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Prof. Serpe is an esteemed researcher with over 20 years of research experience at the interface of analytical and materials chemistry. As a principal investigator, he has successfully led a diverse and multidisciplinary group of researchers in developing innovative polymeric materials, nanoparticles, and methodologies for controlled/triggered drug delivery, water remediation, and sensing. His group’s work on sensor development has allowed for myriad analytes to be detected and quantified using easy to use and inexpensive workflows. Specifically, his group showed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and associated antibodies, could be detected and quantified in saliva and serum using enzymatic reactions and an off-the-shelf glucose test strip. This approach has now been expanded to many other analytes, both protein and DNA-based, and pathogens; it is this general approach that is most important for future pandemic preparedness.

Since his time in the Department of Chemistry at the º£½ÇÉçÇø, his group has made numerous contributions to the scientific community, publishing >140 peer reviewed articles in highly regarded journals. He has delivered >150 invited presentations at national and international meetings, universities, and symposia. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his research efforts, most recently the 2024 W.A.E. McBryde Medal from the Canadian Society for Chemistry that is presented to a scientist working in Canada who has made a significant achievement in pure or applied analytical chemistry. Importantly, Prof. Serpe has been able to translate his work to the field, managing a number of industrial collaborations funded by NSERC, Alberta Innovates, MITACS, etc. Many of these projects have led to value added results to the collaborating companies. Furthermore, Prof. Serpe is the founder and CEO of 2 university spin off companies, and a cofounder of a third startup.