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Jason Hein received his B.Sc. in biochemistry at the University of Manitoba in 2000. In 2005, he completed his Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry as an NSERC PGS scholar under Professor Philip G. Hultin at the same institution. He then moved to the Scripps Research Institute as an NSERC postdoctoral fellow supervised by Professors K. Barry Sharpless and Valery V. Fokin. In 2010, he became a senior research associate with Professor Donna G. Blackmond at Scripps. He began his independent career at the University of California, Merced in 2011 where his work focused on employing in situ kinetic reaction analysis as a means to rapidly profile and study complex networks of reactions. In 2015, he moved to the University of British Columbia to continue the development of reaction analytical techniques to further mechanistic organic chemistry.
Professor, University of British Columbia (2024 – present)
Professor II (Adjunct), University of Bergen, Norway (2023 – present)
Associate Professor, University of British Columbia (2019 – 2024)
Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia (2015 – 2019)
Assistant Professor, University of California, Merced (2011 – 2015)
Senior Research Associate under Prof. Donna Blackmond, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla (2009 – 2011)
NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow under Profs. K. Barry Sharpless and Valery V. Fokin, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla (2005 – 2009)
Ph.D. Student under Prof. Philip G. Hultin, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg (2000 – 2005)
B.Sc. Student, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg (1996 – 2000)
Canadian Society for Chemistry R. U. Lemieux Award (2025)
University of British Columbia, Killam Teaching Prize (2024 – 2025)
University of Ottawa, Fagnou Lecturer (2021 – 2022)
Thieme Chemistry Journal Award (2019)
American Chemical Society Young Investigator’s Award (2015)
University of California, Merced, Graduate & Research Council Award (2012 – 2014)
NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2006 – 2008)
University of Manitoba Dean of Graduate Studies Student Achievement Award (2005)
Action Canada Fellowship for Outstanding Young Leaders (2004 – 2005)
CSC National Conference Poster Presentation Award (2004)
Hugh J. Anderson Anderson Graduate Award for Academic Achievement (2003 – 2004)
ACS-Pan American Advanced Studies Institute on Green Chemistry Fellowship (2003)
NSERC Post Graduate Scholarship – A&B (2000 – 2004)
I completed my BSN at UBC in 2014 and worked as a Registered Nurse in acute mental health and substance use care until 2020, when I moved into community harm reduction work. From 2016-2020 I was also a mental health clinical teacher for undergraduate nursing students. During this time I pursued my MSN, in which I conducted a photovoice study to explore the experiences of rural older adults living with mental health concerns. After receiving my MSN in 2019 I joined UBCO’s Campus Wellness and Education unit and co-developed the university’s Harm Reduction Team (HaRT), which offered spectrometry drug checking throughout the Okanagan in clinics, outreach centres, overdose prevention sites, raves, festivals, and on campus. I conducted an implementation science study of this service for my PhD in nursing, which I completed in 2024. Outside of work I love hiking, climbing, live music, and anywhere with dogs.
Postdoctoral Fellow
I completed my undergraduate at the University of Auckland, New Zealand with majors in Chemistry and Philosophy. I then moved to the UK to pursue a longstanding interest in reaction mechanisms and completed my PhD in the group of Professor Guy Lloyd-Jones at the University of Edinburgh. During this time I also developed an interest in NMR and went on to do a postdoc in the MagRes section at the University of Southampton. In April 2024 I joined the Hein group where I focus on combining my backgrounds in reaction monitoring and NMR with the ongoing automation research in the group. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, hiking and reading and have recently developed an interest in pottery.
I completed an undergraduate degree in chemistry at the University of Prince Edward Island. I then moved to Ottawa and joined the Beauchemin lab for my PhD where I helped develop novel synthetic transformations of nitrogen containing compounds. I joined the Hein group in June 2019 where I now focus on combining my synthetic organic chemistry background with continuous preferential crystallization. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, camping and working out.
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am a synthetic organic chemist that completed my PhD in Fall 2024 at the University of Alberta. While there, I worked under Prof. Rylan Lundgren on enantioselective Rh-catalyzed transformations of conjugated dienes. Here I further developed an interest in transition-metal catalysis and the study of reaction mechanism. I became interested in the Hein Group’s research during several interactions at conferences over the years and made it a goal to expand my toolbox to become a “chemist who codes.” A side motivation was to no longer be a human autosampler. Some of my interests include: the three B’s (bouldering, biking, and beer), as well as cooking and making cocktails/mocktails.
I completed my undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering at Oregon State University (OR, USA) in 2019. I then joined the group of Dr. Lilo Pozzo, while also being co-advised by Dr. Stuart Adler and Dr. David Beck at the University of Washington (Seattle WA, USA ). Here I completed a PhD in Chemical Engineering with a Data Science focus, developing new tools and techniques for the implementation and democratization of open-science self-driving laboratories to accelerate the pace of clean energy materials. In August 2024, I joined the Hein group where I apply my background in automation and engineering to process chemistry workflows. In my spare time, you can find me outside hiking, rock climbing, or cycling. I also really enjoy cooking, boardgame nights with friends and crafting.
