NSERC USRA – Summer 2025
Continued work in collaboration with Dr. Jonathan Van Hamme to investigate the ability of Gordonia sp. strain NB4-1Y to degrade environmentally concerning perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A time course experiment was conducted with the end goal of measuring gene expression over time when NB4-1Y is provided with various sulfur sources including PFAS. Additionally, I was able to collect optical density and fluoride ion release data over time that will be included in my honours thesis.
Directed Study – Winter 2025
Worked with Dr. Jonathan Van Hamme and Dr. Eric Bottos to develop a method to quantify the expression levels for six genes of interest using reverse transcriptase quantitative digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR). dPCR assays were designed using the complete NB4-1Y genome and computer software. The assays were tested and validated using a combination of end-point PCR to optimize PCR conditions and Sanger sequencing to confirm PCR amplicon identity. The resulting data was analyzed and presented both locally and nationally and can be used to guide future mRNA quantification experiments.
Cell Physiology Project – Winter 2025
Determined the effect of high D-galactose concentrations on the proliferation and viability of Ea.hy926 endothelial cells using cell counts, a bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay, and a scratch wound assay. I was responsible for the analysis of results and determined cell viability decreased as concentration of D-galactose increased, however the same trend was not seen with cell proliferation. As a requirement of the BIOL 3520 course, Cell Physiology, project data was documented, analyzed, and presented to the class.
Instrumental Analysis Project – Fall 2024
As a requirement of the CHEM 3170 course, Instrumental Analysis, collaborated with another undergraduate student to design an experiment for the determination of methylparaben in lotion by capillary electrophoresis. Data was documented, analyzed, and presented orally.
NSERC USRA – Summer 2024
Worked with Dr. Jonathan Van Hamme to try and discover an anaerobic bacteria that was capable of PFAS degradation and to sequence the complete genome for Rhodococcus sp. JVH1. After analyzing optical density and fluoride ion release data, concluded no anaerobic bacteria capable of PFAS degradation were present in experimental cultures. Nanopore sequencing data was analyzed and the complete genome for JVH1 was published on the National Centre for Biotechnology Information database.