BSc (Honours) in Chemistry
Graduated first in her class from SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi.
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.
Women in STEM · The PI journey
Progress can include migration, caregiving and career interruptions.
Prof. Matta Kaur’s path from India to the United States and then Canada is placed near the beginning of this page intentionally. Visibility matters: students should be able to see that a meaningful STEM career can include detours, family responsibilities and non-linear transitions.
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.
A multigenerational research community
Celebrating science, culture and the people behind the work.
Lab life includes research milestones, shared meals, family moments and opportunities for students at different stages to learn from one another. These moments are part of how trust and scientific confidence grow.
The first group dinner
Sharing food, ideas and the excitement of building something new.
Community often begins in small moments. The lab’s first group dinner marked an early milestone in creating a welcoming space for science, conversation and shared ambition.
Values in action
A culture should describe what people experience.
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.
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.
Recognition
Proud moments, shared with the community.
Recognition is meaningful because it reflects the students, colleagues and mentors who make teaching and research possible.
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.
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