Tyler Morhart (he/him)

About me

I was born/grew up in: Saskatoon, SK

I now live in: Saskatoon, SK

I completed my training/education at: I attended the University of Saskatchewan and have Bachelor and PhD degrees in Chemistry.

What I do at work

I run the Synchrotron Laboratory for Micro and Nano Devices (SyLMAND) beamline at CLS. SyLMAND is an advanced manufacturing research facility. It is focused on a technique called x-ray lithography. Thi is a technique that lets us make very small stuff for scientists. The stuff we do is too small to see with the human eye! Check out the video on our website to learn more about what we do at SyLMAND.

I manage day-to-day operations of the lab. This means other scientists can come to use our specialized tools. I go to conferences and talk to our clients. I also plan purchases of new tools and repairs of old ones. I manage our budget. I also give expert advice when scientists get stuck.

SyLMAND is a complex place to work. I'm lucky to work with many brilliant people. I’m a chemist and most of the people I work with are engineers. If I don't understand something (which is most of the time!) I rely on my staff or my colleagues to help me. I make decisions by thinking about what my clients need to build their devices. I then figure out how I can get there with the money and time we have. My job is highly technical. I use my STEM background every day at work.

My career path is

I had no idea what I was going to do when I was in high school. I really wanted to take a year off when I graduated. But I got a scholarship that would expire if I didn't use it right away. I figured it was a good idea to use it, and that was that! I ended up doing a Bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. degree in Chemistry. I almost switched to engineering but decided to stay with chemistry. I was really lucky because I got my current job before I finished grad school.

I am motivated by

I like working with my hands. Taking an idea from a drawing on a whiteboard to a real device you can hold, and use is pretty cool! This job also requires me to wear many hats. So, I get to do lots of different things in a day.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I get to help scientists and people from companies solve problems they couldn't solve on their own. It's rewarding to work as part of a team.

Outside of work I

Outside of work, I paint, cook, and spend time with my family.

My advice to others

Get good at working with others. Science is a team sport!