Biochemistry

Research area: My research focuses on human physiology and metabolic health, with a particular emphasis on nutritional interventions such as fasting and ketogenic approaches, as well as exercise strategies (e.g., high-intensity interval training, exercise snacks). My work aims to better understand the metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular mechanisms underlying short- and long-term adaptations to these interventions. I employ a translational research approach that integrates epidemiological studies, randomized controlled trials, and ex vivo experiments to evaluate their impact on the prevention and management of cardiometabolic diseases.

Student roles:
During this internship, the student will receive personalized guidance tailored to their skills and objectives. Roles and responsibilities may vary depending on the student’s interests. The internship takes place at the Research Center on Aging, a large-scale research institute bringing together a diverse group of researchers and students, providing a stimulating and multidisciplinary research environment.
For the proposed project, the student will be actively involved in all stages of implementation, including participant recruitment, collection of physiological data and questionnaires, and data management and organization. This will include, among other tasks, measuring blood pressure, capillary glucose monitoring, and laboratory experiments on cells, including whole blood cultures and immune cell stimulation. The student will also contribute to preliminary data analyses and the interpretation of results in relation to defined research sub-questions. They will participate in team meetings and may propose additional analyses or ideas based on their interests.
Additionally, the student will have the opportunity to engage in related ongoing projects at the center, such as studies using large epidemiological datasets (e.g., NHANES) or meta-analysis projects. This exposure to diverse research activities will allow the student to develop a wide range of skills, from clinical data collection to statistical analysis and scientific synthesis.

Skills required:
We are looking for a motivated and curious student eager to gain practical research experience! A background in kinesiology, physiology, nutrition, biomedical sciences, or a related field is preferred, but not mandatory Prior research experience, including data collection or participation in projects/stages, is an asset. Skills in data analysis and/or scientific writing (French or English) are valued. The student should be organized, methodical, able to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary team, and comfortable interacting with human participants.

Research area: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-dependent neurodegenerative disorder, and afflicts more than 44 million individuals worldwide. One of the hallmarks of AD is the presence of excess glutamate in the brain. Glutamate, a neurotransmitter, is the most abundant free amino acid in the central nervous system. Unfortunately, when present in excessive amounts, glutamate becomes toxic and, via a complex set of processes, leads to cognitive impairment. The latter can involve problems with memory, language, thinking, and judgment, which are greater than normal age-related changes.

Student roles:
Read associated literature, conduct experiments (under supervision of senior lab member), interpret results, write a final internship report (10 pages), and make a final oral presentation to lab members (10 min).

Skills required:
All associated techniques will be taught on-site. Background in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology are seen as most appropriate for capitalizing upon this learning experience.

Research area: In light of the decrease in the native prairie plants, our research objective is to study Saskatchewan native prairie plants and how their bioactive components relate to their traditional and medicinal uses. Our research objectives are 1) to perform a biochemical survey of metabolites of native plant species growing in Saskatchewan and 2) to investigate medicinally interesting secondary metabolites and compare them to other privileged structures useful in drug discovery. This research will help to preserve these indigenous plants through better appreciation of their bioactive compounds, their traditional uses and future potential.

Student roles:
The student will help us in the lab during these analyses:
- Soxhlet extraction
- Silica gel column chromatography
- Biochemical assays
- Literature analysis
The student will participate in plant harvesting with Elders.
The student will write a report at the end of the internship.

Skills required:
The student should have the following skills/background:
- An interest to learn about chemistry, biocheemistry and plant biology.
- An interest to learn about Indigenous knowledge and culture.
- Chemistry experience/knowledge with these methods/instruments:
- Soxhlet extraction
- Silica gel column chromatography
- Plant harvest on the land
- Processing harvested plants
- Working with Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge keepers in the field and on campus

Research area: The research laboratory focuses on understanding the chemistry and biochemistry of enzymes involved in metabolizing carbohydrates in bacteria. Studying these enzymes will result in new insight into the mechanism of action, the structure and the function of these catalysts. These enzymes are potentially drug targets. Potent inhibition is a potential avenue towards developing new antibiotics. The laboratory uses a wide variety of chemical techniques, organic synthesis, carbohydrate chemistry, enzymology, HPLC, TLC, NMR, gene cloning and protein engineering. Students will be exposed to some or all of these techniques.

Student roles:
The student will conduct all of the experiments, with assistance from a graduate student or post-doctoral fellow present in the laboratory to assist with day-to-day queries. The student will write up their research findings daily in their laboratory notebook. This will be reviewed by the supervisor and more senior researchers on a daily basis. The student will be required to present their research findings daily to their supervisor in English. They will be required to prepare weekly powerpoint presentations outlining their productivity and present to the research group (up to 10 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows). They will be required to write an end of experience report in English.

Skills required:
Students need to have strong quantitative lab skills, understand the principles and practical aspects of organic synthesis, be familiar with TLC and HPLC, UV visible spectroscopy and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Understanding the theory of these techniques is a requirement. Potential students need to demonstrate in their application how their current experiences demonstrate this knowledge. Hands-on training for the techniques will, however, be provided.

Research area: α-Synuclein (α-syn) is a presynaptic protein with diverse structural conformations. In solution, it is intrinsically disordered, while membrane-bound, it adopts a predominantly α-helical form. The intrinsically disordered regions of α-syn also render it capable of undergoing LLPS. LLPS has been implicated in the assembly of both the presynaptic active zone and the postsynaptic density, where it influences the release and reception of neurotransmitters. We therefore seek to define the role of α-syn-mediated LLPS in vesicle release and recycling at the presynaptic active zone.

Student roles:
The University of Calgary (UofC) is home to over 2500 graduate students in disciplines that range from molecular biology and neuroscience to veterinary medicine. These various departments jointly offer a program in Collaborative Neuroscience that builds off this diversity of expertise to offer multidisciplinary neuroscience environment. Our lab is situated in the Health Science Complex at UofC, and consists of an open lab environment with researchers focused on neurodevelopmental (Autism), neurological (bipolar, schizophrenia) and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Huntington, Stroke). The collaborative laboratory environment exploits expertise in biochemistry, neurobiology, genetics and development to answer fundamental questions in neuroscience and to create new tools for disease modeling. Mitacs students will work as part of a collaborative team that consists of a Senior Lab Manager, a Junior Technician, a Post doctoral fellow, 2 PhD student and 2 Master Students. We train future scientists in the areas of molecular neuroscience, biophysics and stem cell biology. Our lab houses a Stem Cell Culture and Protein Analysis Suite with all of the necessary equipment for protein purification and biochemical analysis. Here, trainees learn to engineer and purify proteins, conduct secondary structural analysis, evaluate protein interaction and build the fibrils that accumulate in disease. In parallel, the Animal Surgery and Primary Cell Culture Suite allows novel finding to be translated in vivo.

Students will undertake research that will provided training in the following areas:
• Protein purification and chromatography
• Protein tagging through genetic code expansion
• FRET/FLIM
• Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Structured illumination and live cell imaging microscopy

More information about our group can be found at www.neurobiology.ca

Skills required:
Essential Skills/Qualifications
• Background in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Neuroscience, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in protein biochemistry and/or structural biophysics
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and motivated
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Technical Skills You Will Develop
• Incorporation of non-canonical amino acids through genetic code expansion
• FRET/FLIM-based conformational monitoring in live cells and protein systems
• Protein purification, labelling, and biophysical characterization (CD and DLS)
• Integration of biophysical tools with synaptic cell models

Asset Skills/Qualifications
• Laboratory experience any of the following areas: Microscopy, Tissue Culture, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry

Research area: Our research program focuses on cannabis and brain health across critical developmental periods. We investigate how cannabis exposure influences brain structure and function, neurodevelopment, parental mental health, parenting practices, and family well-being from pregnancy through early childhood. Using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates neuroimaging, developmental psychology, genetics, pharmacology, epidemiology, and maternal-child health, we examine both biological and environmental determinants of developmental outcomes. A unique strength of our program is its family-centered perspective, which follows mothers, partners, and children simultaneously, enabling the study of sex-specific effects, intergenerational influences, and family-level determinants of brain health and development.

Student roles:
The student will contribute to an ongoing multidisciplinary research program and participate in various stages of the research process. Activities may include literature reviews, data management, statistical analyses, interpretation of findings, scientific writing, and knowledge mobilization initiatives. Depending on their interests and skills, students may also contribute to neuroimaging, developmental, psychosocial, or genetic research projects. In addition, students will have opportunities to work alongside the research team in participant visits at the research center, including participant recruitment, questionnaire administration, interviews, data collection, and biological sample collection, according to their level of spoken French proficiency.

Skills required:
We are seeking highly motivated undergraduate students with strong academic performance and an interest in at least one of the following domain: neuroscience, psychology, genetics, biomedical sciences, health sciences, epidemiology, pharmacology or related. Candidates should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, initiative, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Experience in research methods, literature reviews, data management, statistical analysis, programming (e.g., R, Python, SPSS), neuroimaging data analysis, or science communication is considered an asset but is not required. Students interested in pursuing graduate studies and contributing to collaborative research projects are particularly encouraged to apply.

Research area: The Tanentzapf Lab is located in an interactive, multi-lab setting in the new Life Sciences Institute at the University of British Columbia in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. Our lab studies a fundamental question of how cells in our bodies connect to the Extracellular Matrix (ECM), which is the material that makes up connective tissue. We use advanced imaging, genetic, and molecular tools to construct and analyse genetic models to study the regulation go how cells attach to the ECM. Cell-ECM adhesion has diverse and important roles during the development and life of an organism and determines its morphology and physiology.

Student roles:
The student would set up and design genetic crosses and/or carry out cell culture work. The student will perform live imaging on mouse explants or whole flies of specific genotypes, the student will carry out immunohistochemistry and histological experiments on fixed tissue as well as make high resolution movies of in vivo developmental processes. The student will analyze the resulting images and movies using image analysis software. The student will be actively involved in developing methodologies of image gathering and analysis. Student will gain critical thinking and experimental design skills by working closely with other lab personnel.

