Find Academic Supervisors

Roberto A. ChicaView profile

Professor

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

Simon SharpeView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biophysics
• +9 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.

• Developmental Psychophysiology
• Temperament and Personality Development
• Neuroscience of Shyness and Social Anxiety
• +4 more

Professor Louis Schmidt is a leading academic in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University , with a research focus on developmental psychophysiology, temperament, and the long-term effects of early adversity. His work bridges neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral science, emphasizing the interplay between brain function and socio-emotional development across the lifespan. Key research themes: Shyness, social anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and outcomes of extremely low birth weight. Recognized for mentoring postdoctoral fellow Kristie Poole, who was celebrated as a role model in the Child Emotion Laboratory. Scientific Awards : Royal Society of Canada recognition for contributions to research and scholarship. Research Trends from 15 recent publications include: Neurophysiological mechanisms of shyness (EEG, ERP, RSA) Impact of antenatal corticosteroids on adult brain function Intergenerational effects of maternal mental health interventions Cross-cultural comparisons of temperamental shyness Developmental consequences of preterm birth Behavioral and neural correlates of social anxiety in diverse populations Grants & Collaborations : Led the SNACS randomized controlled trial on antenatal corticosteroids, with applications in obstetrics and developmental neuroscience. Collaborates extensively on topics like autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and emotion regulation. Labs & Teams : Directs the Child Emotion Laboratory at McMaster University, fostering interdisciplinary research on developmental psychopathology and neural mechanisms of temperament.

Jacques ArchambaultView profile

Professor

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Polyomavirus
• Viral DNA Replication
• +4 more

Dr. Jacques Archambault is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University , and an associate member of the Division of Experimental Medicine since 2016. His research focuses on the molecular biology and pathogenesis of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and polyomaviruses (HPyVs), with an emphasis on their replication mechanisms as episomes in host cells. The Archambault laboratory employs functional genomics, proteomics, and chemical biology approaches to identify cellular pathways exploited by these viruses and develop high-throughput assays for screening small molecule inhibitors of viral replication. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on HPV and HPyV replication machinery, including studies on the E1 helicase, UAF1-USP1 interactions, and structural characterization of viral proteins involved in DNA replication. His work bridges virology, oncology, and drug discovery, particularly targeting oncogenic HPV types implicated in anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as HPyVs like BKPyV and JCPyV that cause pathologies in immunosuppressed patients. Current efforts in the lab aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which HPVs and HPyVs replicate their genomes and to develop antiviral therapies targeting these processes. Techniques such as fluorescence anisotropy, NMR spectroscopy, and crystallography are frequently employed to study protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions critical to viral replication.

Cristina RosellView profile

Professor

• Design and development of innovative grain-based foods
• Quality assessment of cereals and other grains
• Starch physical properties in foods
• +7 more

Dr. Cristina Rosell is a Professor and Head of the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba. Her research focuses on grain-based food innovation, starch properties, and sustainable bakery processes. Education: PhD and BSc in Pharmacy from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain Dr. Rosell specializes in cereal science, enzymatic food modification, and gluten-free product development. Her current projects include optimizing bakery processes with computational tools, tracing rice supply chains via blockchain, and integrating bioactives into gluten-free foods. Her work bridges food chemistry, nutritional science, and industrial bakery technology. Her recent research trends emphasize gluten-free bread using legume and root starches, starch-plant compound interactions , and sustainable food processing via microwave-assisted extraction, high-pressure treatments, and fermentation. Key subfields include dough rheology, polyphenol bioactivity, and techno-functional ingredient development. Dr. Rosell’s teaching includes graduate seminars in food science (HNSC 7130). She supervises graduate students in breadmaking, starch hydrolysis, and functional food design. Her lab explores grain quality, enzymatic treatments, and bakery product optimization through interdisciplinary approaches combining chemistry, nutrition, and process engineering.

Matthew KimberView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• Bacterial Systems
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Matthew Kimber is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on structural biology of bacterial systems, particularly bacterial polysaccharides and microcompartments. He employs x-ray crystallography to study molecular architectures, with current projects exploring mechanisms of bacterial surface polysaccharide assembly and bacterial microcompartment function. Education: B.Sc. (Hons) Molecular Genetics and Molecular Cell Biology from the University of Toronto (1993), Ph.D. in Molecular and Medical Genetics from the University of Toronto (2000). Research Interests: Structural basis of polysaccharide assembly and modification, bacterial microcompartment structure-function relationships, and enzyme mechanisms. Key projects include studies on glycosyltransferases, carboxysomes, and aminoacetone degradation pathways. Lab Members: Current graduate students include Laura Seidel, Liam Noseworthy, Manitabhai Govind, and Shaoqian Zong. Former members include Patrick Ryan, Evan Mallette, and Tom Keeling. Lab Focus: Probing structural details of biological molecules to understand function, with emphasis on bacteria’s strategies for polysaccharide modification and microcompartment assembly. Recent work includes characterization of enzymes involved in O-antigen biosynthesis and microcompartment shell proteins.

