Emily Burt, Guigueno Lab
Emily Burt, I am an MSc student entering the Guigueno Lab who is passionate about birds and behavioural ecology. Following an Honours project at McGill studying the foraging behaviour of red-breasted mergansers, I wanted to pursue research on this species and their fascinating reproductive strategy, conspecific brood parasitism (CBP). CBP is when an individual, the parasite, lays their eggs in the nest of another individual, the host, of the same species. For myMaster’s thesis, I am investigating the role of kin selection in the evolution of conspecific brood parasitism and how it dictates host-parasite interactions using behavioural observation and molecular parentage analyses. Outside of the lab, I enjoy birding and spending time with and caring for her chickens and other pets.
Alyssa Centonza-Brenie, Zetka Lab
Alyssa Centonza-Brenie, Iam an MSc student in Zetka lab. Previously I obtained a BSc in Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill. During my degree, I discovered that my interests steered towards developmental and molecular biology leading me to a genetics lab; combining the best of both worlds! All life begins with the production of two gametes that fuse, then cycle through divisions to produce a multicellular organism. For this to occur, fertility must be taken into consideration. A core cellular aspect in fertility is the reductive cell division process termed meiosis. Broadly, I am interested in how fertility can be affected at a molecular level, when stages in meiosis are disrupted. In Zetka lab, we use genetic approaches to study the function and localization of proteins involved in prophase I of the model organism C. elegans. My research will focus on the roles of proteins involved in the cross-over pathways and how they affect fertility when manipulated. This project will involve using CRIPR-Cas9 gene editing, immunostaining, and cytological analysis of the C. elegans gonad. When not in the lab, I can be found tending to my plants or fur babies Delta, Finn, and Ollie. I also enjoy trying new recipes (savoury or sweet) and relaxing with a good book or show.
Michelle Cheng, Gregory-Eaves Lab
Michelle Cheng, I am interested in studying lake history written by nature (i.e., digging sediment cores). My PhD project focuses on reconstructing sockeye salmon ecosystem dynamics by applying both the traditional paleolimnological proxies (e.g., subfossil diatoms) and a new genetic tool (i.e., sedimentary DNA). I did my undergraduate at McGill in Geography (2017-2020) and then my MSc at Queen’s University in Biology (2020-2022). I love animals, especially dogs. I like a wide range of baked goods and coffee, especially croissants and oat latte. I prefer staying indoor, watching movies and playing games. Academic keywords: Paleolimnology, Diatoms, Sedimentary DNA. Personal keywords: Dogs, ISFJ, Taurus-Virgo.
Catalina Claus, Ricciardi Lab
Catalina Claus, My name is Catalina, and I am a new MSc student in the Ricciardi lab. I recently finished my studies at the University of Ottawa, where I studied biology with a specialty in ecology, evolution and animal behavior. For my research, I will be focusing on the interactive effects of climate change and goldfish invasion. Goldfish are native to Asia but have spread to North America mainly through aquaculture release. Using the functional response approach, an approach that compares feeding rates, I aim to predict their impact by comparing pet-store and wild goldfish consumption at varying temperatures.
Ty Colvin, Ricciardi Lab
I am an incoming PhD student in the Ricciardi Lab. I am broadly interested in benthic community ecology, particularly how anthropogenic stressors affect benthic diversity and community structure, and the consequences for ecosystem functioning. I completed my H.BSc at Lakehead University, and recently finished an MSc in Biology at Memorial University, where I studied marine benthic invertebrate communities in nearshore seagrass beds. At McGill, I will be investigating long-term changes in benthic invertebrate diversity and community structure and relating changes to points in time in which species invasions have occurred and climate warming thresholds.
Brielle Comartin,Ricciardi Lab
Brielle Comartin,I am interested in studying invasive species in freshwater ecosystems, combining both of my passions of conservation & aquatic ecology. For my MSc., I will be studying the impacts of zebra mussels at Lac Memphrémagog on native unionid mussels, and potentially their influence on the benthic invertebrate community and the impacts up the food chain to higher trophic level fishes. I completed my BSc in biodiversity and conservation biology at Western University in Southern Ontario, near my hometown of Windsor. My hobbies include backcountry camping, hiking, birding, scuba diving, and eating really good food.
