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Chantelle CapicciottiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Glycobiology
• Chemical Biology
• Organic Chemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Chantelle Capicciotti is an Assistant Professor and Queen’s National Scholar in Precision Molecular Medicine at Queen’s University. She holds joint appointments in the Departments of Chemistry and Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (Faculty of Arts and Science), and Surgery (Faculty of Health Sciences). Her research focuses on glycobiology, particularly glycan-protein interactions and glycan-based approaches for biomarkers, diagnostics, and therapies. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry (2014, University of Ottawa) under Prof. Robert Ben; Postdoc with Prof. Geert-Jan Boons at the University of Georgia’s Complex Carbohydrate Research Center (2014–2018). Research Interests : Elucidating glycan roles in health/disease, developing glycan engineering tools, and advancing glycan-based biomedical applications. Key areas include cell surface glyco-engineering, chemoenzymatic glycan synthesis, and glycan-protein interaction studies. Research Trends in Articles : Recent work emphasizes photoaffinity labeling, exo-enzymatic glycan modification, and synthetic approaches to complex glycans. Themes include cell surface engineering, glycan-functionalized probes, and anti-viral strategies leveraging glycans. Grants & Advising : Mentors graduate/undergraduate students in interdisciplinary glycobiology projects. Active in training programs spanning chemistry, biochemistry, and medical sciences. Labs/Teams : Leads the Chemical Glycobiology Lab at Queen’s, focusing on synthetic and biological glycans. Collaborates with cross-disciplinary groups in precision medicine and molecular engineering.

• Endothelial Cell Biology
• Angiogenesis
• Vascular Biology
• +7 more

Jean-Philippe Gratton is a Full Professor and Director of the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the Université de Montréal's Faculty of Medicine. He heads the Endothelial Cell Biology Unit at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), a position he has held since 2002. His dual appointments reflect his significant contributions to both academic medicine and clinical research in vascular biology. Dr. Gratton earned his Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry (1992), followed by a Master's (1995) and Doctorate (1998) in Pharmacology, all from the University of Sherbrooke. He completed his post-doctoral training at Yale University School of Medicine in 2002, establishing the foundation for his career in vascular biology research. His research focuses on endothelial cell biology, particularly the cellular mechanisms controlling endothelial cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Using molecular and cellular biology techniques combined with modern pharmacology, Dr. Gratton investigates intracellular signaling of endothelial growth factors, especially VEGF receptor dynamics and their influence on nitric oxide release. His work spans cardiovascular diseases and tumor angiogenesis, with particular interest in plasma membrane lipid microdomains, eNOS regulation, and endothelial dysfunction. His laboratory's findings have significant implications for understanding both vascular health and cancer progression. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory centered on endothelial cell signaling mechanisms, with increasing focus on the intersection between vascular biology and cancer immunology. His work demonstrates how endothelial signaling pathways influence tumor microenvironments and can be targeted to improve cancer therapies, particularly through modulation of AXL receptor signaling and angiogenic processes. Université de Montréal Research Chair in Endothelial Cell Signaling and Angiogenesis (2013-present) Merck Canada Chair in Pharmacology at the University of Montreal Dr. Gratton leads a productive research program with consistent funding and numerous collaborations across institutions. His laboratory serves as a training ground for the next generation of vascular biologists and pharmacologists, contributing significantly to understanding endothelial cell function in health and disease. The Endothelial Cell Biology Unit at IRCM maintains state-of-the-art facilities for molecular and cellular analysis of vascular processes.

Radhakrishnan MahadevanView profile

Professor

• Metabolic Engineering
• Systems Biology
• Synthetic Biology
• +14 more

Radhakrishnan Mahadevan is Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Metabolic Systems Engineering at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry. He serves as Acting Associate Chair for Undergraduate Curriculum Development and leads the Laboratory for Metabolic Systems Engineering and BioZone Centre for Applied Bioscience and Bioengineering. Education: B.Tech., Indian Institute of Technology (Madras) Ph.D., University of Delaware His research integrates machine learning with metabolic engineering to address challenges in industrial biotechnology, environmental sustainability, and biomedical applications. Current projects include AI-assisted biocatalyst engineering, bioengineering mine tailings for nickel extraction, and hybrid metabolic engineering approaches. His work spans genome-scale modeling, synthetic biology for dynamic metabolic control, and development of therapeutic probiotics for inflammatory diseases. Recent publications reveal a strong trend toward machine learning integration in enzyme engineering and metabolic model optimization, with applications spanning biofuels, biochemicals, and personalized medicine. The research demonstrates increasing focus on multi-scale modeling from molecular interactions to bioreactor systems. Scientific Awards: Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Metabolic Systems Engineering Professor Mahadevan actively mentors 19 graduate students including 15 PhD candidates and 4 Master's students, with ongoing recruitment for new projects. His research is supported through the Canada Research Chair program and industry collaborations focused on bioprocess optimization and synthetic biology applications. He directs the Laboratory for Metabolic Systems Engineering, which employs robotic platforms for automated cell engineering and maintains collaborations with industrial partners. The lab's multi-disciplinary team includes research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and students working across computational and experimental domains.