Skills required:
We are seeking an eager, hard-working student interested in the fields of developmental and cell biology, and advanced imaging technology. The project may involves genetics and/or cell culture techniques, a substantial amount a imaging work using a scanning laser confocal microscope and image analysis software. Familiarity with these techniques would be an advantage. Previous experience in a research lab and knowledge of developmental biology/genetics would be be an asset but not essential. The student must be comfortable with the application and use of math and physics to biological problems and we very much encourage applications from students with math/physics/engineering backgrounds.

Research area: Our laboratory uses structural biology methodologies, including cryo‑electron microscopy (cryo‑EM), X‑ray crystallography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), in addition to biophysical approaches, to study proteins and protein–protein interactions. Specifically, we are interested in viral fusion protein and their interactions with receptors and antibodies. Our laboratory is a member of PROTEO (Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications) and RAMP-UP (a national initiative dedicated to strengthening Canada’s readiness for future pandemics through innovation in biomanufacturing, & research).

Student roles:
1. Contribute to experimental work including protein production and purification, as well as the preparation of samples for structural biology and biophysical assays.
2. Analyze and interpret experimental data ensuring accuracy, rigor, and documentation.
3. Use, adapt, or develop research tools to support ongoing experimental workflows.
4. Support the research team by carrying out project‑related tasks as needed.
5. Have fun!

Skills required:
Candidates must be enrolled in a B.Sc. program in Biochemistry or a related discipline. Prior laboratory experience is considered an asset, and a demonstrated interest in protein structure is highly desirable. We seek a motivated and dynamic individual who is committed to contributing to our research environment.

Research area: Our laboratory uses structural biology methodologies, including cryo‑electron microscopy (cryo‑EM), X‑ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in addition to biophysical approaches, to study proteins and protein interactions. Specifically, we are interested in viral fusion protein and their interactions with receptors and antibodies. Our laboratory is a member of PROTEO (Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications) and RAMP-UP (a national initiative dedicated to strengthening Canada’s readiness for future pandemics through innovation in biomanufacturing, & research).

Student roles:
1. Contribute to experimental work including protein production and purification, as well as the preparation of samples for structural biology and biophysical assays.
2. Analyze and interpret experimental data ensuring accuracy, rigor, and documentation.
3. Use, adapt, or develop research tools to support ongoing experimental workflows.
4. Support the research team by carrying out project‑related tasks as needed.
5. Have fun!

Skills required:
Candidates must be enrolled in a B.Sc. program in Biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a related discipline. Prior laboratory experience is considered an asset, and a demonstrated interest in protein structure is highly desirable. We seek a motivated and dynamic individual who is committed to contributing to our research environment.

Research area: Our research aim is to understand chromatin dynamics associated with gene regulation and DNA repair. We study protein complexes that control acetylation and methylation of histones, and the composition of chromatin. We dissect the molecular mechanisms of epigenetics, in which signals to chromatin mark different genomic loci and are read by effectors to translate a biological response.

Student roles:
The student will be responsible for his own research project, with of course initial supervision. The project will be better defined in May 2027 according to the progress of the current research of the lab.

Skills required:
A student with laboratory work experience is sought for an internship from May to August 2027. A background in molecular biology is an asset and a good academic record is required (A). An interest in research and graduate studies is also very advantageous. An ability to communicate in English is also an advantage or a learning opportunity given that the laboratory has five non-French speaking people. Lab meetings are in English.

Research area: Our research mainly focuses on the plant's response to abiotic stresses, including drought, cold, heat, and high soil salinity. Enzymes such as aldehyde dehydrogenases are strongly involved in detoxifying free radicals generated in the plant due to environmental changes. This detoxification activity is very crucial to the growth and survival of the plant under these adverse environmental conditions. We seek to characterize the function of these enzymes and of other plant stress proteins to make plants more resilient to climate change. We also study the mechanisms of signalling by free radicals through the oxidation of proteins in higher plants.

Student roles:
The project is about cloning two genes. Therefore, we want to host two students on this project, and each student will clone one gene. The students will use the Polymerization Chain Reaction (PCR) to obtain a fragment of the gene. Then, the gene fragment will be cloned into a plasmid vector by using restriction enzymes and a ligase. The success of the cloning will be verified by colony-PCR, plasmid DNA extraction, and DNA restriction analysis on an agarose gel. If time permits, the students will express and purify the recombinant proteins by using affinity chromatography on a gravity column or with FPLC. The internship aims to familiarize the students with gene cloning, a fundamental skill required in any laboratory of cellular and molecular biology. The project will enhance the students' practical skills in molecular biology and biochemistry.

Skills required:
The students should have a background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or plant biology.

Research area: Our research focuses on developing next-generation therapeutics for cancer and infectious diseases using synthetic biology. We design and engineer RNA-based therapies, oncolytic viruses, and nanoparticle delivery systems to create targeted and adaptable treatment strategies. A major emphasis is on improving immune activation and overcoming delivery barriers, particularly in difficult-to-treat conditions such as brain cancers. By integrating molecular engineering, immunology, and drug delivery, our work aims to translate innovative platforms into clinically relevant solutions.

Student roles:
The student will actively contribute to the design and execution of research experiments within the project. This includes preparing reagents, performing cell culture, conducting transfection or treatment studies, and collecting and analyzing experimental data. The student will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all experiments and results.

Skills required:
Students should have a background in molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related field. Prior hands-on experience with basic laboratory techniques such as cell culture, pipetting, and sterile technique is strongly preferred. Familiarity with techniques such as PCR, RNA work, transfection, or flow cytometry is an asset but not required.
Candidates should be motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced research environment. Strong problem-solving skills, the ability to learn new techniques quickly, and good organizational habits are important. Students should also be able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Research area: Professor Monique Lacroix, Ph.D. My research works in food science and nanotechnologies promotes the development of agri-food industry through new processing technologies to ensure food safety and quality, including the development new, value-added products. The development and application of new, non-thermal technologies (X-ray, gamma irradiation, UV-C) or hurdle technologies (combinations of treatments with heat, bioactive packaging, modified atmosphere, ozone) reduces food losses while ensuring the preservation of nutritional value and safety of the product. New processes are monitored by various spheres of activity, such as food and polymer chemistry, nanostructures, physicochemical/rheological properties of advanced materials, microbiological/sensory analyses, and genomics.

Student roles:
The student will participate in specific steps of the methodology mentioned above, and will be mainly involved in the compatibilization processes:
- Functionalization, surface grafting, crosslinking, hydrophobization, sonication, microfluidization, compression molding, extrusion, etc.
- Structure and physicochemical analyses of nanocomposite polymer structures (nanofillers, bioactive nanoparticles i.e. metal nanoparticles).
- Analysis of biological antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
- Chemical writing (Chemdraw, ISIS Draw, etc.).
- Statistical analysis.
- Interpretation of results, report writing, oral and written communication.

Skills required:
University degree in related fields: polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, structure analysis. Notions in nanocomposite theoretical concepts.

Essential: The student can work under a chemical hood, a biological safety cabinet and have received WHMIS and Biosafety trainings.

Research area: Research in the group sits at the interface of biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics and computer science. Through using computer models we can observe atomic interactions to obtain high-resolution structural, dynamical and mechanistic information about biochemical processes. The group used a multiscale computational modeling approach with techniques including density functional theory, machine learning, hybrid (QM/MM) calculations, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, and coarse grain molecular dynamics simulations. Research in the group revolves around deciphering the inner workings of complex biochemical systems related to human health and disease.

Student roles:
Students in my group learn computer modeling techniques that are routinely used in academic and industry research. Through performing research in the group, students will learn skills in scientific communication, critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. I make mentorship of students a priority and interact with students regularly to ensure their success. Students will start their project by completing tutorials and sample calculations that introduce them to the skills and techniques that are required for their projects. The training will provide the students with a broad understanding of the practical aspects of computational biochemistry and related computer science skills. Student will then be given a small research project that is linked to a larger research project in the group. Throughout the position the student will be involved in running calculations, data analysis, and presenting their results through written and/or oral communication.

Skills required:
Research in my group is multidisciplinary and therefore students should have knowledge in topics related to biochemistry (e.g., bimolecular structure), chemistry (e.g., physical chemistry) and physics. Prior knowledge in coding or computational modeling is helpful for the project but is not required. Students will be expected to be able to work both independently and as part of the team. The Wilson lab is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment where all members of the team are supported, and are able to participate both within the lab and in social work settings.

Research area: My expertise lies in development of novel characterization techniques for bio-sensing and plasmonic applications. Mostly, these characterization techniques deal with spectroscopy and force microscopy. Currently, I am using these techniques to understand interaction between noble metals and heavy metal carrying molecules in biological systems. For instance, hemoglobin interacting with gold nanostructured surfaces.

Student roles:
1. Understand the software ORCA or other to perform smulations 2. Design the system for understanding chemical interaction of the systems. 3. Test the model system. 4. Analysis of data and conclusion of results All data from different measurements will have to be evaluated and analyzed. Results will be interpreted logically and discussed scientifically. 5. Documentation and presentation of research project: A report has to be written at the conclusion of the research project. This will be considered an official document for the student. Furthermore, the student will be encouraged to present their results to the scientific community as an oral presentation.

Skills required:
The project is best suited for graduate and undergraduate students in physics, chemistry and materials engineering seeking to enhance computation,laboratory, analytical and interpersonal skills. The students should possess excellent scientific acumen and theoretical knowledge of physical chemistry. The student will work in highly collaborative environment. Thus, good communication abilities are desirable. The nature of research stretches across multiple disciplines and hence strong background in the following areas are required: -Basics of atomic, molecular and optical physics (undergraduate physics) -Basics of inorganic and functional chemistry (undergraduate chemistry) -Basics of materials science and spectroscopy (undergraduate materials engineering) -General mathematics and chemistry

Research area: At the Laboratory for Anabolic Bioengineering (the LAB), our broad aim is to find ways to make chemicals sustainably using engineered microbial catalysts. Our work spans theory/computational tool development all the way to scale-up of bioprocesses making use of our engineered microbes. We have core research interests in developing new computational tools to help us make bettern predictions about how to design productive strains, and to advance our fundamental understanding of microbial metabolism/physiology.

