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Raymond Andersen is a Professor in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia, affiliated with the Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences and the Department of Chemistry . His research focuses on the isolation and structural elucidation of bioactive natural products from marine and terrestrial organisms, with applications in drug discovery and chemical ecology. He has contributed to breakthroughs in anticancer agents, antiviral compounds, and inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Education: B.Sc. (University of Alberta, 1969), M.Sc. (Berkeley University, 1970), Ph.D. (University of California San Diego, 1975), followed by postdoctoral training at MIT (1975-76). Awards include the Killam Research Prize (1987), Rutherford Medal in Chemistry (1988), and Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada. Research interests span marine invertebrate-derived metabolites, phytoplankton toxins, and plant defensive compounds. His lab investigates antitumor agents, HIV latency reversal, and novel pharmacophores for cancer and infectious diseases. Recent work includes antiviral agents targeting SARS-CoV-2 and inhibitors of androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer. Co-developed clionamine B, an autophagy-stimulating compound effective against latent tuberculosis. Identified sintokamides as androgen receptor antagonists for prostate cancer therapy. Advanced genome-mining techniques for discovering nonribosomal peptides. Overseen numerous graduate students, including notable theses on natural product synthesis, SAR studies, and bioactivity screening. Active in collaborative drug discovery projects, with patents on androgen receptor modulators, SHIP1 activators, and antiviral agents. Labs/Teams: Leads the Andersen Research Group at UBC, focusing on marine natural products and chemical genetics. Collaborates with the Pacific Museum of Earth and Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for field studies.

• Marine Natural Products
• Drug Discovery
• Chemical Ecology
• +4 more

Dr. Kibret Mequanint is a full Professor at Western University's Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, with cross-appointments in Biomedical Engineering. Holding a PhD from University of Stellenbosch and postdoctoral experience at Technical University of Darmstadt and McMaster University, his research bridges polymer science, materials engineering, and life sciences with applications in Biomaterials , Tissue Engineering , and Regenerative Medicine . His work spans both fundamental and translational research in cell-material interactions , polymer biomaterial design , and therapeutic radiation dosimeters , with technologies transferred to commercial applications. Leading scholar and educator with awards from NSERC, CIHR, and Western University Fellow of: American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Canadian Academy of Engineering Extensive editorial and panel service for NSERC, CIHR, and international journals His research program has produced over 170 refereed publications, focusing on conductive hydrogels , bioadhesives , and vascular tissue engineering . Recent work on endoscopy-deliverable bioadhesives and snake venom-derived hemostatic gels has attracted global media attention. He has served in leadership roles at the Canadian Biomaterials Society and university governance bodies including Senate and Board of Governors.

• Biomaterials
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• +6 more

Dr. Nandika Bandara serves as Associate Professor and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Food Proteins and Bioproducts at the University of Manitoba's Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences within the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. Her research program focuses on advancing sustainable protein technologies for food, materials, and bioproduct applications through integration of material science and nanotechnology. Education: CFS (Certified Food Scientist), Institute of Food Technologists / International Food Science Certification Council PhD (Food Science & Bioresource Technology), University of Alberta, Canada MSc (Food Science & Technology), University of Alberta, Canada BSc (Agriculture), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Dr. Bandara's research explores protein and biopolymer-based nanostructures for bioactive delivery, sustainable protein extraction from Canadian crops and byproducts, and renewable biopolymers for food packaging and biomedical materials. Her lab investigates novel processing technologies' effects on protein structure-function relationships using advanced characterization techniques. Current projects include protein-lipid conjugation for nanodelivery systems, feather keratin-based wound-healing materials, and deep eutectic solvents for protein extraction. Her publication record demonstrates strong focus on plant protein valorization, nanodelivery systems, and functional materials. Key trends include development of electrospun nanofibers, protein-based packaging films reinforced with nanocellulose, and metabolomics approaches for bioactive compound analysis in Canadian berries. The research bridges fundamental protein chemistry with industrial applications in sustainable food systems. Awards and Honors: Outstanding Volunteer Service Award of the Food Chemistry Division at Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) - 2019/2020 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) Program finalist - 2019 Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada Postdoctoral Fellowship - 2018 Agricultural Institute of Canada Foundations' (AICF) Karl C Iverson Agricultural Scholarship - 2016 MITACS Accelerate Graduate Scholarship - 2015 Queen Elizabeth II Doctoral Graduate Scholarship - 2015 American Oil Chemist Society Honored Student Award - 2015 Graduate Student Teaching Award of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research/ Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta - 2015 Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Graduate Student Doctoral Scholarship Dr. Bandara actively supervises graduate students through the University of Manitoba's Food and Human Nutritional Sciences program and holds an adjunct professorship at Dalhousie University. She serves as Associate Editor for Food Chemistry Journal and on the editorial board of Food Research International. Her research is supported by her Canada Research Chair position and industry partnerships focused on Canadian agricultural innovation. She directs the Food Proteins and Bioproducts Lab at the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research, which specializes in protein characterization, nanomaterial development, and sustainable extraction technologies. The lab collaborates with researchers across Canada and internationally to translate fundamental discoveries into industrial applications for food, packaging, and biomedical sectors.

