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Colin J. Brauner is a Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on environmental adaptations in fish, particularly mechanisms and evolutionary aspects of gas-exchange, acid-base balance, and ion regulation. PhD, University of British Columbia (1995) Postdoctoral Fellow, Universities of Aarhus and Odense, Denmark (1996-1998) Research Associate, McMaster University (1998-2000) Assistant Professor, San Diego State University (2000-2002) Joined UBC as faculty Brauner's work integrates molecular, cellular, and organismal responses to understand how evolutionary pressures shape physiological systems in vertebrates. His research also addresses practical applications in aquaculture, toxicology, water quality criteria development, and fisheries management. His laboratory investigates environmental acclimation/adaptation mechanisms, with current members including I. Bouyoucos, J. Carless, M. Earhart, C. Emadi, E. Ghanizadehkazerouni, M. Honing, A. Klymasz-Swartz, S. Lee, C. Morris, B. Negrete Jr, E. Reich, and R. Sevova. 2024: Kjell Johansen Memorial Lecture in Zoophysiology 2024: Aarhus University Honorary Doctorate 2016: Murray A. Newman Award for Significant Achievement in Aquatic Research 2013: A.J. Wiggs Memorial Lecturer 2009: UBC Killam Faculty Research Fellowship 2006: J.C. Stevenson Memorial Lecture 2003: President's Medal from Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences As a leader in comparative physiology, Brauner's research spans mechanistic studies of environmental adaptations and evolutionary physiology, with affiliations to the Society for Experimental Biology (UK) and active contributions to aquatic research.

• Comparative Physiology
• Environmental Adaptations
• Gas Exchange
• +5 more

Dr. Lourdes Pena-Castillo is a Professor jointly appointed in the Departments of Computer Science and Biology at Memorial University of Newfoundland's Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on applying machine learning and bioinformatics to study bacterial gene regulation, with emphasis on transcriptomics, gene expression pathways, and microbiology. She leads the Bioinformatics Lab at MUN, developing computational tools like Promotech for promoter prediction and sRNARFTarget for sRNA target identification. Education: BSc in Information Systems Engineering, ITESM-Mexico MSc in Computer Science, University of Alberta PhD in Computer Science (Doktoringenieurin), Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg Postdoc in Bioinformatics, University of Toronto Research Interests: Bioinformatics, Genomics, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Transcriptomics, Gene Regulation, Microbiology Her work integrates computational methods with biological data to address challenges in molecular biology, including analyzing bacterial sRNA functions, promoter recognition, and disease diagnostics using machine learning. She has advised numerous graduate students, including PhD candidates Purvikalyan Pallegar and Bonita McCuaig, and MSc students like Ruben Chevez-Guardado and Kratika Naskulwar. Her lab focuses on translational research with applications in both basic science and clinical contexts. Publications span computational methods for bacterial gene regulation, bioinformatics tool development, and interdisciplinary projects in VR and healthcare informatics. Her research has contributed to understanding symbiotic relationships in marine organisms, inflammatory bowel disease diagnostics, and clavulanic acid production in Streptomyces. Grants & Collaborations: Works with interdisciplinary teams across computer science and biology, supported by grants enabling projects in bacterial genomics and computational tool development. Labs & Teams: Leads the Bioinformatics Lab at MUN, fostering collaborations with researchers in microbiology, computer science, and healthcare.

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Machine Learning
• +5 more

Trent K. Bollinger is a Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), and serves as Regional Director for the Western/Northern Region of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC). His academic credentials include a BSc (Honours) from the University of Saskatchewan (1984), a DVM (Distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan (1988), and a DVSc in Pathology from the Ontario Veterinary College (1992). Dr. Bollinger's research focuses on the pathology and epidemiology of diseases in wildlife and fish, with particular emphasis on chronic wasting disease in deer/elk and white-nose syndrome in bats. He has conducted extensive studies on disease transmission dynamics, wildlife population health, and the ecological impacts of emerging pathogens. His work bridges veterinary science, ecology, and conservation biology. His publications demonstrate expertise in viral and bacterial zoonoses, fungal pathogens affecting bats, and spatial epidemiology of wildlife diseases. Recent research highlights include investigating sylvatic plague in prairie dogs, coronavirus persistence in hibernating bats, and landscape connectivity's role in chronic wasting disease spread. His studies often combine molecular diagnostics, field observations, and ecological modeling. Dr. Bollinger collaborates with national and international wildlife agencies, contributing to disease surveillance and management strategies for endangered species. His work emphasizes the interconnectedness of wildlife health, ecosystem health, and public health concerns.

