My name is Sherry (Jiarui) Cao. As an undergraduate student at Western University, I worked on projects involving materials development under extreme conditions (i.e., high pressures) and recently completed my thesis project on X-ray absorption spectroscopy to study the electronic structure of nanomaterials. During this time, I also developed a growing interest in electrochemistry and corrosion, particularly their versatility in addressing energy and environmental challenges, which inspired me to pursue research in this field.
I’m grateful to be working in the Noel group with postdoctoral associate Sebastian Skaanvik on the mechanistic study of electrochemical nitrate reduction on copper under acidic conditions. Electrochemical characterization of the copper–nitrate system has proven to be quite complex, often limiting the mechanistic interpretation of the nitrate reduction pathway on copper. By incorporating the rotating disk electrode method and building on electrochemical methodologies developed in our lab, my research aims to provide insights into the complex behaviour of this system, which has important implications for nuclear waste management, wastewater purification, and electrocatalysis.
When I’m not working in the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, as well as outdoor activities such as exploring different hiking trails, skating, skiing, and travelling. I’m always on the lookout for new activities and cuisines to try!