Student roles:
The student will be mentored by a PhD student who is leading the project. They will spend a majority of their time doing dry lab, or in silico, work. This will include conceptualizing and running test cases, building digital infrastructure to support package development, and developing new models for various biological scenarios within the framework we have developed. There may be opportunities to participate in wet lab characterization, but this will depend on the progress of the project. The student will have multiple opportunities to communicate their research to the group and/or within the department.

Skills required:
The student should have good mathematics and coding skills. Some familiarity with linear programming would be very helpful, but is not critical. Familiarity with coding in Python is essential. The ideal student would also have a good background in biological principles. Above all, enthusiasm for the project and its outcomes is most important.

Research area: Our goal is to take advantage of the unique biocide property of carboxymethyl cellulose copper (CMC-Cu) nanoparticles to eliminate COVID-19 present on surfaces and inanimate. The recently emerged novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) poses a striking challenge for public facilities. Public spaces become rapidly contaminated by human-to-human transmission. Given that cellulosic copper nanoparticles have been shown to be uniquely toxic for microbes and safe for human tissue, we will investigate the toxicological effects of CMC-Cu treatments to COVID-19 using a method enabling generation of non-infectious MLV-based COVID-19 pseudotyped particles in a BSL-2 setting.

Student roles:
The student will be involved in a research projet in which he/she will have to apply molecular and cellular approaches to perform biological experiments. The student will develop her/his own sub-project to gain independence and autonomy skills.

The students involved in the proposed research program will learn a broad spectrum of experimental approaches, including new proteomics strategies and several applications involving next generation sequencing for genome-wide analysis of gene expression changes. Although each student will primary work on a specific aim, collaboration between students will be highly encouraged to ensure that they gain mastery over all the laboratory methods.

Each week, we have a:
Lab meeting: a member describes her/his results and experimental problems in order to exchange ideas and receive constructive criticism.
Journal club: to discuss and comment publications relevant to our field or other areas.

Departmental group seminar: the graduate students are exposed to "tell a story" and exchange about their results with other graduate students and professors of the Department.

Skills required:
Highly interested student who is eager to learn molecular and cellular biology as well as yeast genetics. New generation sequencing (NGS) approaches (e.g. RNA-Seq) will be used and a combination of bioinformatics tools will be available for the trainees.

Research area: Our laboratory has an interest and expertise in elucidating gene expression programs involved in tumorigenesis, especially those involving cells in the tumor microenvironment. To do this, we use transgenic mouse models, "omic" technologies such as single-cell sequencing and mass spectrometry, as well as the culture of primary and cancer cells. In addition, we are developing molecules (antisense oligonucleotides) to reduce tumor growth in pre-clinical models.

Student roles:
The student will follow established standard protocols to perform molecular biology and biochemistry techniques such as human cell culture (passage, transfection, phenotypic assay); gene expression determination at the RNA (RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, real-time PCR) and protein (protein extraction, western-blot) level. Expect to communicate results and participate in lab meetings

Skills required:
Background in life sciences or medicine.
Coachable. Self-motivated. Easily adapt to a new situation.
A desire for a career in research
Interest in RNA processing and alternative splicing
Interest in learning cell culture, gene expression analysis

Research area: The Zenkina research group in Materials Chemistry focuses on the development of novel nanostructures employing self-assembly of organic and organometallic compounds on metal and oxide surfaces with a heavy emphasis on their practical applications as metal ion sensors, protein receptors, and electrochromic materials. Our novel coordination-based assemblies are expected to find a wide range of applications in display technologies, electro-optic modulators, solar cells and sensors. In addition, EC materials could be utilized for the operation of adjustable mirrors and smart windows with improved energy efficiency.

Student roles:
As part of this project, the candidate will get solid experience with Schlenk and glovebox techniques for the manipulation of air- and moisture-sensitive compounds and/or systems for the deposition of thin films of inorganic/organometallic complexes. The student will perform chemical and materials synthesis; characterize synthesized materials for chemical, mechanical and optical properties; perform detailed data analysis to verify synthesis and explain characterization results. In addition, the researcher will get practical experience with organometallic complexes and/or frameworks, inorganic nanoparticles, and main surface characterization techniques and in multi-disciplinary research.

Skills required:
Preferably upper year chemistry student with chemical background (Organic and Inorganic, Materials, Analytical or Instrumental chemistry) and good synthetic skills. Research experience will be an asset.

Research area: Prof.’s Dauphin Ducharme’s research group uses electrochemistry to investigate the interface of biomolecule-modified electrodes in the hopes of developing biosensors. These are notably based on DNA and allow to measure the concentrations of molecules in complex matrices (like blood) and directly in the body to develop new tools for diagnostics and precision medicine (see recent publications : ACS Sensors 2019 4 2832-2837; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019 141 1304-1311; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017 139 11207-11213).

Student roles:
Students in the Dauphin Ducharme's group are expected to actively participate in the day-to-day activities of the laboratory (i.e., group meetings, lab clean-ups, off-campus activities, etc.), collaborate with one another, and more importantly enjoy doing science!

The student required role will be to characterize aptamers in solution using standard solution fluorescence spectrophotometer, circular dichroïsm and handle electrodes for their characterization using electrochemistry. It will also be required by the student to develop a data analysis script using a simple coding algorithm in Python, Matlab or R. It will be required by the student to prepare vector-designed graphics using software like CorelDraw or Adobe Illustrator to convey the scientific message clearly. It will be required for the student to participate in group meetings by giving presentations and attend local conferences to disseminate the obtained results. Finally, student will be required to undertake a brief literature review to understand the novelty of their project and develop their own ideas.

Skills required:
Good laboratory practice are required from the student. Prior laboratory experience is highly sought out. Experience or motivated students to learn electrochemistry, biomolecule handling, fabrication of biosensors and coding (Python, Matlab, R) would be highly desirable.

Research area: Our lab studies mechanisms of gene regulation in normal cells and in cancer. We are particularly interested in leveraging aberrant RNA splicing in cancer to design targeted immunotherapy.

Student roles:
Our laboratory is located on the Health Campus of the Université de Sherbrooke in Québec, Canada. We have a multidisciplinary, diverse and highly collaborative group.

The project will best fit undergraduate candidates who intend to pursue graduate studies. As an independent researcher, you will propose and test hypotheses, interpret results and communicate your findings to your colleagues. You will be exposed to all aspects of academic research, including literature search, experimentation, and oral presentations. You will work under the direct supervision of Prof. Quesnel-Vallières and be mentored by a graduate student and/or postdoctoral researcher.

The candidate we seek will be open-minded, independent, enjoy teamwork, and display great communication skills.

Skills required:
The project involves functional and mechanistic investigations that leverage common molecular and cell biology techniques in immunology (e.g. tissue culture, cell killing assays, antigen stimulation, ELISA, ELISpot, flow cytometry, Western blotting).

Irrespective of their background, the student must be familiar with some of the basic experimental techniques listed above. A strong interest for biological questions pertaining to cancer biology, immunology and translational research is required.

Research area: Antimicrobial resistance is a looming, pandemic-level threat that has garnered the attention of the global biomedical community. Due to the overuse and overprescription of antibiotics in both medicine and agriculture, antimicrobial resistance is flourishing and threatens to make simple infections deadly once again. In the Girodat lab, we study the ribosome—a ribonucleoprotein complex responsible for protein synthesis in all cell types—as it is the target of half of all conventional antibiotics. Our aim is to understand how antibiotics inhibit ribosome function and to characterize resistance mechanisms, ultimately contributing to the development of next-generation antibiotics.

Student roles:
During the internship, the student will participate in genetic engineering to modify genes encoding Ribosomal Protection Proteins (RPPs) to enable their overexpression and purification. Overexpression will be induced by adding IPTG, which activates T7 RNA polymerase. The expressed RPPs will then be purified using Ni²⁺-Sepharose affinity chromatography followed by size exclusion chromatography on an FPLC system. Protein quality and purity will be assessed using UV/Vis spectroscopy and SDS-PAGE.
Once the RPPs are purified, the student will carry out stopped-flow assays using Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between fluorophores attached to components in the system—such as the RPP, ribosome, or tetracycline. This will allow direct measurements of the kinetics and thermodynamics of RPP-mediated tetracycline resistance. Additionally, fluorescently labeled substrates (e.g., mant-GTP) may be used to assess substrate binding and enzymatic turnover, providing insights into how RPPs are regulated.
To investigate protein structure, students will work with molecular models of RPPs in complex with ribosomes to evaluate possible interaction sites. Based on these models, specific protein variants can be designed to determine which amino acid residues are essential for RPP function.
All activities will be carried out under the guidance of a graduate student in the lab. The graduate student will provide hands-on training for each technique and ensure that the student develops strong laboratory skills and generates reliable, high-quality data.

Skills required:
Students should have a basic understanding of biochemistry, including foundational knowledge of protein structure and function, the 20 amino acids, and core lab techniques such as protein purification and SDS-PAGE. They will be expected to maintain a detailed lab notebook and keep accurate records of all experiments. Students will also assist with routine lab duties such as cleaning and sample preparation. Prior hands-on experience with these tasks is not required; all necessary laboratory procedures and assays will be taught as part of the training.

Research area: Tuberculosis (TB) cased by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a respiratory pathogen that causes severe complications in the lung and 1.5 million deaths annually. TB can persist in the lung for extended periods of time surviving antibiotic and immune pressures. While several animal models have been developed to study different aspects of host-pathogen interactions, these have severe limitations such as - cost, failure to recapitulate human tissue physiology, availability of reagents etc. Also, capturing the heterogeneity of host-pathogen interactions at the single-cell level is challenging in an animal model. We propose to build an in vitro 3D organoid model to study TB

Student roles:
Initially the student will be provided background material and literature related to the research. Then, the student will learn how to plan, design and conduct experiments effectively and how to analyze the data to draw meaningful conclusions. In terms of techniques, the student can expect to be trained in bioprinting, micro fabrication, cell culture and imaging. Once the training period is completed, the student will initiate the project work independently under the immediate mentorship of a senior researcher in the lab. The student will be expected to design and execute the experiments independently and will be presenting the progress or discuss challenges during periodic presentations at lab meetings. During the stay in the lab, the student will not only get to learn the techniques being used in their own project but will be provided opportunities to acquire other techniques such as molecular biology, cloning, compound screening, assay design & antimicrobial discovery etc that are used routinely in our lab. The aim is not only to generate data for this specific project proposed, but to provide a broad exposure to various techniques as well as to showcase the research environment and scientific enterprise. Towards the end of the project the student will provide a written project report including motivation, methodology & conclusions. If the results are significant and reproducible these will be included and written up to be part of a scientific manuscript that will be submitted for publication in peer-review journals with the student listed as an author.

