Computational Biophysics · Brock University
The Kaur Lab uses theoretical chemistry to understand how proteins convert light into chemical energy—and how nature’s molecular strategies can inspire new catalysts and biomaterials.
President’s Update · Teaching philosophy · October 2026
At Brock University’s President’s Update on 8 October 2026, Prof. Divya Matta Kaur shared her teaching philosophy and her work to create diverse opportunities and inclusive pathways for students.
Convocation address · 11 June 2026
Transformation, mentorship and making possibility visible.
The 2026 address draws a human lesson from photosynthesis: a leaf receives changing conditions, organizes what comes and transforms light into something life-giving. Education can do the same with questions, pressure, mistakes and uncertainty—turning them into knowledge, confidence and possibility.
Its invitation is to begin before feeling completely ready, learn from mentors and then become that person for someone else. Success becomes meaningful when knowledge is used to create clarity, courage, hope and opportunity for others.
“How can I make this room better because I am here?”Prof. Divya Matta Kaur · Convocation 2026
Excellence in teaching · 2025–2026
A proud moment shared with her daughter—celebrating excellence in teaching, motherhood and a life in science.
Her daughter joining her to receive the award placed family and academic achievement in the same frame. Making motherhood visible in spaces of recognition helps students and families see that caregiving and leadership in STEM belong together.
Celebrating the 2025 Brock University Award for Excellence in Teaching for Early Career Faculty and the 2026 Faculty of Mathematics and Science Excellence in Teaching Award.
Teaching, research and mentorshipView the award photographs
How do photosynthetic proteins use photons at the edge of the visible spectrum? We study how pigments, proteins, waters and redox cofactors work together to support charge separation and electron transfer under far-red light.
View projectsWe translate molecular principles from natural photosynthesis into computational strategies for coupling biological light capture with synthetic catalysts and energy-conversion materials.
View projectsWe explore how computational biophysics can inform the design of photosynthetic and light-responsive biomaterials.
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