Erin Francispillai, Chapman Lab
Erin Francispillai, My name is Erin Francispillai, and I am a new MSc student in the Chapman Lab. I grew up in Ottawa and recently finished my H.BSc (Environmental Sciences) at the University of Ottawa. I am very interested in conservation and freshwater ecology, and I am excited to incorporate both while working with the Chapman Lab. The lab's research integrates studies on the morphology and physiology of fishes with their ecology and evolution to understand the effects of environmental stressors. I will be helping progress current studies on deforestation-inducing warming in streams and its consequences on fish performance and fitness traits. I hope to analyze any divergences in cyprinid fish phenotypes via plastic and/or heritable change (e.g., larger gills or reduced body size) as a result of varying levels of stream turbidity and hypoxia (low oxygen) due to surrounding deforestation events.
Veronica Groves, Chapman Lab
Veronica Groves, I am Veronica, an incoming PhD student in the Chapman lab, and returning McGill alum! I completed my H.BSc (Agri. Envr.) at McGill in 2020, where I participated in the Africa Field Study Semester and researched impacts of overfishing on a commercially important African cyprinid. I recently obtained my MSc. from Concordia University under the supervision of Dr. Grant Brown, where I studied the impacts of multiple stressors on guppy cognition. Broadly, I am passionate about conservation, fish ecology, and freshwater biology. My PhD research will combine these passions and build upon my prior research experience to study how multiple stressors interact to impact the physiology, morphology, and behavior of freshwater fishes. My study species range from Canadian species at risk in Southern Ontario, to cichlids impacted by an invasive predator in Uganda, East Africa. This diversity provides a rich opportunity to address complex ecological issues in socially relevant contexts. My hobbies include spending weekends at the cottage, reading a novel a week, and perfecting my focaccia recipe. Personal website
Nikolai Ho, Schöck Lab
Nikolai Ho, I am an incoming MSc student in Prof. Schöck’s Lab who will be studying myofibrillar assembly in Drosophila; in particular, the role of the protein Zasp. These findings can be helpful in developing novel diagnostic methods and therapies for Zasp-related cardiomyopathies and myofibrillar myopathies in humans. Originally from Vancouver, I completed my undergraduate degree in 2022 at the University of Toronto in stem cell and developmental biology, and mathematics. My hobbies include playing the piano and composing, painting landscapes, listening to audiobooks or podcasts, and numerous sports including rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding.
Megan Hutchings, Ricciardi Lab
After finishing my undergraduate degree in Marine and Freshwater Biology at the University of Guelph, I joined the Ricciardi lab to complete my master’s degree. For my MSc research, I will be using predictive methods to determine the potential impacts of emerging and existing aquatic invasive species in the St. Lawrence River: the Tubenose goby (Proterorhinus semilunaris) and the Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus). Furthermore, I will examine how climate change will affect the future invasion success of both species, using a comparative functional response approach to quantify prey consumption as a function of prey density. This will allow interpretation of the per capita effects of these invaders on native prey species. In parallel, I will examine both species’ capacity to perform and survive in increasing water temperatures by measuring Critical Thermal maximum (CTmax). In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, exploring the city of Montréal, and going to the gym.
Elena Jurczak, Roy Lab
Elena Jurczak, My name is Elena and I am starting my PhD in the Roy Laboratory this fall. I am from France and Italy, and I completed my Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill in the spring of 2022. I have been part of the Roy Lab for the past two years, working on elucidating the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of small RNA homeostasis in C. elegans. I am excited to continue working on this project throughout my PhD to further our understanding of small RNA-mediated intercellular communication.
Akhil Kholwadwala, Barrettand Shapiro Labs
Akhil Kholwadwala, I am a PhD student in the Barrett and Shapiro labs. Using the LEAP mesocosm as a model, I am interested in researching the adaptation of aquatic communities and individual species to a plurality of anthropogenic stressors and their synergistic effects. I am also interested in looking at the predictability of evolution within the context of this system. I have a BSc. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Rochester, where I conducted research on the evolution of polymorphic and polyphenic traits – such as color and wing morph – in aphids. Outside of research, I enjoy baking, playing board games, hiking, and reading books.
Maria Milioara Manea, Dankort Lab
Maria Milioara Manea, I am studying how oncogenes can induce senescence in tumor cells of various densities through the release of soluble signaling factors. We use genetically modified mouse models, the current gold standard for cancer modeling, as well as cell culture experiments, genetic screens, and sequencing techniques. I have a bachelor’s degree in immunology and microbiology from McGill University and got my first hands-on lab experience during the pandemic when I understood the importance of research and discovered my passion. This year, I am joining Dr. Dankort’s lab as an MSc student. Outside of school and the lab, I enjoy writing, cooking, and watching shows or movies with family and friends.
