U of G Chemistry Graduate Student Innovating and Indigenizing Science

After nearly a decade at the University of Guelph, PhD candidate Genievieve Borg’s impact is felt both inside the classroom and beyond.

Originally from Brantford, Ontario, Borg had a passion for chemistry and fell in love with U of G campus during a tour. She enrolled in the B.Sc. Chemistry co-op program in 2014.

“I love the sense of community on campus and within the city. I’ve always found the people of Guelph incredibly kind,” says Borg.

Exploring Chemical Materials to Advance Scientific Knowledge

Now a PhD candidate in Dr. Kathryn Preuss’s Chemistry lab, Borg’s thesis looks at the development of molecule-based magnetic materials.

“One possible avenue for the next technological advancement could be quantum computing, however, we do not have a material to bring quantum computing to life,” says Borg. “When I say my research is focused on molecule-based materials, it means we are looking at designing and synthesizing individual molecules with technologically relevant properties. Specifically, we focus on magnetism and molecules that demonstrate magnetic memory.”

Borg’s goal is to grow existing knowledge by characterizing these materials, which can have implications for practical applications by other scientists – such as potential new materials to serve quantum computing.

Indigenizing STEM Education and Navigating Identity

Another area of research interest for Borg is chemical analysis of environmental samples in Indigenous communities to help inform about potential presence of chemical contaminants. Borg aims to incorporate this work in chemistry lab courses in an effort to help Indigenize STEM education.

While her love for the sciences is deep-rooted back to high school, there were times when Borg struggled with other elements of her academic and personal journey. Borg is Ojibwe First Nations and grew up off reserve.

“I knew I was Indigenous, but I didn’t really know what that meant,” says Borg. “When I got to the University of Guelph, I knew there was an Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) on campus, but I never accessed the resources there until my last semester of undergrad because I didn’t feel I was ‘Native enough’. I think this is a common experience amongst Indigenous students. The ISC has been a safe space where I can explore my identity with other Indigenous students.”

Borg saw her non-Indigenous peers seemingly excel while she was still reconciling her own experiences and intergenerational trauma. At times, she still feels conflicted about her place in academia due to the lack of Indigenous representation.

Her experiences compelled Borg to take action to support future generations of Indigenous scientists: She, along with other Indigenous peoples, worked with Mitacs and other agencies to help develop the Indigenous Innovation Policy Framework, along with other advocacy and initiatives.

Read more about Borg’s U of G journey:

Grad Student Q&A: Genievieve Borg

An Indigenous Journey to Belonging by Genievieve Borg

This article was originally published in the CEPS 2023-24 Annual Report.