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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: nemery@trentu.ca 
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Dr. Emery is one of the world’s leading experts in the study of plant hormones. In particular, he works on a family of hormones, the cytokinins, which are notoriously difficult to analyze and which are potent regulators of plant development even when present at extremely low concentrations. In his work with legumes he is studying how the plants biochemically pull themselves together as a means of determining how to create bigger, more stable yields. The end users of research findings would be breeders of plants who he could give direction for making better varieties of each plant.
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Postdoctoral Fellows
Ph.D. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Email: erinmorrison@trentu.ca |
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. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
M.Sc. Biology, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica Email: ainselylewis@trentu.ca |
Dr. Ainsely Lewis
Mandeville, Jamaica 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. |
Ph.D. Candidates
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Mark Seegobin
Barrie, Canada Mark completed his undergraduate degree at Trent, where he majored in both Forensic Science and Biology. He completed a fourth year thesis characterizing effector proteins of the model corn smut Ustilago maydis. During this time, Mark also began working with Noble Inc. investigating potential uses of nanosilver particles in the treatment of cancer. Today Mark is still working with cancer, specifically investigating expression of endogenous hormones and their roles in cellular development. His goal is to understand how hormones can be used to better understand and treat cancer.
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Ph.D. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Hons. B.Sc. Biology & Forensic Science, Trent University
Email: markseegobin@trentu.ca
Hons. B.Sc. Biology & Forensic Science, Trent University
Email: markseegobin@trentu.ca
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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 the phenomenon of adduct formation in electrospray ionization. During this time, he became well acquainted with the biochemistry of flavonoids. Currently, Daniel continues to work with flavonoid-like compounds and is focusing on the use of mass spectrometry for metabolite profiling in plant, bacterial, and fungal tissues to better understand the biochemical dynamics of plant-microbe interactions.
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Ph.D. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Hons. B.Sc. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Trent University
Email: danielpalberg@trentu.ca
Hons. B.Sc. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Trent University
Email: danielpalberg@trentu.ca
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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
M.Sc. Agronomy and Plant Breeding, University of Tehran
Email: zeynazimychetabi@trentu.ca
M.Sc. Agronomy and Plant Breeding, University of Tehran
Email: zeynazimychetabi@trentu.ca
Ph.D. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Hons. B.Sc. Forensics Science. Trent University Email: emmakaszecki@trentu.ca |
Emma Kaszecki
Burlington, Canada Emma completed her undergraduate degree at Trent University where she majored in Forensic Science. During her fourth year, she conducted a community-based research project for the Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee about the viability of building a tiny home community in Peterborough to help address the homelessness crisis. 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. This research is hoping to inform how microorganisms can be utilized as an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and economical biotechnology for remediating areas that have been contaminated with heavy metals.
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M.Sc. Students
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Vedanti Ghatwala
Surat, India 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.
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M.Sc. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Hons. B.Sc. Biology (Health Sciences Specialization), Trent University
Email: vedantighatwala@trentu.ca
Hons. B.Sc. Biology (Health Sciences Specialization), Trent University
Email: vedantighatwala@trentu.ca
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Peter Andreas
Peterborough, Canada 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.
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M.Sc. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
Hons. B.Sc. Biology, Trent University
Biotechnology Advanced Diploma Program Fleming College
Email: peterandreas@trentu.ca
Hons. B.Sc. Biology, Trent University
Biotechnology Advanced Diploma Program Fleming College
Email: peterandreas@trentu.ca
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Kimberly Molina Bean
Aguascalientes, Mexico 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.
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M.Sc. Candidate. Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University
B.Sc. Biotechnology Engineering, Tec de Monterrey
Email: kimberlymolinabean@trentu.ca
B.Sc. Biotechnology Engineering, Tec de Monterrey
Email: kimberlymolinabean@trentu.ca
B.Sc. Students
Currently no individuals in this position.
Research Volunteers & Assistants
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Michael Capperauld
Whitby, Canada 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.
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Hons. B.Sc. Student. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Trent University
Email: michaelcapperauld@trentu.ca
Email: michaelcapperauld@trentu.ca
Alumni
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: meganarnoldussen@trentu.ca 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