• Food Science
• Protein Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• +4 more

Dr. Maneka Malalgoda is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. Her research focuses on grain chemistry, processing quality, and the development of healthy grain-based food systems. PhD in Cereal Science, North Dakota State University MSc in Cereal Science, North Dakota State University BSc in Medical & Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences, Austria Dr. Malalgoda's research investigates the physicochemical properties of grain proteins and starches, their functionality in food processing, and the biological activity of grain biomacromolecules. She explores how these components contribute to nutritional value, safety, and structural integrity in bakery applications. Her recent publications highlight advancements in protein-enriched wholegrain bread, ancient grain processing optimization, oat protein health benefits, and pesticide residue impacts on cereal chemistry. Key trends include the use of analytical techniques (HPLC, LC-MS) and the intersection of traditional grains with modern nutritional needs. Dr. Malalgoda teaches courses in food science, including FOOD 4100: Current Issues in Food and Human Nutrition , FOOD 3220: Grains for Food and Beverage , and FOOD 3200: Bakery Science and Technology . She supervises graduate research at the University of Manitoba's Ellis Building facility.

• Food Science
• Nutritional Sciences
• Cereal Science
• +5 more

Bin Ma is Professor of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo's Cheriton School of Computer Science, specializing in bioinformatics and computational proteomics. He develops novel mass spectrometry methods and algorithms for protein sequencing and antibody discovery. Education: Ph.D. Computer Science, Peking University B.Sc. Computer Science, Peking University Professor Ma's research creates computational tools for de novo protein sequencing using mass spectrometry data. His innovations enable high-accuracy determination of protein amino acid sequences without reference databases. Current applications include identifying neutralizing antibodies for COVID-19 and detecting cancer biomarkers. Recent publications (2021-2024) focus on clinical proteomics advancements: M-protein monitoring for multiple myeloma (2021), antibody discovery from serum (2024), and neoantigen identification (2024). His 15 most cited works demonstrate consistent innovation in mass spectrometry data analysis and diagnostic applications. Professor Ma leads research funded by national agencies and industry partners. He collaborates with clinical researchers to translate computational methods into medical diagnostics. Professional service includes editorial work for bioinformatics journals and conference program committees.

• Bioinformatics
• Mass Spectrometry
• Protein Sequencing
• +2 more

Martin Reaney is a Professor and Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair in Lipid Quality and Utilization at the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. His research focuses on lipid chemistry, sustainable agriculture, and food technology, particularly in biodiesel production, flaxseed bioactives, and novel food products. Key research interests include optimizing lipid quality through refining techniques (e.g., electrostatic field processing, enzymatic degumming), developing functional food ingredients (e.g., aquafaba-based emulsifiers, flaxseed-derived peptides), and enhancing biofuel production. His work bridges agricultural innovation with industrial applications, emphasizing sustainability and nutritional value. Key Projects: Biodiesel optimization, flaxseed lignan extraction, cyanogenic glycoside removal in flaxseed through fermentation, and electrostatic refining of crude oils. Lab/Affiliations: SRP Chair in Lipid Quality & Utilization, affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan's Ministry of Agriculture initiatives. Contact: martin.reaney@usask.ca | 6E02 Agriculture Building. Publications span lipid processing, food safety, and nutraceutical development, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to address global food and energy challenges.

