Information for and about our current graduate students is posted under the various topics listed in the menu.
If you are interested in seeing what kinds of exciting research projects are underway in DBMS, click on the links below to see lists of supervisors, their graduate students and their project titles in each program.
Students registered in a Master's program at Queen's University, with first-class standing, and who show exceptional promise in their research may be considered for promotion to a doctoral program in the same Program, without completion of the Master's degree. This is called the "Mini-Masters" program.
Current graduate students in Biochemistry and Cell Biology:
MSc Program:
Byron Hunter
Supervised by J. Allingham
Project Title: Defining the molecular basis of microtubule length regulation in Candida albicans
Alison Kinney
Supervised by Z. Jia
Project Title: Structural and Functional Characterisation of Enzymes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Human Coenzyme Q
Alexander Kocev
Supervised by I. Brockhausen/P. Davies
Project Title: Project: Biosynthesis of polysaccharide virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Nolan Neville
Supervised by Z. Jia
Project Title: Inhibition of virulence-associated polyphosphate kinase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Katherine Picott
Supervised by A. Ross/Z. Jia
Project Title: Biosynthesis of Prodiginines and Tambjamines in Pseudoalteromonas Sp.
Michael Quach
Supervised by Z. Jia
Project Title: Structural characterization of the human CoQ synthome
Christopher Richmond
Supervised by C. Funk
Project Title: Arginase- 1 Deficiency in Brain Neurons
Connor Scholl
Supervised by P. Davies
Project Title: Collembola and the Search for the Holy Grail of AFPs
Hossein Zahiri
Supervised by P. Davies
Project Title: Engineering bacterial adhesins for construction of controlled multi-cellular structures
PhD Program:
Nadia Al Ali
Supervised by A. Craig/J. Allingham
Project Title: Deconstructing inflammatory breast cancer using genome-wide CRISPR knockout screens to identify new therapeutic targets
Jacqueline Hellinga
Supervised by J. Allingham
Project Title: The mechanism of actin and microtubule polymer stabilization by the KIF14 kinesin
Marina Lochhead
Supervised by S. Smith
Project Title: Epigenetic, structural, and functional characterization of the E2A-PBX1 oncogenic transcriptional network
Christian McCartney
Supervised by P. Davies
Project Title: Following Calpain Activity in the Cell: the Development of the Peptide PLFAAR into a Fluorescent Protein-based FRET
Eduardo Reyes Alvarez
Supervised by L. Mulligan
Project Title: Intracellular trafficking of RET isoforms in normal development and cancer
Kavan Shah
Supervised by A. Craig/J. Allingham
Project Title: Effects of modulating actin dynamics on cancer metastasis
Irsa Shoukat
Supervised by J. Allingham
Project Title: Connecting motor protein roles in microtubule dynamics, mitotic spindle function, and hyphal growth of Candida abicans
Pooja Sridhar
Supervised by M. Loewen/J. Allingham
Project Title: The Role and Mechanisms of the Fusarium graminearum Ste2p Receptor in the Pathogenic Infection of Wheat
Keegan Turner-Wood
Supervised by S. Smith
Project Title: Constructing custom consummately catalytic cellulosome clusters
Tyler Vance
Supervised by P. Davies
Project Title: Adhesion Proteins: Keeping Bacteria in Their Place
Kathleen Watt
Supervised by A. Craig
Project Title: Defining targets of MicroRNA-206 relevant to metastasis in lung cancer and malignant melanoma
MD/PhD Program:
Daniel Newsted
Supervised by A. Craig
Project Title: Targeting Metastasis Using Inhibitory Anti-TBRII Antibodies
Current graduate students in Experimental Medicine
MSc Program:
Christie Boswell-Patterson
Supervised by A. Johri
Project Title: Development of a Vascularized Carotid Artery Plaque Phantom for the Investigation of Novel Ultrasound-Based Therapies
Ryan Chow
Supervised by D. Redfearn/J. Hashem/D. Maurice
Project Title: Ventricular arrhythmia risk stratification using novel signal analysis of high-resolution electrocardiograms
Isabelle Grenier-Pleau
Supervised by S. Abraham
Project Title: Investigating the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in clonal hematopoiesis
Rhiannon Hilton
Supervised by M. Ormiston
Project Title: Examining the impact of endothelial BMPR2 loss on Interleukin-15 signaling and the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Kathryn Hong
Supervised by B. Glover/D. Maurice
Project Title: Catheter Ablation of Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation: Impact on Physical Activity, Quality of Life, Burden of Arrhythmia and Recurrence
Regina-Veronicka Kalaydina
Supervised by M. Szewczuk/W. Harless
Project Title: The Role of Fucosylation in a Biochemical Method of Multicelluar Tumour Spheroid Formation from Prostate Cancer Cells
Jennifer Li
Supervised by N. Magoski
