Team Members

We recognize that diverse teams strengthen science and are committed to collectively creating an inclusive, welcoming and kind group culture.

Western University

PI: Dr. Megan Roberts

Megan’s philosophy for mentorship is centred on her goal to maximize a student’s ability to think critically by promoting learning through inquiry and instilling ownership of scientific research. She strives to bring enthusiasm, empathy, and a high degree of clarity to her training and aims to meet students with optimism at every interaction.

Megan acknowledges that the success in her career is indebted to her many mentors and is strongly committed to training the next generation of diverse scientists needed to confront the intense challenges facing our society. Ultimately, Dr. Roberts views training and mentorship as central to her academic pursuits.

Click the button below to Learn More about Megan’s career and research interests.

email: megan.roberts@uwo.ca

Learn more

Our Team

  • Robin Henshaw


    Undergraduate Researcher

    Robin is entering the last year of her Chemistry degree. As an undergraduate researcher in The Roberts Lab, Robin works to modify the surface chemistry of sulfated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). She aims to functionalize CNC surfaces with polymer grafting methods and work to better understand the potential for stealth drug delivery nanotechnologies. Outside of research, Robin enjoys knitting, playing volleyball, and working as a ceramic artist.

    Contact Robin via email or LinkedIn.

  • Haotian Wei


    Undergraduate Researcher

    Haotian has just completed his second year in Biochemistry and Chemistry at Western University and will be continuing the program in September 2026. This summer, he is investigating the interaction between model proteins and CNCs with different surface chemistry, with a focus on understanding the underlying mechanism driving this assembly. Haotian enjoys jogging and performing cardistry (fancy card tricks) in his free time.

    Contact Haotian via email.

  • Sara Riverso


    Undergraduate Researcher

    Sara is entering the third year of her Honours Specialization in Integrated Science with Chemistry at Western University. This summer in the Roberts Lab, she will be exploring strategies for extracting and stabilizing plant-derived bioactive molecules for delivery applications. Outside of the lab, Sara enjoys reading, solving puzzles, and listening to live music. 

    Contact Sara via email or LinkedIn.

  • Claire Hendrikx


    Masters Student

    Claire completed her BMSc degree in 2025 from the University of Western Ontario, graudating with an Honours Specialization in Biochemistry and a Minor in Chemistry. She is now purusing an MSc degree in Chemistry in the Roberts lab, where she will be investigating the self-assembly of cello-oligosaccharides. Outside the lab, you can find Claire hanging out with friends, going to trivia nights, or singing (very loudly) in the car. 

    Contact Claire via email or LinkedIn.

  • Anna Ritter


    Masters Student

    Anna completed her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Mount Allison University in 2025, graduating with Honours, specializing in the synthesis of gold core nanospheres. She is now pursuing a masters degree in chemistry with the Roberts lab. Her focus is the study of Pickering emulsions and their applications in vaccine development. Apart from research, Anna enjoys embroidery, reading and spending time with friends and her cat.

    Contact Anna via email.

  • Kristin Goodger


    Masters Student

    Kristin completed her HBSc degree in Integrated Science with Chemistry from Western University, and is now pursuing a master's degree in chemistry with the Roberts lab. Her focus is on the valorization of agricultural waste and developing potential drug delivery vehicles. Outside of research, Kristin enjoys exploring outside, reading fantasy novels, and attempting to learn how to sew.

    Contact Kristin via email or LinkedIn. 

  • Garima Sharma


    PhD Student

    Garima grew up in Delhi, India. She obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry with a specialization in Organic Chemistry from the University of Delhi. Before joining The Roberts Lab, she worked in the pharmaceutical industry and completed research internships, including one at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where she gained experience in chemical biology and peptide-related research.

    In The Roberts Lab, Garima’s PhD research focuses on end-functionalizing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to direct interfacial interactions in biology. Her work aims to design transferrin-functionalized, rod-like nanocarriers to uncover how nanoparticle shape and site-specific surface chemistry govern cellular uptake pathways — an approach that merges organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and biological interface design to develop next-generation, sustainable materials for targeted drug delivery.

    Curious by nature and creative at heart. Outside the lab, Garima enjoys painting, cooking, and watching TED Talks related to motivational journeys. She is also interested in geopolitics and world history and is always keen to learn about new ideas and perspectives.

