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Nelson Lafrenière
PhD

Associate Teaching Professor

Forensic Science

Faculty of Science

I am an analytical chemist and forensic science teaching faculty member with a focus on science outreach, pedagogy, and providing students with a world-class education in chemistry and forensic science.

Contact information

Science Building - Room 2022
North Oshawa
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5

9057218668 ext. 2231

nelson.lafreniere@ontariotechu.ca


Areas of expertise

  • Chemistry
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Mass Spectrometry

Background

Nelson is originally from a small town in Northern Ontario called Chapleau, and obtained his B.Sc. (Hons.) from Laurentian University in Forensic Science. In the final year of his undergraduate program he fell in love with chemistry, and headed off to the University of Toronto to pursue a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry. Nelson's Ph.D. work focused on the extraction and quantification of small molecules (e.g. drugs and hormones) from biological matrices (e.g. blood and urine) using a 'lab-on-a-chip' liquid handling technique known as digital microfluidics. By the end of his graduate studies, Nelson shifted his focus to teaching and developed a passion for education, joining Ontario Tech's forensic science team in 2014. In his fleetingly spare time, Nelson enjoys playing golf, hockey, and walking his dog.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) Laurentian University Year 2009
  • Doctor of Philosophy University of Toronto 2015

Courses taught

  • Introductory Forensic Science (FSCI1010U)
  • Essentials of Crime Scene Science (FSCI2020U)
  • Forensic Chemistry (FSCI3040U)
  • Fire Investigation (FSCI4040U)
  • Interdisciplinary Topics in Forensic Science (FSCI4020U)
  • Forensic Science Thesis Project I/II (FSCI4410U/FSCI4420U)
  • Directed Studies in Forensic Science (FSCI4430U)