Project Title: The role of PKC in trafficking gap junction subunits in coupled Aplysia bag cell neurons
Harrison Loh
Supervised by C. Graham
Project Title: Using BioID to identify mediators of tumour malignancy in the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint interaction
Kathryn Milne
Supervised by D. O'Donnell/A. Neder
Project Title: Mechanisms of exertional dyspnea in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Alexandria Milton
Supervised by S. Zhang
Project Title: Mechanical stretch stimulates the activity of the potassium channel Kv1.5
Anne Theilmann
Supervised by M. Ormiston
Project Title: Sub-Haploinsufficiency of BMPR2 Causes a Shift in the Endothelial Proliferative and Metabolic Response to BMP9
Danai Topouza
Supervised by Q. Duan
Project Title: Biological networks modulating chemotherapy response in ovarian cancer
Jared Tschirhart
Supervised by S. Zhang
Project Title: Molecular mechanisms of fentanyl-mediated sudden death
Sandra Vincent
Supervised by J. Fisher
Project Title: The Role of Muscarinic M2 and M3 Receptor Subtypes in Cardiopulmonary Responsiveness: Insight from in vivo Murine Models
David Wassef
Supervised by N. Magoski
Project Title: Acetylcholine-evoked calcium mobilization in Aplysia neuroendocrine cells
Nancy You
Supervised by S. Zhang
Project Title: Hypoxia and Kv1.5 function
PhD Program:
Alamjeet Chauhan
Supervised by N. Magoski
Project Title: The role of reactive oxygen species in gating voltage-dependent cation channels
Jihoon Choi
Supervised by Q. Duan
Project Title: Genomic and Environmental Determinants of Lung Health and Asthma Risk
Craig Harness
Supervised by L. MacKenzie/D. Stockley
Project Title: Using whole body dissection as a postgraduate educational tool for manipulative therapists
Jodi Mackeil
Supervised by D. Maurice
Project Title: The role of cAMP in regulating endothelial tip cell formation during angiogenic sprouting
Rasha Mehder
Supervised by D. Andrew
Project Title: Microscopic Studies of a Sporadic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Bessi Qorri
Supervised by M. Szewczuk/W. Harless
Project Title: Multimodal therapeutic approach in combination with standard chemotherapeutics for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer
Manpreet Sambi
Supervised by M. Szewczuk/W. Harless
Project Title: Investigating the efficacy of multimodal therapy for the treatment of pancreatic and breast cancer
Diane Tomalty
Supervised by R. Ellis/S. Pang
Project Title: Assessing the metabolic profiles of tissues using DESI-MS
Ping Xiong
Supervised by S. Archer/ G. Smith
Project Title: Models & Molecular Mechanisms of WHO Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension
MD/PhD Program:
Laura-Eve Mantella
Supervised by A. Johri
Project Title: The VIBE Study: vascular imaging "barometer" for early detection of heart disease
Current graduate students in Microbes, Immunity, and Inflammation
MSc Program:
Courtney Bannerman
Supervised by N. Ghasemlou
Project Title: Characterization of a novel model of compression- contusion Spinal cord injury
Mallory Gallant
Supervised by A. Ellis
Project Title: Linking environmental exposures to allergic and respiratory endpoints - the ongoing study of the Kingston Allergy Birth Cohort (KABC)
Oliver Giovannitti
Supervised by K. Poole
Project Title: The effect of long-term zinc exposure on resistance to polymyxins in P. aeruginosa
Natalya Odoardi
Supervised by K. Gee
Project Title: Investigating the immunomodulatory effects of interleukin-27 on endosomal Toll-like receptors in human monocytes and macrophages
Matthew Rawls
Supervised by A. Ellis
Project Title: Clinical symptoms and biomarkers of Bermuda grass-induced allergic rhinitis using the nasal allergen challenge model
Evan Trus
Supervised by K. Gee/S. Basta
Project Title: Effects of macrophage differentiation on innate immune signaling
PhD Program:
Torki Alothaimeen
Supervised by S. Basta
Project Title: Characterization of GM-CSF macrophages immune responses during virus-host interaction
Andra Banete
Supervised by S. Basta
Project Title: The role of macrophage polarization in the regulation of immune functions against viral infections
Olena Kourko
Supervised by K. Gee
Project Title: Investigating the efficacy and mechanisms of IL-27 as a therapeutic treatment in metastatic prostate cancer
Kyle Seaver
Supervised by S. Basta/P. Greer
Project Title: Developing a prophylactic immunization model by enhancing tumor-antigen cross-presentation
Julia Segal
Supervised by N. Ghasemlou
Project Title: The circadian rhythm of pain in multiple sclerosis
Current graduate students in Reproduction and Developmental Sciences
MSc Program:
Logan Barr
Supervised by G. Smith
Project Title: Microvascular sequence of pre-eclampsia in mother and offspring
Megan Dickson
Supervised by G. Smith
Project Title: The effect of carbon monoxide on vascular adaptations during pregnancy
Morgan Lion
Supervised by R. Oko
Project Title: The functional role of the perinuclear thecas core somatic histones within the early stages of zygotic development