I earned my Master of Philosophy degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, specializing in catalytic, asymmetric halogenation reactions under Prof. Yeung Ying Yeung’s supervision. In April 2021, I joined the Hein lab to pursue my PhD, where I focused on leveraging automated monitoring platforms to track reaction progress. This approach enabled systematic investigation of reaction mechanisms and their optimization. After completing my PhD in May 2025, I continued at the Hein lab, now developing new Process Analytical Technologies (PATs) to enhance understanding of reaction dynamics and catalyst speciation. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking and traveling.
Postdoctoral Fellow
I completed my MChem in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Loughborough University, before undertaking a PhD at the University of Bristol under the supervision of Dr Alastair Lennox. My research focused on developing new synthetic methodologies using photochemical and electrochemical techniques. During my PhD, I became particularly interested in flow chemistry and technology-enhanced approaches to synthesis. I joined the Hein Lab in October 2025, which has allowed me
to work on projects that combine my interests in flow chemistry with my background in photochemistry. Outside of the lab, I’m most often found in a coffee shop or at the gym.
I graduated my BS and MS degrees in Chemical engineering in Ural Federal University (Yekaterinburg, Russia). In 2020 I completed PhD in Organic chemistry investigating synthesis and properties of calixarene derivatives. From 2020 till 2023 I worked in Cronin group (University of Glasgow, UK) as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow where I built a strong expertise in digitization and automation of organic synthesis. In my free time I enjoy all kinds of dancing, travelling and walking.
I completed my BSc in Computational Biochemistry and PhD in Chemistry at Carleton University. During my Co-op, I developed my interest in programming while helping design a data processing software. I joined the Hein lab where I can contribute both my programming and chemistry background to research. In my spare time, I like sketching, cooking and skateboarding.
After completing my B.Sc. in the field of Biochemistry, I pursued the more chemistry-based side of it in my M.Sc. Medicinal and Natural Product Chemistry at the Leibniz University Hanover, Germany. In my last year, two colleagues of mine introduced me to the field of automation in chemistry, which ultimately led me to the HeinLab in 2021. In my time off I like to read (mostly Sci-Fi), listen to/make music or engage in any kind of sporting activity.
I completed my B.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of British Columbia in 2022, during which I spent two years here in the Hein Lab as an undergraduate research assistant. Intrigued by reaction kinetics and the process of using various analytical tools to gain mechanistic insight, I decided to continue my studies here and pursue a graduate degree. In my free time, I like painting, playing video games, and fiddling around on my piano.
Born and raised in the Greater Vancouver area, I completed my BSc in Chemical Biology at UBC in 2024. During my undergrad I did research in health economics, materials engineering, and organic methods development, finishing with an honours thesis project in the Hein Lab integrating self-driving labs with crystallization. My research interests focus on utilizing modern technology to develop scalable, cost, and time efficient processes for industrial application. Outside of the lab, my interests include listening to and playing music, digital art, fashion, and hanging out with my friends and their kids.
PhD Student
As a graduate from Vancouver Island University with a degree in Biology and Chemistry, I developed an interest in the toxicological and social impacts of the compounds that surround us. I started working in a community-level drug checking project with the BC Centre on Substance Use exploring the implications of the current composition of illicit substances. Eventually I moved to government roles working with both Health Canada, analyzing and elucidating new psychoactive substances using high field NMR and UPLC-MS/MS, and the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, as a member of her Youth Council. Throughout my experiences I found myself questioning the dynamics of science and policy, and the lack of collaborative and multidisciplinary research. Now, with the Hein Lab, my focus is to learn and apply chemical process automation for the elucidation of synthetic pathways used in clandestine laboratories, as well as for the detection of emerging substances, precursors, and impurities in illicit drug markets. In my free time, I enjoy painting, dancing, and playing guitar.
PhD Student
I was born and raised out east in Ottawa, where I completed my undergraduate degree. It was there that I found my love for chemistry research working under Prof. Stephen Newman. I then joined the Hein lab in 2020 to pursue my MSc in the areas of continuous flow synthesis and reaction monitoring. In my spare time, you can usually find me listening to music, cooking, or playing video games.
Visiting MSc Student
I completed my B.Sc. at the University of Münster in 2024, where I am now pursuing my M.Sc. with a specialization in catalytic organic synthesis. As part of my master’s degree, I conducted a research stay in the group of Prof. Shū Kobayashi in Tokyo, where my work focused on developing catalytic organic reactions in water. I am currently undertaking a second research stay at the HeinLab to further consolidate my knowledge and gain expertise in the field of automation in chemistry. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer and the piano, and I also have a passion for music.
PhD Student
I completed my B.S. in Biochemistry and Biophysics with minors in Chemistry and Mathematics at Oregon State University (OR, USA) in June 2025. As an undergraduate, I conducted research in the Materials Discovery Laboratory under the guidance of Prof. Kyriakos Stylianou. I worked on developing biologically inspired metal organic frameworks for biomedical imaging and energy production. I developed an interest in the intersection of computer science and chemistry, leading me to join the Hein Lab for my PhD. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, skiing, photography and playing piano.
