Belonging with standards
Inclusion and rigour reinforce one another. Group members should be able to ask questions, make mistakes, receive clear feedback and grow into independent scientists.
Many paths. Shared curiosity.
Scientific potential is not measured by how linear someone’s path has been. We are building a research environment where different identities, responsibilities and experiences can contribute to excellent theoretical chemistry.
Values in action
A culture should describe what people experience.
Transparent mentorship
Expectations, authorship, milestones and opportunities are discussed openly. Mentoring plans adapt to each researcher’s goals rather than assuming one definition of success.
Flexibility without penalty
Caregiving, health, disability, employment and other responsibilities shape how people work. We focus on progress, communication and quality—not performative hours.
Opportunity in practice
Equity is reflected in access to projects, authorship, presentations, conferences, leadership and professional networks—not only in a statement.
Women in STEM · The PI journey
Progress can include migration, caregiving and career interruptions.
Prof. Matta Kaur’s path includes migration, caregiving, two parental leaves and a non-linear route through research and teaching. Making that journey visible is part of helping more women and emerging scientists see a place for themselves in STEM.
Her path from India to the United States and then Canada shows that a meaningful STEM career can include detours, family responsibilities and non-linear transitions.
BSc (Honours) in Chemistry
Graduated first in her class from SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi.
MSc in Physical Chemistry
Completed graduate training at the University of Delhi as a gold medallist after qualifying UGC–NET in 2008.
Assistant Professor in India
Taught chemistry at SGTB Khalsa College before moving to the United States.
Fully funded PhD at CUNY
Completed doctoral research in photosynthetic water oxidation at The Graduate Center, City University of New York.
From doctoral training to Canada
Defended her PhD in February, then joined Brock University for a short postdoctoral appointment with Prof. Art van der Est while also teaching as a sessional lecturer.
The Kaur Lab begins at Brock
Started as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in January and began building an independent computational photosynthesis program.
Research growth through two parental leaves
The group expanded its trainee community, collaborations, publications and research directions across two periods of parental leave.
Associate Professor with tenure
A milestone reflecting rapid progress in research, teaching and mentorship—and a foundation for the lab’s next phase.
Lab life
Community beyond the project.
Outings, celebrations and time together are part of the life of our research community.
Chemistry education for everyone
Chemistry is not a gate. It is a language anyone can learn.
From a first equation in high school to undergraduate problem-solving, Chemistry Simplified by Prof. D Kaur breaks intimidating ideas into clear, encouraging steps. The goal is not simply to find an answer—it is to help every learner understand why it makes sense and believe they can do it.
High-school learnersUndergraduate studentsCurious minds
Learn with Prof. D Kaur on YouTube ↗Press play. Pause. Ask why. Try again.Learn at your own pace.
- 01Start with a question
No question is too small, and uncertainty is part of learning.
- 02See the idea clearly
Connect the mathematics, the chemical picture and the reason behind each step.
- 03Build lasting confidence
Move from “I cannot do this” to “I know how to begin.”
Recognition
Teaching, research and mentorship.
Recognition is meaningful because it reflects the students, colleagues and mentors who make teaching and research possible.
2026Faculty of Mathematics and Science Excellence in Teaching Award
2025Brock University Award for Excellence in Teaching for Early Career Faculty
2024Vice-Provost Research Award supporting national EDI symposium leadership
2019 · 2017Best Poster Presentation Awards, Eastern Regional Photosynthesis Conference
Why this moment matters. 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.
Recognition photographs ↗