Research interests
My research focuses on a specific nucleic acid duplex known as the parallel stranded, polyadenosine duplex which forms as a result of Hoogsteen-Hoogsteen base pairing interactions under specific conditions. I am looking at specific modifications to the sugar residue in an attempt to stabilize this duplex, allowing for additional molecules to be coupled to the duplex exterior. This duplex is a focus of investigation because it has potential applications as a pH responsive nucleic acid nanomaterial.
Previous work
During my BSc. I worked under Dr. Juan C. Scaiano at the University of Ottawa developing new cobalt and molybdenum sulfide based photocatalysts as a replacement for commonly used platinum group metals for applications in organic synthesis. As a member of the Institute for Cooperative Education at Concordia University I also had the opportunity to work at Agilent Technologies and Maxxam Analytics.
Selected awards and scholarships
- Hydro Québec Graduate Scholarship (2019)
- Reactive Intermediates Student Exchange (RISE) Canada Scholarship (2018)
- Shuffle Entrance Scholarship (2015)
Other interests
Rock climbing, hiking, guitar.