Michael R. HaydenView profile

Professor

• Genetic Medicine
• Huntington Disease
• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• +7 more

Dr. Michael R. Hayden is a University Killam Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine. He serves as a Senior Scientist at the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics/BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and directs the Centre for Huntington Disease. His research spans multiple prestigious institutions including BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, BC Diabetes Research Network, and Centre for Brain Health. Dr. Hayden's research focuses on genetic medicine, particularly Huntington disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and gene therapy. His laboratory investigates silencing the mutant huntingtin gene, modulating huntingtin post-translational modifications, discovering novel neuroprotective targets, and studying population genetics of Huntington disease mutations. Additionally, his work extends to lipoprotein lipase deficiency gene therapy development. His research philosophy emphasizes that 'sick people depend on us and others for new therapies,' driving his team's commitment to developing treatments that can slow or reverse disease progression. Analysis of Dr. Hayden's recent publications reveals a strong focus on Huntington disease therapeutics, particularly gene silencing approaches and biomarker development. His work spans basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, with increasing emphasis on translational research that bridges laboratory findings to patient treatments. The publications demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach combining genetics, neuroscience, and molecular pharmacology to address neurodegenerative conditions. Doctor of Science in Medicine (DSc(Med)) (honoris causa), University of Cape Town, South Africa (2024) Best Scientist in the World, Ranked #860 & Best Scientist in Canada, Ranked #19 Award by Research.com (2023) Lifetime Achievement Award, Huntington Study Group, USA (2023) Induction to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (2017) Order of Canada (2010) Killam Prize, Canada Council of the Arts (2011) Dr. Hayden has trained over 86 postdoctoral fellows and 45 graduate students, with nearly all holding competitive funding and winning prestigious awards. His lab provides exceptional resources through over 100 collaborations with world-class investigators and industrial partners. Trainees benefit from sophisticated laboratory facilities, administrative support, and access to seminars and workshops hosted by multiple research institutions. His mentorship philosophy emphasizes communication skills, critical thinking, and preparing trainees for future research leadership. The Hayden Lab operates within the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, providing access to advanced facilities including the Bioinformatics Assistance Centre, Huntington Disease BioBank, Imaging Core Facility, and specialized mouse research resources. The lab maintains strong connections with the Centre for Brain Health and other UBC research networks, creating a collaborative environment focused on translating genetic discoveries into therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.

Hugh ClarkeView profile

Professor

• Reproductive Biology
• Infertility
• Oocyte Development
• +3 more

Hugh Clarke, PhD is a Senior Scientist at the RI-MUHC, Glen site and a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at McGill University 's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. His research focuses on oocyte development within ovarian follicles. Research Interests: Oocyte growth and maternal molecule storage Germ cell-somatic cell communication Environmental toxin effects on oocyte quality Intercellular signaling mechanisms mRNA regulation during maturation Chromatin remodeling at fertilization Publications (2015-2024) reveal expertise in reproductive biology, with key projects examining: EGFR signaling in follicular decoupling mTOR pathway in follicle communication CNOT6-mediated mRNA deadenylation Transzonal projection architecture Epigenetic inheritance patterns Actin's role in meiotic processes Location: Lab F3-50, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1

