Inspired by nature,
I seek to expand our current repertoire of technology by looking at innovations that have been optimized over millions of years of evolutionary processes.
Driven by curiosity,
I strive for a deeper understanding of the parts of our global ecosystem and their interactions.
Powered by love,
I stand with those that fight for their space in a world built on systems that were not made for them.
Currently looking for a post-doctoral research position to study protein-material interactions!
Currently looking for a post-doctoral research position to study protein-material interactions!
Areas of Expertise
Atomic force microscopy
With a “nanofinger that allows us to touch the nanoworld” (Chen 2022, Advanced Materials Interfaces), I saw how quagga mussel byssal proteins spread onto a surface and “poked” them to measure the adhesive forces.
Protein purification
I collected live freshwater mussels from Lake Ontario and extracted byssal proteins via selective precipitation and high-performance liquid chromatography.
Proteomics analysis
Using recently sequenced transcriptomic and genomic information, I helped curate the freshwater mussel byssal proteome and identified a set of adhesive protein candidates.
Current Project
Identification and biophysical characterization of freshwater mussel wet adhesive proteins.
At the University of Toronto with Professor Eli D. Sone
Published article: doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2537453123
Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering
Doctoral Thesis Supervisor: Professor Eli D. Sone
University of Toronto
- in progress -
Honours Bachelor of Science, Integrated Science
Chemical Biology Minor
Mathematics Minor
Honours Thesis Supervisor: Professor Jose M. Moran-Mirabal
McMaster University
Education
Speaker and Project Management Lead
Science is a Drag
November 2024 - present
Teaching Assistant, Biological and Bioinspired Materials
JMB1050, University of Toronto
September 2024 - December 2025
Independent Biomaterials Consultant
Perimeter Medical Imaging AI
December 2024 - March 2025
Teaching Assistant, Dental Sciences
HMB474, University of Toronto
September 2024 - April 2025
Presenter-Performer “Kwaga Musselle”
Science is a Drag - 5th Annual Science-Themed Drag Show
June 2024
Journalist
Elemental Magazine - The University of Toronto’s Official Mental Health Magazine, Issue 11
2023 - 2024
Communications Director
Canadian Biomaterials Society Toronto Student Chapter
2021 - 2023
Vice President of Academics
Integrated Science Society, McMaster University
2016 - 2017
Founder and President
McMaster Undergraduate Academic Astronomy Club, McMaster University
2014 - 2016
Amateur Classical Piano Student
Various Repertoire including Beethoven Sonata 13 and Chopin Nocturne in D-flat, Studio of Rudin Lengo
2021 - present
Flutist and Librarian
McMaster University Concert Band
2013 - 2017
Other Work
3-Minute Thesis Finalist
University of Toronto 3-Minute Thesis Competition
2024
Best Oral Presentation (Graduate Student Fundamental Science Category)
University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry Research Day
2024
Best Oral Presentation
Canadian Biomaterials Society 38th Annual Meeting in Halifax
2023
Best Molecular Engineering Poster Presentation
Toronto Biomedical Engineering Conference
2022
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Postgraduate Scholarship, Doctoral Program
University of Toronto, Government of Canada
2021 - 2024
Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology
University of Toronto, Government of Ontario
2019 - 2020
Wildcat PhD Fellowship and Graduate Scholarship
University of Toronto, Institute of Biomedical Engineering
2019 - 2021
Barbara and Frank Milligan Graduate Fellowship
University of Toronto, Institute of Biomedical Engineering
2018
Selected Awards and Honours