PhD Student
I completed my B.S. in Chemistry at Rutgers University in 2019, and a M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering at Columbia University in 2021. During my master’s study, I focused on probabilistic modelling and data analysis for enhanced enzyme diffusion. During the same time period, I found interest in areas such as experiment design and automated experimentation, which eventually motivated me to join Professor Hein’s lab. In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games, biking, and playing ultimate Frisbee.
NSERC USRA Student & Work-Learn Student
I am a second-year undergraduate student studying Chemistry at the University of British Columbia. My interest in how automation can be applied to organic synthesis led me to the Hein Lab where I can directly pursue this interest. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and bouldering.
Visiting International Research Student
Work-Learn Student
Work-Learn Student
I am a second year undergraduate student pursuing a combined major in computer science and chemistry. I’m really excited about joining the Hein lab to explore the intersection of the two fields and learn about lab automation. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new cafés, cooking, learning new languages, and spending time with friends.
I completed my BSc in Chemistry at the University of Waterloo. For my PhD, I joined the Holdcroft lab, where I developed a novel material to visualize the ion transport in polymer membranes. During this time, I gained a strong foundation in electrochemical diagnostics, custom instrumentation, and materials characterization. I also developed an interest in programming while analyzing large impedance datasets for durability studies, which led me to join the Hein group. Outside of the lab, I enjoy snowboarding, hiking, and traveling.
Abandoned as a pup on the mean streets of Merced, California, I had a tough start in life. My curiosity, playful spirit, and desire for affection were unfulfilled and my outlook was bleak… until one exceptional Beagle Basset Hound, Crambley, changed everything. Crambley adopted me as one of her own, nurturing me to overcome my trauma. I then came to Vancouver to jump-started my career as the Morale Officer for university research programs. I now bark, snooze, and thrive in the Hein Lab, where I support students, scientists, and friends of the group through all the challenges of life.
I completed my BA in English and Global Studies at the University of Hong Kong and MSc at Edinburgh Napier University. Before joining the Hein Lab in 2023, I worked in business development at a surgical robotics center, and prior to that, a tech funding agency. In my spare time, you’ll find me on the mat, museum hopping, or traveling solo.
I completed a PhD in physical chemistry focusing on Raman spectroscopy and computational chemistry of organic photovoltaic materials at the University of Otago in New Zealand followed by two post-docs in surface science and spectroscopy in the US. A break from research saw me learning French and teaching English in Rennes, France and during this time I also became interested in embedded electronics, leading me to the Hein Group. In my spare time, I enjoy ski touring, mountain biking and building equipment for amateur astronomy.
CALVIN KE
Visiting International Research Student (VIRS) BSc (2024 – 2025)
KARA MAINSE
Co-op student & Undergraduate Research Assistant (2024 – 2025)
JIYOON MIN
Co-op student
SEOJIN (AMY) OH
Undergraduate Research Assistant
WEICHENG XU
Visiting International Research Student (VIRS) BSc (2024 – 2025)
JOSHUA LERNER
Project student – PHYS 449
YAO (KRISTY) SHI
PhD (2021 – 2025)
CLARK ZHANG
Co-op Student & Undergraduate Research Assistant (2024-2025)
BECKY HICKMAN
Research Staff (2023 – 2025)
LUCY HAO
Undergraduate Research Assistant (2024 – 2025)
MASON GUY
PhD (2020 – 2025)
CLARA EVANGELYN TJAHJADI
Work-Learn student
MSc (2021 – 2024)
Work-Learn student, Undergraduate Research Assistant & Co-op student (2023 – 2024)
Project student – CHEM 449 & Undergraduate Research Assistant (2023 – 2024)
Project student – CHEM 449
FÉLIX PAINSECQ
Visiting International Research Student (VIRS) PhD
Work-Learn student (2023 – 2024)
DYLAN PYLE
Visiting International Research Student (VIRS) BSc
PhD (2019 – 2023)
PhD (2018 – 2023)
PDF (2020 – 2022)
Undergraduate Research Assistant & Summer student (2021 – 2022)
Visiting International Research Student (VIRS) PhD
PhD (2018 – 2022)
SEAN CLARK
Research Staff (2020 – 2022)
Research Staff (2021 – 2022)
PhD (2019 – 2022)
Work-Learn student & Undergraduate Research Assistant (2021 – 2022)
Research Staff (2019 – 2022)
Research Associate (2021 – 2022)
PhD (2018 – 2021)
Research Associate (2017 – 2021)
PAUL MULYK
Research Staff (2019 – 2021)
PDF (2018 – 2021)
SURE Summer student, Project student – CHEM 449 & Work-Learn student (2020 – 2021)
Co-op student
Research Staff (2019 – 2020)
Co-op student
Research Staff (2019 – 2020)
Project student – CHEM 445
Undergraduate Research Assistant
SAMANTHA BROWN
(2014 – 2015)
CASSANDRA CRAVE
(2014 – 2015)
SAMANTHA GAERLAN
(2014 – 2015)
ALYSSA JONES
(2014 – 2015)
INDYANA POLLEY
(2014 – 2015)