Tom Singleton

Napanee, Ontario
Chemistry

For new Trent Chemistry graduate, Tom Singleton, one of the best aspects of his University experience has been the hands-on learning he has gained, studying alongside some of the world’s leading researchers.

During his time at Trent, Tom has been working on a research project that has the potential to attract a lot of attention – helping to develop a coating for aircraft aluminium that has proven more effective in simulated acid rain situations than materials currently used. This new coating has the potential to be used to protect older aircraft from corrosion. His work, conducted alongside Trent professor Dr. Andrew Vreugdenhil, consisted of studying three different chemicals that can combine with other components to create a protective solid. His findings will soon be published in academic journals.

“It’s very unusual to have this kind of success during your undergraduate degree,” Tom says about his research experiences. “I have to credit Trent University for the opportunity to conduct this research.”

Tom also credits Trent’s close-knit community and personal learning environment for his success. “My experience with my professors and in particular my thesis supervisor will leave the biggest impression on me,” he says. “I know the labs I’ve worked in are much more in depth than most undergraduate labs; at a larger school I wouldn’t have had such a hands-on experience. It’s the thing that has impacted me the most. I connected with Professor Vreugdendhil almost immediately and because of that have had the opportunity to conduct great research early in my academic career.”

While completing his undergraduate degree at Trent, Tom was also the co-president of the Chemistry Undergraduate Society and an experienced participant and presenter of the Southern Ontario Undergraduate Chemistry Conference. He also satisfied his other passion, music, as a member of the Trent Concert Choir.

The next step for Tom is graduate school. Later on, he hopes to teach at a university and pass along to future students some of the positive experiences he gained at Trent.

“It’s been really positive to get results so early in my career. Others are carrying on work that I started and I’ve had the opportunity to help other students in the lab,” Tom says. “It’s rewarding to teach and watch others start to understand. I’m so pleased I can pass on my experience.”