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Prof. Neil EmeryB.Sc. (Queen’s University),
Ph.D. (University of Calgary) Office: LHS C235 Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7312 Email: [email protected] 
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Dr. R. J. Neil Emery is a Professor of Biology at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Queen's University and his Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the University of Calgary. Dr. Emery is renowned for his research on plant hormones, particularly cytokinins. His work focuses on understanding how these hormones regulate plant growth and development, with practical applications such as enhancing crop seed yields. Additionally, his research has expanded to explore the presence and roles of these hormones in various non-plant organisms, including algae, fungi, bacteria, protists, insects, mammals, and human cell lines. This interdisciplinary approach aims to uncover the significance of plant hormones across different life forms and their potential roles in inter-organism communication. Throughout his career, Dr. Emery has contributed extensively to the scientific community, authoring numerous publications that delve into the complexities of plant physiology and biochemistry. His research has provided valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms of hormone signaling and their broader implications across various biological systems.
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Postdoctoral Fellows
Ph.D. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Email: [email protected] |
Dr. Erin N. Morrison (Lab Manager)
Peterborough, Canada Erin's foundational PhD (2016) research in plant pathogen interactions reshaped how we view cytokinin production in fungi and other microbes. As an Adjunct Faculty (2020) in the Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program at Trent University she has had the opportunity to continue in academic research and teaching while also working in a biotechnology startup company. Her years in industry focused on enhancing the growth and development of a novel microalgae used in food production as well as patent development, managing a team of scientists and streamlining regulatory pipelines. Dr. Morrison’s expertise expands into areas including plant pathology, molecular biology, metabolic pathway mapping and microbial interactions.
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Ph.D.
M.Sc. Email: zhiyongzhang@trentu.ca |
Dr. Zhiyong Zhang
Beijing, China In charge of genome editing and new cell line development and improvement, and collaborations with biotech industries. From Beijing of China, Zhiyong has broad professional experience in both top academia and frontier biotech industries domestically in Canada and internationally: Used to work in The Genetics Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Associate Professor), Max-Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (Research Scientist), University of California – Davis (Postdoc), Performance Plants (Senior Scientist), Sevita International (Senior Scientist), Noblegen (Principal Geneticist), and Funglyn (Senior Scientist).
Zhiyong has established and continue developing the highly efficient systems and pipelines for molecular genomics, genetic engineering, molecular diagnostics, and genome editing of various living species – especially plants (Soybean, Arabidopsis) and single cell eukaryotes (Euglena). |
Doctoral Candidates
Ph.D. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Hons. B.Sc. Biology & Forensic Science, Trent University Email: [email protected] |
Mark Seegobin
Barrie, Canada Mark completed his undergraduate degree at Trent, where he majored in both Forensic Science and Biology. Currently, Mark is investigating the role of signaling molecules known as cytokinins in vertebrate systems and their virostatic potential. While most commonly acknowledged as plant hormones, he hopes to provide more insight on the nature of cytokinins in animalia and how they may be used to study viral kinetics - perhaps even as a platform for antiviral development. In 2024, Mark poured his passion for all things virus-related into developing BIOL 4260 (Virology) which has been reintroduced into the Trent curriculum having after an 8 year hiatus. Aside from his graduate studies, Mark has nearly 10 years of experience in the biotech industry working on a broad range of projects including cancer development in murine models to the application of fermentation enrichment in developing countries. Mark is co-supervised by Dr. Neil Emery and Dr. Craig Brunetti.
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Ph.D. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Hons. B.Sc. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Trent University Email: [email protected] |
Daniel Palberg
Caledon, Canada Daniel completed his undergraduate degree at Trent University where he majored in biochemistry. He completed a fourth year thesis in the Department of Chemistry characterizing adduct formation in electrospray ionization. During this time, he became well acquainted with the biochemistry of flavonoids. Currently, Daniel works on examining chemical signals (metabolites & hormones) at the interface between plants and phytopathogens using mass spectrometry. Daniel's work focuses on the use of living organisms to control the proliferation of plant disease (biological control). He has been a visiting scholar in the Department of Crop Protection at BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany), and the Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC), University of Florida (Homestead, Fl, USA).
