Honours Thesis – Ongoing
Currently working on an honours project with Dr. Jonathan Van Hamme and Dr. Sharon Brewer to provide further insight into PFAS metabolism by bacterium, 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 on currently published dPCR methodologies. The results from the project will be compiled into a thesis and defended by Summer 2026.
Directed Study – 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). 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 validated assays and developed research methods will be utilized during my honours project.
Cell Physiology Project – Winter 2025
Collaborated with fellow undergraduate students to determine 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. As a requirement of the BIOL 3520 course, Cell Physiology, project data was documented, analyzed, and presented to the class. I was responsible for the methodology and results sections of the presentation.
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 (CE). Modified a solvent extraction method from literature to successfully separate the methylparaben from lotion. Data was documented, analyzed, and presented orally.
Research Assistant – Summer 2023
Began my research journey by working as a research assistant with Dr. Jonathan Van Hamme and Dr. Eric Bottos. Developed a method for extracting DNA from difficult to lyse bacteria, NB4-1Y, and for sequencing bacterial genomes using Nanopore sequencing technology. The developed method was used the following summer to sequence the genome for another bacteria, Rhodococcus sp. JVH1.