Seph Marshall-Burghardt, Hayer Lab
Seph Marshall-Burghardt, Hi, I’m joining Arnold Hayer’s lab as a 1st year MSc candidate. We investigate the molecular mechanisms required to achieve functional coupling and coordination between collectively migrating cells. I’m planning to focus on how the activation/inhibition of key RhoGTPases Rho, Rac, and Cdc42 regulates local membrane protrusions and retractions. In earlier research with the Hayer lab, I found evidence that cell-edge Rho dynamics display hallmark characteristics of an excitable system, an exciting future direction. I grew up in Toronto and studied Biology and Math at McGill for my undergraduate degree. Outside the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, or anything outdoors really, including park beers with friends. I’m passionate about climate justice and student-led activism.
Timea Papp,Dankort Lab
Timea Papp,Since the beginning of my undergraduate degree at McGill, I have been interested in the molecular underpinnings of biological systems. This interest led me to continue at McGill and pursue my graduate degree in the Dankort lab, where mouse models are used to study lung adenocarcinomas. I love how this kind of research combines the work of a scientist and detective at such a miniature scale, uncovering tiny mysteries that are completely ubiquitous, and yet invisible to all but the most careful observer. Outside the lab, I love to try all kinds of creative projects, from writing and baking, to drawing and sewing.
Jennifer Pham,Gregory-Eaves Lab
Jennifer Pham,I am a first year MSc student joining the Gregory-Eaves Lab this Fall 2022! My project consists of understanding how zooplankton community structures have changed through time and space using lake sediment cores collected throughout Canada. I am interested in understanding how biodiversity changes with various anthropogenic activities in aquatic systems. I also recently completed my undergraduate at McGill as an Honours Biology Major. I had spent my last year in the Ricciardi Lab looking at the functional responses of various populations of the Virile crayfish, Faxonius virilis, and the Marbled crayfish, Procambarus virginalis, to compare their resource consumption levels under climate warming. In my free time I like to go on nature walks, go out for brunch, and visit museums.
Noor Randhawa, Moon Lab
Noor Randhawa, My MSc project in the Moon lab is centered on understanding molecular and cell biology processes in Drosophila, specifically microexon splicing and looking at a variety of RNA binding proteins involved in regulation of pre-RNA splicing in different tissues. We also study the role E2F proteins in cell cycle regulation and endocycling. On my free time I like to read philosophy books, articles, or anything that will make me think/challenge my view of things. I also love being in nature, drinking an unhealthy amount of iced coffee, looking at memes, listening to Taylor swift and watching wholesome movies/documentaries.
Adithi Rao, Reader and Sakata Labs
Adithi Rao, I am Adithi, an incoming MSc student in the Reader Lab and the Sakata Songbird Lab, here at McGill. I completed my undergraduate degrees in Life Sciences and Education in India, which is where I have been for most of my life. Over the duration of my program, I worked with the Nature Conservation Foundation, a research organization, to study the spatial distribution and behavioral patterns of pheasants in the high-altitude regions of the trans-Himalayan landscape, using long-term camera trap data. This project combined two things I am very passionate about – conservation and birds! My background in education has also allowed me to pass these interests on to younger children, when teaching in the classroom. At McGill, I will be studying the neural underpinnings of learning, in guppies. When I’m not working, I am usually birdwatching, swimming, or playing music. I love being outdoors – anything that has to do with being around nature is extremely appealing to me! Personal website
Aleksei Sychterz, Cristescu Lab
Aleksei Sychterz, I am an incoming Molecular Biology PhD student joining the Cristescu lab this year. I am originally from the States (Maine), but I did my Undergrad in Nova Scotia and would like to stay in Canada for the foreseeable future. During my Undergrad, I specialized in RNA and will be continuing this work at McGill. Right now, I am working to extract and qualify environmental RNA from zooplankton to assess the effect of access nutrients on their biology. In the future, I hope to work in pioneering soil eRNA work. Outside of the lab, you can find me exploring the city, playing board games, or boring people with random historical facts.