Peter Chun Wan Lu
Supervised by L. Winn
Project Title: The effects of in utero benzene exposure on fetal NF-KB cell signalling in CD-1 mice
Ryan Marks
Supervised by C. Tayade
Project Title: Elucidating the role of IL-33 induced macrophage polarization in the pathophysiology of endometriosis
Noor Shakfa
Supervised by M. Koti
Project Title: Cancer cell genotype associated response to STING agonist chemo-immunotherapy in an ovarian cancer model
Lindsey Symons
Supervised by C. Tayade
Project Title: Investigating the role of neutrophils in endometriosis pathophysiology
Aida Zaza
Supervised by G. Smith
Project Title: Placental programming and the risk of developing cardiovascular risk factors
PhD Program:
Lauren Hamilton
Supervised by R. Oko
Project Title: The developmental localization and functional characterization of GST02 within mammalian spermatozoa
Terry Li
Supervised by S. Pang/A. Johri
Project Title: Biomarkers and Genetic Markers for Atherosclerosis
Jessica Miller
Supervised by C. Tayade
Project Title: Understanding the role of interleukin-33 and group 2 innate lymphoid cells in the pathophysiology of endometriosis
Nicole Protopapas
Supervised by C. Graham
Project Title: Effect of aberrant inflammation during pregnancy on subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease in mothers and their offspring
Sidra Shafique
Supervised by L. Winn
Project Title: Valproic Acid induced neural tube defects in a CD1 mouse model
Sally Zhao
Supervised by F. Kan
Project Title: The role of mammalian recombinant oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) during the early events of fertilization
MD/PhD Program:
Lori Minassian
Supervised by C. Graham/R. Siemens
Project Title: Programmed Death Ligand 1 immune checkpoint-mediated stimulation of malignant phenotypes in malignant phenotypes in tumour cells
Current students in Therapeutics, Drug Development, and Human Toxicology
MSc Program:
Supervised by M. Adams/R. Holden
Project Title: Tissue phosphate kinetics in an experimental model of chronic kidney disease
Shalini Kot
Supervised by J. Walia
Project Title: Investigatng the use of immunosuppressive drugs to generate immunotolerance towards HexM following the treatment with the AAV9-HexM viral vector in Sandhoff mice
Loky Lee
Supervised by M. Adams/R. Holden
Project Title: Characterizing secondary hyperparathyroidism and resistance to vitamin D mediated suppression in an experimental model of chronic kidney disease
PhD Program:
Paulina Brzezinska
Supervised by D. Maurice
Project Title: Crosstalk between cAMP and calcium signaling on the leading edge of migrating vascular smooth muscle cells
Ahmed Elharram
Supervised by B. Bennett
Project Title: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 null mice as an oxidative stress-based model of cognitive impairment and sporadic Alzheimer's disease
Trent Holmes
Supervised by L. Winn
Project Title: Investigating Perturbations of Fetal DNA repair Following in utero Benzene exposure
Rebecca Maciver
Supervised by T. Ozolins/L. Winn/M. Adams
Project Title: Long-term consequences of resolved congenital heart defects
Amelia Shi
Supervised by C. Nicol
Project Title: The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) during breast tumour angiogenesis
Bruno Svajger
Supervised by M. Adams/R. Holden
Project Title: The Role of Phosphate in the Vascular Extracellular Matrix and its Influence on the Development of Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease
Mandy Turner
Supervised by M. Adams/R. Holden
Project Title: A translational approach to characterizing phosphate disposition in chronic kidney disease
DBMS General Graduate Representative/President of Graduate Student Council
Field Reprentatives
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Keegan Turner-Wood
Experimental Medicine
Alex Milton
Microbes, Immunity, and Inflammation
Courtney Bannerman
Reproduction and Developmental Sciences
Jessica Miller
Drug Development, Therapeutics, and Human Toxicology
Trent Holmes
Anatomical Sciences - Pattern II Program
Zain Saleem
Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences Graduate Program Awards
The Abrahams Award in Experimental Medicine
Established in March 1996 by the Abramsky Foundation to honour Dr. Vivian Abrahams, distinguished physiologist, Professor of Physiology at Queen's from 1963 to 1995 and Head of the Department from 1976 to 1988. Awarded on the basis of research excellence to funding-eligible PhD level students enrolled in the Physiology graduate program, or in the field of Experimental Medicine in the Biomedical and Molecular Sciences graduate program, who shows exceptional promise for independent research. Requests for nominations will be sent out on a once-yearly basis. Supervisors must nominate their own students. Selection will be made by the Abrahams Ph.D. Award Committee chaired by the Experimental Medicine field coordinator. Value: $1,400.
