Robert Godin

Robert Godin serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan campus. He joined UBC in July 2018 after completing postdoctoral research at Imperial College London. Dr. Godin leads the Solar Energy Conversion and Spectroscopy research group, focusing on advanced spectroscopic techniques to understand charge carrier dynamics in carbon-based photocatalytic materials for sustainable energy applications.

• Post-doctoral research, Imperial College London
• PhD, McGill University
• BSc, University of Ottawa

Dr. Godin's research centers on developing advanced transient absorption spectroscopy and microscopy techniques to investigate spatial and energetic heterogeneities in charge carrier dynamics of low-cost, carbon-based photocatalysts. His work bridges instrumentation development with careful analysis to understand limitations in photocatalytic systems and establish design principles for next-generation high-efficiency materials. His group focuses specifically on sustainable energy production, water purification, and chemical transformations using solar-driven processes.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on carbon nitride-based photocatalytic systems, with particular attention to charge carrier dynamics, heterojunction engineering, and defect characterization. His research spans fundamental material characterization to applied environmental remediation and solar fuel production, with significant contributions to understanding how material modifications affect photocatalytic performance across various applications including hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, and water purification.

As a graduate student supervisor, Dr. Godin teaches courses in solar energy, chemical kinetics, physical chemistry, and spectroscopy, connecting his research expertise with classroom instruction. His group's work has received media attention including coverage by CBC, Radio-Canada, and UBC Today, highlighting the real-world applications of his research in areas like water purification.

Based in the SolarSpec research group, Dr. Godin's laboratory combines experimental spectroscopy with materials synthesis to develop sustainable solutions for energy and environmental challenges, with particular emphasis on making solar-driven chemical processes more efficient and practical for implementation.