthalates in Wastewater Systems.’ This work focuses on water remediation and was supervised by Dr. Allen Britten and Dr. Martin Mkandawire.

Marissa Cox was awarded the CIC Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation in Environmental Chemistry; her work focused on the ‘Analysis of Metals and Fluorescent Compounds in Aqueous Leachates of Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) and Larch (Larix laricina) Biochars.’ This research, supervised by Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie, focuses on using renewable materials, including crab shell waste and larch wood.

“Here at CBU, we are incredibly proud of the level of research our undergrads accomplish, and we love sending them to Chem Con to share their work,” says Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie, Dean of the School of Science and Technology at CBU.

Jacek Marmulak was awarded the CIC Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation in Organic Chemistry for his work on ‘Taming Thiourea- An immobilized Catalyst for the Morita-Baylis-Hillman Reaction.’ Supervised by Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie, this work looks at developing a heterogeneous catalyst from waste biomass.

Emma Chaulk was awarded the Canadian Journal of Chemistry: Best Student presentation for her poster on ‘A Tale of Bromine, Biochar, and the Boronic Acid that Stole Its Heart.’ This work looks at functionalizing and finding new applications for a renewable material – biochar and was supervised by Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie.

“CBU’s undergraduate students demonstrate exceptional analytical and research skills, often comparable to those of advanced graduate scholars. Their success at the conference reflects the University’s commitment to experiential learning and leadership in environmental and sustainability research in Atlantic Canada,” says CBU Chemistry Department Chair Dr. Martin Mkandawire.