Dr. Laurel Schafer

Professor

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Biography

Laurel L Schafer is a Professor and Head in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia. Her research interests lie at the intersection of organometallic and organic chemistry, focusing on the development of new catalytic methods for carbon-nitrogen and carbon-carbon bond forming reactions. She aims for potential applications in fine chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries. Her work involves the preparation of N,O-chelated organometallic complexes, exploring their utility in the synthesis of amines, functionalized small molecules, and biodegradable polymers through innovative catalytic systems. The emphasis on enantioselective methodology ensures a thorough understanding of chiral techniques. Throughout her career, Schafer has received notable accolades including the NSERC University Faculty Award, Humboldt Research Fellow, and the Killam Award for Excellence in Mentoring. She actively engages her students in research while fostering their synthetic skills through hands-on training and international opportunities. Her commitment to sustainable practices targets green chemistry solutions to address challenges in synthetic methods. She leads a research group driven by these principles, providing foundational education and development in the field of organometallic chemistry.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor & Head

— Present

Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC, Canada

Lead and manage the chemistry department, focusing on organometallic and organic chemistry research.

Awards

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NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship

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NSERC University Faculty Award

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Undergraduate Teaching Award

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Boehringer Ingelheim Young Investigator Award

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A.P. Sloan Fellow

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Humboldt Research Fellow

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Dean's Distinguished Scholar

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UBC Sustainability Fellowship

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Killam Award for Excellence in Mentoring

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Canada Research Chair in Catalyst Development [Tier 2]

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UVic Distinguished Women Scholar Recipient Award

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UVic Provost’s Distinguished Women Scholars Lecture Award Committee

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Dreyfus Lecture Award

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Royal Society Canada Fellowship

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Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK)

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American Association for the Advancement of Science Membership

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.