I’m Kodee—an undergraduate student projected to graduate with an Honours Specialization in Chemistry degree from Western in August 2025. I joined the group in May as a research assistant working within the Carbon to Metal Coating Institute on the electrochemical analysis of polymerizable NHC-based coatings on metal surfaces like copper and mild steel. Coming from the Ragogna Group working on the synthesis of novel NHC-based compounds from inexpensive reagents, I learned a lot about materials and synthetic chemistry. Now it’s time to tackle corrosion.
My efforts in fighting corrosion are not without reason. I, like many others, am often reminded that metal structures have a limited lifetime before corrosion takes over. From polishing and painting metal railings in my old summer job to refinishing my car’s rusty spots, I have been fighting metal oxides, and I am so excited for these coatings to drive change in the corrosion industry.
Besides chemistry and science, my main interests are video games and music. I am a strong supporter of playing music in the lab. This summer, I plan on improving my workflow and bringing energy to the lab by implementing music into my day-to-day routine.
Also, even though my last name is Noël, I am completely unrelated to Dr. James J. Noël, as far as I am aware.