About Me

Stephen grew up in Whitby, Ontario, and earned his BSc in Chemistry from Carleton University in Ottawa. During his undergraduate co-op work terms, he gained hands-on experience in analytical chemistry method development. He went on to complete a Master of Science in Environmental Chemistry at the University of Toronto under the supervision of Professor Frank Wania, where his thesis and publications focused on mechanistic modelling of human exposure to persistent organic pollutants. Transitioning from academia, Stephen is now training to become an Authorized Nuclear Operator at Ontario Power Generation's Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, leveraging his science background in a high‑responsibility operational role. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with his wife and 3 children.

Education

Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, 2008 – 2013

Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Highest Honours), Co-op Program
  • Thesis: Application of TrEnDi to complex peptide samples: optimization of chemistry and evaluation of feasibility towards global proteomics

Experience

Authorized Nuclear Operator in Training, June 2025 - Present

Darlington Nuclear, Ontario Power Generation, Bowmanville, ON
  • Attend training to operate and monitor nuclear plant systems at the authorized staff level
  • Develop proficiency in control room operations, plant configuration, and plant response under normal and abnormal conditions

Field Shift Operating Supervisor (rotation), April 2024 - May 2025

Pickering Nuclear, Ontario Power Generation, Pickering, ON
  • Lead a team of nuclear operators and supervising nuclear operators to ensure safe, reliable plant operation
  • Fostered teamwork and collaboration across operations, maintenance, and technical staff to achieve operating goals
  • Communicated effectively during shift turnover, transient conditions, and briefings to support informed decision-making

Supervising Nuclear Operator, June 2022 - March 2024

Pickering Nuclear, Ontario Power Generation, Pickering, ON
  • Utilize operator fundamentals, human performance tools, and approved operating procedures to monitor and control reactor and conventional plant equipment
  • Perform safety system tests using clear, effective communication with main control room operators
  • Work as a team to complete significant and complex plant evolutions
  • Review work plan for the shift, prioritizing tasks and assignments effectively
  • Provide mentorship of new operations staff
  • Responsible for writing and applying isolations for plant equipment to establish safe working conditions for maintenance personnel

Nuclear Operator, June 2018 - May 2022

Pickering Nuclear, Ontario Power Generation, Pickering, ON
  • Operated and monitored the reactor unit and conventional unit in accordance with approved procedures

Nuclear Operator in Training, Sep 2016 - May 2018

Pickering Nuclear, Ontario Power Generation, Pickering, ON
  • Attended science fundamentals courses and generating unit operator training courses

Teaching Assistant

University of Toronto and Carleton University
  • Taught in undergraduate chemistry lab courses (1st and 2nd year) in an enthusiastic manner
  • Guided students in developing their understanding of chemical reactions, supervised students performing experiments, demonstrated proper organic chemistry techniques, and graded lab reports

Research Assistant

Undergraduate Co-operative Education Program, 5 work terms (20 months)
  • Iogen Corporation, National Research Council, Health Canada, University of Ottawa
  • Focused on analytical chemistry method development,

Peer-reviewed scientific publications

  • Dzierlenga, M.W., M. Yoon, F. Wania, P.L. Ward, J.M. Armitage, S.A. Wood, H.J. Clewell, M.P. Longnecker
    Quantitative bias analysis of the association of 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) and type 2 diabetes mellitus
    Environ. Int. 2019, 125, 291-299
    DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.036
  • Wang, C., T. Yuan, S.A. Wood, K.-U. Goss, J. Li, Q. Ying, F. Wania
    Uncertain Henry’s law constants compromise equilibrium partitioning calculations of atmospheric oxidation products
    Atmos. Chem. Phys. 2017, 17, 7529-7540
    DOI: 10.5194/acp-17-7529-2017
  • Wood, S.A., F. Xu, J.M. Armitage, F. Wania.
    Unravelling the relationship between body mass index and polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations using a mechanistic model
    Environ. Sci. Technol. 2016, 50, 10055-10064
    DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b01961
  • Wood, S.A., J.M. Armitage, M.J. Binnington, F. Wania.
    Deterministic Modeling of the Exposure of Individual Participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to Polychlorinated Biphenyls
    Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts 2016, 18, 1157-1168
    DOI: 10.1039/C6EM00424E
  • Mirali, M., S.J. Ambrose, S.A. Wood, A. Vandenberg, R.W. Purves.
    Development of a fast extraction method and optimization of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for the analysis of phenolic compounds in lentil seed coats
    J. Chrom. B 2014, 969, 149-161.
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2014.08.007

Teaching Experience

University of Toronto (Graduate Teaching Assistant)

  • Laboratory TA, Organic Chemistry II (CHMB42), Summer 2016, 40 hours instruction
  • Tutorial TA, Introduction to Scientific Computing (PSCB57), Fall 2015, 22 hours instruction
  • Tutorial TA, Introduction to Programming (CSCA20), Fall 2015, 22 hours instruction
  • Tutorial TA, Introduction to Scientific Computing (PSCB57), Fall 2014, 11 hours instruction
  • Laboratory TA, Organic Chemistry I (CHMB41), Winter 2014, 66 hours instruction
  • Laboratory TA, Organic Chemistry I (CHMB41), Fall 2013, 44 hours instruction
  • Tutorial TA, Thermodynamics and Kinetics (CHMB20), Fall 2013, 17 hours instruction

Carleton University (Undergraduate Teaching Assistant)

  • Laboratory TA, Organic Chemistry I (CHEM2203), Summer 2013, 33 hours instruction
  • Laboratory TA, Organic Chemistry II (CHEM2204), Winter 2013, 33 hours instruction
  • Laboratory TA, General Chemistry II (CHEM1002), Winter 2013, 33 hours instruction
  • Laboratory TA, General Chemistry I (CHEM1001), Fall 2012, 33 hours instruction