• Spinal Cord Injury
• Neural Regeneration
• Neural Plasticity
• +3 more

Karim Fouad is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy within the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta. He has held this position since 2008 and previously served as Associate and Assistant Professor. He currently serves as Co-Director of the Open Data Commons for Spinal Cord Injury (2018-present) and was Canada Research Chair for Spinal Cord Injury (Tier 1) from 2016-2023. Dr. Fouad's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Konstanz, Germany (1991-1995) Diploma in Biology from the University of Konstanz, Germany (1986-1991) His research focuses on promoting functional recovery after spinal cord injury through two primary strategies: enhancing injury-induced neural plasticity and promoting axon regeneration by targeting regeneration-restricting factors. His laboratory employs diverse methodologies including histological examinations, behavioral testing, kinematic analysis, and electrophysiological recordings to investigate repair mechanisms in the central nervous system. Analysis of his recent publications (2017-2020) reveals consistent emphasis on spinal cord injury mechanisms and interventions, with growing interdisciplinary integration spanning neuroscience, rehabilitation engineering, and data science. Key trends include gut-brain axis interactions in SCI, cortical stimulation techniques for motor recovery, and development of open-data frameworks to accelerate preclinical research translation. Dr. Fouad has received several prestigious awards: Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) for Spinal Cord Injury (2016-2023) Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Senior Scholar (2007-2014) Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Scholar (2001-2007) As a graduate supervisor, he mentors students in rehabilitation medicine while leading a robust research program funded by major agencies including CIHR, NIH, and Heart and Stroke Foundation. His collaborative projects include international initiatives with Wings for Life and Conquer Paralysis Now, focusing on combinatorial therapies for neural repair. Dr. Fouad directs a comprehensive research facility equipped for tissue culture, histology, fluorescence microscopy, and physiological experiments. His leadership extends to the Open Data Commons for Spinal Cord Injury, which standardizes preclinical data sharing, and he previously co-directed the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (2015-2017), fostering cross-disciplinary spinal cord research.

John R. DutcherView profile

Professor

• Nanoscience
• Soft Matter Physics
• Biophysics
• +4 more

John R. Dutcher is a Professor and Research Chair in Novel Sustainable Nanomaterials at the University of Guelph's Department of Physics. His work bridges soft matter physics, biophysics, and sustainable nanotechnology through experimental studies of polymers, biopolymers, and bacterial systems at surfaces and interfaces. PhD in Condensed Matter Physics (Simon Fraser University, 1989) NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow (University of Arizona, 1989-1990) Director of University of Guelph’s B.Sc. Nanoscience program Research focuses on: Phytoglycogen nanoparticles from sweet corn for biomedical/personal care applications Machine learning analysis of polymer degradation in cross-linked pipes Bacterial motility and biofilm formation via optical microscopy Hydration forces and mechanical properties of nanomaterials His lab employs state-of-the-art equipment including AFMs, SPRi, and rheometers, with industrial partnerships like HeatLink. Recent publications analyze β-VAE applications in IR spectroscopy, acid hydrolysis effects on nanomaterials, and bacterial colony dynamics. Scientific honors include: Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Soft Matter and Biological Physics (2006) Fellow, American Physical Society (2007) University of Guelph Innovation of the Year (2017) He has co-founded spin-off company Mirexus Biotechnologies and mentored over 50 graduate/undergraduate researchers, with alumni holding faculty positions at Waterloo, McMaster, and Lakehead University. Lab facilities include: Custom self-nulling ellipsometer TA Instruments DHR-3 rheometer Brookhaven BI200-SM light scattering system Thermo/Nicolet Continuum infrared microscope Wyatt SEC-MALS system Advanced microbiology/Biophysics equipment

Michael NickersonView profile

Professor

• Plant-based protein innovations
• Protein functionality
• Food chemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Michael Nickerson is a Professor and Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair in Protein Quality and Utilization at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Bioresources, Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences. His research focuses on optimizing plant protein utilization in food systems, with expertise in protein fractionation, functionality, and ingredient modification using pulses, oilseeds, and grains. Education: B.Sc. (Hon.) Marine Biology, Dalhousie University (1994–1998) M.Sc. Food Chemistry, Dalhousie University (1998–2001) Ph.D. Food Chemistry, Dalhousie University (2001–2004) Post-Doctorate Fellow in Food Chemistry, Dalhousie University (2004–2006) His research interests include enhancing protein quality through processes like fermentation, enzymatic hydrolysis, and thermal treatments, with applications in plant-based food innovations. He has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed articles and holds prestigious awards such as the W.J. Eva Award (2018) and Dean’s Award for Research Excellence (2018). Current funding partners include NSERC, Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund, and industry collaborators. Dr. Nickerson teaches courses in food science, protein technology, and food product development at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Key Research Themes: Protein functionality and modification Plant-based ingredient optimization Pulse and oilseed valorization Food innovation for sustainability His work bridges fundamental science and industry applications, addressing challenges in sustainable food systems and protein utilization.