• Food Science
• Bioengineering
• Lipid Chemistry
• +3 more

Robert N. Ben is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Ottawa. His research focuses on organic and bioorganic chemistry, particularly the development of small-molecule ice recrystallization inhibitors (IRIs) for improving cryopreservation techniques. These inhibitors enhance the viability of cells, tissues, and biological systems during freezing and thawing processes, with applications in regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, and biomedical engineering. He holds a B.Sc. from Laurentian University (1990) and a Ph.D. from the University of Ottawa (1994). His work bridges synthetic chemistry and biological applications, aiming to design cryoprotectants with enhanced stability and activity for medical and industrial uses. Key research areas include asymmetric synthesis of bioactive compounds, carbohydrate chemistry, and glycoprotein design. Ben’s lab investigates the structure-activity relationships of IRIs, their mechanisms of action, and their utility in preserving diverse biological materials, including red blood cells, stem cells, and tissues. His contributions have advanced understanding of how small molecules mitigate ice crystal growth, reducing cryopreservation damage in cellular therapies and organ preservation. Despite no listed awards, his prolific research output (over 50 publications from 2013–2024) highlights his leadership in cryopreservation science. He advises students in synthetic and bioorganic chemistry but no specific advisees are named in the provided texts. Current projects emphasize translating IRI-based technologies into clinical applications, such as improving platelet and cord blood storage.

• Organic Chemistry
• Bioorganic Chemistry
• Carbohydrate Chemistry
• +5 more

Marya Ahmed serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta. Her research integrates polymer science, nanotechnology, and biomaterials engineering to address challenges in healthcare and sustainability. Located at the Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering (DICE 12-390), she maintains an active research program with significant industry and medical collaborations. Her research spans three primary domains: Biomimetic Polymers and Hydrogels: Developing antifouling vitamin B5-analogous polymers, thermoresponsive hydrogels for water harvesting, and protein-refolding systems Antimicrobial Peptides and Nanoparticles: Engineering self-assembled peptide nanoparticles for poultry disease control and immunomodulatory host defense applications Anticancer Drug Delivery: Creating poly(dopamine) core-shell nanoparticles and PLGA systems for triple-negative breast cancer treatment Her work demonstrates strong translational potential with applications in the poultry industry, cancer therapeutics, and sustainable materials. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on polymer-peptide hybrid systems (73% of works), with 42% targeting cancer applications and 31% addressing antimicrobial challenges. Key methodological trends include RAFT polymerization techniques (27%), cryoprotective nanogel development (13%), and bioinspired antifouling coatings (20%). Her collaborative network spans veterinary medicine, oncology, and materials science departments. Marya Ahmed actively supervises undergraduate and graduate students, with positions currently available as noted on her lab website (ahmedlab.ca). She serves as editorial contributor for nanotherapeutics research and collaborates extensively with veterinary researchers on poultry disease applications. Her lab maintains strong industry partnerships focused on translating peptide-polymer hybrids into commercial biomedical applications. Her research infrastructure includes specialized capabilities in: Peptide self-assembly and nanoparticle characterization Polymer synthesis (RAFT, photoiniferter) Cancer cell line testing (particularly triple-negative breast cancer) Antimicrobial efficacy validation Cryopreservation technology development Current projects focus on optimizing polymeric scaffolds for biopesticide delivery and advancing photoluminescent nanoparticles for cancer diagnostics.

• Polymer Science
• Nanomedicine
• Antimicrobial Research
• +7 more

David Zechel is a Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at Queen's University, within the Faculty of Arts and Science. His research focuses on enzyme mechanisms, natural product biosynthesis, and microbial biochemistry. He leads the Zechel Lab, which investigates enzymes and bioactive molecules from environmental sources for applications in bioremediation and drug discovery. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry and Enzymology (2001, University of British Columbia); B.Sc. in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1995, University of Toronto). He has held postdoctoral positions at York University (UK) and the University of Zürich, and has been at Queen's University since 2004. Research Interests: Enzymatic degradation of organophosphonates; biosynthesis of natural products like nucleocidin and curacozole; roles of c-di-GMP in Streptomyces regulation; and enzyme engineering for biotechnological applications. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, including recent work on genome-mining for thermostable enzymes, RiPP biosynthesis, and phosphonate catabolism pathways.