• Wildlife Disease Pathology
• Epidemiology
• Chronic Wasting Disease
• +3 more

Dr. Frances Chen is a Professor and Area Coordinator in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam People. She holds a PhD from Stanford University (2009). Her research integrates health psychology, social psychology, and neuroendocrinology to explore how social experiences influence mental and physical health. Key areas include the physiological impacts of loneliness, social support, and hormonal changes during puberty on adolescent development. Education: PhD, Psychology, Stanford University, 2009 Research Focus: Dr. Chen investigates how social interactions 'get under the skin' through studies on loneliness, stress, conflict negotiation, and hormonal mechanisms. Her work emphasizes interventions to enhance social connection and reduce health disparities. Recent Article Trends: Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, including genetic influences on depression, effects of near-infrared lighting on cognition, and longitudinal studies on adolescent hormonal contraceptive use. Her work bridges basic science and applied health outcomes. Awards & Grants: Michael Smith Health Research BC C2 Award (2022) Killam Faculty Research Fellowship (2019) Teaching & Learning Enhancement Fund Grant (2025) SSHRC Prosociality Project Funding (2023) Lab & Mentorship: Director of the Social Health Lab, she mentors graduate and undergraduate students, prioritizing equity and inclusion. Recent lab achievements include studies on teen health development and interventions to improve student success in psychology programs. Lab Initiatives: UBC Teen Health and Development Study (longitudinal hormonal/mental health tracking) NIR lighting health impact research (collaborative interdisciplinary project) Prosociality 'in the Wild' SSHRC project

• Health Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Neuroendocrinology
• +6 more

Joel Weadge is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Wilfrid Laurier University , Waterloo, Ontario. His research focuses on bacterial biofilms, glycobiology, and protein structure-function relationships. Contact: jweadge@wlu.ca , Office: BA425 (Bricker Academic). Education: PhD in Microbiology (University of Guelph, 2006) BSc (Hons) in Microbiology (University of Guelph, 2000) Research Interests center on bacterial biofilms as virulence factors in pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella . Key areas include: Structural and functional characterization of biofilm proteins (cellulose, curli fimbriae) Enzymology of carbohydrate modifications (acetylation, phosphoethanolamine transfer) Developing therapeutics targeting biofilm synthesis Biopolymer applications for medical/industrial use Publications highlight studies on Pseudomonas and Salmonella biofilm mechanisms, glycosyltransferases, and carbohydrate-active enzymes, with methodologies spanning X-ray crystallography to high-throughput biofilm profiling. Labs and Teams: The Weadge Lab investigates biofilm roles in food/water security and oral health, utilizing enzymology, mass spectrometry, and structural biology. Current members include graduate students, technicians, and research assistants.

• Bacterial Biofilms
• Bacterial Carbohydrates
• Protein Structure and Function
• +7 more

Roberto A. Chica is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on computational and experimental protein engineering, particularly in designing novel enzymes and fluorescent proteins for biotechnological applications. He develops advanced algorithms for protein design and investigates enzyme dynamics using molecular modeling and structural biology approaches. Key research interests include biocatalysis, structural biology, and the application of computational methods to engineer proteins with tailored functions. His lab integrates experimental protein chemistry with computational simulations to understand catalytic mechanisms and design proteins for industrial and biomedical uses. Recent work emphasizes ensemble-based computational enzyme design, exploring how conformational landscapes influence catalytic efficiency. His articles highlight advancements in artificial enzyme creation, substrate specificity modulation, and fluorescent protein optimization. Chica’s contributions bridge fundamental biochemistry with applied innovations in protein engineering. Notable achievements include the design of bright red fluorescent proteins via computational approaches and the development of biosensors for protein expression monitoring. His research has implications for drug discovery, biocatalytic synthesis, and personalized medicine.

