Andrew J. Roger is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine. His primary roles include academic research and leadership as the Founding Director of the Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG) and Canada Research Chair in Comparative Genomics. He has been a department member since 2001. Education: PhD in Biochemistry from Dalhousie University Affiliations: Dalhousie University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG) His research focuses on genome evolution, particularly in eukaryotic protists. Key interests include: Phylogenomics of eukaryotic super-kingdoms like Excavata Comparative genomics of anaerobic protists and lateral gene transfer (LGT) Evolution of mitochondria, hydrogenosomes, and mitosomes Modeling molecular evolution with computational tools Recent publications (2021–2023) highlight studies on protist organelle evolution, genomic adaptation mechanisms, and novel phylogenetic methods. His lab includes graduate students and postdocs actively researching these areas. He collaborates extensively with statisticians and computational biologists. Lab Members: Tugba Nur Atalay, Min Cho, Marlena Dlutek, Katherine Dunn, Ryo Harada, Joran Martijn, Charley McCarthy, Greg Seaton, Jason Shao, Kelsey Williamson, and others.
Wendy P. Robinson is a Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine , and a Senior Scientist at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute . She holds the CIHR Sex and Gender Science Chair . Research Interests: Genetics and epigenetics of early human development, placental function in pregnancy complications (fetal growth restriction, preterm birth), DNA methylation, non-coding RNA, sex differences, and polymorphisms. Her lab employs genomic and bioinformatic tools to study placental health and its impact on newborn outcomes. Recent Publications (2025-2024) focus on X-chromosome inactivation patterns in placenta, cell-type specific DNA methylation, maternal socioeconomic effects on placental epigenetics, and modeling placental development with organoids. Key themes include sex-specific epigenetic regulation , maternal-fetal interactions , and human placental methylome . Awards: UBC Faculty of Medicine Distinguished Achievement Award (2018), with trainees receiving the James Miller Memorial Prize and Mary-Jane Carroll Trainee Award. Students & Collaborations: Supervised PhD/MSc students include Li Qing Wang, Icíar Fernández Boyano, Giulia Del Gobbo, Victor Yuan, and Magda Price. Collaborators span the Alex Beristain Lab and University of Toronto institutions. Laboratory Activities: Regular team-building events like mountain hikes, climbing outings, and kayaking trips, alongside providing open access to epigenetic tools (e.g., Bisearch, SeqDoc) for the research community.
Dr. Darren Irwin is a Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), affiliated with the Biodiversity Research Centre. His research focuses on understanding speciation mechanisms, hybrid zones, and the evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity. Central to his work is an integrative approach combining genomic analysis, field observations, and computational modeling. Key research systems include passerine birds (e.g., warblers, woodpeckers) and salamanders, with studies spanning Asia, Europe, North America, and the Pacific Northwest. His lab explores topics such as hybrid zone stability, genomic differentiation patterns, cytonuclear interactions, and migratory behavior evolution. Research Highlights: Analysis of hybrid zones in yellow-rumped warblers, flameback woodpeckers, and other avian species. Development of the Hybrid Zone with Assortative Mating (HZAM) simulation tool in Julia. Discovery of cryptic species, such as the Pacific wren, now recognized taxonomically. Investigation of migratory divide genetics in Swainson’s thrushes and Wilson’s warblers. Publications emphasize genomic approaches to study speciation, with recent work on three-way hybrid zones in Sri Lankan flamebacks and Z-chromosome-driven plumage divergence in yellowhammers. His lab actively trains graduate students and postdocs, fostering interdisciplinary research in evolutionary biology.
Dr. Steven M. Carr is Professor of Biology at Memorial University of Newfoundland with a cross-appointment in Population Genetics to the Faculty of Medicine and affiliations with the Department of Computer Science. His research laboratory focuses on molecular and genome evolution within vertebrate species, with particular expertise in phylogeographic analysis using complete mitochondrial DNA genomes. Dr. Carr earned his BSc in Biology from California Polytechnic State University (1975), followed by a CPhil (1978) and PhD (1983) in Genetics from the University of California, Berkeley. His research methodology combines traditional molecular genetics with computational approaches, including Monte Carlo simulations and neural network analysis of genomic data. His primary research areas include: phylogeographic genomics of fisheries and wildlife populations (Atlantic Cod, Wolffish, Harp Seals, Newfoundland Caribou); biogeographic evolution of cods and pollocks; population genomic structure of Newfoundland's founding human populations; and development of novel biotechnologies including DNA sequencing microarrays. His work bridges evolutionary biology, conservation genetics, and computational genomics. Analysis of Dr. Carr's publication record reveals a clear progression from traditional phylogeographic studies toward increasingly sophisticated genomic analyses incorporating machine learning techniques. His recent work on honey bee evolution challenges established hypotheses about their biogeographic origins, while his research on ancient DNA lineages connects Newfoundland's Indigenous history with contemporary populations. Genome Editor's Choice Award, April 2020 Genome Editor's Choice Award, August 2018 Dr. Carr has successfully mentored numerous graduate students through PhD, MSc, and honors thesis programs, with research topics spanning conservation genetics, population genomics, and computational biology. His teaching portfolio includes Principles of Genetics (Biol 2250), Advanced Genetics (Biol 4241), Principles of Biotechnology (Biol 3950), and Evolutionary Genetics (Biol 4250), where he integrates theoretical concepts with practical genomic applications. The Carr Lab operates at the intersection of biology, computer science, and statistics, maintaining active collaborations with fisheries scientists, wildlife biologists, and medical researchers to address complex questions in evolutionary genomics and conservation biology.