Skills required:
The ideal applicant would have some background skills in bioengineering - use of 3d printers or bioinks. Material science, mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering background students are also welcome. Experience with cell culture techniques or imaging techniques would also be an asset. The student should be familiar with online repositories for scientific articles and how to source relevant background literature for reading up on the project and to be updated with the recent developments in the field.

Research area: My research focuses on the design and multiscale characterization of biomaterials for hard tissue applications, including bone and dental implants. I develop biomimetic, patient-specific implant systems using additive manufacturing and bioactive surface engineering strategies to improve osseointegration and tissue repair. My work uniquely integrates advanced characterization techniques, including electron microscopy, liquid-phase microscopy, micro-CT, and mechanical analysis, to investigate biomineralization processes and the structure-function relationships of biomaterials across nano- to macro-length scales. Through this work, I aim to advance next-generation regenerative biomaterials and improve the performance and longevity of biomedical implants.

Student roles:
The undergraduate researchers will join the RBIG to support ongoing projects focused on biomimetic implant design and bioactive surface engineering for bone repair applications. Students will work collaboratively with graduate trainees and their faculty mentor on projects involving porous additively manufactured titanium scaffolds, multifunctional coatings, and multiscale biomaterials characterization.
One student will primarily focus on the development and optimization of bioactive electrochemical coating strategies for porous scaffolds, including coating synthesis, surface functionalization, and assessment of coating morphology and chemistry. The second student will focus on the mechanical and surface evaluation of coated scaffolds, including tribological assessment, mechanical testing, and analysis of coating stability under physiologically relevant conditions.
Both students will gain hands-on experience with advanced characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, laser profilometry, atomic force microscopy, contact angle measurements, micro-computed tomography, among other techniques, pending project progress and needs. Students may also contribute to in vitro biomaterials workflows involving osteoblast cell culture to assess cytocompatibility and bone regeneration responses.
Additional responsibilities may include data analysis, image processing, literature reviews, workflow development, preparation of laboratory documentation and standard operating procedures, and supporting collaborative laboratory activities. Students will receive interdisciplinary training in biomaterials, additive manufacturing, microscopy, and biomedical engineering research methods while contributing to the development of next-generation implant technologies. Overall, students will be supported through a unique international research exchange opportunity designed to foster professional growth, interdisciplinary research training, and cultural enrichment. In addition to developing technical and laboratory skills, students will strengthen their scientific communication, collaboration, and critical thinking abilities through regular team interactions and by presenting a summary of their research outcomes to the RBIG at the conclusion of the internship.

Skills required:
Applicants should have a background in engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, biology, or a related discipline, with strong motivation and organizational skills. Interest in biomaterials, bone research, surface engineering, or biomedical implants is encouraged. Previous exposure to materials characterization, microscopy, mechanical testing, CAD, electrochemistry, or in vitro cell culture would be considered an asset, but is not required. Prior research experience is beneficial; however, comprehensive training and mentorship will be provided within the RBIG. Students should be enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research and collaborative teamwork in a laboratory environment.

Research area: Our laboratory has an interest and expertise in elucidating gene expression programs involved in tumorigenesis, especially those involving cells in the tumor microenvironment. To do this, we use transgenic mouse models, "omic" technologies such as single-cell sequencing and mass spectrometry, as well as the culture of primary and cancer cells. In addition, we are developing molecules (antisense oligonucleotides) to reduce tumor growth in pre-clinical models.

Student roles:
The student will follow established standard protocols to perform molecular biology and biochemistry techniques such as human cell culture (passage, transfection, phenotypic assay); gene expression determination at the RNA (RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, real-time PCR) and protein (protein extraction, western-blot) level. Expect to communicate results and participate in lab meeting

Skills required:
Background in life sciences or medicine.
Coachable. Self-motivated. Desire for a career in research
Interest in genetic disease, Gene Therapy
Interest in learning cell culture, gene expression analysis, work with mouse models.

Research area: My research focuses on the development of bio-based materials for wood applications, with a particular emphasis on lignin-derived adhesives. The work involves designing and synthesizing bioadhesive using advanced biopolymer technologies to replace conventional petroleum-based adhesives. Through an integrated approach combining wood science, polymer and organic chemistry, and chemical engineering, I investigate the structure-property relationships governing adhesive performance. This includes material synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and optimization for mechanical strength and durability. The overarching goal is to develop formaldehyde-free, environmentally responsible adhesive systems that meet industrial performance requirements while contributing to a circular bioeconomy and reducing the environmental footprint of wood-based products.

Student roles:
The student will contribute to an ongoing research project focused on the development of sustainable lignin-based adhesive systems for wood composite applications. The work will involve the preparation, modification, and characterization of lignin-derived materials and bio-based adhesive formulations. The student will participate in laboratory experiments related to lignin modification, adhesive synthesis, and material processing, while also preparing and testing panels samples under different formulation and processing conditions. Additionally, the student will evaluate the physical, thermal, rheological, and mechanical performance of the developed adhesive systems and analyze experimental data using appropriate scientific and statistical methods. The project also includes participation in formulation optimization aimed at improving adhesive performance and sustainability. Accurate documentation of experimental procedures and results, adherence to laboratory safety protocols, and active involvement in scientific discussions and literature review will be expected. The student will also contribute to the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and scientific publications, gaining valuable experience in sustainable materials research, biomass valorization, and advanced characterization techniques within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate should have a solid academic background in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related field, along with hands-on laboratory experience. Prior knowledge of lignin valorization, bio-based polymers, or sustainable adhesive systems will be considered a strong asset. The student is expected to demonstrate:

Strong understanding of material synthesis, formulation, and physicochemical properties

Experience with spectroscopic, thermal, rheological, and mechanical characterization techniques

Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures and experimental protocols

Ability to work independently while maintaining accurate experimental records
Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific curiosity

Interest in sustainable materials, biomass valorization, and green chemistry approaches

Research area: My group works at the intersection of plasmonic nanomaterials, spectroscopy, and machine learning to address unmet needs in (bio)sensing and health. In particular, we develop plasmonic nanoparticles and surface-chemistry strategies, and seek to optimise light-matter interactions at the nanoscale to create first-in-class Raman spectroscopy-based nanosensors that can efficiently and rapidly enable disease diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and environmental surveillance. Recognising that Raman measurements generate large multivariate spectral datasets, we develop robust chemometric and machine-learning models that transform complex spectral data into easy-to-interpret outputs, thereby enhancing the reliability and integrity of our optical nanosensors.

Student roles:
The student's roles will be to (1) synthesise nanomaterials of various morphologies using our established standard operating protocols/guidelines: first, the student will synthesise and optimise the plasmonic properties of isotropic (e.g., nanospheres) and anisotropic (e.g., nanostars, multibranched urchin-like nanostructures) nanoparticles at excitation wavelengths of 633 and 785 nm. The best-performing nanoparticles will be used to develop optical nanosensors. (2) Develop optical nanosensors from pre-synthesised nanoparticles and polymer-templating strategies: here, the student will take a leading role in designing surface chemistry strategies, starting with pH modification of nanoparticles and creating self-assembled monolayers (e.g., dip coating, interfacial assembly) of pH-normalised colloidal nanoparticles on polymer-templated curved substrates (capillary) and flat chips (silicon). (3) Characterise nanosensors using various analytical tools: in collaboration with a graduate student, the student will investigate plasmonic properties (using UV/vis and computer simulations), surface chemistry (using zeta potential), and morphological dynamics (using electron microscopy) of nanosensors created in step 2 above. (4) Optimise the performance of nanosensors for the detection of disease biomarkers and antimicrobial resistance in real samples: the student will work with lab members to design and perform experiments for molecular (bio)sensing in complex samples (e.g., serum), optimise instrumental parameters for spectral acquisition, and process and interpret spectral data. The student will be encouraged to share project findings at the Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Summer Poster Fair held at Dalhousie University and other conferences [e.g., 2027/26 Undergraduate Chemistry Conference (ChemCon) held in Atlantic Canada] that align with student academic developmental stage.
Our goal is to mentor students in developing high-quality technical and transferable skills. Accordingly, the student will be trained by the supervisor and graduate students and provided with foundational in-house SOPs at every stage of the project. The student will also be supported and encouraged to explore other experimental avenues aligned with their interests throughout the project.

Skills required:
Our project is interdisciplinary, and students with backgrounds in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, or physics are welcome. Students from these disciplines who are motivated and passionate about developing new skills in one or more of the following areas (1) nanomaterials/chemical synthesis (e.g., nanoparticles or other molecular structures), (2) surface chemistry, (3) spectroscopy, and (4) machine learning are welcome to join us at Dalhousie University. Our lab has well-trained, collegial graduate students, a supportive environment and principal investigator (supervisor), and resources to nurture and support effective training and mentorship for new undergraduate students from any physical, biomedical or biological science discipline.

Research area: My research focuses on the chemistry and performance of wood finishing products, bio-based adhesives and coatings, and wood modification and impregnation. I develop innovative valorization strategies for biomass residues, including the development of functional bio-based materials with controlled surface properties. I also work on hydrophobic and stimuli-responsive coatings. As Director of the Centre de recherche sur les matériaux renouvelables (CRMR) and holder of the NSERC-Canlak Industrial Research Chair in Interior Wood Finishing, my work bridges fundamental chemistry and the development of sustainable materials for various industries.