• Protein Engineering
• Computational Protein Design
• Biocatalysis
• +5 more

Simon Sharpe is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto and a Senior Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children. His research focuses on the structural and dynamic properties of self-assembling proteins, particularly those involved in degenerative diseases, elastomeric proteins, and biological phase separation. The Sharpe Lab utilizes advanced biophysical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, X-ray scattering, and electron microscopy to investigate these phenomena. BSc: Memorial University of Newfoundland (Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 1997) PhD: University of Western Ontario (Biochemistry, 2002) Postdoctoral Training: NIH (Solid-State NMR, 2002-2006) Research interests include: Protein self-assembly mechanisms Amyloid formation in neurodegenerative diseases Elastin and resilin biophysics Lipid-protein interactions Biological phase separation Structure-function relationships Lab members include Research Associate Dr. Sean Reichheld and PhD students James Otis, Asal Nady, and Robert Lu. The lab has dedicated access to 600 and 700 MHz NMR spectrometers and collaborates with SickKids facilities including the SBC Facility and Imaging Facility. Scientific awards: Canada Research Chair (2006-2016) Ontario Early Researcher Award (2010) Dr. Sharpe has taught courses including BCH374Y1 (Research Project in Biochemistry) and BCH425H (Structural Biology: Principles and Practice). His recent publications examine topics ranging from serum amyloid A structure to bacterial phase separation defenses, with methodologies combining solid-state NMR, fluorescence microscopy, and computational approaches.

• Biophysics
• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biophysics
• +9 more

Hong Han is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences within McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences and a member of the Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research (CDCR). She holds a Canada Research Chair and leads the Han Lab, which focuses on cancer biology, RNA regulation, and innovative high-throughput technologies for therapeutic discovery. Dr. Han earned her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (2010-2016) and has established herself as a leading researcher in glioblastoma and alternative splicing regulation. Her interdisciplinary research integrates cancer biology, RNA science, and multilayer gene regulation to uncover mechanisms underlying cancer progression and treatment resistance. Her laboratory pioneers integrated technological platforms for large-scale genetic/drug screening and ultra-high-throughput single-cell profiling. The research focuses on three main areas: alternative splicing regulation in cancer (particularly glioblastoma and prostate cancer), multilayer mechanisms of glioblastoma heterogeneity and microenvironment evolution, and multiplexed screening approaches for therapeutic discovery in treatment-resistant cancers. Analysis of Dr. Han's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on single-cell technologies to characterize glioblastoma heterogeneity, minimal residual disease states, and tumor-immune interactions. Her work increasingly bridges basic RNA biology with translational applications, particularly in developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting splicing networks and immune evasion mechanisms. Canada Research Chair Dr. Han teaches Advanced Techniques in the Biomedical Sciences (BIOCHEM 734). Her research program is supported by multiple funding sources, as evidenced by her extensive publication record in high-impact journals including Nature, Cell, Molecular Cell, and Nature Communications. She employs a comprehensive approach combining in vitro, in vivo, and patient cohort studies with cutting-edge genomic technologies. The Han Lab has developed innovative multiplexed screening platforms that enable simultaneous interrogation of thousands of conditions, ranging from CAR-T cells to small molecule therapeutics. This approach accelerates the discovery of novel cancer targets and therapeutic strategies for treatment-resistant cancers.

• Cancer Biology
• Gene Regulation
• RNA Splicing
• +5 more

Michael Krisinger is an Associate Professor of Teaching in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia . He began his teaching career in 2010, transitioning to full-time in 2013. He lectures Biochemistry 202 (Introductory Medical Biochemistry) and Biochemistry 303 (Molecular Biochemistry) while serving as a tutor in the Faculty of Medicine's Case Based Learning program. Krisinger co-developed the department's two-course summer program for international students and mentors postdoctoral fellows in teaching. He also manages the department's CANVAS digital learning platform. Krisinger's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of coagulation and complement system regulation , particularly their evolutionary relationship and functional interplay. His work has explored thrombin's role in complement activation, polyphosphate-mediated complement suppression, and nanoparticle surface interactions with proteolytic cascades. He previously co-supervised graduate students at UBC's Centre for Blood Research before prioritizing education. Publications highlight his expertise in protease-substrate dynamics , lipoprotein-phospholipid interactions , and hemostasis-immunity crosstalk . He remains engaged in public science through community environmental initiatives and local outreach activities.