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.
Jianping Xu is a Professor in the Department of Biology at McMaster University, specializing in the ecology and evolutionary genetics of fungi. His research explores evolutionary mechanisms in fungal populations from environmental, clinical, and host-associated contexts. Institution: McMaster University Department: Biology Research Overview: Integrates microbiology, molecular genetics, and quantitative approaches to study fungal evolution. Research Interests include: Population genetics of human and animal fungal pathogens Mitochondrial DNA variation and inheritance Development of biomarkers for fungal identification Microbiome impacts on host health Publication Trends show focus on fungal pathogenesis, environmental adaptation, and genomic analyses across species like Cryptococcus , Aspergillus , and agricultural fungi. Teaching & Outreach connects to McMaster's biology programs, with research stories highlighting fungal-based innovations (e.g., mushroom plastics) and clinical studies on drug-resistant pathogens.
Michael Schillaci is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). His research spans evolutionary anthropology, medical anthropology, and primatology, with a focus on primate evolution, bioarchaeology, and public health. He works in regions such as the American Southwest and Southeast Asia. Education: PhD in Biological Anthropology (2003), University of New Mexico. Schillaci's research integrates bioarchaeological, archaeological, and historical linguistic datasets to investigate culture history, particularly in the American Southwest. His recent publications address topics like primate encephalization quotients, ancestry estimation in baboons, and the evolutionary history of primate diseases. At UTSC, Schillaci teaches courses in Biological Anthropology, Human Osteology, Medical Anthropology, and Quantitative Methods. He also serves as Associate Chair, Graduate (tri-campus), reflecting his administrative contributions.
Dr. Nicole Novroski is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) specializing in forensic biology and genetics. She is affiliated with the Department of Anthropology and leads the Forensic Science Program, focusing on advanced DNA analysis techniques for human identification. Education: Ph.D. from the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC, 2018) Her research spans forensic genetics, population genetics, and DNA mixture deconvolution using massively parallel sequencing (MPS). She explores novel genetic markers for improved forensic applications, including missing persons identification and microbial forensics. Scientific awards: None explicitly mentioned. Dr. Novroski actively mentors graduate students and integrates computational biology into forensic genetic data analysis. Her laboratory work includes DNA methodologies for unidentified remains and craniofacial determinations via genetic markers.
Sarah Adamowicz is a Professor at the University of Guelph's Department of Integrative Biology within the College of Biological Science. Her research focuses on biodiversity, evolutionary biology, and molecular evolution, particularly in Arctic ecosystems and aquatic invertebrates. She leads initiatives in DNA barcoding, macroevolutionary studies, and ecological assessments using genomic tools. Her work integrates DNA sequence data, fossil records, and comparative analyses to explore species diversity patterns and evolutionary processes. Key projects include the Barcode of Life campaign, habitat restoration research, and developing bioinformatics tools like Debar and CanFlyet. Dr. Adamowicz’s publications span molecular evolution rates, phylogenetic reconstruction, and ecological impact studies in boreal and Arctic regions. She collaborates extensively on northern biodiversity projects, such as the Churchill Diptera barcode library and assessments of peat-based soil recovery in industrial sites. Her lab (SSC 2409/10) supports interdisciplinary research, combining fieldwork with computational methods. Current and future work emphasizes leveraging genomic data for conservation, understanding latitudinal biodiversity gradients, and advancing metagenomic techniques for ecological monitoring.
Jeffrey M. Marcus is Professor and Associate Head Undergraduate (Student Experience) in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba. His research focuses on the genetic and developmental basis of phenotypic variation, primarily using colour pattern formation in butterflies and moths as a model system. Education: Ph.D. in Zoology, Duke University (2002) M.Phil. in Genetics, University of Cambridge (1996) B.A. in Honors Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University (1995) Research employs diverse approaches including genomics, molecular phylogenetics, transgenics, immunohistochemistry, and computational biology to study evolutionary developmental mechanisms.
Ashley Thomson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources Management at Lakehead University's Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment. Her research focuses on tree ecological genetics, phylogeography, phenotypic trait responses to climate change, genome assembly, and selective breeding for reforestation. Ph.D. in Tree Population Genetics, Concordia University (2013) M.Sc. in Quantitative Forest Genetics, Lakehead University (2008) H.B.Sc. in Forestry, Lakehead University (2006) Recent research trends show her expertise in landscape genetics, climate adaptation mechanisms, and genomic resource development for boreal tree species. She investigates gene flow barriers in managed forests, develops climate-resilient breeding zones, and pioneers techniques for non-model tree genomes. NSERC Alliance Grant recipient (2024, 2021) Her work bridges evolutionary genetics with practical forestry applications, emphasizing climate change mitigation through improved seed transfer strategies and genomic insights into stress response mechanisms in black spruce and jack pine populations.