    Contact Garima via email or LinkedIn.

Group Structure

  • The Roberts Lab has group meetings once every other week, where one graduate student presents a research update, scientific paper review, lesson on a concept relevant to our group work, or literature on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

  • Students meet with Dr. Roberts once weekly to discuss experimental progress, confusing results, and next steps. As degrees progress, the frequency of these meetings likely will shift.

  • Student’s must maintain a lab notebook where they log daily experiments. Everyone’s notebook and protocols will be regularly uploaded to a shared server for ease of access.

  • Students will be expected to complete independent development plans (IDPs) on a semesterly basis. These IDPs will guide feedback and reflection meetings that also take place once per semester. Such opportunities provide assistance for career and personal development.

Our Values

Absolute Safety.

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We are dedicated to maintaining an environment free from all forms of bullying and discrimination, including microaggressions, as well as gender-based violence, and sexual harassment. Respect for the privacy and personal boundaries of others is a fundamental expectation within our community.

Physical safety in a chemistry lab is also extremely important. Thus, we commit to staying current with laboratory training and consistently following safe practices to ensure a secure working environment for all.

Respect and Empowerment.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports individuals of all backgrounds and identities. This includes respecting chosen names and pronouns, and actively working to identify and remove barriers to accessibility. Every member of our community, regardless of role or seniority, is expected to be treated with equal courtesy, kindness, professionalism, and respect. Feedback will always be approached with care and compassion - giving it respectfully and receiving it with openness as well as thoughtfulness. We continually strive to maintain a space where individuals feel empowered to engage in challenging, constructive, and critical dialogue in a respectful and supportive manner.

Professionalism.

We prioritize open, regular, and collaborative communication to clearly establish mutual expectations around performance, responsibilities, and behavior within our community and beyond. We ensure that all members receive equal support and have fair access to opportunities. We also take ownership of our mistakes and actively work to correct them. Respect for one another’s time is shown through punctuality and preparedness, while care for our shared spaces is reflected in our efforts to keep them clean and organized.

In our research efforts, we uphold the principles of scientific integrity and follow best practices for responsible data management. We also strive to promote open access science in the dissemination of our research.

Group Alumni

  • Brendan Churchill


    Undergraduate Researcher
    (Summer 2025)

    Brendan is currently in his third year in an Honours Chemistry and Ivey Business dual degree at Western. His goal is to find work in scientific consulting.

  • Alexandra McCready (she/her)


    Undergraduate Researcher
    (Summer 2025)

    Alexandra is now in her third year of a BESc in both Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. She is pursuing a career as an engineer.

  • Anjali Anil Kumar


    Undergraduate Researcher
    (Summer 2025 to Spring 2026)

    Anjali is currently working as a Project Management Intern at BOS Innovations as a part of the Western Engineering Undergraduate Co-op program. Her goal is to continue in research and eventually find a career in Engineering.

  • Heather Craig


    Honours Undergraduate Researcher (Thesis Defended Spring 2026)

    Heather is currently completing a Master of Biotechnology with a focus on Digital Health Technologies at University of Toronto. Her goal is to find a career in medical device research with a focus in sports medicine.

Want to Join?

Due to the high volume of email inquiries, Megan isn’t able to respond to all emails! Apologies!
Megan will accept 1-3 graduate students every year (masters/PhD), and all interested students must apply to the Department of Chemistry at Western.

Postdoctoral Scholars.

Prospective postdoctoral scholars should email Megan with a 1-page cover letter, CV, and a 5-slide presentation that summarizes your previous research accomplishments. Also, include contact information for three references. I expect to see evidence of scientific excellence, mentorship, and leadership explicitly in your cover letter and CV. Refer to the Royal Society resume template, specifically modules 1-4, for detailed ideas.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
In the subject line of the email, include “[Full postdoc application for Western Roberts Bio(-)Polymer Assembly Lab]”

Graduate Students.

Admitted graduate students to Western University should directly email Megan. Prospective graduate students should apply to the Department of Chemistry at Western.

Inquiries by email must include “[Prospective PhD/Masters for Western Roberts Bio(-)Polymer Assembly Lab]” in the subject line to be reviewed.

Undergraduate Reseachers.

Undergraduate students at Western seeking research in a supportive and dynamic environment should email Megan with a statement of interest and CV.