Student roles:
The student will play an active role throughout the entire project by contributing to the design, execution and analysis of the experiments, under the supervision of a research professional who will provide hands-on training in laboratory techniques and safety procedures.
In the first phase, the student will contribute to the development of the experimental protocol in collaboration with the research team, and will prepare ski wax formulations incorporating the industrial by-product under study. The student will work to define the best method for incorporating the additive into the wax, testing different blending and shaping approaches.
In the second phase, the student will conduct laboratory tests using specialized equipment to evaluate the performance of the different formulations, particularly in terms of friction reduction and durability, and will compare the results with those of existing performance waxes.
Beyond experimental work, the student will be expected to collect, analyze and interpret the data, maintain rigorous laboratory records, and contribute to the writing of scientific reports. The student will present results at regular lab meetings and will collaborate closely with other members of the research team. This position offers training at the interface of materials chemistry, surface properties and circular economy, with potential applications for both performance waxes and recreational and training use.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate holds a background in chemistry or materials science, particularly in areas such as polymers, additives and surface properties. The student should understand key physical concepts such as friction, hydrophobicity and durability, and be familiar with laboratory techniques and experimental design. The student must be capable of designing and following a testing protocol, using laboratory equipment, and preparing and blending material samples. Strong analytical and writing skills and autonomy are expected. Experience with skiing and ski waxing would be considered an asset.

Research area: I was a lecturer and research assistant at UQTR for several years before becoming a professor of organic chemistry in the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, and Forensic Science. My research focuses on total synthesis (bioactive plant molecules, molecular marking, analytical standards) and metabolomics (elucidation of plant metabolic pathways, determination of biomarkers, human toxicology). I also have research interests in forensic science.

Student roles:
The intern will work 35 to 40 hours per week on the project: literature search and preparation of experiments, laboratory manipulations, data analysis, interpretation and presentation of results. Research tools and reference management software (e.g., Scifinder and EndNote) will be used to study the literature. Classical and modern synthesis (organic and inorganic) and characterization techniques will be studied and applied. The student will be introduced to specific software for data processing and analysis (e.g., Bruker's TopSpin for NMR). In addition, the intern will have the opportunity to prepare and present his or her results through oral and poster presentations at group meetings and regional conferences (e.g., SACIQ – the Annual Provincial Inorganic Chemistry Symposium in Québec). A final report and presentation will be required at the end of the internship. During the internship, the intern will have the opportunity to use research platforms and interact with the research community at UQTR and its centers and institutes, as well as at other Quebec universities with which we collaborate (e.g., Université de Montréal, Concordia, McGill, etc.).

Skills required:
The intern must have theoretical knowledge and laboratory experience in chemistry (undergraduate level). Appropriate training will be given to operate the instruments used to characterize compounds and study their properties (NMR, IR, etc.). The intern must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, and have good communication skills.

Research area: Dr. Huiyan Li directs the BioMed Innovation Lab at the University of Guelph, Canada. Our multidisciplinary research focuses on developing innovative micro-and nano-biosensors, with an emphasis on microarray technologies for early cancer diagnosis. We have developed several new antibody microarrays for highly sensitive and multiplexed protein detection by integrating biosensing, micro/nanotechnologies, bio-optics, and biomedicine. We have applied these technologies for the discovery of protein biomarkers in blood samples, shining a light on early non-invasive cancer diagnosis. Collectively, these efforts will eventually contribute to personalized cancer management, improving patient outcomes.

Student roles:
One student will be recruited to conduct this research. They will get hands-on skills on micro-fabrication, soft lithography, and protein and cellular assays. The students will optimize the microarray fabrication process to obtain homogeneous micro-spots across a relatively large area on microscope slides. They will characterize the obtained antibody microarray in terms of spot size, morphology, spot-to-spot spacing and uniformity using optical and electron microscopes available on campus. The students will then learn use the developed microarrays to conduct protein and cell analysis from cancer samples.

In terms of communication and leadership, the students will work closely with Dr. Li’s team members and our collaborators at the University of Guelph, including cancer clinicians and those from the Department of Chemistry. The students will have the opportunity to become the contact persons for these collaborations and participate in regular project meetings to report the research progress and remove roadblocks. They will also polish oral and written communication skills by making presentations to the whole research group and writing progress reports and potential publications.

By completing the project, the students will gain multidisciplinary knowledge and learn the state-of-the-art technologies in micro-technology, immunoassays, protein/cell techniques, and cancer biology. The student will also improve communication skills and leadership in an open, dynamic, and highly collaborative research environment.

Skills required:
Students with a general academic background in biochemistry, biological sciences, biological/biomedical engineering, or chemistry are welcome. The selected students are expected to have the basic knowledge to understand or learn the microfabrication process and bioassays. The ability and commitment to learn hands-on skills during the project, such as micro-fabrication, soft lithography, and protein and cellular bioassays, are desired. The students are also expected to be able to communicate effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Research area: I was a lecturer and research assistant at UQTR for several years before becoming a professor of organic chemistry in the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, and Forensic Science. My research focuses on total synthesis (bioactive plant molecules, molecular marking, analytical standards) and metabolomics (elucidation of plant metabolic pathways, determination of biomarkers, human toxicology). I also have research interests in forensic science.

Student roles:
The intern will work 35 to 40 hours per week on the project: literature search and preparation of experiments, laboratory manipulations, data analysis, interpretation and presentation of results. Research tools and reference management software (e.g., Scifinder and EndNote) will be used to study the literature. Classical and modern synthesis (organic and inorganic) and characterization techniques will be studied and applied. The student will be introduced to specific software for data processing and analysis (e.g., Bruker's TopSpin for NMR). In addition, the intern will have the opportunity to prepare and present his or her results through oral and poster presentations at group meetings and regional conferences (e.g., SACIQ – the Annual Provincial Inorganic Chemistry Symposium in Québec). A final report and presentation will be required at the end of the internship. During the internship, the intern will have the opportunity to use research platforms and interact with the research community at UQTR and its centers and institutes, as well as at other Quebec universities with which we collaborate (e.g., Université de Montréal, Concordia, McGill, etc.).

Skills required:
The intern must have theoretical knowledge and laboratory experience in chemistry (undergraduate level). Appropriate training will be given to operate the instruments used to characterize compounds and study their properties (NMR, IR, etc.). The intern must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, and have good communication skills.

Research area: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD: Crohn’s, colitis) affect a large number of people. New-targeted treatment options are needed. We recently identified that endogenously produced nucleotides induce intestinal inflammation by activating P2Y receptors in intestinal epithelial cell (IECs). We discovered that the ectonucleotidase NTPDase8 prevents inflammation by hydrolysing nucleotides at the luminal surface of the intestine (Gut, 2022; Impact Factor: 32), and that blocking the binding of nucleotides to P2Y receptors also prevents inflammation. A better understanding of nucleotide signaling in the gut could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets to treat IBD. For more information on the laboratory: http://www.crchudequebec.ulaval.ca/en/research/researchers/jean-sevigny/

Student roles:
The trainee will execute the project detailed above under the supervision of the PhD/post-doc student responsible for the assigned project. Variation of the project to the desire of the trainee will be discussed.

All the techniques used by the trainee are routinely performed in my laboratory. This project is therefore ideal for the training of a young an ambitious trainee as if the work is well done it will lead to a least a paper where the trainee will participate as a co-author.

Skills required:
Background in pharmacology, biochemistry, cell culture, mouse models, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in both theory and practice would help but are not mandatory.

Research area: This research focuses on antibacterial surface engineering for melamine-laminated particleboard panels used in interior and high-contact applications. The project involves the modification of melamine-Melamine-Formaldehyde (MF) resin systems using bio-based antibacterial agents, polymeric latex matrices, and inorganic functional carriers. The work combines wood science, polymer chemistry, biomaterials, and surface functionalization to develop durable antibacterial laminated surfaces while maintaining industrially important properties such as optical appearance, abrasion resistance, curing behavior, and surface durability.

Student roles:
The student will participate in the development and characterization of antibacterial functional melamine laminates for particleboard surfaces. The work will involve the preparation of modified melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin formulations containing bio-based antibacterial agents, polymeric latex matrices, and inorganic functional carriers. The student will contribute to decorative paper impregnation, laminate manufacturing, and short-cycle pressing processes.

The student will also participate in the characterization and evaluation of the developed systems, including formulation stability, rheological behavior, optical appearance, and antibacterial performance. Characterization methods may include FTIR analysis, viscosity and rheological measurements, optical evaluations, and antibacterial testing according to ISO 22196.

In addition, the student will contribute to literature review, experimental planning, data analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of technical reports or scientific presentations. The trainee will work in collaboration with graduate researchers and supervisors in a multidisciplinary environment related to wood science, polymer chemistry, biomaterials, and advanced laminated surface technologies.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate should have a background in materials science, polymer chemistry, biomaterials, or related disciplines. Experience in laboratory work, polymer formulations, surface characterization, or wood-based materials is considered an asset. Knowledge of analytical techniques such as FTIR, rheology, microscopy, or antibacterial testing would be beneficial but is not mandatory. The student should demonstrate scientific curiosity, autonomy, attention to detail, and strong motivation for experimental research in sustainable and functional materials.

Research area: Dr. Huiyan Li directs the BioMed Innovation Lab at the University of Guelph, Canada. Our multidisciplinary research focuses on developing innovative micro-and nano-biosensors, with an emphasis on microarray technologies for early cancer diagnosis. We have developed several new formats of antibody microarrays for highly sensitive and multiplexed protein detection by integrating biosensing, micro/nanotechnologies, bio-optics, and biomedicine. We have applied these technologies for the discovery of protein biomarkers in blood samples, shining a light on early non-invasive cancer diagnosis. Collectively, these efforts will eventually contribute to personalized cancer management, improving patient outcomes.

Student roles:
The student will work on this multidisciplinary project with the mentorship of Dr. Li and graduate students in the lab, and learn the fabrication of microarrays and how to conduct sandwich immunoassays. The student will then investigate various strategies for producing assay signals to achieve comparable assay performance with conventional fluorescence-based assays. One will also learn to use biostatistics software to compute key assay parameters, such as limit of detection, repeatability, and dynamic range. In the end, the student will conduct assays using the developed procedure to measure cancer-related protein markers in patient blood samples.

