Research interests
My research investigates the reaction of the DNA repair protein O6-alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) towards DNA structures containing intrastrand cross-links. Using multi-step organic synthesis I prepare modified nucleosides that are incorporated into oligonucleotides by solid-phase synthesis. The susceptibility of these cross-linked oligonucleotides to undergo repair by the AGT protein is evaluated. These studies expand our knowledge of the substrates that can be processed by this protein.
Previous work
I completed my BSc. Major Chemistry - Bio-organic at McGill University in 2010. After working for a few years in industry, I joined Dr. Wilds’ laboratory in 2014 to pursue a MSc. in Chemistry investigating various chemical modifications to the ribose sugar to evaluate their influence on the formation of the parallel stranded duplex formed by polyadenosine. I defended my MSc. thesis in 2016 and then continued my graduate education as a PhD. candidate with Dr. Wilds.
Selected awards and scholarships
- Concordia Merit Scholarship (2018)
- Concordia University Arts and Science Graduate Entrance Fellowship (2016)
Other interests
Soccer, music, travel, long walks on the beach.