Carbon to Metal Coating Institute
at Queen's University
Administration Team
Dr. Cathleen Crudden, Scientific Director
Professor, Department of Chemistry, Queen's University
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Dr. Crudden is the founding director of the Institute and leads the New Frontiers Transformation Research program. Her research interests include investigating the use of carbon–based molecules as ligands for self-assembled monolayers on gold and other metals, and in catalysis, chirality, and materials chemistry.
Jyoti Kotecha, MPA, MRCC, CChem
Managing Director, Carbon To Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI), Department of Chemistry
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Jyoti Kotecha is the Managing Director C2MCI. Jyoti started her research career as an analytical chemist with the Laboratory of the Government Chemist in UK, she has over 18 years of expertise in developing national and international research centres and institutes, implementing strategic and operational plans, building strategic collaborations to support knowledge mobilization and has led phase three clinical trials and has developed a portfolio of mixed method research programs in health science and education.
As the Managing Director, she develops and implements the Institute's strategic and operation plan, is the first point of contact for collaboration enquires, supports equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, and works with researchers to manage large funding applications and research programs.
kotechaj@queensu.ca
Megan Ariki
Coordinator - Partnership Agreements & Operations, Carbon to Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI)
Megan has over 14 years' experience working alongside faculty at Queen's. She has managed CREATE, CFI and NFRF projects and has supported faculty members across Chemistry, Physics and Chemical Engineering, many of whom are now members of the C2MCI.
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As the Coordinator - Partnership Agreements & Operations, Megan is responsible for developing and managing agreements (NDA, research, MTA, equipment, confidentiality, etc.,), leading the organization of the C2MCI Annual General Meeting, managing day to day financial transactions for the C2MCI, coordinating faculty award nominations, supporting the Crudden lab group, and providing administrative support to Dr. Crudden and the Managing Director for assigned activities.
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Emily Albright
Project Manager, Carbon to Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI)
Dr. Emily Albright is a dedicated research administrator, project manager, and advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity (EDII) in STEM. She completed her BSc (Medicinal Chemistry) and MSc (Organic Chemistry) at the University of New Brunswick before earning her PhD (Materials Chemistry) from Queen’s University.
During her PhD, Emily developed a gold nanocluster that is now the lead candidate for cancer therapy within the C2MCI. As Project Manager, Emily leads the coordination of interdisciplinary research teams and supports the planning, tracking, and delivery of complex research projects. She has been instrumental in securing funding, expanding training opportunities, and fostering effective interdisciplinary and international collaboration. Her passion for mentorship and inclusive research environments drives her leadership in EDII-focused projects, including a podcast that amplifies diverse voices in STEM.
emily.albright@queensu.ca
Dr. Tetyana Levchenko
Research, Training, & Outreach Coordinator, Carbon to Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI)
Tetyana Levchenko completed her BSc and MSc in Analytical Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Olga Zaporozhets at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Ukraine). She developed a strong interest in Materials Chemistry—particularly mesostructured mesoporous silica and metal nanoparticles—while working as a Junior Research Associate at the Institute of Surface Chemistry in Kyiv. After moving to Canada, she pursued her PhD at Western University (London, Ontario) under the co-supervision of Prof. John Corrigan and Prof. Yining Huang. Her NSERC-funded doctoral research focused on semiconductor-structured materials, specifically 3D arrangements of CdS and CdSe nanoclusters. Dr. Levchenko joined the Crudden Group at Queen’s University in Kingston as an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow, where her work centered on the synthesis and characterization of carbene-stabilized metal nanoclusters for applications in catalysis and biomedicine.
As the Research, Training, & Outreach Coordinator at C2MCI, she designs and oversees a variety of programs including research seminars, workshops, internships, the C2MCI Public Lecture Series, Science Rendezvous, and Summer of Science.
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Hannah Fitzpatrick
Communications Coordinator, Carbon to Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI)
Hannah Fitzpatrick is a graphic designer and communications specialist with a passion for efficient communication. With her experience in research communications, content production, and marketing, Hannah brings her creative energy and a supportive approach to the C2MCI team. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English and French from Queen’s University.
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As Communications Coordinator, Hannah creates content for and regularly updates C2MCI research communication channels, collects and analyzes data to support strategic communications development, and collaborates with communications colleagues within the Vice Principal Research portfolio to support the promotion of Queen’s Research Centres and Institutes (RCIs) to internal and external stakeholders.
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