À¦°óSMÉçÇø

I am a master’s student supervised by Melania Cristescu and Dan Schoen. Originally from Halifax, I completed my bachelor’s here at À¦°óSMÉçÇø in Microbiology & Immunology. In my research I am exploring the relationships between mutation and gene expression in the model organism Daphnia pulex. To achieve this, I am analyzing RNA sequencing data from D. pulex mutation accumulation lines which have reproduced clonally allowing spontaneous mutations to accumulate in the genome for ~300 generations. Outside of the lab I enjoy cooking and artistic swimming. This year I will compete on the À¦°óSMÉçÇø Artistic Swimming team for my fourth season, hoping to bring home a third National Championship title in my time here at À¦°óSMÉçÇø.

Christophe Brabant, Ìý²¹²Ô»å Ìý³¢²¹²ú²õ

I am an MSc student in the Iversen and Pollock labs. My research focuses on understanding the spatial distribution of anthropogenic threats to freshwater biodiversity. I am interested in relating geographical patterns of threats and general freshwater biodiversity facets to conservation interventions on a global scale. Through this, I hope to provide an understanding of key conservation areas needed to protect freshwater biodiversity under different scenarios. Before this, I completed a BSc. (Honors) in the Iversen Lab, examining the threat of mining activities to freshwater biodiversity. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, backpacking, camping, or reading a good book with a good coffee.

Cindy Gao, Ìý²¹²Ô»å Taranu (Environment and Climate Change Canada) Labs

Hi! My name is Cindy (they/them), and I am a PhD student co-supervised by Lars Iversen and Zofia Taranu. I love all things freshwater, statistical, and insect related. My research will focus on predicting how freshwater macroinvertebrate communities will respond to environmental change. Previously, I completed a BSc. (Honours) at À¦°óSMÉçÇø, where I integrated complex life cycle components into modeling global odonate trait-environment relationships. If I’m not losing ten years of my life wrestling with R, you’ll find me traipsing through the woods, curled up with a good book, or playing Final Fantasy XIV!

Eleanor Dunleavy, and Leray (Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute) Labs

I am a MSc student in the Neotropical Environment Option, supervised by Frédéric Guichard and Matthieu Leray. I recently completed my BSc in Honours Biology at Western University. My primary research interests are the effects of climate change and anthropogenic stressors on the resilience and community structure of coral reefs. My research aims to compare coral along an environmental gradient to determine the factors constraining corals to shallower depths in the Gulf of Panama, and how this impacts their resilience. I was born and raised in Bermuda, so I love spending time in and around the ocean. Throughout my undergraduate summers, I was a research intern at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences conducting research on the influence of thermal stress on coral larval settlement behavior. In my free time I’m an avid knitter. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading and film photography.

Élyse Zadigue-Dubé,

Salut! I’m Élyse (she/her/elle). I first joined Dr. Alanna Watt’s lab in 2022 as an undergraduate neuroscience major, and I enjoyed it so much that two years later, I’m starting my master’s degree in the same lab. My research interests focus on the cellular mechanisms that drive both neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Previously, I had the opportunity to investigate the endosomal pathway of nerve cells affected by spinocerebellar ataxia 6 (SCA6), an inherited neurodegenerative disease characterized by cerebellar dysfunction and motor coordination deficits. Later, I was able to explore potential therapeutic strategies for the disease. Now, I’m especially excited to dive deeper into early-life cerebellar development in SCA6, with a focus on the role of the neurotrophin BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) in this process. Outside the lab, you’ll likely find me running, biking, climbing, sketching outdoors, or discovering new music artists!

Erika Jessen,

I am a PhD student supervised by Dr. Andrew Hendry. I completed my BSc at MacEwan University where I did my honor’s thesis on the establishment of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), an invasive fish species present in Alberta. More recently, I completed my MSc at the University of Alberta where I focused on the intra and interspecific osteological variation in the shiner genus Notropis. My research interests broadly relate to freshwater fish evolution, ecology and morphology. During my time in the Hendry lab, I plan to focus these interests onto threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), focusing on phenotypic variation across the East coast. In my free time, I enjoy reading, drinking tea and playing Sims 4.

Greg Santangeli, Cristescu Lab

I am an MSc student in the Cristescu lab. I previously completed my BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology at Dalhousie University and am transitioning to À¦°óSMÉçÇø after working as a biologist for the Pacific Salmon Foundation on Vancouver Island. My research will develop environmental RNA (eRNA) technologies to monitor the stress response and health of important fish species. By using species-specific eRNA markers, I will establish a non-invasive method of monitoring the biological and physiological responses to stress exhibited in captive or wild populations of fish. Outside of the lab, I am an avid wildlife photographer and enjoy activities like climbing, scuba diving, and hockey.

