Stephen Seah

Dr. Stephen Seah is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on understanding enzyme structure-function relationships, particularly in bacterial pathogens and environmental pollutant degradation systems. He leads the Seah Lab, which employs interdisciplinary approaches including molecular genetics, protein purification, and structural biology.

Education: B.Sc. and M.Sc. from National University of Singapore; Ph.D. from University of Sheffield, UK.

Research Interests: Investigates enzymes involved in Mycobacterium tuberculosis cholesterol degradation (critical for tuberculosis drug development), lignin-biodegrading enzymes for biofuel applications, and mycotoxin detoxification. Recent work highlights structural adaptations in steroid-metabolizing enzymes and their implications for antibiotic design.

Advising & Lab: Mentors graduate students (Ph.D./M.Sc.) and offers undergraduate research opportunities. Current projects include studying steroid-degrading enzymes in pathogenic bacteria and plant biomass degradation pathways.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Seah Lab at Science Complex 4205A, collaborating on projects related to enzyme evolution and applied microbiology.