Long Truong-Ong, Hekimi Lab
Long Truong-Ong, My name is Long. I recently finished my undergraduate degree in Biology at Université de Montréal, and I am currently starting my MSc in Biology in the Hekimi Lab. The lab’s research focuses on using mutants of Caenorhabditis elegans and mice to study aging. I am interested in every aspect of aging, like the causes of aging, the mechanism of aging at the macroscopic and microscopic scale, other unknown consequences of aging, etc. In my free time, I enjoy learning about anything, as long it is well presented, researched thoroughly or entertaining. I especially like science-fiction, critiques, and any kind of analysis, including but not limited to fictional stories, real life economy, politics, and history.
Shriram Varadarajan, Leung lab
Shriram Varadarajan, My name is Shriram and I am an MSc student at the Leung lab. I grew up in Singapore with a strong interest in birdwatching and the interaction between wildlife and the built environment. I did my BSc here at McGill and have been part of the Leung lab as a research technician for a few years, mostly focusing on hydrological modeling in (i) PEI, in relation to eutrophication, and (ii) in Panama, in relation to integrated sustainability modeling under climate change scenarios. I would like to gain a deeper understanding of landscape ecology and will be focusing on connectivity models of animal movement for my MSc, but also carrying forward my previous work when opportunities arise. In my spare time I like reading, cooking, and exploring the city.
Elizabeth Weller, Cristescu Lab
Elizabeth Weller, My name is Liz, and I am starting my PhD in the Cristescu lab this fall. I am from Connecticut, USA and completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Florida with a marine science degree. During my undergraduate degree, I worked in the Behringer lab on a project trying to isolate the specific proteins in spiny lobster urine that is linked to olfactory signaling. Now in the Cristescu lab, I plan to work with environmental RNA found in marine sediment. The goal is to use the sediment samples to identify pelagic species. Outside of research and school, I am a scuba instructor. I have worked in the British Virgin Islands, Florida, and Connecticut over the past 4 years. I also enjoy running, sailing, snowboarding, and drinking coffee.
Eric Wootton, Barrett Lab
Eric Wootton, I completed an H.BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Trent University in 2022. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I was actively involved in various research projects focused on the population genetics of North American ungulates as well as app development for science education. I received three NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs) to work under Dr. Aaron Shafer (Trent University). For my undergraduate thesis, I investigated the genomic health of three demographically divergent ungulates: white-tailed deer, mountain goats, and caribou. I was also the co-president of the Undergraduate Chemistry Society at Trent University. In September 2022, I started my PhD studies with the Barrett lab at McGill University. My work focuses on the epigenetic modifications experienced by three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) when the species is naturally subjected to changes in salinity. I am currently funded by an NSERC Canadian Graduate Scholarship (CGS).
Sara Zdanovskis, Weber Lab
Sara Zdanovskis, Hi! My name is Sara and I have recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in honours biology at McGill. My heart and soul are enveloped in euphoria just at the thought of cellular biology, which is why I am so excited to be working on the nucleolus within embryonic cells of C. elegans in the Weber Lab. I have already had the opportunity to work in the Weber Lab for my honour’s project. My project revolved around understanding the movement of detached centrosomes in embryos depleted of the SUN-1/ZYG-12 LINC complex. I will continue this project by shifting my focus to the behaviour of a different organelle, the nucleolus. Ultimately, considering this LINC complex attaches the centrosomes to the nucleus throughout embryogenesis, I am interested in how different organelles respond to the loss of this critical complex. Otherwise, at heart, I am an old little lady who loves knitting and reading in my rocking chair. Also, I am MADLY in love with my dog.
Sophia (Yi Qing) Zhao, Ohyama Lab
Sophia (Yi Qing) Zhao, For my MSc project in the Ohyama lab,I will be working on neural circuitry in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly).During my undergraduate studies at UBC, I worked on a research project that studied the effect of visual and audio cues on risky decision-making, with modifications to the activities of the orbital prefrontal cortex in rats - or the more exciting way to say it, we taught rats how to gamble and gave them drugs to change their performance! For my current project, I will be furthering the research on Drosophila larvae as a model organism for neural circuitry. Previous work from Dr. Ohyama and colleagues identified neurons essential to the nocifensive behaviour - rolling to escape danger - of larvae, and I will be building upon their previous discoveries. When I am not actively working on the next deadline, I enjoy a healthy dose of milk tea, gaming, hikes, and various arts and crafts projects.
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