Honours Proposal – Fall 2025
Currently working on an honours project supervised by Dr. Jonathan Van Hamme and Dr. Sharon Brewer to provide further insight into PFAS metabolism by NB4-1Y. The project involves quantification of mRNA levels of putative desulfonation genes over time using chip digital PCR (dPCR) when NB4-1Y is provided with various sulfur sources. Wrote an honours proposal including an extensive literature review focused on currently published dPCR methodologies and the expanding knowledge base surrounding PFAS. The results from the project will be compiled into a thesis and defended by Summer 2026.
Directed Study Report – Winter 2025
Collaborated 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). The results of this study were compiled into a written report which included a substantial literature review regarding PFAS degradation strategies and current methodologies for utilizing quantitative PCR (qPCR) and dPCR as methods for quantifying gene expression.
Biochemistry Poster – Winter 2025
Summarized an academic article regarding the metabolic role of propionate in pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency in the form of a poster presentation. Reviewed literature regarding the metabolism of propionate to better understand the topic before creating the poster. The review was done as an assignment for the BIOL 3230 Course, Biochemistry.
Research Coach Project – Fall 2023
Co-created a poster involving a literature review and article summary titled “SI-traceable purity assignment of volatile material ethylbenzene by quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy”. The poster was presented publicly at the 2024 TRU Undergraduate Research and Innovation Conference and at a TRU Research Coach event as a requirement of the CHEM 2100 course, Introductory Analytical Chemistry.