In terms of communication and leadership, the students will work closely with Dr. Li’s team members and our collaborators at the University of Guelph, including cancer clinicians and those from the Department of Chemistry. The student will be offered the contact person for these collaborations and participate in regular project meetings to report the research progress and roadblocks. One will also polish oral and written communication skills by making presentations to the whole research group and writing progress reports and potential publications.

By completing the project, the student will gain multidisciplinary knowledge and learn the state-of-the-art technologies in micro-technology, immunoassays, protein techniques, and cancer biology. The student will also improve communication skills and leadership in an open, dynamic, and highly collaborative research environment.

Skills required:
Students with a general academic background in biochemistry, biological sciences, biological/biomedical engineering, or chemistry are welcome to apply. The selected student is expected to have the basic knowledge to understand the chemical reactions involved in this project. The ability and willingness to learn the hands-on operation of the microarray for protein detection, including immunoassays, antibody microarrays and signal production, are desired. The student is also expected to be able to communicate effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Research area: Professor Monique Lacroix, Ph.D. My research works in food science and nanotechnologies promotes the development of agri-food industry through new processing technologies to ensure food safety and quality, including the development new, value-added products. The development and application of new, non-thermal technologies (X-ray, gamma irradiation, UV-C) or hurdle technologies (combinations of treatments with heat, bioactive packaging, modified atmosphere, ozone) reduces food losses while ensuring the preservation of nutritional value and safety of the product. New processes are monitored by various spheres of activity, such as food and polymer chemistry, nanostructures, physicochemical/rheological properties of advanced materials, microbiological/sensory analyses, and genomics.

Student roles:
The student will participate in specific steps of the methodology mentioned above, and will be mainly involved in the development of nanoemulsions/bioactive packaging and their structure characterization:
- Optimization of microencapsulation processes.
- Structure analysis.
- Analysis of biological antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
- Chemical writing (Chemdraw, ISIS Draw, etc.).
- Statistical analysis.
- Interpretation of results, report writing, oral and written communication.

Skills required:
University degree in related fields: polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, structure analysis, food sciences. Notions in emulsions, encapsulation and nanocomposite theoretical concepts.

Essential: The student can work under a chemical hood, a biological safety cabinet and have received WHMIS and Biosafety trainings.

Research area: Heme has a wealth of functions in biological systems, making it an essential micronutrient for all living organisms. Defects in heme homeostasis are directly responsible for diseases, and have been tied to impaired development, metabolic syndromes and fungal virulence. Consequently, it is critical to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular bases of heme-dependent proteins in living systems. The research project will use a model system to decipher the interplay between important proteins involved in heme acquisition. Furthermore, inhibitors will be tested as potential anti-fungal drugs against heme-dependent proteins as they are required for invasion of Cruptococcus neoformans cells.

Student roles:
The student will be involved in a research projet in which he/she will have to apply molecular and cellular approaches to perform biological experiments. The student will develop her/his own sub-project to gain independence and autonomy skills.

The students involved in the proposed research program will learn a broad spectrum of experimental approaches, including new proteomics strategies and several applications involving next generation sequencing for genome-wide analysis of gene expression changes. Although each student will primary work on a specific aim, collaboration between students will be highly encouraged to ensure that they gain mastery over all the laboratory methods.

Each week, we have a:
Lab meeting: a member describes her/his results and experimental problems in order to exchange ideas and receive constructive criticism.
Journal club: to discuss and comment publications relevant to our field or other areas.

Departmental group seminar: the graduate students are exposed to "tell a story" and exchange about their results with other graduate students and professors of the Department.

Skills required:
Highly interested student who is eager to learn molecular and cellular biology as well as yeast genetics. New generation sequencing (NGS) approaches (e.g. RNA-Seq) will be used and a combination of bioinformatics tools will be available for the trainees.

Research area: We study a variety of forms of neuroplasticity, including synaptic plasticity, metaplasticity, and neurogenesis, to better understand how brain development is affected by prenatal challenges. Trainees in the laboratory have the ability to work with animal models that include those for prenatal cannabis and ethanol exposure to better understand how learning and memory processes are impacted and examine different interventions for their therapeutic potential. Our laboratory places a strong emphasis on trainee development and supports equity and diversity initiatives both in the lab and in trainee activities outside of the lab.

Student roles:
The student will assist either a post-doctoral fellow or a graduate student by conducting an independent project during their time in the laboratory. Students should be self-motivated and will be provided with instruction and the support needed to complete the project.

Skills required:
Basic biochemistry/biology/histology skills are preferred. Individuals with electrophysiology, microscopy, biochemistry, or immunohistochemistry experience are encouraged to apply.

Research area: My research focuses on the chemistry and performance of wood finishing products, bio-based adhesives and coatings, and wood modification and impregnation. I develop innovative valorization strategies for biomass residues, including the development of bio-based materials and packaging from agro-industrial by-products.

Student roles:
The student will contribute to the development of molding pulps from potato residues, in close collaboration with Innofibre and the industrial partners of the project. All experimental work will be conducted under the supervision of a research professional, ensuring proper training in laboratory techniques and safety procedures.
The student will first carry out the physicochemical characterization of potato residues used as raw material, including downgraded potatoes and peels from processing operations. The student will then study and compare different pulping approaches, including low water consumption methods, and will participate in the development and optimization of pulp formulations adapted to the thermoforming process, varying residue proportions, fiber types and additives. Finally, the student will evaluate the performance of the resulting packaging, including mechanical and barrier properties, according to industry standard methods and in relation to food contact requirements.
Beyond experimental work, the student will be expected to actively participate in data analysis and interpretation, maintain rigorous laboratory records, and contribute to the writing of scientific reports and publications. The student will present results at regular lab meetings and at scientific conferences, and will collaborate closely with other members of the research team. This position offers high-level multidisciplinary training at the interface of biomaterial chemistry, pulping processes and circular economy, within a collaborative environment bringing together a technology transfer center, industrial partners and the Quebec potato industry.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate holds a background in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, food science, or a related field. Familiarity with material characterization, pulping processes or bio-based packaging is an asset. Experience with mechanical and barrier property testing techniques is welcome but not required, as training will be provided. The student should demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills, autonomy, and a genuine interest in circular economy principles and the valorization of agro-industrial residues. Proficiency in French is required, and a good reading knowledge of English scientific literature is expected.

Research area: Dr. Anna Ignaszak is an expert in electrochemical biosensor technologies with over 20 years of experience in electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, and biomedical diagnostics. Her research focuses on the development of portable and ultrasensitive biosensing platforms for detection of cancer, infectious disease, inflammatory biomarkers, and environmental contaminants. She has extensive expertise in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), voltammetric sensing, electrochemiluminescence, nanomaterial-modified electrodes, and biomolecular surface functionalization. Dr. Ignaszak integrates advanced materials, microfabrication, and computational modeling to design high-performance point-of-care diagnostic devices. Her work emphasizes translation of electrochemical sensor technologies toward clinically relevant, field-deployable, and commercially scalable healthcare applications.

Student roles:
Two students will work in parallel on a shared electrochemiluminescent biosensor platform for leukemia biomarker detection, using the same portable potentiostat/ECL reader, screen-printed electrode cartridge, optical detector, and assay workflow.
Student 1 will focus on BCR-ABL fusion gene detection, a clinically important marker of chronic myeloid leukemia. This student will design and optimize DNA capture probes immobilized on nanomaterial-modified gold or carbon screen-printed electrodes. The work will include electrode functionalization, hybridization assay development, optimization of luminol- or Ru-complex-based ECL signal generation, and evaluation of analytical performance using synthetic BCR-ABL sequences and serum-spiked samples. Key tasks will include improving selectivity against mismatched DNA, lowering the detection limit, and validating reproducibility across electrode batches.
Student 2 will focus on leukemia-associated microRNA detection, such as miR-10a-5p or miR-16, relevant to acute myeloid leukemia and broader leukemia monitoring. This student will develop an ECL assay using complementary nucleic-acid probes, aptamer-assisted recognition where applicable, and signal amplification strategies such as rolling circle amplification, catalytic hairpin assembly, or DNA-walker systems. The assay will be optimized for detection in diluted serum or plasma, with emphasis on sensitivity, anti-interference performance, and stability.
Both students will use the same hardware architecture to ensure platform compatibility and future multiplexing. Shared tasks will include electrode pretreatment, nanomaterial coating, ECL reagent optimization, calibration-curve generation, limit-of-detection analysis, selectivity testing, and comparison with standard molecular diagnostic benchmarks. The students will also jointly develop standard operating procedures for cartridge fabrication, sample handling, and data analysis.
This coordinated project will generate two marker-specific assays on one common ECL biosensing platform. The outcome will be a modular diagnostic system capable of detecting both genetic and RNA leukemia biomarkers, supporting future multiplex point-of-care testing for early diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and minimal residual disease assessment.

Skills required:
Students working on this electrochemical biosensor project should have a background in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, materials science, or related disciplines. Knowledge of electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, nanomaterials, molecular biology, or biosensor fabrication is considered an asset. Experience with techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, or biomolecule immobilization is beneficial but not mandatory. Ideal candidates should demonstrate strong motivation, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment. Full training in electrochemical methods, biosensor fabrication, analytical techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication will be provided throughout the project to ensure student success and professional development.

Research area: Professor Monique Lacroix, Ph.D. My research works in food science and nanotechnologies promotes the development of agri-food industry through new processing technologies to ensure food safety and quality, including the development new, value-added products. The development and application of new, non-thermal technologies (X-ray, gamma irradiation, UV-C) or hurdle technologies (combinations of treatments with heat, bioactive packaging, modified atmosphere, ozone) reduces food losses while ensuring the preservation of nutritional value and safety of the product. New processes are monitored by various spheres of activity, such as food and polymer chemistry, nanostructures, physicochemical/rheological properties of advanced materials, microbiological/sensory analyses, and genomics.

Student roles:
The student will participate in all steps of the methodology mentioned above, and will be mainly involved in microbiological analyses:
- Preparation of pathogen strains and culture media.
- Inoculation in sterile conditions (challenge tests).
- Microplate readings (UV-Visible spectrophotometry).
- Food processing by using non-thermal treatments (e.g. X-ray).
- Microbiological, physicochemical and statistical analyses.
- Interpretation of results, report writing, oral and written communication.

