Developing Systems Thinking Skills via Interactive molecular Animations

Recruitment

We are conducting a study on the development of systems thinking skills in organic chemistry students, investigating how interactive molecular visualizations may support this development. Your participation will contribute to expanding knowledge on the use of digital educational resources in undergraduate science education.
We are seeking undergraduate students currently enrolled in CHM 1321/1721 (Organic Chemistry I and/or II) at the University of Ottawa, with no significant prior exposure to the SN1 mechanism (unimolecular nucleophilic substitution) and available for a 90-minute in-person session.
The session will take place at the University of Ottawa (Room STM 663) and will include completing questionnaires and interacting with molecular animations, accompanied by a semi-structured interview.
Understanding how students develop systems thinking while learning about chemical reaction mechanisms is essential for improving chemistry education and for the development of educational resources that may contribute to this goal.
All participants will receive a 20 CAD Amazon gift card as a token of appreciation for their participation. Recruitment will close once we reach our target of 10 participants.
This study has been approved by the University of Ottawa Research Ethics Board (Protocol No. H-01-26-12429) and is led by Dr. Alison B. Flynn (Department of Chemistry), with the participation of doctoral candidate Wilton J. D. Nascimento Junior.
To get involved, please contact us through the project link on Calendly.

The recruitment poster in English.

The recruitment poster in French.

Congratulations to the Honours and USRO Students for Their Poster Presentations

Congratulations to Honours students Britney Achu and Olivia Crummer, and USRO student Dashiell Gilders, who presented their research posters at Poster Day on Thursday, April 16. Their presentations showcased not only the exciting research they have been working on over the past year, but also the dedication, critical thinking, and care they have brought to their projects throughout the research process.

The Flynn Research Group is incredibly proud of how well Britney, Olivia, and Dashiell represented their work and engaged with attendees during the event. Their hard work, persistence, and commitment have truly paid off, and Poster Day was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the progress they have made and the contributions they are making as emerging researchers.

Congratulations again to all three students on an outstanding job. We are excited to see where their research journeys take them next.

From left to right: Dashiell, Dr. Flynn, Olivia, Britney, Kathryn, Silvi, Priyanka

Dashiell and Kathryn

From left to right: Kathryn, Meredith, Olivia, Britney, and Wilton.

Learning, Sharing, Evolving: Our Weekly Meetings

Every week, our group comes together for a special moment of connection, reflection, and growth. Our weekly meetings are a space where we share research updates, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in a supportive and collaborative environment.

These gatherings are more than just updates, they are opportunities to ask questions, spark new perspectives, and celebrate each other’s progress. Whether it’s refining an idea, overcoming a challenge, or discovering something new, we grow stronger together through these shared experiences.

At the heart of our meetings there is a sense of belonging, curiosity, and continuous learning where every voice matters and every contribution helps move us forward.

Our group members during our latest group meeting. From left to right: Kathryn, Dashiell, Sylvanna, Wilton, Meredith, Dr. Flynn, Priyanka, Malaika, Olivia, Britney, and Silvi; joining online: Sarwa and Lilli.

Congratulations to Sarwa on Passing Her Comprehensive Exam!

We are overjoyed to celebrate Sarwa Al Akkad, who successfully passed her comprehensive exam on Monday — a huge milestone in her graduate journey!

Passing a comprehensive exam is no small feat, and Sarwa’s success is a shining example of excellence, determination, and passion for science. Please join us in congratulating her on this remarkable accomplishment!

Way to go, Sarwa!

Sarwa Al Akkad

Welcome to Our New Group Members!

We’re excited to welcome the newest members of the Flynn Research Group, Emily Williams and Dashiell Gilders. Each brings a unique blend of curiosity, creativity, and passion for advancing chemistry education research, and we’re thrilled to have them join our vibrant community of researchers.

As they begin their journey with us, we look forward to learning from one another, sharing ideas, and continuing to grow together as researchers, educators, and collaborators.

Welcome to the team Emily and Dashiell we can’t wait to see the great things we’ll achieve together!

Emily Williams

Dashiell Gilders

Our Approach to Generative AI in Research 🤖

At the Flynn Research Group, we embrace innovation, and Generative AI (GenAI) is one of the exciting tools shaping the future of research. Our group is exploring how GenAI can enhance creativity, streamline workflows, and spark new ideas in chemistry education research, while enduring the core values of rigor, integrity, and critical thinking.

We view GenAI as a supportive collaborator, not a replacement for human insight. Every use of AI in our work is approached responsibly and transparently, outputs are critically evaluated, verified with credible sources, and any AI assistance is clearly acknowledged.

By integrating GenAI thoughtfully, we’re preparing ourselves and the next generation of researchers to navigate the evolving research landscape with confidence, curiosity, and care.

📄 To learn more about how we approach AI use in our work, check out our detailed policy on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Research.

Welcome to Our New Group Member!

Meredith Allen

The Flynn Research Group is excited to welcome Dr. Meredith Allen to the team! Meredith brings a strong background in organic and medicinal chemistry, as well as a passion for mentorship, teaching, and fostering inclusive and collaborative spaces in science.

We’re looking forward to learning from her experiences and working together as we continue to grow as a team. Welcome aboard, Meredith, and we’re thrilled to have you join us!

#FlynnResearchGroup #ChemEd #Teamwork #Collaboration

Welcome to Our New Group Members!

The Flynn Research Group is excited to welcome new members to our team: Wilton J. D. Nascimento Júnior, Britney Achu, and Olivia Crummer. Each brings unique perspectives, energy, and curiosity that will strengthen our collaborative work in Chemistry Education Research.

We’re looking forward to learning together, supporting one another, and continuing to push the boundaries of research and innovation as a team.

Welcome aboard, we’re thrilled to have you with us on this journey!

#FlynnResearchGroup #ChemEd #Teamwork #Collaboration

Our new group members from left to right: Wilton J. D. Nascimento Júnior, Britney Achu, and Olivia Crummer.

Sharing Research and Building Connections

Members of the Flynn Research Group recently had the opportunity to share our research during a meeting with the Queen’s Chemistry Education Research Group.

This collaborative exchange allowed us to present our ongoing work, learn about exciting projects from our colleagues at Queen’s, and engage in thoughtful discussions about the future of Chemistry Education Research (CER).

We’re grateful for the chance to connect with our neighbouring CER group—collaborations like these strengthen our community and spark new ideas for impactful research!

Congratulations to Our Flynn Research Group Graduates! 🎓

We’re proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our Flynn Research Group members as they graduate and move forward into exciting new chapters:

Jacky Deng
Alisha Szozda
Uche Nworah
Ray Fan
Sarah McPhedran
Mann Ali-Nour

Your dedication, curiosity, and contributions to our research and community have been truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see where your journeys take you next!

From all of us at FRG congratulations, and thank you for being such an important part of our team!

From left to right: Ray, Uche, Alisha, Professor Flynn, and Jacky.

From left to right : Alisha, Professor Flynn, and Jacky.

Professor Flynn and Sarah McPhedran.