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Ph.D. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
M.Sc. Agronomy and Plant Breeding, University of Tehran Email: [email protected] |
Zeynab Azimychetabi
Tehran, Iran Zeynab has always been fascinated by every aspect of nature, especially medicinal plants. She conducted research on the effects of some phytohormones on the two main genes that initiate the flowering of Damask Rose for her Master’s thesis in the University of Tehran. At the heart of her specific research enthusiasm lies an interest in improving plants for medicinal purposes focusing on the rules of plant hormones on this matter. For her Ph.D. thesis she will perform experiments regarding secondary metabolites and hormone relationships, genes involved in the biosynthesis of these metabolites and elucidation of their pathway to improve their production in microbial hosts.
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Ph.D. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Hons. B.Sc. Forensics Science. Trent University Email: [email protected] |
Emma Kaszecki
Burlington, Canada Emma completed her undergraduate degree at Trent University where she majored in Forensic Science. Currently, Emma is investigating the heavy metal tolerance of the alga Euglena mutabilis, which was isolated from a gold mine in Timmins, Ontario along with symbiotic fungi and bacteria. Emma is interested in exploring the interactions between these organisms using genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic approaches to elucidate why they can survive in a toxic environment. She was a visiting scholar at the University of Nottingham (Biodiscovery Institute). Emma is co-supervised by Dr. Emery and Dr. Barry Saville.
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Ph.D. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Hons. B.Sc. Biochemistry, Trent University Email: galairprevost@trentu.ca |
Galair Prevost
St. John's, Antigua Galair completed her B.Sc. in Biochemistry at Trent University. During her fourth year, she completed an honours thesis investigating the potential impact of COVID-19 on the physical and mental health of Trent students. After graduating, she continued her academic journey as an M.Sc. student in the Environmental and Life Sciences program where she worked under the supervision of Dr. Craig Brunetti investigating cytokinin inhibition of frog virus 3 (FV3) replication. Currently, Galair is expanding this project as a PhD candidate by trying to understand the mechanism behind cytokinin inhibition of viral activity. Galair is co-supervised by Dr. Emery and Dr. Brunetti.
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Ph.D. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Email: stacyjames@trentu.ca |
Stacy James
Linden, Guyana Stacy's work investigates the cosmeceutical potential of Crabwood (Carapa guianensis) seed oil, a sustainable, non-timber forest product primarily produced in indigenous communities. Her research focuses specifically on examining the oil's phytochemical and antimicrobial activities, along with those of products derived from it. A key objective of her project is to understand how different cosmeceutical manufacturing parameters influence the bioactive properties of interest, ultimately contributing to a comprehensive understanding of Crabwood seed oil's potential within the cosmeceutical sector, with consideration of its sustainable production and indigenous origins. Stacy is co-supervised by Dr. Emery and Dr. Suresh Narine.
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M.Sc. Students
M.Sc. Student. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Email: ltran@trentu.ca |
Linh Trans
Mississauga, Canada I completed my undergraduate degree at Trent University where I majored in Forensic Biology. I did a fourth year thesis where I looked at intracellular cytokinins in Giardia intestinalis, a parasitic protist that causes Beaver Fever, during encystation. Currently, I am investigating the relationship between cytokinin and the encystation process in hope of giving insight into discoveries that can lead to developments for combating the parasite's ability to infect.
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B.Sc. Students
Email: adrianguamanvargas@trentu.ca
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Adrian Guaman Vargas
Cochabamba, Bolivia I am a Conservation Biology undergrad student at Trent University with a minor in Circumpolar Studies. I come from Bolivia, where I received an extensive background on amphibian conservation and wildlife disease control. At the Emery Lab, my project focuses on Fungal Photoreceptors (such as WC-1) and their influence on physiological processes since Fungi rely on light cues from the environment for growth, sporulation, and other adaptive behaviors. Specifically, I am studying the biophysical properties of these receptors in response to light of different wavelengths. Outside of the lab, I am an oil-paint artist, a drag performer under the "Missery" persona, a creative writer, and a college ambassador for the Gzowski College office where I work on student support and community engagement. I have a passion for graphic design, paleontology, wildlife infectious disease, Arctic biology, fungal biology, botany, astrobiology, and evolutionary sciences. My favorite animal is the Ichthyosaur and my favorite plants include any kind of carnivorous plant.
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Research Volunteers & Assistants
There are currently no members in this position.
