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I completed my BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry at the University of Western Ontario where I was introduced to S. cerevisiae as a model system in the laboratory of Dr. Chris Brandl. I moved to the University of Toronto where I worked as a lead technician on a proteome-wide project to map the protein interaction network in yeast with the Greenblatt and Emili research groups. Using my background in molecular biology and yeast genetics, I am working with the Conibear research group to coordinate multiple projects that relate to various mechanisms of human disease.
When not in the lab you can find me exploring the parks of BC, canoeing, camping and hiking with my family. |
I completed a BSc in Microbiology at the University of Victoria where I became interested in molecular genetics and functional genomics. I am researching the role of the GEF Vrl1 in regulating protein transport at the endosome. Endosomal protein transport is often dysregulated in neurodegenerative diseases, and using budding yeast as a model enables us to efficiently unravel disease-relevant biology and identify possible therapeutic strategies.
I spend my free time cycling and birdwatching. |
I completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours, Co-op) in Biology with a Molecular Genetics specialization at the University of Waterloo. I am studying the VPS13 gene family using yeast as a model organism. By deciphering the role of the single yeast Vps13 and its localization to membrane contact sites I hope to provide insights into the role of mutations in VPS13A-D in the neurological disorders: chorea-acanthocytosis, Cohen syndrome, early-onset Parkinson's disease and spastic ataxia.
Outside of the lab I like to go hiking and find new places to eat in Vancouver. |
I completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island, BC. Through an honours research project in the lab of Dr. Chris Nelson, I became interested in the use of high-throughput genetic approaches in S. cerevisiae to gain systems-level insight into molecular pathways. When paired with small scale biochemical characterization this is a powerful tool for discovery. In the Conibear lab I am using these strategies to study the functions of VINE, a VPS9-domain GEF and SNX-BAR coat complex that we discovered.
When not in the lab I'm usually exploring the city and surrounding beaches, visiting Vancouver Island, playing music or making craft cocktails. |
I completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Genetics with a minor in Chemistry at the University of Manitoba, writing my thesis on promoter modification in a bacterial reporter system. After graduating, I decided that I wanted to shift my focus to eukaryotic studies, specifically to find the mechanisms that underlie certain human diseases. I am currently studying the yeast Vps13 protein, attempting to find if and how it plays a role in particular autophagy or lipid transport pathways. Defects in the human homologs of this protein have been implicated in several neurological disorders, so elucidating the role of VPS13 in these pathways could help in our understanding of these complications. (Photo Credit - Rachel Spencer)
Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, listening to/playing music, and curling. |
I obtained my BSc in Biochemistry at the University of Victoria with work
experience from a Co-op at StemCell Technologies Inc. My project involves characterizing a family of depalmitoylase enzymes; ABHD17. I am working with mammalian cells, which is where my work experience comes in handy and a main reason this project was a match for me! The ABHD17 enzymes act on NRas, which is highly mutated in cancer, and the depalmitoylation of NRas could serve as a step to target as a potential cancer therapeutic. Outside of the lab I spend my time riding my horse Davey, hiking and doing yoga. |
Omer Riyadh, MSc
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Medical Student
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Sarah Truong, MSc
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Research Technician at Vancouver Prostate Centre
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Dr. Bjorn Bean
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Postdoctoral Fellow with the Martin research group at Concordia University
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Dr. Shawn Whitfield
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Postdoctoral Fellow with the Brady research group at Rockefeller University
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Alexis Shih, MSc
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PhD Student in Germany
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Ponthakorn Wonsangaroonsri
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Past international honours thesis student
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Dr. David Lin
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Postdoctoral Fellow with the Kobor research group at the University of British Columbia
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Dr. Lauren Dalton
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Undergraduate Instructor at Oregon State University
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Dr. Helen Burston
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Postdoctoral Fellow with the Rottapel research group at the University of Toronto
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