Isabella Serrette,

I was born and raised in Barbados and completed a BSc in Environmental Science at the University of the West Indies earlier this year. I've been interested in mathematics and biology since secondary school and became drawn to ecology because I saw it as the natural combination of the two. I'm currently starting an MSc in the Leung Lab, which will focus on the distribution and community structure of soil faunal biodiversity in the Caribbean. However, I love all things biodiversity and am hoping to gain a deeper understanding of natural systems and analytical skills that will be applicable to a variety of ecosystems, particularly within the Caribbean. Outside of my academic life, I enjoy crocheting, watching movies, playing board games and reading sci-fi.

Jacob Van Oorschot,

I am starting as a MSc student in the Kassen Lab after having completed my BSc in Microbiology and Immunology at À¦°óSMÉçÇø. In my honours project, I investigated whether glyphosate, an herbicide, causes selection for antibiotic resistance in an environmental Pseudomonas species. I am interested in how interactions between organisms shape evolutionary processes, as well as fitness effects of synonymous mutations. I plan to study this with microbial evolution experiments. Outside of school, I enjoy sports, trivia games, and music.

Justin Haineault,

I’m Justin and I’m an incoming PhD student in Dr. Gary Brouhard’s Cytoskeletal Morphology Lab. I recently completed my MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa, where I investigated kinase-substrate interactions implicated in actin polymerization occurring during filopodia assembly in melanoma cells. At À¦°óSMÉçÇø, I look forward to expanding my knowledge of the cytoskeleton by examining the role of microtubules in neuronal migration and neuronal cell morphology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy working out, hiking/running up Mount Royal, skiing, binge watching TV, and hanging out with my friends.

Kieran Guimond,

I am a first-year MSc student in Dr. Mélanie Guigueno’s lab. I did my Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Neuroscience. During my undergraduate degree, I worked with a variety of study systems. My main research project was focused on the bird diversity of stormwater ponds in the Greater Toronto Area. This sparked my interest in avian behaviour (and made me truly realise how cool birds are!). During my MSc, I will be looking at sex differences in spatial cognition of the brood parasite brown-headed cowbirds, and how spatial memory changes with time. When not in the lab, I enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy books, cooking, and writing.

Lauren Kowalski,

My name is Lauren, and I am a MSc student in the Schöck lab. My project focuses on the assembly of myofibrils in Drosophila indirect flight muscles. More specifically, I am focusing on understanding how the protein obscurin functions to stabilize the myofibrillar arrangement of the sarcomere. These findings could help to understand underlying cell defects of muscle related disorders. Recently, I completed my BSc studying anatomy and cell biology at À¦°óSMÉçÇø. My undergraduate program reinforced my interest in understanding how genes and their resultant proteins function in organisms to form larger structures and influence the development of different tissues. In my free time, I enjoy reading, swimming, baking, and playing the piano.

Leylia Petryk,

I’m Leylia (she/they), an MSc student in Dr. Kassen’s lab. When I was young, caretakers would frequently lose track of me because I am fascinated by all teeny tiny living things and I would chase and observe every single bug I came across. During my BSc at the University of Montreal, I worked for two years on the population genetics facet of a large research project on edible mealworms (Tenebrio molitor). Now, in the Kassen lab, I’m working on even smaller organisms: the pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. My current research looks into the effect of network topology on the spread of beneficial mutations. My results will offer insight that will help with efforts to manage the rising threat of rapidly spreading antibiotic resistance within microbial populations. In my free time, I like to create terrariums for my pet bugs, press-dry flowers for identification, and go hiking.

Linkey Yan, Fussmann Lab

Hello, I am pursuing an MSc student in the Fussmann Lab where I study how human-induced changes and global warming impact freshwater plankton communities. During my bachelor’s program at the University of Guelph, I explored a wide range of subjects, from food chemistry to conservation biology, with a minor in sociology. With this background, I am eager to delve deeper into the topic of my MSc research by employing aquatic models and a combination of laboratory and field methods, including experimental mesocosms. In my free time, I am a collector, a music listener, and a cat-cuddler.