Alumni
Peter Andras
Peterborough, Canada
M.Sc. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Hons. B.Sc. Biology, Trent University
Biotechnology Advanced Diploma Program Fleming College
Email: [email protected]
Currently, I am a Professor in the Biotechnology Advanced Diploma Program at Fleming College in Peterborough. This cross-disciplinary program combines elements from the life sciences, quality control and assurance through ISO17025 regulations, applied computing, forensic science, automation, policing, and business skills. This gives graduates the benefit of having the multiple, job-ready skills that employers are seeking. The program has been developed in response to identified industry needs and a skills shortage in this field.
Peterborough, Canada
M.Sc. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Hons. B.Sc. Biology, Trent University
Biotechnology Advanced Diploma Program Fleming College
Email: [email protected]
Currently, I am a Professor in the Biotechnology Advanced Diploma Program at Fleming College in Peterborough. This cross-disciplinary program combines elements from the life sciences, quality control and assurance through ISO17025 regulations, applied computing, forensic science, automation, policing, and business skills. This gives graduates the benefit of having the multiple, job-ready skills that employers are seeking. The program has been developed in response to identified industry needs and a skills shortage in this field.
Ainsely Lewis
Mandeville, Jamaica
Ph.D. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
M.Sc. Biology, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica
Email: [email protected]
Ainsely finished the Ph.D. Program in the Environmental and Life Sciences in January 2021, where he looked on using ultra high resolution mass spectrometry to characterize Euglena gracilis as a biosorbent, and also applying it for use in rare earth element removal. He also has experience synthesizing silver monometallic and silver gold bimetallic nanoparticles and applying it to inhibit an oral pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis. Ainsely is now a postdoc in the Emery lab where he is investigating plant and bacterial metabolomics and hormonomics.
Mandeville, Jamaica
Ph.D. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
M.Sc. Biology, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica
Email: [email protected]
Ainsely finished the Ph.D. Program in the Environmental and Life Sciences in January 2021, where he looked on using ultra high resolution mass spectrometry to characterize Euglena gracilis as a biosorbent, and also applying it for use in rare earth element removal. He also has experience synthesizing silver monometallic and silver gold bimetallic nanoparticles and applying it to inhibit an oral pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis. Ainsely is now a postdoc in the Emery lab where he is investigating plant and bacterial metabolomics and hormonomics.
Vedanti Ghatwala
Surat, India
M.Sc. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
B.Sc. Biotechnology Engineering, Tec de Monterrey
Email: [email protected]
Vedanti started her undergraduate studies in India in 2017 and completed one year pursuing the program of 5-year integrated M.Sc. in Biotechnology. She transferred to Trent to continue her undergraduate degree in 2018 with a Biotechnology focus in mind. She finished a 4th year UG thesis project with Dr. Janet Yee and Dr. Neil Emery working on characterization and identification of cytokinins in Giardia intestinalis, a freshwater protozoan parasite that causes beaver fever. The aim of her research is to understand the mechanisms that control the cytokinin production by the parasite.
Surat, India
M.Sc. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
B.Sc. Biotechnology Engineering, Tec de Monterrey
Email: [email protected]
Vedanti started her undergraduate studies in India in 2017 and completed one year pursuing the program of 5-year integrated M.Sc. in Biotechnology. She transferred to Trent to continue her undergraduate degree in 2018 with a Biotechnology focus in mind. She finished a 4th year UG thesis project with Dr. Janet Yee and Dr. Neil Emery working on characterization and identification of cytokinins in Giardia intestinalis, a freshwater protozoan parasite that causes beaver fever. The aim of her research is to understand the mechanisms that control the cytokinin production by the parasite.
Katherine Healey
Ennismore, Canada
Hons. B.Sc. Student. Biomedical Sciences, Trent University
Katherine is currently completing her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at Trent University. In the Emery Lab, she is investigating an unknown emerging soybean pathogen. Katherine is working to isolate, identify and characterize the pathogen using molecular, biochemical and microbiology techniques. Through the use of various analytical tools including mass spectrometry, Katherine is examining phytohormone and metabolite dynamics in the pathogen. In her time as a member of the Emery Lab, Katherine also co-discovered anti-fungal properties of a strain of bacteria isolated from soybean and is now working with other members to pursue a technology patent. In addition to pursuing an undergraduate degree in biomedical science, Katherine is a member of the Trent Medical Professional Stream, is completing her fourth year honours thesis and works closely with graduate students in the Emery Lab to assist on various projects.