Hong HanView profile

Assistant Professor

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

Igor JurisicaView profile

Professor

• Data Science and Computational Biology
• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• +6 more

Igor Jurisica is a Professor at the University of Toronto and a Senior Scientist at the Krembil Research Institute’s Data Science Discovery Centre for Chronic Diseases. He also serves as Visiting Scientist at IBM CAS, Scientific Director of the World Community Grid, and Chief Scientist at the Creative Destruction Lab (Rotman School of Management). His research focuses on integrative computational biology, data mining, and AI-driven models for cancer mechanisms, drug discovery, and chronic disease management. Key affiliations include the Osteoarthritis Research Program, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and leadership roles in open science initiatives like the World Community Grid, a global distributed computing platform with 810,000+ volunteers. Jurisica’s work bridges computational tools (e.g., NAViGaTOR visualization platform, MirDIP databases) and clinical applications, emphasizing explainable AI in healthcare. Research interests span proteomics, microRNA regulation, systems vaccinology, and multi-omics integration for disease stratification. Notable contributions include identifying prognostic signatures in cancer and osteoarthritis, machine learning models for drug repurposing, and sportomics analyses of athletic biomarkers. He has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher (2014-2016) and ranked among the Top 100 AI Leaders in Oncology (2023). His labs develop open-access tools like PathDIP, OsteoDIP, and miRAnno to advance translational research.

• Exercise Physiology
• Bone Physiology
• Pediatric Exercise Medicine
• +4 more

Panagiota (Nota) Klentrou is a Distinguished Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at Brock University, specializing in Kinesiology. Her research focuses on exercise physiology , bone development , and the health implications of sport training in youth , particularly examining cellular mechanisms linking exercise, diet, and lifelong bone health. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, Osteoporosis Canada, and the International Gymnastics Federation Education: PhD, FCSEP (Fellow of the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology) Her work spans bone physiology , inflammatory responses to exercise , and sclerostin-mediated tissue cross-talk , with recent studies exploring the impact of obesogenic diets , acute exercise , and nutritional interventions on skeletal growth and adaptation. Key findings include the role of sprint interval training in modulating adipose tissue Wnt signaling and the effects of dairy consumption on bone turnover markers. Scientific Awards & Distinctions Fellow, Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), 2020 Marilyn Rose Graduate Leadership Award, 2017 TVO's Best Lecturer nominee, 2010 Chancellor’s Chair for Research Excellence, Brock University, 2009 Award for Distinguished Research & Creative Activity, Brock University, 2006 Dr. Klentrou actively supervises graduate and undergraduate students in projects related to bone physiology , inflammation , and exercise adaptation , and collaborates with organizations like Osteoporosis Canada and the International Gymnastics Federation.

Samantha KingView profile

Professor

• Cultural Studies
• Sociology
• Health Studies
• +5 more

Samantha King is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen's University. She holds a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her interdisciplinary research integrates feminist, queer, and critical race theories to examine the intersections of health, sport, and the body. She leads the King Research Group, based in KINE 206J & 301V offices. King's research interests span topics such as drug cultures, food politics, and the sociology of sport. Her influential work includes the book Pink Ribbons, Inc: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy , adapted into an NFB documentary. She explores themes like pharmaceutical use in professional sports, the ecological dimensions of embodiment, and multispecies approaches to sport studies. Her recent publications analyze racial capitalism in NFL pain management, pandemic-era human-animal relations, and the sociological implications of whey protein consumption. She has co-edited volumes on food ethics and bodily embodiment, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue. Her work bridges cultural studies, sociology, and health studies, addressing contemporary issues in sport, medicine, and everyday life. King’s academic contributions include over 30 peer-reviewed articles and edited collections. She has received international attention for critiquing corporate philanthropy in health activism and challenging normative frameworks in sport studies. Her current projects explore multispecies methodologies and the political economies of meat production.

Gabriela V. Cohen FreueView profile

Associate Professor

• Statistical Methodology
• High-Dimensional Data Analysis
• Robust Statistics
• +6 more

