Our Group

PI: Lucia Myongwon Lee

Lucia developed an interest in supramolecular main-group chemistry during her graduate studies at McMaster University under the supervision of Dr. Vargas-Baca. After receiving her PhD in this area, she joined the Matile group at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, as a postdoctoral fellow, where she applied fundamental supramolecular chemistry to transmembrane anion transport. She subsequently joined the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel as a Zuckerman STEM Leadership postdoctoral fellow, where she explored nanomaterials and MRI imaging probes. These diverse research experiences have inspired her to establish a research program at Queen’s that explores both the fundamental chemistry and applications of supramolecular main-group chemistry.

Lucia is an avid swimmer. During the summer, you may find her enjoying a long swim in Lake Ontario, while being secretly terrified of seeing fish.

Favourite element: Selenium

Graduate Students

Jack Dukart

In 2023 I joined the Lee Group as a second year student through the USSRF grant. I stayed on to pursue graduate studies and was eventually admitted as an accelerated MSc student. My research investigated strategies for incorporating chalcogen bonding into biological systems, and I continue to build on this work as I advance through graduate school.

When I’m not running synthesis I like to play video games and hang with my friends at the pier.

Favourite Element: Nitrogen

Shivam K. Gupta

I joined the Lee Group in December 2025 as a PhD student, after completing my Master's at IIT Madras in India. My research investigates how chalcogen bonding can be harnessed to govern molecular interactions, reactivity, and anion recognition. More broadly, I'm interested in chalcogen catalysis and anion transport as tools for the rational design of functional molecules.

Outside of Chemistry, I enjoy spontaneous walks with good company, following cricket, and great music

Favourite Element: Uranium

Lola O'Regan

I completed my specialization in chemistry at Western University before moving into my masters here at Queens, where my research involves studying anion transport across cellular membranes.

Outside of the lab I enjoy staying active by running and going to the gym, and I enjoy beading and crafting at home.

Favourite Element: Copper

Yash Bakshi

In September 2026, I joined the Lee and Julien Group as a co-supervised M.Sc. student. I am working toward synthesizing and characterizing extended structures for applications in host-guest chemistry.

Outside of lab, I enjoy reading, listening to music (ask me about my last.fm) and exploring bad ideas proposed by my friends.

Favourite element: Radium

Undergraduate Students

Emily Froats

Favourite Element: Fluorine

Bronwyn Pitkethly

Favourite Element: Potassium