Louis Phillippe Bateman, Larsson Lab

I am an MSc student in the Larsson Lab, broadly interested in the applications of paleontology in ecology and conservation. During my undergrad, I had the chance to partake in many small research projects about biogeography, functional morphology, and ecology. I seek to reunite these for my master’s by studying tetrapod community structure over the last 66 million years in North America. Outside of the lab, you can find me bouldering, debating, and learning languages—sometimes all at the same time.

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Matthis Blanchard, Nilson Lab

Hi, I am Matthis, an MSc student. I completed my bachelor’s degree at Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), where I discovered a passion for cellular and developmental biology. During my undergraduate studies, I researched the physiological and genomic effects of pollutants on unicellular organisms. While reading about morphogens in development, I learned about Dr. Laura Nilson’s lab, and the projects really spoke to me. For my thesis, I will be using Drosophila (fruit flies) as a model organism to explore how mechanical signals influence tissue development. Specifically, I will be studying the pathways that allow cells to detect and respond to environmental cues, with a focus on the role of the membrane protein Echinoid. Besides reading about science all day, I love to explore my creativity through music, play board games, or go on a hike.

Micah Pavlidis, and Potvin Labs

I’m studying long-term tree plots at À¦°óSMÉçÇø’s Gault reserve and assessing the impact of a surging population of white-tailed deer. By adding a dataset that has tracked the growth and mortality of close to 500 trees within this old-growth forest for over a quarter century, my goal is to observe community turnover processes that are difficult to perceive on the timescale of a human life. By analysing the successes and struggles of different tree species across their life stages, I will attempt to map out the trajectory of the forest and inform conservation interventions. My research has given me opportunities to be active and social, which feels like a step in the right direction towards one day working at the interface of research and science communication. In my free time I love to cook, play music, explore Montreal, and boulder.

Molly Gautreau,

My name is Molly, and I am a MSc. student in the Soper lab, where I will be working on root systems and traits in nitrogen-fixing plants. My first exposure to the true scientific process came from a summer position as an entomology research assistant at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Fun fact: I have mounted over 15,000 beetle specimens for taxonomic research! Participating in entomological research helped me to be more conscious of the small-scale organisms and their profound impacts on their ecosystems. Due to this, I became interested in the relationships that exist between plants, soil organisms and their environment. I obtained my BSc. (Honours) in Biology at Queen’s University, where my undergraduate thesis work on roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inspired me to continue delving into roots in my graduate studies. I have a deep love for science, ecology, and the outdoors. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, and painting in watercolour.

Negar Tajik, Larsson Lab

I'm a PhD student in Dr. Larsson's lab, where my research focuses on embryology and evolution. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology and am pursuing a direct PhD. My work primarily involves studying the development of digits in chick embryos, using them as a model to understand how evolutionary processes shape their formation.

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Paige Smallman,

I am a Ph.D. student in the Neotropical Environment Option (NEO) program, co-supervised by Rowan Barrett (À¦°óSMÉçÇø) and Matthieu Leray (Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute). I will be studying the effects of climate on the diet of tropical reef fishes in Panama. Before moving to Montreal, I completed my BSc in Biological Oceanography at the University of British Columbia. I also spent two years working at the Vancouver Aquarium in Animal Care and Education, where I took care of BC marine species and worked to inspire the public to support conservation. Outside of research, I enjoy SCUBA diving, cooking, and visiting museums.

Sabrina Percy, CristescuÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýFussmannÌý³¢²¹²ú²õ

My name is Sabrina, and I am an MSc student under the supervision of Melania Cristescu and Gregor Fussmann. I completed my undergrad at the University of Toronto, Scarborough in Environmental Biology. There, I was able to work in molecular ecology and microbiology labs and complete my undergrad thesis in molecular evolution. Moving onto my MSc at À¦°óSMÉçÇø, I am interested in environmental DNA and RNA metabarcoding and the use of these tools to monitor species’ response under stress. Outside of the lab, I love going to concerts and anything outdoors.

Sarah Lorenzetti, Zheng Lab

My name is Sarah (she/her/elle) and I am a MSc student in Dr. Huanquan Zheng’s lab. I recently obtained my BSc in Biology at Concordia University in Montreal. I love all things biology, especially botany.ÌýIn the Zheng lab, I am currently researching autophagy of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in plants, and a group of proteins called reticulons. Reticulons are known to play a role in forming the curvature of the ER membrane in many eukaryotes, including plants. My project focuses on one of these reticulons (reticulon-like subfamily B3, RTNLB3) and I will investigate how this protein may play a role in autophagy of the ER in Arabidopsis cells when under stress. In my spare time, I like watching nature documentaries, visiting museums, walking through parks or forests, sketching/painting, taking pictures of wildlife, and expanding my stone and fossil collections.