Gabriela V. Cohen Freue is an Associate Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver Campus, and holds a Canada Research Chair (CRC Tier 2). She leads an interdisciplinary research program focusing on developing robust statistical methodologies for analyzing high-dimensional data in genomics and proteomics, with applications in medical sciences. Her work addresses challenges such as outliers, collinearity, and measurement errors, with applications in biomarker discovery for diseases like multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disorders, and asthma. Her academic journey includes collaborations across disciplines, including with the BC Cancer Agency, PROOF Centre of Excellence, and iCAPTURE. She has pioneered methods like the Penalized Elastic Net S-Estimator (PENSE) and contributed to proteomic data analysis tools such as the Protein Group Code Algorithm (PGCA). She also co-developed the MDQC quality control method for microarrays. Research interests include robust regression, biomarker development, and statistical methods for big data. Her team includes postdocs, PhD, and MSc students, with a focus on training in both statistical rigor and interdisciplinary collaboration. Notable grants include a CANSSI Collaborative Research Team Project (CRT) award for robust causal inference and prediction modeling. Teaching responsibilities span statistical consulting, high-dimensional biological data analysis, and generalized linear models. She emphasizes active learning and real-world problem-solving in her courses. Her lab’s work is supported by grants from the Data Science Institute (DSI) and collaborations with institutions like the PROOF Centre. Alumni of her group hold positions in academia (e.g., George Mason University) and industry (e.g., Merck, BC Cancer Research Centre).

Michael KrisingerView profile

Academic

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Coagulation
• +3 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.

Christopher LawsonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Microbiome Engineering
• Systems Biology
• Synthetic Biology
• +5 more

Christopher Lawson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto, affiliated with the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. He serves as Principal Investigator of the Microbiome Engineering Lab and is part of BioZone – the Centre for Applied Bioscience and Bioengineering. His research focuses on engineering anaerobic microbiomes for resource recovery from waste streams using systems biology, synthetic biology, and machine learning approaches. B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc. (University of British Columbia) Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin-Madison) Postdoctoral Training (Berkeley Lab) Lawson's work addresses the challenge of controlling complex microbial interactions in engineered systems to enable scalable biotechnologies for renewable energy, chemicals, and materials. His lab develops high-throughput methods integrating automation and computational tools to optimize microbiome assembly and metabolic fluxes. Recent publications highlight advancements in metabolic modeling , isotope tracing , and systems-level analysis of anaerobic microbiomes, with applications in wastewater treatment , anammox granules , and bioenergy production . His research bridges fundamental microbiology with industrial-scale bioprocess engineering. Scientific Awards ISME/IWA BioCluster Rising Star Award (2022) Jacobs Engineering Group/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award (2020) Wesley Eckenfelder Graduate Research Award (2019) WEF Canham Graduate Studies Scholarship (2018) NSERC Post-Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral (2014) Lawson actively mentors students and postdocs, emphasizing technical rigor, communication skills, and independence. His lab collaborates within BioZone and with industry partners to advance "team science" principles. Current projects focus on creating engineered microbiomes for commercial-scale waste valorization.

Simone D. CastellarinView profile

Professor

• Viticulture
• Berry Crop Physiology
• Plant Genomics
• +2 more

Simone D. Castellarin is a Professor in the Department of Applied Biology at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Land and Food Systems, and holds the Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Viticulture. His research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms governing berry ripening and composition in grapes, blueberries, and raspberries, with emphasis on genomic regulation under environmental stressors like heatwaves and drought. PhD in Plant Biology from the University of Udine (2007) Postdoctoral training at Hochschule Geisenheim University and University of California Davis Research areas include terpene biosynthesis, jasmonate signaling, cuticular wax dynamics, and agronomic strategies for climate change mitigation. Key projects involve remote sensing for vineyard zoning , hormone application effects , and genetic studies of berry quality traits . His work spans collaborations with industry bodies like the BC Wine and Grape Council and academic partners including the Cantu Lab at UC Davis. Recent publications highlight genomic analyses of terpene synthases, water deficit impacts on metabolites, and postharvest quality assessments. Awards include the 2009 Rudolf Hermanns Prize for viticultural research. He supervises numerous PhD and Master's students, and leads the Castellarin Lab at UBC's Wine Research Centre.

Stephen L. BearneView profile

Professor

• Enzymology
• Protein Engineering
• Biochemical Recognition
• +3 more

Stephen L. Bearne is a Professor in the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Chemistry at Dalhousie University, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine. He has been a department member since 1996 and served as Department Head from 2012 to 2022. His research focuses on enzymology, enzyme catalysis, and protein engineering, with a particular emphasis on transition state analogues, enzyme inhibition mechanisms, and the chemical basis of disease-associated enzymes. His work integrates organic synthesis, biophysical techniques, and computational modeling to explore enzyme function and design inhibitors for therapeutic applications. Dr. Bearne holds a PhD from the University of Toronto and an MDCM from McGill University. His lab is part of the Protein Assembly Research Team and the BioActives CREATE Training Program. Current research themes include understanding carbon acid substrate catalysis in mandelate racemase, developing inhibitors for CTP synthase and racemases involved in diseases like cancer and neglected tropical infections, and proteomic tools for enzymatic activity profiling. His research leverages advanced techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis, isothermal titration calorimetry, NMR spectroscopy, and macroion mobility spectrometry. His lab supports equity, diversity, and inclusivity and has been funded by NSERC, CIHR, and other agencies. Recent publications highlight advancements in enzyme inhibition strategies, allosteric regulation mechanisms, and enzyme filamentation roles in metabolic pathways.