Dr. Josh Clarke

Dr. Josh Clarke is a visionary researcher and innovator, serving as the Lead Scientist at Destiny Copper, a start-up dedicated to advancing copper sustainability in Canada.

At a time when critical metals are essential for the transition to a green, electrified future, Dr. Clarke and his team are revolutionizing the way high-purity copper is produced. Their breakthrough work not only creates a domestic source of commodity metals and specialty chemicals but also disrupts traditional, high-energy copper manufacturing processes, significantly reducing Canada’s reliance on international processing and costly imports while propelling the nation toward green energy technology.

Dr. Clarke’s research exemplifies the seamless integration of innovation, economic impact, and environmental stewardship. By transforming industrial waste into valuable resources, his work is delivering measurable economic and social benefits. The domestic production of high-quality copper enhances Canada’s resource security and positions the country as a leader in sustainable manufacturing, a critical advancement as the world increasingly prioritizes green technology.

His commitment to innovation extends well beyond the laboratory. Dr. Clarke actively collaborates with government agencies at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels, including NRC-IRAP, AAFC, MOE, and the cities of St. Catharines and Thorold, ensuring that his research aligns with national priorities and local needs. Additionally, his strong ties with Canadian non-profit initiatives such as the Canadian Critical Minerals & Materials Alliance (C2M2A), Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA), and Foresight Canada further demonstrate his dedication to fostering a collaborative ecosystem that bridges academia, industry, and government.

Dr. Clarke’s journey as an innovator began during his graduate studies at Brock University, where he authored several influential publications on the development of greener catalytic materials. His work during this formative period earned high recognition, including inclusion in a prestigious journal’s special collection. His achievements such as the Brock Horizon Graduate Scholarship have been celebrated in multiple Brock University News articles, and he is poised to receive the distinguished 2023 Alumni Brilliance Award, an honor bestowed upon one exceptional alumnus each year in recognition of a 60-year legacy of excellence at Brock University.

Beyond his ground-breaking research and entrepreneurial success, Dr. Clarke remains deeply committed to the Brock University community. As a proud alumnus, he frequently serves as a keynote speaker, guest lecturer, and panelist, actively fostering collaboration between the university and local industry. His continued involvement not only enriches the academic environment but also provides an inclusive, intersectional perspective for the next generation of innovators.

Publications:

Clarke, J.A; Nikonov, G.I., “Chemoselective nBuLi-Catalyzed Hydroboration of Esters to Aldehydes”, Manuscript in Preparation (2024)

Clarke, J.A; van der Est, A; Nikonov, G.I., “Chemoselective Base‐Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Tertiary Amides to Aldehydes” ChemCatChem (2022), Vol. 14, Issue 24, Pages e202201231

Clarke, J.A; Nikonov, G.I., “Base‐Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Nitriles to Amines and Esters to Alcohols.”, European Journal of Organic Chemistry (2021) Vol. 2021, Issue 31, Pages 4434-4439

Clarke, J.A; Nikonov, G.I., “Transition Metal-Free Base Catalyzed Reduction of Unsaturated Carbon-Heteroatom Bonds”, Brock Theses Repository (2023)

European Journal of Organic Chemistry: “Silicon Chemistry in Organic Synthesis” Special Collection Author