Lab Members
Dr. David McLagan
Lab Principal Investigator
Bio
I have been an Assistant Professor in Dept. of Geology and School of Environmental Studies at Queen’s University since July 2022. In 2023, I was recipient of a Governor General’s Innovation award, which annually honours Canada’s most innovative people across all sectors.
I took up my current role after a year as a Teaching Stream Professor at the University of Toronto (UofT), which in turn followed a German Science Foundation (DFG) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) funded postdoctoral fellow at the Technical University of Braunschweig (TUBS), and a role as a research associate with Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
I hold a PhD in Environmental Sciences from UofT. My doctoral work was supported by NSERC (CGS-D) and earned me the Governor General’s Gold Medal: the most prestigious graduate-level academic award available in Canada. I hold a Bachelor of Science (1st Class Honours) from Griffith University (Australia), where I received the University Medal for outstanding achievement.
The roots of my education, teaching, and research are in environmental sciences, an intrinsically multi-disciplinary area of science. Naturally, my research has evolved to be highly interdisciplinary; I have published studies spanning the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Central to this research is understanding the biogeochemical cycling of contaminants within and between the Earth’s “spheres” with a focus on the development of novel, yet often accessible technologies and methods to advance our scientific understanding of contaminant biogeochemistry. This relates to my philosophy of “Global Science” that encourages the dissemination of information, intersectoral collaboration, bridging of Knowledge systems, and empowers local scientists and communities across world.
Away from science, I have a wife and two kids that I love spending time with in the forest, particularly examining the fascinating world of fungi; learning about foraging foods (inc. mushrooms) is just the best. I am a self professed coffee-snub; I think I’d rather lick my own boots than drink bad coffee. I also love listening to music (some may call it dated; I prefer vintage), cycling (year round commuter), hiking, canoeing, swimming, football (the one played with the foot), basketball, and cricket. Eating delicious, globally inspired vegetarian food is definitely worth a mention here too!
Memberships and Associations:
Biogeosciences (EGU/Copernicus Journal) – Associate Editor
International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF)
European Geophysical Union (EGU)
Canadian Geophysical Union (CGU)
Curriculum Vitae

Nimelan Veerasamy
Post Doc (Dept. Geology) – Leading research & method development on Hg stable isotopes
Bio
Apart from research, I love to cook, listen to music, or watch anime. I also like to go trekking/hiking and collect minerals and rocks. I also play Kabbadi, an Asian sport like Rugby, Cricket, and Hand ball.

Florence Kayode
PhD (School of Environ. Studies) – Global Earth systems and Wildfire modelling of carbon and climate change feedbacks.
Bio
I am Kayode Florence Abiodun, from Nigeria, and I am currently a doctoral candidate specializing in “Carbon Dynamics and Climate Extremes” at the School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University. My academic journey began with a BSc. in Statistics, followed by MSc. in Mathematical Science for Climate Resilience, and MRes. in Informatics for Climate Change. These diverse educational experiences have equipped me with a holistic understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of climate science.
Outside of academia, I find joy in planning new adventures and exploring diverse cultures through travel. My academic journey has not only enriched my knowledge but has also provided me with invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Excellent Eboigbe
MSc (Dept. Geology) – ASGM Hg Pollution: impacts on agriculture in Nigeria
Bio

Daniel Lu
MSc (School Envion. Studies) – Wildfire emissions modelling: model-measurement evaluations (collab. with ECCC)
Bio
I am currently a teaching assistant at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), where I assist first-year physics and engineering students with experiments and scientific writing. Additionally, I work as a customer service representative at the Queen’s Athletics and Recreation Centre. Feel free to say hi if you happen to be on campus!
When I’m not working or studying, you can usually find me traveling. I absolutely love exploring new places and learning about local cultures and traditions. I also enjoy swimming and playing badminton, as well as watching hockey and American football with my partner.

Grant Chenier
MSc (Dept. Geology) – UAV-based Wildfire emissions monitoring: method development
Bio
Outside of my studies I enjoy being outdoors, mostly participating in hikes in the summer and skiing in the winter along with a new found hobby of whitewater kayaking. For days when I am not as feeling as ambitious, I enjoy relaxing by reading or playing the guitar.

Nicolas Valenzuela
MSc (Dept. Geology) – Hg archiving and cycling in trees in Chile
Bio

Hannah Moran-MacDonald
Undergrad (School Envion. Studies) – Fungi and fire
Bio
I was also grateful to receive an Undergraduate Student Research Award from NSERC, so this summer I will investigate prescribed fires and their effects on fungi and metal concentrations. I am extremely happy to be in the FEWA lab, work with brilliant people, and challenge my ways of knowing.
As for my free time, I enjoy learning about medicinal plants and fungi, and painting and drawing. I do love boxing, jumping rope, hiking, and anything to do with being outside, or identifying new species (add me on iNaturalist: hmoranmac)!

Mollie Garcia
Undergrad (School Envion. Studies) – Developing methods for wildfire risk assessments
Bio
I grew up in New York City, but always found myself more comfortable in natural spaces. I often visited natural history museums to learn more about environments around the world, and hope to eventually experience some of them in person.
Outside of work and school, I enjoy horseback riding, singing, reading, swimming, volleyball and spoiling my cat. I have also recently become interested in upcycling clothing, and am excited to experiment with other products and materials.
FEWA Lab Alumni

Chloe Earnshaw-Osler
Undergraduate
Bio
Apart from school, I love spending time outdoors, cycling, slacklining, hiking, and camping. I have also recently become a huge fan of puzzles and baking bread (thanks quarantine). I am a part of the Queen’s Backing Action on the Climate Crisis (QBACC) exec team, and also work for the AMS service, Walkhome.

Madison Otsuki
Undergraduate
Bio
In my free time, I enjoy learning new recipes, listening to music, going on hikes with friends, and just spending time outdoors in general! I am also part of the Queen’s varsity swimming team and get a lot of enjoyment from both the team dynamic and the competitive aspect you get from racing.
I have been involved in research with the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at Toronto General Hospital, where I collected data within the cardiac intensive care unit to be used in various cardiological studies such as cariogenic shock, renal replacement therapy, and clonal hematopoiesis among other things. I have not yet been involved in research within the geosciences, so I am very excited for this door to be open now through the FEWA lab.