Dr. Trevor C. VandenBoer

Daniel joined the group in April 2026 as a postdoctoral research visitor, working on projects involving the measurement and fate of fluorinated compounds in the atmosphere. Daniel completed his PhD at York University, where his work focused on understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of per and polyfluoronated compounds, with an emphasis on atmospheric deposition across urban, boreal, Arctic and tropical environments. In his free time, Daniel enjoys discovering new places and biking.

Sahir completed his PhD at Texas A&M University, where his research focused on developing advanced methods to quantify and elucidate the chemical evolution of emerging atmospheric pollutants. His work focuses on nanoplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with an emphasis on their transformation and environmental impacts. He has applied high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS) to investigate the oxidative aging of polystyrene nanoplastic particles (PS NPPs) and to evaluate their cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity, contributing to a better understanding of their atmospheric behaviour and potential climate implications. He also utilized high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ToF-CIMS) to develop analytical methods for the real-time detection and quantification of PFAS in the atmosphere. In addition, Sahir is trained in the synthesis of biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) oxidation products, including 2-methyltetrol, isoprene epoxide (IEPOX), and 2-methyltetrol organosulfates.

Outside the lab, Sahir enjoys reading literature, listening to music, and traveling.

Michael joined the group in September 2025 as a postdoctoral research fellow, working to understand the fate of fluorinated compounds in the atmosphere. Michael began his chemistry career at Wake Forest University, where he received his B.S. in Chemistry and Spanish, with research projects in organic synthesis and computational chemistry. (2021) He completed his PhD in Analytical Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2025, advised by Dr. Jason Surratt. His dissertation research focused on measurements of gas-phase fluorinated compounds, culminating in a month-long mobile field deployment. In his free time, Michael enjoys cooking and loves traveling to new places.

Stephen has completed his BSc(Hons) in environmental chemistry at University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) and written his honours thesis with Prof. Myrna Simpson on the effects of different litter inputs on soil organic matter composition in a temperate forest. With plans to diversify his insight into environmental chemistry research, Stephen has joined the VandenBoer group in fall 2020 as an MSc student. He is currently developing new analytical methods for quantifying trace perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in environmental samples.

Emma graduated with her HBSc in chemistry from the University of Toronto in the spring of 2023. Her previous research spanned several topics related to interfacial reactions in the environment including heterogeneous chemistry on particulate matter and the partitioning of PAHs to air-water interfaces. Emma joined the VandenBoer group in the fall of 2023 to study halogen activation chemistry in the atmosphere. Outside of her studies, Emma enjoys crocheting and reading historical fiction books.

Nevadha joined the group in September 2025 to complete a Research Experience term. As a recipient of a 2026 NSERC USRA award, she is currently working to measure and analyse the presence of major ions in atmospheric deposition samples. Outside of the lab, Nevadha enjoys writing novels, swimming, and making crafts.

Danial joined the VandenBoer group in the fall of 2019 as an M.Sc. student in atmospheric chemistry and transferred to PhD studies in 2021. He obtained his undergraduate degree in chemistry at Sharif University of Technology. He then pursued an M.Sc. degree in business management at the University of Tehran and started working for investment companies as a consultant to provide them with greener solutions. Danial is currently developing new methods to measure HONO in indoor environments.

Connor is an M.Sc. student who joined the group in January of 2025 after completing his BSc(Hons) in Chemistry at the University of Ottawa. His honours thesis focused on tuning the band gap of quantum-dot LEDs using halide exchange. He is now working to quantify alkylamines and major atmospheric ions in aerosols.