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Coagulation
• +3 more

Dr. Jason Gibbs is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. He also serves as the Curator of the J. B. Wallis / R. E. Roughley Museum of Entomology (WRME), a significant center for the study of bee biodiversity. His work is central to advancing knowledge in wild bee systematics, phylogenetics, and conservation. PhD in Biology, York University, Canada MSc in Botany, University of Toronto, Canada BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Canada His research focuses on the diversity, taxonomy, and conservation of wild bees , particularly halictid and panurgine bees. He employs integrative taxonomic approaches , combining morphological, molecular, and ecological data to resolve species boundaries and evolutionary relationships. His work extends to pollinator ecology , examining how habitat management, agricultural practices, and landscape changes affect bee communities and pollination services. He is deeply involved in bee conservation , including the rediscovery of rare species and the development of habitat strategies to support pollinators in human-modified landscapes. The trends in his recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on systematics and alpha-taxonomy , with numerous revisions of bee genera and checklists of regional faunas. He frequently uses DNA barcoding and phylogenomics to address taxonomic challenges. Additionally, his work explores pollination dynamics in agricultural systems , particularly in blueberry and other crops, assessing the roles of wild versus managed bees. There is a consistent theme of habitat enhancement and conservation across his research, with studies on floral strips, prairie restoration, and the impacts of land-use change. Dr. Gibbs is actively involved in mentoring and training the next generation of entomologists. His lab includes several graduate students and highly qualified personnel who contribute to his diverse research projects, as indicated by the asterisked names in his publications. He leads the Gibbs Wild Bee Lab, which is dedicated to understanding bee diversity and evolution. The lab combines field research with molecular and morphological analyses, and maintains close ties with the WRME museum, which serves as a vital resource for specimen-based research and education.

• Entomology
• Wild Bee Taxonomy
• Integrative Taxonomy
• +13 more

Lauren Schroeder serves as Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Anthropology in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). A South African palaeoanthropologist specializing in hominin cranial and mandibular diversity, she employs quantitative methods including 3D morphological modeling and quantitative genetics. Dr. Schroeder maintains research affiliations with the Royal Ontario Museum, Human Evolutionary Research Institute, and Evolutionary Studies Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her academic credentials include: PhD, University of Cape Town, 2015 BSc (Hons), University of Cape Town Dr. Schroeder's research spans Biological Anthropology, Palaeoanthropology, and Evolutionary Anthropology with emphasis on hominin variability, evolutionary theory, and quantitative genetics. Her work integrates statistical analyses of 3D morphological data with quantitative genetic approaches to investigate evolutionary processes underlying morphological variation. Current projects examine primate skeletal evolution, skeletal signatures of hybridization for detecting gene flow in fossil records, and the relative contributions of genetic drift versus natural selection in hominin evolution. Analysis of her 2016-2020 publications reveals consistent focus on paleoanthropological research centered on Homo naledi and other hominin fossils. Her scholarly output demonstrates integration of evolutionary theory, quantitative genetics, and morphological integration to explore hominin diversity and evolutionary mechanisms. Recurring themes include Bayesian phylogenetic methods, hybridization studies in human evolution, and critical reflections on ethics and decolonization within anthropological practice. No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials. Information regarding graduate student advising and research grant funding was not specified in available sources. The Schroeder Lab, situated in UTM's Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex, advances morphological evolution research in humans and primates through innovative quantitative methodologies. Dr. Schroeder has contributed significantly to major paleoanthropological projects including the Malapa excavation (Australopithecus sediba) and Rising Star Cave (Homo naledi) as core research team member analyzing fossil hominins.