Sarah Song,

I am a MSc student in the Hendry Lab. I am broadly interested in the intersection of ecology, aquatic conservation, and rapid evolution. I am particularly intrigued by the mechanisms through which species may adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, exploring both short-term acclimatization and long-term evolutionary responses. My research focuses on the evolutionary dynamics of threespine stickleback, a key species in freshwater ecosystems, in Lac-Témiscouata (Eastern Quebec). By investigating environmental factors affecting their feeding and defensive traits, I aim to understand how these populations are evolving in response to recent ecological shifts. I grew up on Georgian Bay and studied Environment at À¦°óSMÉçÇø for my undergraduate degree. Outside the lab, I enjoy climbing and backcountry camping, throwing dinner parties, and working on my memoir.

Shuaishuai Li,

I am Shuaishuai Li, a PhD student in the Guichard lab. I completed my BEng and MEng at Beihang University with majors in biomedical engineering, where I chose to link theoretical ecology to my engineering background. I simulated artificial disturbances to maintain microbial diversity in a closed artificial ecosystem and explained why microbes proliferated on the space station with models and experiments. Now I am studying the theoretical ecology side with modeling. My research focuses on the non-equilibrium response of the biodiversity-ecosystem function relationship to multiple disturbances. In my spare time, you can always find me playing badminton. I am also into curling, karaoke (Asian Style), photography and travel. , ,

Victoria Van Mierlo,

Hi, I’m Victoria (she/her). I earned an MSc from the University of Alberta, where my research focused on the occupancy and trophic effects of invasive Northern Crayfish in the North Saskatchewan River basin. Most recently, I worked as a federal public servant with the Canadian Wildlife Service Ontario, where I had the privilege of working with data collected in Ontario's Far North. Today, I am enthusiastically joining the Ricciardi Lab at À¦°óSMÉçÇø as a doctoral student, focusing on the prevention, assessment, and mitigation of the adverse effects of invasive Marbled Crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) on native freshwater biodiversity in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin. More specifically, I first aim to model and predict which waterbodies are at greatest risk for marbled crayfish invasion. Second, I will investigate and compare the growth and feeding performance of marbled crayfish with co-occurring native species to understand their potential impacts on native biodiversity. Finally, I will test whether functional eradication is an effective management method for feral marbled crayfish populations. I believe in, and am committed to, applying a comprehensive and inclusive approach to research that generates practical knowledge, contributing to tangible and positive change. In my downtime, I enjoy hiking, crocheting, and spending time with my family and friends.

Yiran Fan,

My name is Yiran, and I am a first-year master’s student in Jackie Vogel lab. I graduated with a BSc degree from À¦°óSMÉçÇø in May 2023, with a concentration in biophysics. During the last two years of my undergraduate degree, I worked on a project in Tomoko Ohyama’s lab, studying the somatosensory circuit underlying Drosophila behavior. I started in Vogel lab in Winter 2024, which uses budding yeast as a model organism. Thanks to super-resolution microscopes, I hope to study the mitotic process of budding yeast, specifically focusing on a recently identified condensate called the +TIP body, which is known to localize with the +tip of astral microtubules and supposedly play a key role in spindle positioning and alignment. Apart from biology, I like music, drawing, and animals.

Yujia Li,

I am Yujia, a first-year PhD student in the Watt Lab. I am interested in the Rhomboid protein, especially its role in motor coordination and aging, as well as its upstream and downstream signaling pathways. I obtained my undergraduate degree at the University of California, Davis with a major in Genetics and Genomics. After graduation, I worked as a research assistant at the Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences to study the spontaneous regression of Neuroblastoma. I enjoy reading, writing, and traveling in my free time.

Zoya Quddoos,

I am a PhD student, supervised by Dr Arnold Hayer. I have a bachelor's degree in microbiology, which spiked my interest in genetic engineering, and I ended up doing a master's in biotechnology from Jamia Millia Islamia, India. For my master's research project, I worked on bacterial cell divisome protein, where I developed a fondness for cell biology. I then moved to IIT-Kanpur to work as a Research Assistant and focused on autophagy. During my time there, I became fascinated by the intricacies of how a cell adapts to various changes. I am now excited to work on cell migration and explore more about cells and tissues. Outside the lab, I love to explore cafes, hang out in the parks, and spend time with my family and friends.