Resume

For a concice overview of my experience, you can find my resume here. Otherwise, you can find more comprehensive details about all of my experience below.

My references and academic transcript are available on request. Please contact me if you are interested.

I am a passionate and analytical Materials and Nanosciences student conducting research in catalyst design. I have a wide range of experience in academic, commercial and government lab settings along with ample experience with industry collaborations. I am eager to continue exploring my research interests in an academic setting.

Professional Experience

Undergraduate Researcher Co-op and Honours Thesis Author

Apr. 2025 – Present
Smith Research Group for Localized Chemistry
Ranked Outstanding
  • Tested and optimized mechanical support materials and procedures for catalysts of interest
  • Prototyped machines and protocols for consistent and commerical-scale catalyst manufacture
  • Aided MSc. candidates with mathematical modelling and physics-based simulations (please see publications)
  • Integrated academically and socially into a wonderful and talented research group

Direct Carbon Fuel Cell Research Assistant

Sept. 2024 – Dec. 2024
Natural Resources Canada
Ranked Outstanding
  • Prepared and tested modifications to energetic materials for industry standard molten carbonate direct carbon oxidation fuel cells
  • Analyzed and presented quantitative results and interpretations
  • Worked frequently with hazardous materials including molten carbonates, powdered materials, and refractory glass wools
  • Wrote software to process and extract data from EIS measurement series

Polymer Research and Development Co-op

Jan. 2024 – Apr. 2024
IPEX Technologies Inc.
Ranked Outstanding
  • Independently prepared and conducted tests on various commercial chlorinated PVC formulations
  • Processed results from characterization tests, prepared technical reports, and delivered presentations to both upper management and clients
  • Wrote and implemented a python tool for a database migration

Chemistry Teaching Assistant

Sept. 2023 – Dec. 2023
University of Waterloo, Department of Chemistry
  • Personally oversaw and verified the safety of over 40 first year students in their chemistry lab course
  • Enhanced written and verbal communication skills by providing written feedback on lab reports and instructing students in-lab
  • Built entheusiasm for the relevant subject matter to improve student outcomes

Robotics Engineering Assistant

Feb. 2022 – Aug. 2024
RAD Security
  • Led R&D project on energy transfer material, and successfully applied the results to commercial products including ROAMEO, RIO, and ROSA
  • Prototyped and assembled electrical panels for the ROAMEO robot
  • Verified mechanical and electrical properties of robot prototypes, compiled the data and presented findings to management
  • Trained computer vision and machine learning algorithms for object recognition

STEM Tutor

Jan. 2022 – Mar. 2025
Self-Employed
  • Prepared and delivered lessons in math, chemistry, physics and computer programming to students
  • Communicated with students and guardians by providing oral and written feedback

Publications

  • Quantification of Exsolved Platinum Nanoparticles from Perovskite Oxides. Doan, K., Ketko, J., Smith, R.D.L.* (2026) (Manuscript in progress)

Education

BSc. Candidate for Honours Materials and Nanosciences

Sept. 2022 – Apr. 2027
University of Waterloo
  • Developing lab and research skills in the areas of solid state chemistry and physics
  • Employing standard industry practices in contexts including lab work, written reports, research, and more
  • Contributing time and expertise to extracirricular communities

Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students (QCSYS)

Summer 2021
University of Waterloo
  • Learned the theory and applications behind quantum quantum encryption, key distribution, and post-quantum encryption
  • Utilized quantum computer-interfacing python libraries

Skills

  • Computer literacy
    • Python, MatPlotLib, Jupyter, C++, C, Rust, Java, and many more languages
    • Quantitative and qualitative computational techniques
    • Physical system simulation
    • UNIX system administration and file organization
    • Project management
  • Mechanical Prototyping
    • CAD software (FreeCAD, SolidWorks, Autodesk)
    • Extensive additive and subtractive manufacturing
  • X-Ray diffraction & Rietveld refinements
  • Thermal Analysis (TGA, DSC, thermal conductivity, MFC programming)
    • Thermogravimetric analysis
    • Differential scanning calorimetry
    • Thermal conductivity and diffusivity
    • Mass flow controller programming
  • Spectroscopy
    • X-Ray fluoresence
    • Fourier-transform infrared
    • UV-Vis
    • Nuclear magnetic resonance
  • Gas and liquid chromatography
  • Mass spectrometry
  • Extensive wet lab experience
  • Standard safety practices

Certifications

  • WHMIS 2017
  • Safe chemical handling (incl. chemical waste segrigation)
  • X-Ray Safety
  • Working with open and closed sources of Radiation
  • Cryogenic and compressed gas safety
  • Laser safety
No AI was used in the creation of this site © 2026 Jake Ketko