• Biological Anthropology
• Palaeoanthropology
• Evolutionary Anthropology
• +4 more

Tim Audas is an Associate Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Canada. He holds the Canada Research Chair in Cellular Stress and focuses on the role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating cellular pathways, particularly through stress-induced amyloid-like protein aggregation. University: Simon Fraser University Department: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Rank: Associate Professor Research Interests: ncRNAs act as transcription/translation factors, epigenetic regulators, and architectural molecules. They enable cells to enter a reversible proliferative arrest under stressors (heat shock, DNA damage), redirecting resources to survival pathways. His group investigates a novel extracellular stress-response pathway where ncRNAs mediate amyloid aggregation, linking it to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and prion diseases. The lab explores environmental factors driving aggregate formation/disassembly and translational applications for neurological disease treatment. Scientific Awards: Canada Research Chair in Cellular Stress Publications: Recent works highlight ncRNA-stress interplay in amyloidogenesis, evolutionary conservation of protein aggregation, and implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Articles span journals like Nature Communications , Scientific Reports , and Developmental Cell .

• Noncoding RNA (ncRNA)
• Cellular Stress Response
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +4 more

Dr. Frank Oechslin is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. He leads a research group focused on bacteriophages (phages) and their lytic enzymes (endolysins), investigating their potential to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. His lab is located in Roger Guindon Hall, Ottawa, Canada. PhD in Bacteriology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland Postdoctoral training at Université Laval, Québec (2018), supported by Swiss National Science Foundation Research interests span phage therapy, antimicrobial resistance, synthetic biology, and experimental evolution. His work employs CRISPR-Cas genome editing and advanced synthetic biology to explore phage-endolysin interactions, bacterial cell wall dynamics, and evolutionary adaptation mechanisms. Publications highlight thermostable endolysins, host specificity, and phage-antibiotic synergy. Scientific awards include a Swiss National Science Foundation Fellowship. His lab collaborates with Prof. Sylvain Moineau's team and focuses on engineering phages for clinical applications, particularly in treating infections caused by multi-drug-resistant pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus agalactiae .

• Bacteriophage
• Endolysins
• Phage Therapy
• +4 more

Sarah Alderman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph, within the College of Biological Science. Her research focuses on comparative animal physiology, particularly examining how environmental stressors like temperature and pollutants affect physiological systems in aquatic organisms. She leads the Alderman Lab ( comparativephys.ca/aldermanlab ), which investigates stress physiology, endocrinology, and toxicology in species such as salmon, zebrafish, and reptiles. Her teaching includes courses like ZOO*3600 - Comparative Animal Physiology I (Fall 2024) and ZOO*3620 - Comparative Animal Physiology II (Winter 2025). Research themes emphasize the impacts of diluted bitumen exposure on fish development, cortisol regulation in stress responses, and proteomic adaptations to environmental challenges. Her work bridges basic physiology with applied conservation and environmental management. Dr. Alderman’s publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining molecular biology, ecology, and toxicology. Key areas include latent toxicity of pollutants, stress signaling pathways in fish, and biomarkers of parasitism in aquatic species. Her lab’s findings contribute to understanding organismal resilience and ecosystem health under anthropogenic pressures.

• Comparative Physiology
• Environmental Toxicology
• Endocrinology
• +3 more

Alisa Piekny, PhD, is a Professor of Biology and Associate Dean of Research and Infrastructure at Concordia University's School of Health. Her research focuses on cytoskeleton regulation during cell division, migration, and polarity, particularly in cancer cells. She employs human cell cultures, iPSCs, and collaborative drug discovery approaches to advance anti-cancer therapies and nanotechnology-based diagnostic tools. Education: PhD (University of Calgary), Post-Doc (IMP Vienna and University of Chicago). Research interests include anillin protein dynamics, microtubule-actomyosin interactions, and nanoparticle-cell interactions. Her work bridges cell biology with translational medicine, emphasizing cytokinesis mechanisms and their hijacking in cancer. Recent publications highlight innovations in drug delivery systems, fluorescent nanoparticle imaging, and molecular tools for live-cell cytokinesis analysis. Collaborations span nanotechnology, cancer biology, and developmental biology, yielding insights into cell fate regulation and therapeutic targeting. Her research has been recognized through interdisciplinary projects at the interface of biology and materials science, with a focus on practical medical applications.

• Cell Biology
• Cancer Research
• Drug Discovery
• +4 more