Michael Capperauld
Whitby, Canada
M.Sc. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Michael is currently completing his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry with a specialization in Health Science. In the Emery Lab, he is investigating the effect of induced magnetic fields on the development and physiochemistry of soybean seeds including notable effects on growth and yield. Through the use of various analytical tools including mass spectrometry, Michael is elucidating phytohormone and metabolite dynamics under both fixed and variable magnetic fields. In addition to pursuing an undergraduate degree in biochemistry and developing his own research project, Michael works closely with graduate students in the Emery Lab to implement new techniques.
Whitby, Canada
M.Sc. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Michael is currently completing his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry with a specialization in Health Science. In the Emery Lab, he is investigating the effect of induced magnetic fields on the development and physiochemistry of soybean seeds including notable effects on growth and yield. Through the use of various analytical tools including mass spectrometry, Michael is elucidating phytohormone and metabolite dynamics under both fixed and variable magnetic fields. In addition to pursuing an undergraduate degree in biochemistry and developing his own research project, Michael works closely with graduate students in the Emery Lab to implement new techniques.
Kimberly Molina Bean
Aguascalientes, Mexico
M.Sc. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
B.Sc. Biotechnology Engineering, Tec de Monterrey
Email: [email protected]
I am from Aguascalientes (Hotwater), Mexico. My BSc is biotechnology engineering at ITESM. During that period I did two research internships, one in vitro plant tissue culture with Mexican endogenous plant. And as MITACS student in Emery Lab to discover the production of cytokinins in the fungi Trichoderma. Currently I am doing MSc. I am studying fungi at different developmental stages by analyzing targeted and untargeted metabolites via mass spectrometry.
Aguascalientes, Mexico
M.Sc. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
B.Sc. Biotechnology Engineering, Tec de Monterrey
Email: [email protected]
I am from Aguascalientes (Hotwater), Mexico. My BSc is biotechnology engineering at ITESM. During that period I did two research internships, one in vitro plant tissue culture with Mexican endogenous plant. And as MITACS student in Emery Lab to discover the production of cytokinins in the fungi Trichoderma. Currently I am doing MSc. I am studying fungi at different developmental stages by analyzing targeted and untargeted metabolites via mass spectrometry.
Dr. Megan Aoki
Freedom, Wisconsin Ph.D. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University (2023) Hons. B.Sc. Biology and Psychology (Specialization in Health Sciences), Trent University Associate's Degree - University of Wisconsin: Fox Valley Email: [email protected] Megan completed her associate's degree at the University of Wisconsin: Fox Valley, where she started her research career working with the evolution of the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus for agricultural applications. Megan researched endogenous cytokinin biosynthesis in mammalian systems for her fourth year thesis. Her goal was to understand the biosynthesis pathways of recently identified signaling molecules. She is currently pursuing a post secondary Ph.D. Degree in the Environmental & Life Sciences program at Trent University. Megan is working with the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum, looking at specific cytokinin biosynthesis genes and localization of the gene products. |
Imesha Perera
Negombo, Sri Lanka
M.Sc, Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Impact of cover crops on soil health, soil N-dynamics, and cytokinin profiles
Negombo, Sri Lanka
M.Sc, Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Impact of cover crops on soil health, soil N-dynamics, and cytokinin profiles
Riley Clarke
London, Ontario
Hons. B.Sc. Biology, Trent University
Thesis title: Effect of phytohormones on benzylisoquinoline alkaloid synthesis in poppy species
London, Ontario
Hons. B.Sc. Biology, Trent University
Thesis title: Effect of phytohormones on benzylisoquinoline alkaloid synthesis in poppy species
Suruthe Janakan
Toronto, Ontario
Hons. B.Sc. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Trent University
Thesis title: Neurotransmitter-like molecules in plants
Toronto, Ontario
Hons. B.Sc. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Trent University
Thesis title: Neurotransmitter-like molecules in plants
Hai Ngoc Nguyen
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Phytohormone-enhanced heavy metal responses in Euglena gracilis: Ni, Pb and Cd uptake and associated hormone and metabolome profiles