Tom WarkentinView profile

Professor

• Breeding and genetics of field pea and soybean crops
• Pulse crops
• Disease resistance
• +2 more

Tom Warkentin is a Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, holding the Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair in Pulse Crop Breeding and Genetics. He is affiliated with the Plant Sciences department and the Crop Development Centre within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. His research focuses on plant breeding of pea and soybean cultivars for Western Canada, emphasizing disease resistance, end-use quality, and genomic approaches. He leads a soybean breeding program for short-season regions, addressing climate adaptation and crop resilience. Education: Ph.D., University of Saskatchewan M.Sc., University of Manitoba B.S.A., University of Manitoba Research Interests: Breeding and genomics of field pea and soybean, disease resistance mechanisms, end-use quality optimization, and genomic-assisted crop improvement. His work integrates conventional breeding with modern genomic tools to enhance crop productivity and sustainability. Publications highlight advancements in pea and soybean genetics, including studies on starch modification, protein quality, and stress resilience. His research trends emphasize translational genomics and climate-smart crop development. Awards: Dean’s Award for Research Excellence (2016) Pulse Promoter Award (2014) North American Pulse Improvement Association Outstanding Achievement Award (2013) Funding Sources: Supported by organizations such as the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Saskatchewan Pulse Development Commission, and Genome Canada. His grants focus on pulse crop innovation and sustainable agriculture. Labs/Teams: Active within the Crop Development Centre, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects to advance pulse crop breeding and genomics.

• Physical Chemistry of Foods
• Food Colloids
• Food Polysaccharides
• +5 more

Vasileios Kontogiorgos serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Food, Nutrition and Health within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia. His research program integrates food chemistry and physical chemistry principles to investigate macromolecular behavior in colloidal systems, with applications in functional food design and bioactive delivery. His academic qualifications include: Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (2009), University of Huddersfield, UK PhD in Food Science (2007), University of Guelph, Canada MSc in Food Science (2004), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece BSc (Hons) (2001), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece Dr. Kontogiorgos's research focuses on the physical chemistry of food macromolecules , particularly polysaccharide functionality in colloidal systems. His work characterizes how fine structural modifications control interfacial arrangement and rheological properties, enabling the design of digestive-responsive emulsions that release bioactives at specific gastrointestinal sites. The laboratory employs advanced techniques including bulk/interfacial rheology, ζ-potential analysis, droplet sizing, and microscopy to bridge fundamental colloid science with food-body interactions. He actively recruits graduate students for Food Science MSc and PhD programs and encourages undergraduate research participation. Dr. Kontogiorgos seeks interdisciplinary collaborations through cluster grants and research networks, particularly in food chemistry and colloidal systems development. His research group operates from FNH 247 at UBC, maintaining specialized instrumentation for food macromolecule characterization and colloidal system formulation to advance sustainable functional food innovations.

Muhammad N. YousafView profile

Professor

• Chemical Biology
• Biomaterials
• Bioanalytical Chemistry
• +5 more

Dr. Muhammad N. Yousaf is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at York University, affiliated with the Biology Graduate Program. His interdisciplinary research group bridges organic chemistry, bioanalytical methods, chemical biology, and biomaterials to study cell behavior and develop advanced biotechnologies. Research focuses include: 1) Surface chemistry and microfluidics for cell behavior analysis, 2) Dynamic 'click' chemistry for bioconjugation, 3) Liposome fusion for cell surface engineering in tissue engineering, and 4) biodegradable polymers for regenerative medicine. His lab integrates synthetic chemistry, live-cell microscopy, and material science to create innovative tools for biomedical applications. Key research outputs include scaffold-free 3D tissue assembly, redox-responsive bioconjugation strategies, and bioorthogonal bacterial surface modifications. These studies have been highlighted in C&E News, Faculty 1000, and major news outlets. He supervises graduate students in the Biology program and collaborates on projects involving cell-cell interactions, hydrogel design, and stem cell differentiation. His lab is located in the Life Sciences Building and Chemistry Department facilities at York University.