Skills required:
University degree in related fields: microbiology, biology, food sciences; advanced in microbiological analyses.

Essential: The student can work under a biological safety cabinet and has received WHMIS and Biosafety trainings.

Research area: We study the evolution of genomes and of cellular systems in the context of long-term evolution, for instance in the context of gene duplication and the birth of genes, and in the context of short-term evolution such as during the evolution of drug resistance. We use high-throughput experimental evolution and genome editing as well as computational biology tools.

Student roles:
The student will contribute to our research projects by performing wet lab experiments and/or computational analyses. He will be supervised by a graduate student or a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory. He will have to communicate his work orally at group meetings and on paper in research articles.

Skills required:
Basic molecular and microbiology skills and/or bioinformatics skills and/or biochemistry skills

Research area: Our laboratory studies extracellular vesicles (EVs) in Plasmodium falciparum malaria, focusing on their roles in parasite-to-parasite communication, host-cell invasion, and sexual stage commitment. P. falciparum must periodically convert from asexually replicating blood-stage parasites into gametocytes — the sexual forms transmissible to the mosquito vector. EVs released by infected red blood cells have been implicated in triggering this conversion, but the molecular signals they carry remain poorly characterized. In parallel, we investigate how parasite-derived EVs interact with red blood cell surface glycans to influence invasion efficiency, linking EV biology to host-receptor biology.

Student roles:
The student will be supervised by a senior graduate student working on the gametocytogenesis project and directly mentored by Dr. Rohrbach. Full laboratory training will be provided upon arrival, beginning with safety orientation and P. falciparum culture.
The student will first learn to maintain continuous asexual P. falciparum cultures (strain 3D7 and/or NF54, which is gametocyte-competent) using human RBCs from a licensed blood bank. The student will then learn to isolate stage-specific EVs from synchronized cultures using differential centrifugation and size-exclusion chromatography, and to characterize them by nanoparticle tracking analysis (Particle Metrix ZetaView). Mastery of these foundational skills underpins all downstream experiments.
For the gametocytogenesis arm, the student will conduct EV transfer experiments: adding purified EV fractions from defined asexual stages to NF54 cultures and quantifying gametocyte conversion rates over 5–7 day timecourses using Giemsa-stained smears and flow cytometry. The student will compare the potency of EVs from different asexual stages (ring vs. trophozoite vs. schizont) to identify which populations carry the strongest gametocytogenic signal, and will contribute to candidate-signal experiments guided by our ongoing multi-omic analysis.
For the invasion arm, the student will perform quantitative flow cytometry-based invasion assays comparing EV-treated versus control RBCs, and contribute to fluorescence microscopy experiments examining glycan epitope distribution on EV-treated RBC surfaces.
The student will attend weekly lab meetings, maintain a detailed laboratory notebook, deliver a final oral presentation, and submit a written project report at the end of the internship.

Skills required:
The student should have a background in cell biology, microbiology, or biochemistry. Interest in infectious disease, parasite biology, or cell signaling is a strong asset. Prior experience with cell culture, microscopy, or flow cytometry is welcome but not required — all techniques will be taught. The student should be organized, comfortable with quantitative data, and willing to work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment (full safety training provided on arrival). Students from life sciences, biomedical sciences, or biochemistry programs are encouraged to apply.

Research area: Every hour counts when a newborn develops sepsis yet current diagnostic methods take up to 72 hours. Our lab builds miniaturized biosensors that detect life-threatening infections in a single drop of blood within minutes, directly at the bedside. We combine cutting-edge electrochemistry, nanotechnology, and immunoassay engineering to create smart diagnostic devices that could one day replace slow, costly lab tests in neonatal intensive care units worldwide. If you are passionate about using chemistry and engineering to solve real clinical problems and save newborn lives, this project offers hands-on experience at the exciting frontier of point-of-care diagnostics and translational biomedical

Student roles:
• Assess matrix effects and optimize assay conditions for performance in clinical neonatal whole blood or serum samples.
• Conduct a pilot feasibility study using de-identified remnant clinical neonatal samples, comparing biosensor readings against validated laboratory immunoassay results.

Skills required:
• Background in Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field
• Experience with immunoassay techniques (ELISA, lateral flow)
• Comfort working with human biological samples under biosafety protocols
• Knowledge of clinical biomarkers and infectious disease diagnostics
• Statistical analysis experience (R, SPSS, or equivalent) would be an asset but not required

Research area: My research focuses on the chemistry and performance of wood finishing products, bio-based adhesives and coatings, and wood modification and impregnation. I develop innovative strategies for the valorization of forest biomass residues, including the selective extraction of high-value compounds such as suberin, betulin, tannins and polyphenols from birch and spruce bark. I also work on stimuli-responsive and smart coatings, as well as bio-based formulations for interior and exterior wood finishing applications.

Student roles:
The student will carry out extractions of high-value compounds from birch and spruce bark, including suberin, betulin, tannins and polyphenols, following established sequential and parallel extraction protocols using solvents such as hexane, acetone and ethanol-water mixtures, as well as alkaline hydrolysis for suberin isolation. All experimental work will be conducted under the supervision of a research professional, ensuring proper training in laboratory techniques and safety procedures.
The student will perform comprehensive chemical and thermal characterization of the extracts and residues using a range of analytical techniques, including FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with FTIR (TGA-FTIR), and bomb calorimetry for the evaluation of residual calorific value. The student will also contribute to chromatographic analyses (GC-MS, HPLC) for the identification and quantification of extracted compounds, as well as to the comparison of extraction efficiency between protocols and between species.
Beyond experimental work, the student will be expected to actively participate in data analysis and interpretation. The student will present results at lab meetings, and will collaborate closely with the postdoctoral researcher, other graduate students and members of the research team. This position offers a valuable opportunity to develop expertise at the interface of forest biomass valorization, green chemistry and material characterization, within a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment connected to the Quebec forest products industry.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate holds a background in chemistry, wood science, materials science, or a related field. Experience in chemical characterization techniques such as FTIR, TGA, or chromatography (GC-MS, HPLC) is an asset. Familiarity with extraction protocols, bio-based materials, or wood finishing products is welcome but not required. The student should demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills, autonomy, and an interest in applied research at the interface of chemistry and forest biomass valorization.

Research area: The research focus of my laboratory is molecular virology. We study herpesviruses, influenza viruses, coronaviruses, and mirusviruses. The goal of our research is to better understand mechanisms of viral replication and evasion of host defences. We use a combinaton of molecular biology techniques, viral genome manipulation, proteomics and microscopy to study these viruses.

Student roles:
The student will interact on a daily basis with the supervisor and be part of a team of graduate and postdoctoral researchers. The student will initially learn essentials of safe laboratory practices in a BSL2 laboratory. The student will be involved in molecular cloning of viral genes and testing viral gene function. The student will report progress at weekly lab meetings, and write a report at the end of the internship. The intent is for this report to comprise a novel contribution to a future publication from our laboratory.

Skills required:
Ideally the student will have some background knowledge in molecular biology, and some standard laboratory skills. The student should have good english language skills.

Research area: Our lab studies mechanisms of gene regulation in normal cells and in cancer. We are particularly interested in the mechanisms controlling alternative RNA splicing and other poorly characterized gene regulatory layers. We combine computational analyses on large high-throughput RNA sequencing datasets with experimental validations to 1) discover how genes are expressed during normal tissue development and function, and 2) develop new therapies against cancer.

Student roles:
Our laboratory is located on the Health Campus of the Université de Sherbrooke in Québec, Canada. We have a multidisciplinary, diverse and highly collaborative group.

The project will best fit undergraduate candidates who intend to pursue graduate studies. As an independent researcher, you will propose and test hypotheses, interpret results and communicate your findings to your colleagues. You will be exposed to all aspects of academic research, including literature search, experimentation, and oral presentations. You will work under the direct supervision of Prof. Quesnel-Vallières and be mentored by a graduate student and/or postdoctoral researcher. For this project, you will also be co-mentored by Dr. Anupama Jha (Department of Genetics, Yale University) through virtual meetings.

The candidate we seek will be open-minded, independent, enjoy teamwork, and display great communication skills.

Skills required:
The project relies on computational analyses and machine learning/deep learning approaches to address a fundamental biological question. A student with a background in computer science and interested in biology could be successful. Conversely, a student with a background in biology and a desire to explore “big data” projects using bioinformatics tools could be equally successful.

Irrespective of their background, the student must at least have some level of familiarity with programming, especially with Bash and Python, and machine learning modeling. A strong interest for biological questions pertaining to the genome, evolution and gene regulation is essential.

Research area: The goal of this research area is the analysis of natural product gene clusters in sequenced fungal and bacterial genomes using bioinformatic tools.

Student roles:
The role of the student will be to analyze data and perform in silico experiments. The student will be assisting a MSc student in their research.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate will have some Python experience, as well as some R experience.

Research area: Research in Dr. Shyh-Dar Li's lab focuses on developing innovative technologies to target drugs to the diseased site, enabling novel therapeutics. http://lilab-tddn.pharmsci.ubc.ca/

Student roles:
Work 40 hours a week. Perform experiments, report and discuss results, help maintain the lab, collaborate with other members in the lab, and write a final report.

Skills required:
1. Background in drug delivery, pharmaceutics or chemical engineering (e.g. courses or summer project)
2. Cell culture
3. Molecular biology assays, such as qPCR, Western blot
4. English proficiency
5. Microsoft Office (Powerpoint, Excel, Word)

Research area: The overarching theme of my research program is to better understand the mechanisms underlying tissue injury and wound healing in aging-related, chronic inflammatory conditions. Through phenotypic and molecular characterizations using in vitro studies, in vivo models, and patient biospecimens, our goal is to identify therapeutic targets that could be modulated to improve disease severity and clinical symptoms in patients. In particular, our team is interested in a family of serine proteases known as granzymes (granule-secreted enzymes). Over the past 20+ years, our team has discovered a pathogenic role for granzymes in many age-related, chronic inflammatory conditions/diseases in diverse tissues.

