Research and people in motion.
Publications, milestones, presentations and stories from the Kaur Lab.
Featured · June 2026
Carry the Light Forward
In her Brock University convocation address, Prof. Matta Kaur used photosynthesis as a metaphor for transforming uncertainty and pressure into knowledge, confidence and life-giving possibility. She invited graduates to value mentors, become mentors to others and use their education to make every room they enter better.
Photosynthesis research sheds light on crop yields and energy efficiency
Brock News features the group’s recent work on how cyanobacteria adapt photosynthesis and fine-tune electron transfer under far-red light.
Indigenous Research Grant supports Relational Light
Prof. Matta Kaur and Prof. Lyn Trudeau received Brock support to co-create an Indigenous-informed photosynthesis lesson through Two-Eyed Seeing.
Award-winning professor urges graduates to make life-giving change
The 2026 FMS Excellence in Teaching Award recipient delivered Brock’s convocation address on perseverance, transformation and using opportunity to help others grow.
New paper maps iron–sulfur energetics across visible and far-red Photosystem I
Led by PhD student Subrat Kumar Sethy, the study compares how the protein environment tunes the acceptor-side electron-transfer pathway.
Award-winning Chemistry professor’s classroom approach gets positive reaction
Brock highlighted Prof. Matta Kaur’s 2025 Award for Excellence in Teaching for Early Career Faculty and her approach to making chemistry understandable and welcoming.
Blue-green algae research unlocks clues to boosting crops
Brock featured the lab’s far-red photosynthesis research and its potential relevance to sustainable agriculture and crop resilience.
Katayoun Etemadi celebrates her MSc thesis defence
Katayoun completed her MSc research on the electronic structure of the reaction centre of Acaryochloris marina and is now a Process Technician at Eurofins Pharmaceuticals.
Brock experts discuss how to engage girls and women in STEM
Prof. Matta Kaur discussed mentorship, representation and practical ways to help more girls and women enter and remain in science.
Research aiming to boost worldwide food security awarded federal support
The lab’s research on the design principles of far-red photosynthesis for improved crop production was included among Brock projects receiving federal funding.
How Brock women researchers are creating meaningful change
For International Women’s Day, Prof. Matta Kaur reflected on her path as a woman in STEM, educator, researcher and new mother.