• Structural Biology
• Protein Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• +3 more

Logan W.F. Donaldson is a Full Professor in the Department of Biology at York University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on understanding how transcription factors and enzymes modify their conformation and partnerships in response to signals such as ligand binding or post-translational modifications like phosphorylation. He employs nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to determine atomic-level structures of protein complexes, complemented by molecular biology, biochemistry, and computational methods (UNIX-based systems). Sub-disciplines include Cell Biology, Protein Biochemistry, and Structural Biology. His work emphasizes collaborative projects integrating experimental and computational approaches. Representative publications include structural studies of AIDA1 PTB domains, bacteriophage proteins, and NMR-based computational methodologies. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, though his contributions to structural biology are evident in his publication record. He is eligible to supervise students in the Biology Graduate Program and leads a lab emphasizing collaborative research with computational and biochemical components.

Julie D. Forman-KayView profile

Professor

• Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
• Protein Dynamics
• CFTR Structure and Function
• +5 more

Julie D. Forman-Kay is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto and Program Head/Senior Scientist at the Molecular Medicine Program of the Research Institute of The Hospital for Sick Children. Her research focuses on the dynamic properties of proteins, particularly intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), and their functional roles in diseases like cystic fibrosis and neurological disorders. Her work integrates nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, computational modeling, and biophysical techniques to study protein structure, folding, and interactions. Key areas include phase separation of disordered proteins, post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, and the structural dynamics of CFTR, the protein implicated in cystic fibrosis. The Forman-Kay lab has pioneered tools like the ENSEMBLE program for modeling disordered protein states and has made significant contributions to understanding dynamic complexes in ubiquitin ligases and translational regulation. Current projects explore RNA processing bodies, CFTR regulation, and the interplay between protein disorder and function. 2016–2023: Canada Research Chair in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (Tier 1) 2013–2014: Zellers Senior Scientist Award 2012: CSMB Jeanne Manery Fisher Memorial Lectureship 2000–2005: CIHR Scientist Award 1999–2004: Ontario Premier’s Research Excellence Award 1994–1999: MRC of Canada Scholarship Julie Forman-Kay’s lab collaborates extensively with researchers such as Lewis Kay, Christine Bear, and Nahum Sonenberg. Her group trains graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in advanced techniques like NMR, fluorescence, ITC, and computational modeling. She co-chairs the CFTR Structure Consortium of the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics.

• Proteomics
• Structural Biology
• Parkinson's Disease
• +7 more

Jean-François Trempe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. He serves as a Researcher at the McGill University Health Centre Research Institute (IR-MUHC) at the Glen site, where he is affiliated with the Program in Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience and the Center for Translational Biology. Dr. Trempe's research program focuses on the structural and pharmacological aspects of proteins involved in Parkinson's disease, particularly Parkin and PINK1. His laboratory investigates how mutations in these proteins lead to early-onset familial Parkinson's disease through disruptions in mitochondrial quality control processes essential for neuronal survival. Using techniques including proteomics, structural biology, crystallography, NMR, and mass spectrometry, his team has made significant contributions to understanding the activation mechanism of Parkin by PINK1 and how these proteins function in mitochondrial maintenance. Current research directions include leveraging 3D structural information to design therapeutic strategies for pathogenic Parkin mutations, exploring how PINK1 detects damaged mitochondria, and investigating the role of Parkin/PINK1 in clearing mitochondrial damage using stem cell-derived neurons and animal models. Dr. Trempe's publication record demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary approach spanning structural biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience. His most recent work includes discoveries regarding molecular glue compounds that activate Parkin, the role of the PINK1-TOM-TIM23 supercomplex in mitochondrial import stress, and connections between Parkin activation and tumor progression. His highly cited 2014 Nature paper demonstrating that ubiquitin is phosphorylated by PINK1 to activate parkin represents a landmark contribution to the field. His research has significant translational implications for developing targeted therapeutic interventions for Parkinson's disease and understanding fundamental cellular quality control mechanisms. Dr. Trempe maintains extensive collaborations within McGill University and with international research teams, particularly with Dr. Edward Fon's laboratory, as evidenced by numerous co-authored publications across multiple high-impact journals.

Newman SzeView profile

Professor

• Aging Mechanisms
• Protein Degradation
• Immunotherapy Development
• +2 more

Newman Sze is Professor and Canada Research Chair in Mechanisms of Health and Disease at Brock University's Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. His research program investigates degenerative protein modifications as fundamental drivers of aging and age-related pathologies. Current work develops 'omics approaches to characterize protein damage in biological systems, generates targeted antibodies for therapeutic intervention, and advances immunotherapy strategies for cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer. The lab focuses on isoDGR-modified proteins as key mediators of vascular and neural degeneration.