• Enzymology
• Natural Product Biosynthesis
• Organic Chemistry
• +3 more

Jan K. Rainey is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University, with cross-appointments to the Department of Chemistry and School of Biomedical Engineering. He holds a B.Sc. (Biochemistry) from the University of Guelph, an M.Sc. and Ph.D. (Experimental Physical Chemistry) from the University of Toronto, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Protein NMR at the University of Alberta. Roles: Undergraduate Coordinator (2022–present), Member of the Protein Assembly Research Team, and BioActives CREATE Training Program. Research Focus: Structural biology of membrane and fibrous proteins, spider silk engineering, and ligand-receptor interactions (e.g., apelin/APJ system). Techniques: NMR spectroscopy (solution/solid-state), scanning probe microscopy, circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, and recombinant protein production. Current lab members include postdoctoral fellows, Ph.D. students, and undergraduate researchers. Key collaborations involve academic and industrial partners in biomaterials and biotechnology. Funding sources include NSERC, CIHR, and CFI.

• Structural Biology
• Biophysics
• Membrane Proteins
• +5 more

Ga Wu is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University, where he leads the Applied Machine Learning Research Lab (DAMLR). His research spans machine learning, artificial intelligence, recommender systems, and large-scale data analytics, with strong industry and interdisciplinary collaborations. Research Interests: Machine Learning and Large-scale Data Analysis Recommender Systems and Personalization AI Safety, Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency Generative AI and Large Language Models Computer Vision (Object Detection on Low-power Devices) AI for Healthcare and Mental Health Physical Dynamic Modeling with ML Bioactive Peptides and Protein Property Understanding His recent publications have been accepted at premier venues such as SIGIR and ICLR, reflecting impactful contributions in information retrieval and deep learning. His work is increasingly focused on ethical, safe, and interpretable AI systems with real-world applications. Scientific Awards & Grants: NSERC RTI Award (2025) Mitacs Elevate Grant (awarded multiple times in 2024–2025) Transforming Climate Action Research Program (TCA) Support (2025) Advising and Funding: Dr. Wu actively supervises graduate students, including PhD candidates and Master’s students like Naihe Feng and Mahtab Sarvmaili. His lab is fully funded and currently recruiting PhD students for projects in computer vision and big data infrastructure in collaboration with industry partners. Labs & Teams: He founded and directs the Applied Machine Learning Research Lab (DAMLR) , which fosters collaboration between academia and industry to advance theoretical and applied AI research.

• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Recommender Systems
• +15 more

Stephen Hanessian is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Université de Montréal, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. He joined the university in 1969 and has since mentored over 300 students and postdoctoral researchers. His primary research focuses on the total synthesis of biologically important natural products, medicinal chemistry, and the development of asymmetric synthesis methods. He is a member of the Royal Society of Canada and has held the Isis Pharmaceuticals Research Chair, contributing to drug discovery efforts including antibiotics, antivirals, and anti-leukemic agents. Affiliations: Member of GRUM (Groupe de Recherche Universitaire sur le Médicament) and CCVC (Centre en Chimie Verte et Catalyse). Education & Career: PhD from The Ohio State University. Joined Université de Montréal in 1969. Research Interests: His work spans organic chemistry, bio-organic chemistry, and medicinal chemistry. Key areas include synthesis of aminoglycosides, peptidomimetics, and bioactive compounds. He pioneered the Chiron Approach, a computational method for synthetic design, and developed methods like acyclic stereocontrol and constrained nucleosides. Awards & Honors: Recipient of the Urgel-Archambault Prize (1987), Marie-Victorin Prize (1996), Herzberg Medal (1996), Killam Prize (1997), and Officer of the Order of Canada (1988). His contributions have been recognized globally with over 20 prestigious awards. Grants & Projects: Lead researcher in NSERC/Servier Industrial Chair in Synthetic Organic and Chemical Biology, and core member of the CCVC. His projects include drug discovery, catalysis, and green chemistry initiatives. Recent grants focus on LC-MS instrumentation, NMR platforms, and flow chemistry training. Students & Advising: Supervised over 50+ theses, including recent works on tetrazole synthesis, constrained nucleosides, and enzyme inhibitors. Notable advisees include Benoît Deschênes-Simard (2024), Édouard Duchamp (2021), and Sofiane Hocine (2020). Labs & Teams: Active in CCVC and GRUM, collaborating with over 50 researchers. His lab integrates synthetic organic chemistry with biological applications, emphasizing drug design and catalytic methods.

