Open Dialogue, Fresh Perspectives!

We were thrilled to host Pallavi Nayyar for an engaging discussion with the Flynn Research Group on her latest paper: "Evaluating an Intervention to Improve General Chemistry Students' Perceptions of the Utility of Chemistry."

The session sparked rich conversations around students' motivation, relevance of chemistry to real life, and how to design meaningful interventions in chemistry education. We also explored the experimental design of the study, as well as statistical analysis methods used to assess impact and student perception—all central topics for researchers in our field.

Big thanks to Pallavi for sharing her insights and creating space for reflection and growth!

Shoutout to Our Undergrads at USRO and the Honours symposia!

Big congratulations to Jolia, who presented her research at the University of Ottawa’s Undergraduate Science Research Opportunities (USRO)! Congratulations also goes to the Honours students, Uche, Ray, and Thalia, who presented their research in the Honours student symposia.

Their curiosity, creativity, and commitment to advancing chemistry education were on full display. We’re proud to see the next generation of researchers making their mark and contributing meaningfully to the field.

Way to go, you’re shaping the future of science education!

FRG Grad Students Judge at ORSF & USRO!

This term, graduate students from the Flynn Research Group stepped up as judges at the Ottawa Regional Science Fair (ORSF) and the University of Ottawa’s Undergraduate Science Research Opportunities (USRO).

More than just judging, this was a chance to connect, mentor, and reflect. Engaging with young scientists gave our students valuable insight into how learners think and communicate in science. These experiences strengthen their skills as chemistry education researchers and future educators.

Real-world moments like this help bridge research and practice, exactly what FRG is all about!

FRG Grad students judge at ORSF from left to right : Sarwa, Sylvanna, Lilli

Another Milestone for Professor Flynn!

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Alison Flynn on her appointment as Academic Colleague representing the University of Ottawa with the Council of Ontario Universities.

This prestigious role recognizes her leadership and dedication to advancing higher education across the province. We're proud to see her continue to shape the future of academia at both institutional and provincial levels.

Alison is not only a leader in her field but also a constant source of inspiration and support for our team.

Bravo, Alison!

A (Belated) Warm Welcome to Our New PhD Student!

We’re thrilled to officially welcome Sarwa, who joined the Flynn Research Group this January as a PhD student in Chemistry!

A passionate educator, dedicated researcher, and inspiring leader, she brings over 12 years of teaching and leadership experience to our team, along with the incredible perspective of being a mother balancing it all. Her commitment to transforming science education is already making an impact.

Welcome to FRG, your journey is just beginning, and we’re lucky to have you!

Sarwa on her first day at the STEM complex building

Congratulations, Professor Flynn!

We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Alison Flynn’s appointment as Associate Editor for the Journal of Chemical Education !

Her leadership, innovation, and dedication to transforming chemistry education continue to inspire us. This new role is a well-deserved recognition of her impactful work, and we can’t wait to see how she helps shape the future of the field through this platform. As a role model and mentor, Professor Flynn leads with purpose and passion, uplifting everyone around her.

Way to go, Professor Flynn!

Congratulations to Silvi for performing in the uOttawa dance recital!

Silvi had a successful dance recital on March 15th held at Shenkman Arts Centre! uOttawa Dance Club

Check out a video of her performance using this link.

Thank you to Dr. Katherine Blackford for a wonderful invited group meeting discussion!

We were thrilled to have Dr. Katherine Blackford from UC Berkeley join us for our weekly group meeting! Dr. Blackford presented her research on metacognitive regulation in organic chemistry students, focusing on how and why students use metacognitive strategies when predicting reactivity. This work is part of her publication authored within the Baranger Group, Chemistry Education Group at UC Berkeley.

We had an engaging discussion about the publication and gained valuable insights from Dr. Blackford about her research in chemistry education and her current role at UC Berkeley.

Welcome Samuel and Priyanka to the group!

Meet our newest FRG members Samuel and Priyanka! Priyanka and Samuel are both in their 3rd year of Health Sciences. We look forward to all the great contributions they will make in the group!!

UPCOMING LEARNING OPPORTUNITY WITH DR. CRISTIAN ZAELZER

Dr. Cristian Zaelzer, a scientist and graphic designer, will be facilitating a virtual workshop where we will learn the foundational concepts to create infographics. If interested, please use the link below or the QR code on the attached flyer.

Registration link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/75TX6TR

Congratulations to Thalia and the uOttawa iGEM team!!!!

Thalia, as a member of the iGEM uOttawa team, represented our university in Paris, France, and was awarded a Gold medal at the International iGEM competition in Synthetic Biology innovation. With over 400 teams from around the world competing, her team was ranked top 5 in the Biomanufacturing category against 47 other universities at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and was also the runner-up for the Best Plant award.

Welcome Jolia to the group and congratulations!

Jolia is a second-year undergraduate student studying Biomedical Science. She joins the Flynn Research Group as an Undergraduate Science Research Opportunity Program (USRO) recipient, where she will be exploring educators' beliefs about concepts in the Growth and Goals modules.