Erik received a BSc in Engineering Physics, and a PhD in Materials Engineering from the UofA. Erik’s PhD work focused on synthesis, design and characterization of thin film nanomaterials. In 2011 he started a postdoctoral appointment in Dr. Jillian Buriak’s research group, working on photovoltaics and graphene-like coatings in collaboration with 3M Canada. Currently, he is a research associate, where his primary research is focused on photoelectrochemical water splitting, block copolymer self-assembly,  photovoltaics and battery materials. Erik has co-authored over 44 peer-reviewed papers, holds 3 US patents, h-index of 19 and an Erdös number of 7. When Erik isn’t doing science, he is probably having fun hanging off a ceiling coaching or training aerial straps. You can check out his open-access aerial straps coaching website at strapssensei.ca or personal straps shenanigans on Instagram @super_meathook_bro.