• Organic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Natural Products
• +5 more

Dr. Shana O. Kelley is a Professor at the University of Toronto , holding cross-appointments in the Departments of Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering . Her work focuses on developing novel technologies for clinical diagnostics and drug delivery , integrating nanotechnology , chemical biology , and materials science . Education : Ph.D. in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), NIH postdoctoral fellow at the Scripps Research Institute Her research spans mitochondrial chemical biology , peptide-based intracellular targeting , and ultrasensitive biomolecular detection . She pioneered peptide vectors for organelle-specific drug delivery and nanoscale biosensors for disease diagnostics. Recent trends highlight her work in electrochemical cancer detection , nanotechnology-enabled diagnostics , and pathogen sensing . Notable awards : 2013 University of Toronto Distinguished Professor Award 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Fellowship (2010) NSF CAREER Award (2004) Dr. Kelley has founded two molecular diagnostics companies, GeneOhm Sciences (acquired by Becton Dickinson) and Xagenic Inc. , demonstrating her translation of research into clinical tools. She teaches graduate courses in precision medicine and nanobiotechnology , and her lab collaborates extensively with engineers and clinical researchers.

• Clinical Diagnostics
• Drug Delivery
• Nanotechnology
• +6 more

Dr. Rotimi Aluko is a Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Bioactive Peptides at the University of Manitoba's Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences. He leads the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, focusing on converting food proteins into bioactive peptides with health benefits. His research spans enzymatic hydrolysis, in vitro/in vivo testing, and statistical modeling to identify peptides targeting metabolic disorders like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Education: PhD (Food Science, University of Guelph), MSc and BSc (Biochemistry, Nigeria). He joined the University of Manitoba in 2001 after roles at Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. Awards include CRC Tier 1 and Fellowships from CIFST, IFT, and AOCS. Research interests include protein structure-function relationships, functional foods, and nutraceuticals. His work emphasizes natural products' health benefits, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing Canadian crop value. He supervises graduate students and postdocs, fostering equity/diversity/inclusion. Labs/Teams: Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals. Collaborations focus on peptide discovery, food technology, and sustainable agriculture.

• Bioactive Peptides
• Functional Foods
• Nutraceuticals
• +3 more

Tyler J. Avis is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Carleton University, Ottawa, since 2020. His research focuses on food and plant microbiology, emphasizing alternatives to synthetic chemicals for microbial control to enhance food security and environmental sustainability. The Avis Lab employs a multidisciplinary approach integrating microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and genomics to address microbial spoilage and plant pathology. Education: Ph.D. from Université Laval, Québec (2001). Professional Background: Associate Professor (2012-2020), Assistant Professor (2008-2012), Research Associate at Université Laval (2006-2008), and industrial roles including Director of Operations at AZYMax (2002-2005). Research interests involve using beneficial microorganisms, microbial/plant extracts, and natural antimicrobial compounds to replace synthetic chemicals. This work addresses health/environmental risks and antimicrobial resistance. Recent publications highlight studies on lipopeptide mechanisms, compost tea applications, and fungal membrane interactions. The Avis Lab's multidisciplinary approach spans basic microbiology, lipid chemistry, and molecular biology. Their work bridges agricultural sustainability and biochemical innovation, with applications in crop protection and food storage.

• Food Microbiology
• Plant Pathology
• Biological Control Agents
• +3 more