Paul Stothard is a Professor at the University of Alberta, affiliated with the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Agriculture, Food & Nutrition Science. He leads the Stothard Research Group, which focuses on bioinformatics-driven genomics and genetics research. His academic work integrates software development with applied animal genetics, contributing to breeding strategies for cattle and pigs, as well as environmental and microbial genomic projects. Dr. Stothard holds a PhD in molecular biology and genetics from the University of Alberta. His research interests include identifying genetic bases for animal traits, cataloging genome variations in livestock, developing diagnostic tools for pathogens in feedlot cattle, and creating user-friendly bioinformatics resources like Proksee and the CGView Comparison Tool. His group’s findings have been applied in DNA tests for cattle breeding and SNP chips for bison conservation. He is currently involved in the Bison Integrated Genomics (BIG) Project and the Resilient Dairy Genome Project, funded by Genome Canada and collaborating with institutions like the University of Guelph. His software contributions include Proksee (a bacterial genome analysis server) and CGView, widely used in microbial genomics research. Teaching includes courses such as AFNS 508 (Applied Bioinformatics) and AN SC 485 (Animal Genetics and Breeding). He advises students like Natalie Diether, who received the 2023 ALES Graduate Student PhD Thesis Award. His research also addresses antimicrobial resistance, feed efficiency in dairy cows, and the genetic underpinnings of livestock resilience to disease and environmental stress.
Mercedes Hernandez is a Professor at Vancouver Island University , affiliated with the School of Science and Technology and the Biology Department . Holding a PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Guelph (1994), she teaches courses such as Microbiology I/II, Bacterial Genetics, Virology, and Molecular Biology techniques. Education : PhD (1994), MSc (1987) from University of Guelph, BSc (1980) from IUPC, Caracas Her research spans Molecular Biology , Microbiology , Genetics , and Virology , focusing on topics like antibiotic resistance in staphylococci, bacterial pathogenesis, and molecular epidemiology. Her publications reflect expertise in virology, plasmid biology, and plant genetics. Recent publications include studies on Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus , Neurospora plasmids, and antibiotic resistance patterns. Her work combines molecular techniques with ecological and clinical applications, particularly in bacterial pathogenesis and environmental microbiology. Mercedes supervises undergraduate research projects and contributes to laboratory techniques training. Her students have explored topics ranging from Staphylococcus aureus resistance to disinfectant efficacy and probiotic Bifidobacteria detection. She is actively involved in teaching and research without any listed scientific awards. Her contact details include office in Building 470, Room 117, and phone extension 2320.
Prof. Damian Labuda is a retired Full Professor at the University of Montreal's Department of Pediatrics and a researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center and the Robert-Cedergren Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics. He holds degrees from Adam Mickiewicz University (MSc 1971, PhD 1976, DSc 1982) and conducted postdoctoral research at the Max-Planck Institute in Germany. His work focuses on human genome diversity, genetic history of populations, and Quebec's demographic evolution. He has contributed to studies on X chromosome variability, genomic evolution mechanisms, and the genetic origins of Quebec's population. Notable awards include the Max-Planck Postdoctoral Fellowship and FRSQ senior research scholarships. Research interests encompass analyzing genetic variability to understand human population origins, leveraging large-scale genotyping and coalescent models. His studies combine practical and computational approaches, addressing mutation mechanisms, demographic effects, and natural selection. He collaborates globally to explore genomic diversity's functional implications in disease and population history. Key publications include analyses of Quebec founder populations, Southeast European genomic history, and molecular characterization of genetic disorders. His work bridges historical demography with modern genetic tools, emphasizing the interplay between population structure and disease susceptibility.
Professor Hugh MacIsaac is affiliated with the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Windsor. His research focuses on invasive species ecology, aquatic ecosystem dynamics, and the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) for biodiversity monitoring. He investigates the impacts of invasive species such as golden mussels and cyanobacteria on native ecosystems, including toxin effects on fish and zooplankton. His work addresses ecological consequences of biological invasions, mitigation strategies, and the development of eDNA-based detection methods. Key research areas include: Ecological impacts of invasive species Cyanobacterial toxin mechanisms Ballast water management and propagule pressure eDNA technology validation and applications Professor MacIsaac has advised students like MSc candidate Katherine Balasingham, who explored eDNA methods for detecting rare aquatic species. His contributions span interdisciplinary fields, integrating metabolomics, machine learning, and field experiments to advance invasion science. He has contributed to studies on species distribution modeling, freshwater ecosystem conservation, and the physiological effects of invasive species on native organisms. His research emphasizes both fundamental ecological understanding and applied solutions to global environmental challenges.
