People

I am a materials scientist with a background in corrosion and electrochemistry. My research focuses on employing scanning electrochemical probe microscopy methods to gain valuable insights into various surface processes, particularly localized corrosion phenomena. I consider myself an inherently curious individual and a collaborative team player who thrives on learning from my peers. During my leisure time, I enjoy spending quality time outdoors with my family, and playing soccer.

I'm passionate about corrosion and electrochemistry. I enjoy tackling tricky problems and figuring them out piece by piece. My enthusiasm extends to both experimental work and computer simulations, both of which I love doing in my research. Outside of work, I hang out with my family, read, and listen to podcasts. I also like going for walks, playing chess, and soccer.

I completed my PhD at École de Technologie Supérieure – University of Quebec in the field of Materials Engineering. My research focused on the corrosion of bolted joints, electrochemical analysis, and the application of machine learning in online corrosion monitoring for these joints. Currently, at Western, I am working as a postdoctoral researcher in Professor Gateman’s research group, studying the corrosion behaviour of advanced high-strength steels used in the automotive industry. I am passionate about corrosion science and electrochemistry, and I am curious about the applications of AI in this field. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, swimming, and watching movies.

My background is in materials engineering, with experience in electrochemical synthesis, electrochemical surface treatment, and corrosion characterization, developed through my undergraduate and master’s studies at Tehran Polytechnic and my PhD at École de technologie supérieure – University of Quebec. I’m currently a postdoctoral researcher, further expanding my expertise in surface and material characterization techniques under irradiation conditions. In my free time, I enjoy working out, reading, and cooking!

My name is Nishtha and I have completed my Master's degree in Chemistry at the Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai, India. I am a curious and passionate individual with a keen interest in electrochemistry.  I am committed to unraveling the complexities that lie within electrochemical systems and harnessing their potential to revolutionize industries and shape a sustainable future. I take pleasure in singing, swimming, writing poetries and traveling during my leisure time.

My name is Deepthi Geevarghese, and I studied master's degree in chemistry at Vellore Institute of Technology, India and also, I worked as a junior Chemist with Intertek- Capcis, UAE prior to coming at Western to pursue my PhD with Professor Gateman. Currently, I'm studying localized corrosion mechanism and crystal phases interaction on different kinds of steel by employing SECCM. I am able to pursue my research interests here because of the supportive environment and modern facilities here, particularly in the areas of micro-electrochemistry and material characterization. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, spending time with loved, traveling and watching TED shows. 

Hi, I am Marybeth Ugoh, and I joined the Gateman Research Group as a PhD student to pursue my interests in corrosion and electrochemistry. I obtained a joint Master’s degree in Tribology of Surfaces and Interfaces from the University of Leeds, the University of Ljubljana, and Luleå University of Technology. My undergraduate education was in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. My project involves understanding the impact of graphite dust, created within in service small modular reactors, influence metal corrosion. 

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, traveling, going for walks, reading, singing, cooking, and playing board games.

Hello, I'm Mila. I like science and computers! I graduated from Memorial University with an Honours in Chemistry, and a Minor in Computer Science. After having worked in pharma R&D, I am excited to start my Master's degree at Western to focus more on analytical and computational aspects of Chemistry. My project involves studying passive films formed on stainless steels under conditions simulating small nuclear reactor environments. In my spare time, I enjoy swimming, hiking, and playing video games.

My name is Natalia Ricci, and I am in my 4th year of undergraduate studies at Western, specializing in chemistry with a minor in psychology. I am carrying out my undergraduate thesis project with Prof. Gateman on utilizing scanning electrochemical probe microscopy to make microelectrochemical measurements of industrial materials for corrosion rate analysis. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, golfing, and downhill skiing. 

Hi, my name is Gurjap Bhullar. At the University of Toronto, I studied chemistry and forensic science as my undergraduate majors. What drew me to chemistry is the beauty that you can find in it. My project focuses on understanding how potentially leached radionuclides from small modular reactor fuels interact with the inner steel container used to store spent nuclear fuel. I enjoy tabletop games, hiking, watching shows, and listening to music in my spare time.

I am Wilfred Sedofia Massiasta, a PhD student in the Department of Chemistry at Western University, holding an MPhil in Nuclear and Radiochemistry from the University of Ghana and a member of the Gateman Research Group. My research experience includes activation analysis, gamma-ray spectroscopy, and radiation transport simulation. I am currently interested in studying the effects of ionizing radiation on materials. I enjoy research that allows me to ask questions, investigate how things work, and learn from unexpected results. Outside of work, I enjoy reading nonfiction books, travelling mostly for food and architectural styles, and watching anime.

Hi! My name is Caitlyn and I completed my undergraduate degree in Integrated Science with Chemistry here at Western University. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree with Professor Gateman, where my research explores the electrochemical behaviour of TRISO fuel with a focus on galvanic coupling in model groundwater at the microscale. Outside of the lab I enjoy nature walks, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.