Student Spotlight: Lucas Ferreira Marques dos Santos
Lucas Ferreira Marques dos Santos
Home Country
Brazil
Program
First-year PhD student in Inorganic Chemistry
Involvement with Western International
International Student
Why I chose Western
My journey with Western began through the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP), when I was selected as a visiting undergraduate researcher to carry out a short-term project in the Department of Chemistry. I had thoroughly researched Canadian universities that partnered with my home institution and personally contacted several professors. One of them—now my incredible supervisor—responded with enthusiasm and supported my ELAP applications across multiple years. After a transformative experience in 2024 as an undergrad researcher, I returned to the same lab in 2025, now as a direct-entry PhD student, thrilled to work under her mentorship once again.
A favorite memory of my time at Western
There are many! Academically, winning an award for one of the best presentations in inorganic chemistry at a student conference was unforgettable; I even did a small dance of celebration in the bathroom. Socially, I’ve loved the sense of community I’ve found—from attending club meetings to sharing meals with friends from around the world. When I returned to Canada for my PhD, a few senior couples from my local church even hosted a welcome dinner for me in their house!
An accomplishment I’m especially proud of
I’m deeply proud to have completed and successfully defended the first international undergraduate thesis in the chemistry department of my home university, based on the research I conducted at Western. Life has rarely handed me the easy route. I applied to the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) for several years before finally being selected, and I’ve worked tirelessly to build a strong academic and professional profile: learning English and French, saving diligently, and embracing internships and consulting opportunities. So, becoming a pioneer in this way was a meaningful reminder of how far I’ve come, through God’s blessing, relentless hard work, and countless sacrifices, all in pursuit of my dream to study and build a life in Canada.
About my research
I work in a field called organometallic chemistry, which combines metals with organic molecules. Specifically, I develop catalysts—molecules that speed up or direct chemical reactions. These catalysts help us control which products are formed in a reaction, making the process more efficient and selective. It’s a bit like designing a tool to make reactions work better. My work involves imagining new molecular structures, synthesizing them, and testing their behavior in the lab. It’s creative, challenging, and has the potential for real-world impact in areas like materials science and sustainable chemistry.
A fun fact about me
I give the best hugs—at least, that’s what everyone tells me! Even in Brazil, where people are already warm and affectionate, I’m known for my hugs and upbeat personality.
Final thoughts
I’ve dreamed of coming to Canada since I was 11. I’ve taught myself English and French, saved nearly everything I earned, and planned every step to be here. I’m living proof that hard work and sacrifices pay off, even if it takes a little longer than we expect. I’m also passionate about languages and hope to learn Korean next (안녕하세요, 여러분!). Being at Western is a dream come true, and I’m deeply grateful to all the people who believed in me and supported my journey. Stay tuned because the future is bright and there is still a lot to achieve!