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Phytohormone-enhanced heavy metal responses in Euglena gracilis: Ni, Pb and Cd uptake and associated hormone and metabolome profiles
Dr. Thien Nguyen
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ph.D. Trent University
Thesis title: The involvement of endogenous plant hormones in the regulatory network of fatty acid biosynthesis in soybean seed
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ph.D. Trent University
Thesis title: The involvement of endogenous plant hormones in the regulatory network of fatty acid biosynthesis in soybean seed
Nourhene Grich
Matmata, Gabes, Tunisia
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Biosynthesis and impact of cytokinins on growth of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus
Matmata, Gabes, Tunisia
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Biosynthesis and impact of cytokinins on growth of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus
Julia Hubert
Ottawa, Ontario
Hons. B.Sc. Forensics Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Identification and characterization of cytokinins in Giardia intestinalis
Ottawa, Ontario
Hons. B.Sc. Forensics Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Identification and characterization of cytokinins in Giardia intestinalis
Aaron Dain
Kingston, Ontario
Hons. B.Sc, Biology, Trent University
Thesis title: The role of cytokinin and ABA on shaping root morphology in microgravity
Kingston, Ontario
Hons. B.Sc, Biology, Trent University
Thesis title: The role of cytokinin and ABA on shaping root morphology in microgravity
Dr. Erin N. Morrison
Peterborough, Ontario
Ph.D. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Fungi and cytokinins: Investigating the impact of cytokinins on fungal development and disease progression in the Ustilago maydis - Zea mays pathosystem
Peterborough, Ontario
Ph.D. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Fungi and cytokinins: Investigating the impact of cytokinins on fungal development and disease progression in the Ustilago maydis - Zea mays pathosystem
Alexandra Kuhne
Peterborough, Ontario
M.Sc, Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: The effects of recycled media on culture growth and hormone profiles in heterotrophic Euglena gracilis
Peterborough, Ontario
M.Sc, Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: The effects of recycled media on culture growth and hormone profiles in heterotrophic Euglena gracilis
Tamzida Rahman
Dhaka, Bangladesh
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Cytokinins in nematodes: the potential role of cytokinins in soybean (Glycine max) resistance to soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines)
Dhaka, Bangladesh
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Cytokinins in nematodes: the potential role of cytokinins in soybean (Glycine max) resistance to soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines)
Cody Butler
Barrie, Ontario
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: cis-Cytokinins from the tRNA-degradation pathway impact the phenotype and metabolome of Arabidopsis thaliana: evidence from AtIPT2 and AtIPT9 null mutants
Barrie, Ontario
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: cis-Cytokinins from the tRNA-degradation pathway impact the phenotype and metabolome of Arabidopsis thaliana: evidence from AtIPT2 and AtIPT9 null mutants
Ibraheem O. Alimi
Peterborough, Ontario
M.Sc, Environmental and Life Sciences, Cell Biology and Genetics, Trent University
Thesis title: Cytokinin biosynthesis, signaling and translocation during the formation of tumors in the Ustilago maydis - Zea mays pathosystem
Peterborough, Ontario
M.Sc, Environmental and Life Sciences, Cell Biology and Genetics, Trent University
Thesis title: Cytokinin biosynthesis, signaling and translocation during the formation of tumors in the Ustilago maydis - Zea mays pathosystem
Natasha Trzaskalski
Peterborough, Ontario
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: The effect of carbon source and phytohormones on the in vitro growth of Euglena gracilis
Peterborough, Ontario
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: The effect of carbon source and phytohormones on the in vitro growth of Euglena gracilis
Kira Ramphal
Toronto, Ontario
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Hormonal algae: A Source of functional fatty acids
Toronto, Ontario
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Thesis title: Hormonal algae: A Source of functional fatty acids
Taylor Gibson
Orilla, Ontario
Hons. B.Sc. Biology, Trent University
Thesis title: The role of cytokinins in the morphology of different insect-induced plant gall systems
Orilla, Ontario
Hons. B.Sc. Biology, Trent University
Thesis title: The role of cytokinins in the morphology of different insect-induced plant gall systems
Taylor Levert
Cambridge, Ontario
B.Sc. Biology, Trent University
Cambridge, Ontario
B.Sc. Biology, Trent University