Research interests
I am currently interested in the organic synthesis of modified phosphoramidites and their use in vastly altering the properties and applications of native DNA and RNA. Specifically, phosphoramidites that can be used in a modular and photo-activated oligonucleotide drug delivery system. I am also interested in lowering the environmental impact of the synthetic routes that I develop and attempt to abide by the 12 principles of green chemistry.
Previous work
I completed my BSc. Honours Biochemistry degree at Concordia University in 2015. I remained at Concordia and completed my MSc. in Chemistry in 2018, under the supervision of Dr. Wilds. My work focused on the exploring methodologies to synthesize selenium-modified oligonucleotides for applications in X-ray crystallography. During this time, I did an internship at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tennessee) with Dr. Martin Egli, where I delved into the X-ray crystallography process, from crystal growth to data analysis.
Selected awards and scholarships
- NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship – Doctoral (March 2018)
- Miriam Aaron Roland Graduate Fellowship (March 2018)
- Centre in Green Chemistry and Catalysis (CGCC) Graduate Scholarship (November 2017)
Other interests
Travelling, soccer, billiards, movies, video games.