The Chen Fund for Graduate Student Travel
The Harry Abramsky Charitable Foundation Fund
Established in 1985 by the Harry Abramsky Charitable Foundation for the support and promotion of graduate student attendance at appropriate scientific meetings. Funding will be provided to graduate students enrolled in the Physiology graduate program or in the field of Experimental Medicine in the Biomedical and Molecular Sciences graduate program. Each May, applications will be solicited from supervisors of eligible students for travel which has occurred in the past 12 months. The Adjudication Committee, chaired by the Experimental Medicine field coordinator, will make appropriate decisions with regard to number and amount of the awards. Reimbursement will be made directly to the research grants involved. Value: variable.
Dr. Gerald and Marion Marks Award in Pharmacology and Human Toxicology
The Jane Poulson Memorial Award
Established in February 2004 by the Estate of Dr. Jane Poulson, B.Sc. 1974, M.Sc. 1976, with additional contributions by friends and colleagues and awarded on the basis of academic achievement to graduate students in the Therapeutics, Drug Development, and Human Toxicology field of the Biomedical and Molecular Sciences graduate program. It is awarded to a student completing his/her first year of graduate studies in the Department. The adjudication committee shall comprise three members including the graduate student representative, the graduate field coordinator, and another faculty member associated with the field. Selection will be based upon all aspects of the student's graduate endeavour including: performance in course work, progress in research (based on a one-page abstract written by the candidate), participation in seminars/journal clubs, and performance in teaching. Value: variable and plaque.
Therapeutics, Drug Development, and Human Toxicology Alumni Fellowship
The Eldon Boyd Fellowship
Established in 1972 by Professor E.M. Boyd and awarded to a graduate student(s) in the Pharmacology and Toxicology graduate program, or in the field of Therapeutics, Drug Development, and Human Toxicology in the Biomedical and Molecular Sciences graduate program. Preference will be given to a student or students with the M.D. degree wishing to pursue graduate studies in Pharmacology and Toxicology or Therapeutics, Drug development, and Human Toxicology. The Fellowship is renewable for 2 years dependent upon the student maintaining satisfactory progress. If there is no suitable candidate, the Fellowship may be awarded to a post-doctoral fellow for one year. The Therapeutics, Drug Development, and Human Toxicology field coordinator will identify the successful candidate(s) in consultation with members of the staff. Value: variable.
The Dr. Jeremy Nesheim Memorial Award in Biochemistry
The Jellinck-Lyttle Graduate Fellowship in Biochemistry
Established in July 2011 by Dr. Richard Lyttle, Ph.D. 1973 and family, in honour of Dr. P. Harry Jellinck, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry. Awarded on the basis of academic excellence to funding-eligible Masters or Ph.D. level students enrolled in the Biochemistry and Bell Biology Graduate Program or in the field of Biochemistry and Cell Biology in the Biomedical and Molecular Sciences graduate program. Relevant working experience may also be considered. Selection will be made by the Biochemistry and Cell Biology field coordinator in consultation with members of the staff. Value: variable.
The E. G. Bauman Fellowship
Awarded to doctoral students in the Departments of Biology, Economics, English, Mathematics & Statistics or the Biochemistry and Cell Biology field of the Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (DBMS) graduate program. Candidates must be registered in the first or second year of a doctoral program and students may receive the award for two years. Candidates for the awards must show exceptional promise for making significant contributions to the study of biochemistry and cell biology, economic theory and/or econometrics, English language and literature or mathematics. Candidates for the Fellowship made available through DBMS (Biochemistry and Cell Biology) are selected by the Biochemistry and Cell Biology field coordinator. Value: $15,000.
The Professors’ Award for Outstanding Graduate Work in Anatomy
Awarded to a graduate student in the second or subsequent years of study in the graduate programs of Anatomy and Cell Biology, or Anatomical Sciences (teaching program), or in a research Master’s or Ph.D. degree whose research relates to anatomical sciences including gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, histology and embryology in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding performance in research and course work. Consideration will also be given to teaching and extracurricular activities. Students must be nominated by their supervisor and can win only once in each degree program. Selection will be made by a committee consisting of the Department Head, Coordinator of Graduate Studies and two faculty members who teach Anatomy courses. Deadline for nominations is 1 April and the winner will be announced by 1 June. Value: variable.