Paola Battiston is the Chair of Seneca's School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry. She has led new program development in the school with the development and launch of graduate certificates and a degree program. She has also been a strong advocate for applied research initiatives engaging faculty and students. Ms. Battiston holds a bachelor of science and bachelor of education from the University of Toronto as well as a masters of education from Brock University. Her experience includes environmental and pharmaceutical industries, regulatory affairs and quality assurance. 

Dr. Frank Merante is the Principal Scientist for SCILS. He is a full-time professor in Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry where he has also been instrumental in establishing applied research capabilities. He holds a PhD from the University of Toronto, and has traversed multiple disciplines including biochemistry, molecular biology and human genetics. Dr. Merante was the recipient of Seneca Innovation’s Research Leader of the Year Award in 2020.

Sharon Robertson is a part-time professor in Seneca’s Cosmetic Science graduate certificate program within the School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry. She holds a bachelor of science in chemistry and geology from the State University of New York. Ms. Robertson has substantial experience leading capstone and applied research projects in the Cosmetic Science program, bringing more than 30 years of experience in formulation and scale-up of colour cosmetics and toiletries. She also has advanced knowledge of cosmetic-related regulatory requirements for North America and Europe.

George Clark is a full-time professor in Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry. He holds a master’s degree in anthropology/archaeological sciences from the University of Manitoba and a bachelor of science in chemistry and general science from the University of Waterloo. He is a licensed archaeologist in Ontario and specializes in a range of inorganic analysis techniques and instrumentation. Mr. Clark also brings years of hands-on analytical instrumental experience through his experience in both industry and academia. 

Dr. Jamie Cote is a full-time professor in Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry. He holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of Alberta as well as a bachelor of science in chemistry from both Red Deer College and Carlton University. Dr. Cote specializes in organic analysis analytical chemistry, specialist instrumentation. Prior to teaching, he worked as a senior medicinal chemist at Dalton Pharma Services, working on numerous projects in drug discovery.

Barkev Keoshkerian is a part-time professor in Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry. He holds a bachelor of science in biochemistry from the University of Toronto. He has more 38 years of industrial research expertise in a wide range of areas in polymer chemistry, colloid science (latex polymerization), pigment dispersions, ink design, coatings, materials science and composites. Mr. Keoshkerian has a well-established reputation as a creative researcher with more than 140 patents in various fields. He is the recipient of multiple excellence in research awards for polymer synthesis and applications.

Dr. Lesley Rutledge is a full-time professor in Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry. She holds a PhD in biomolecular science from the University of Lethbridge and bachelor of education from Mount Saint Vincent University. Dr. Rutledge has extensive expertise in computational chemistry including density functional theory, molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics, and has taught science and mathematics in university and college settings. 

Jim Cooper is a part-time professor in Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry. He holds a master of science from the University of Guelph. His primary areas of expertise include biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell culture and animal husbandry.  

Dr. James Mayo is a part-time professor in Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry. He holds a PhD in chemistry from McMaster University focused on carbon nanotubes and reversible polymers. His industry experience includes more than 35 years as a Senior Scientist at Xerox Research Centre of Canada. His primary areas of expertise include organic and polymer synthesis, materials processing and scale-up engineering. He has also worked extensively in printing, with expertise in ink formulation, characterization and evaluation, as well as security printing.

Laboratory technicians are an integral part of Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry. They play a pivotal role in ensuring applied research projects are scientifically robust and well-documented. They also ensure laboratory facilities are operating with the greatest scientific rigor and the associated scientific instrumentation remains in optimal condition. 

Research assistants (RAs) are critical to the success of applied research projects. RAs carry out research activities working under the supervision and mentorship of project principal investigators, applying their academic knowledge and skills to project design, execution and reporting. RAs develop practical experience, advanced technical skills and professional skills relevant to a successful career in life sciences. They are advanced-year undergraduate students from Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry in the Biotechnology – Advanced advanced diploma program, Cosmetic Science graduate certificate program and Chemical Laboratory Technician diploma program. They also provide an opportunity for our industry partners to train RAs and hire them as highly qualified personnel who are oriented to the company and their R&D processes and strategy.