Vanina Zaremberg

Dr. Vanina Zaremberg is a Professor and Associate Head (Graduate Programs) in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on lipid metabolism and signaling in eukaryotes, with applications to biotechnology, biofuel production, and medical advancements like vaccine development. She uses budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a model organism, combining biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics to study lipid synthesis regulation, distribution, and drug interactions.

Education:

• B.S./MSc equivalent in Biology, University of Buenos Aires (1992)
• PhD in Biological Chemistry, University of Buenos Aires (1999)

Research Interests: Her lab investigates lipid biosynthesis pathways, membrane dynamics, and the effects of lipid drugs on cellular processes. Key projects include phosphatidic acid biosynthesis regulation, diacylglycerol pool monitoring via fluorescent probes, antitumor lipid drug mechanisms, and ether lipid synthesis crosstalk between organelles. These studies contribute to understanding lipid roles in health and disease.

Awards:

• Discovery Accelerator Supplement (NSERC, 2016)
• Great Supervisor Award (2015)
• University Faculty Award (NSERC, 2006)

Teaching & Service: Teaches courses like BCEM 561 (Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology) and BCEM 575 (Lipids). Leads the Zaremberg Lab, fostering interdisciplinary research and graduate training in lipid biology.