Dr. Robert Flett (Ph.D.) - Chief Scientist Dr. Flett graduated in 1977 with a Ph.D. in Microbiology (Aquatic Ecology) from the University of Manitoba and was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Biology at McGill University from 1976 to 1978. His research (nitrogen fixation) was carried out at the Experimental Lakes Area of northwestern Ontario in association with Dr. David Schindler of the Freshwater Institute. He has numerous publications in the fields of Microbiology and Biogeochemistry and is a member of the International Association of Theoretical and Applied Limnology, the AOAC and the American Chemical Society. Dr. Flett was appointed to the status of Adjunct Professor by the Department of Microbiology at the University of Manitoba in 1984 and has served on numerous Thesis Advisory Committees. His efforts on the lab bench established radionuclide analyses in 1981 and the mercury and methyl mercury analyses in 1991 at Flett Research. He is particularly interested in the biogeochemistry of lake and ocean sediments with special emphasis on diagenesis and factors which control the location of sediment accumulation. Aside from his background in microbiology and biogeochemistry, Dr. Flett is also experienced in the design and construction of analog and digital electronic instrument packages for use in limnological and oceanographic research.
Jason Stetski (B.Sc.) Jason obtained his Bachelors of Science degree in chemistry in 2001 from University of Manitoba and joined our staff upon graduating. Jason is proficient in all aspects of our total mercury and methyl mercury analyses. He has helped to develop and maintain protocols which allow our laboratory to achieve ultra-low detection of mercury. Jason interacts directly with clients, ensuring they understand sampling protocols, and also makes certain they receive the sampling supplies they require.
Dawn Gilbert (Chemical Technologist)-Quality Coordinator Dawn obtained her diploma in Chemical Technology from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) - Calgary in 1988. Her early laboratory experience came as an organic chemist at Axys Analytical Services in Sidney, B.C. and ASL Laboratories (now part of the ALS group) in Vancouver. Her experience at ASL includes eight years as a chemist, client service liaison and laboratory supervisor. Dawn joined the staff at Flett Research in 2006 and directs our quality management system in accordance with ISO17025 standards and Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA) accreditation requirements. She also takes on many managerial duties for the laboratory.
Xiaoxi Hu (M.Env., B.Eng.) Xiaoxi obtained her Bachelor of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology in 2001 from East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China. She received her Master of Environment degree in Environment Chemistry in 2008 from University of Manitoba. She gained hands-on experience in field sampling and instrumentation of HPLC, ICP-DRC-MS and CVFAS during her Master’s thesis project, which was focusing on the concentration, speciation and temporal variation of selenium in the prairie waters of southern Manitoba. She also has three years' work experience as a chemist in Technical Center of Kao Corporation Shanghai, China. Since 2008 Xiaoxi has been working as a geochemist at Flett Research where she prepares and analyzes Pb-210, Cs-137, Be-7, and Ra-226 samples and performs dry bulk density measurements. Xiaoxi works with Dr. Flett to provide consulting services which include giving advice on choosing sampling locations, coring equipment, sectioning and sub-sampling, sample storage and transportation. She studies the information provided by the client about sampling sites and develops the most suitable analytical strategy for each core. She is responsible for data analysis and application of the models used to determine sediment age and accumulation rates.
Liam Hesketh-Jost (Chemical & Biosciences Technologist) Liam received his diploma in Chemical & Bioscience Technology from Red River College in 2008. He joined Flett Research in 2009 with previous experience as a lab technician at the University of Manitoba, Human Nutritional Sciences Department. As a geochemist at Flett, Liam is responsible for radioisotope analyses used in the dating of sediment cores. This includes Pb-210, Ra-226, Cs-137, Be-7 and dry bulk density measurements. Liam’s work at the bench has resulted in improvements to the analytical method for Pb-210, achieving higher and more stable recoveries of the Po-209 and Po-210 isotopes. Liam continues to develop the experience necessary to analyze isotopic data and apply the models used to determine sediment age and accumulation rates. Liam also takes on duties of chemical safety (SDS) management and computer and database maintenance for the laboratory.
Chengzhi Huang (B.SC, B.Eng) Chengzhi obtained his Bachelors of Science in environmental science from the University of Manitoba in 2008 having already received his Bachelors of Electrical Engineering from Hebei University of Technology in Tianjin, China. After working for Flett Research as a co-op student and contractor at various times over the last sixteen years Chengzhi joined us as a full time mercury chemist in 2023. His duties include the analysis of water, sediment and tissue samples for total mercury and methyl mercury.
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