Student roles:
The student will be immersed in a wide range of translational research activities and will work with a Postdoctoral Fellow or Senior Graduate Student supervisor. Day to day tasks will include designing studies, running experiments, scientifically documenting methodology and results, analyzing and interpreting findings, discussing data with supervisors, organizing data into presentations, delivering presentations at lab meetings and local research meetings, writing and editing research manuscripts as well as assisting with other lab duties and studies.

Skills required:
We are looking for a highly-motivated, committed student with a passion for biomedical research and discovery. A background related to immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biology, physiology and/or physiology is preferred while previous hands-on experience with techniques such as tissue culture, protein/protease work, immunohistochemistry/histology is an asset. This work term is suitable for a senior student who has previous laboratory experience and is comfortable working independently and on a team. The laboratory is a dynamic, fast-paced, collaborative environment. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.

Research area: My research interests focus on the synthesis of a wide range of functional inorganic nanoparticles based on Green Chemistry methods, their characterization using various physico-chemical techniques, the exploration of reaction mechanisms, and the study of their various physicochemical and biological properties for applications in several fields, including biomedicine, environment and catalysis. They also focus on modifying the surface of natural fibers, such as cellulose and pectin, with bio-molecules, polymers and/or inorganic nanoparticles, to obtain functional biohybrids with potential applications in several fields (biomedicine, environment, catalysis...).

Student roles:
The trainee will work on the proposed topic under my close supervision in concert with other members of my team and will interact with the colleagues with whom I collaborate. The student will conduct bibliographic research on different methods used for the deposition of inorganic nanoparticles on natural fibers and will learn about the results already obtained by my other trainees. Following this, the student will be able to propose a detailed experimental work plan which we will further discuss in terms of strengths and weaknesses, feasibility and expected results. Then, the student will be trained to use various equipment and instruments necessary to carry out their project and will proceed with the implementation of this project, namely: (i) the production of nanocomposite biomaterials made of natural fibers decorated with metallic nanoparticles; (ii) characterization of their physicochemical properties; (iii) exploration of the mechanistic aspects leading to their formation; and (iii) evaluation of their biological and/or catalytic properties. In addition, the student will be responsible for processing and interpreting the obtained results. Their work will be crowned by the writing of a report showcasing the obtained results which are likely to give rise to a scientific article and/or to an oral presentation/poster at the end of their internship.

Skills required:
The candidate must be motivated to quickly integrate into their new environment. To successfully complete their project, they must: demonstrate sufficient scientific culture in chemistry or related fields; have knowledge of nano-materials (an asset); master some characterization techniques (FTIR, XRD, TEM, etc.); possess work experience in the laboratory to read and implement experimental protocols, learn to use equipment and instruments, and become autonomous after a few weeks of internship and training; update their knowledge on the subject by carry out the adequate bibliographic research; and be able to process and interpret the results.

Research area: Molecular imaging allows for non-invasive visualization and quantification of biochemical and pharmacological processes in living systems and has important applications for clinical diagnosis and disease research. An imaging drug containing a radioactive atom is administered to a patient and then its distribution in the body is tracked using a specialized camera. Our research program develops imaging drugs to reveal valuable information in cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, neuronal diseases, and cancer. This includes methods to incorporate radioactive atoms into molecules, new molecule discovery, and evaluation in disease models.

Student roles:
Students will be responsible for maintaining practices and protocols related to safety and efficient operations of the laboratory. This includes completing mandatory training modules, practicing good laboratory techniques, and communicating with coworkers and the principal investigator. Students will receive hands-on training in specialized techniques and be responsible for acquiring skills to complete the needed experiments. Students will maintain a detailed laboratory notebook and prepare regular reports to facilitate discussions, as well as present their work to the research team. Students are expected to become knowledgeable in the subject matter by reading relevant literature, accessing literature databases, and participating in group discussions. Students will assist senior personnel in conducting experiments towards the aims of the research project. This includes working on a team and being individually responsible for technical tasks. Students will train in specialized techniques and instrumentation and be responsible for operating these independently, including data acquisition and analysis. Opportunities will be provided to take on greater responsibility commensurate with demonstrated skills.

Skills required:
Students should possess a strong background in university-level natural science courses as demonstrated by very good to excellent grades in intermediate chemistry and biochemistry, including laboratory courses. The students should have an interest in pursuing laboratory natural science or biomedical research during their undergraduate studies and during graduate studies. Previous research laboratory experience is desirable but is not required. We seek students with strong written and verbal communication skills and enthusiasm for working independently and as part of a team. Our research group promotes principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment.

Research area: Our laboratory studies how cells coordinate their organelles, focusing on the functional partnership between mitochondria and peroxisomes, organelles that cooperate in fatty-acid metabolism and in controlling reactive oxygen species. We combine mammalian cell biology, live-cell fluorescence microscopy, inducible protein-tethering tools, and real-time respirometry to understand how physical contacts between organelles form, how they are regulated, and how they shape metabolic output. The work sits at the interface of cell biology, biochemistry, and metabolism, and connects to human health through rare mitochondrial and peroxisomal diseases. Our newly established lab features a cellular metabolism platform.

Student roles:
Under the day-to-day mentorship of the supervisor and a senior laboratory member, the intern will be a full participant in the project rather than an observer. After an initial onboarding and safety period, the intern will progressively take ownership of a defined set of experiments.
Day-to-day responsibilities will include: maintaining human cell cultures and preparing experimental samples; carrying out the inducible contact-site experiments, including the induced (“ON”) and dissolved (“OFF”) conditions together with their controls; running mitochondrial respirometry assays on the Seahorse XF Pro; acquiring fluorescence-microscopy images of organelle contacts; and quantifying and analysing the resulting data using standard imaging and statistical tools. The intern will keep a detailed, well-organised laboratory notebook and will be responsible for the integrity and traceability of their data.
Throughout the placement, the intern will meet weekly with the supervisor, present progress at laboratory meetings, and take part in the lab’s journal club, developing the ability to read primary literature critically and to communicate scientific results clearly. The intern will also complete the institutional safety and biosafety training required to work in the laboratory.
We expect the intern to work carefully and independently while asking questions freely, and to contribute to the collaborative, supportive culture of the group. By the end of the 12 weeks, the intern will have learned a coherent set of cell-biology and metabolism techniques, generated and analysed an original dataset linking organelle contacts to mitochondrial function, and presented their findings to the laboratory. Where the results support it, the intern’s contribution may feed into a future publication.

Skills required:
We seek a student in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related life science, with:
• coursework in cell biology and biochemistry (molecular biology an asset);
• some hands-on lab experience, ideally including sterile technique or cell culture (full training provided);
• basic data-analysis skills (spreadsheets, graphing; ImageJ/Fiji or GraphPad a bonus);
• careful, organised work habits and reliable record-keeping;
• a strong working knowledge of English (French welcome, not required);
• curiosity, initiative, and the ability to work independently and in a team.
Prior microscopy experience is an advantage.

Research area: Our laboratory studies how mitochondria and cellular metabolism are reprogrammed in disease. One axis focuses on the nuclear receptor LRH-1 (NR5A2) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype that still lacks targeted therapies. LRH-1 controls lipid and energy metabolism and, unexpectedly, also localizes to mitochondria in TNBC cells, suggesting a nuclear–mitochondrial regulatory axis. Using potent LRH-1 modulators and gene silencing, we ask how this receptor rewires cancer-cell energy metabolism. We combine cell biology, pharmacology, and real-time respirometry, supported by a cellular-metabolism platform.

Student roles:
Under the day-to-day mentorship of the supervisor and a senior laboratory member, the intern will be a full participant in the project rather than an observer. After an initial onboarding and safety period, the intern will progressively take ownership of a defined set of experiments.
Day-to-day, the intern will:
• maintain triple-negative breast cancer cell cultures and treat them with a dose series of an LRH-1 modulator, alongside LRH-1 silencing and appropriate controls;
• run mitochondrial respirometry assays on the Seahorse XF Pro;
• measure cell number for normalisation;
• and confirm LRH-1 silencing by standard molecular methods.
The intern will analyse the resulting data and keep a detailed, well-organised laboratory notebook, ensuring the integrity and traceability of their data.
Throughout the placement, the intern will meet weekly with the supervisor, present progress at laboratory meetings, and take part in the lab’s journal club, developing the ability to read primary literature critically and to communicate results clearly. The intern will also complete the institutional safety and biosafety training required to work in the laboratory.
We expect the intern to work carefully and independently while asking questions freely, and to contribute to the collaborative, supportive culture of the group. By the end of the 12 weeks, the intern will have learned a coherent set of cell-biology and metabolism techniques, generated and analysed an original dataset linking LRH-1 activity to cancer-cell metabolism, and presented their findings to the group. Where the results support it, the intern’s contribution may feed into a future publication.

Skills required:
We seek a senior undergraduate in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related life science, with:
• coursework in cell biology and biochemistry (cancer biology an asset);
• some hands-on lab experience, ideally including mammalian cell culture (full training provided);
• basic data-analysis skills (spreadsheets, graphing; GraphPad or ImageJ/Fiji a bonus);
• careful, organised work habits and reliable record-keeping;
• a strong working knowledge of English (French welcome, not required);
• curiosity, initiative, and the ability to work independently and in a team.
No prior experience with respirometry or cancer-cell models is needed.

Research area: Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases) and other ectonucleotidases are enzymes that hydrolyze nucleotides at the cell surface. These nucleotides affect various biological functions via the activation of nucleotide (P2) receptors. To state a few examples, we observed that inflammatory processes, thrombosis and bone formation are all affected by the activity of these enzymes. We have discovered and cloned some of these enzymes, have defined their biochemical characteristics and have demonstrated several fonctions of these enzymes in mouse models using knock out mice. For more information on the laboratory see: http://www.crchudequebec.ulaval.ca/en/research/researchers/jean-sevigny/

Student roles:
The trainee will execute the project detailed above. Variation of the project to the desire of the trainee can be discussed.

All the techniques used by the students are all routinely performed in my laboratory. This project is therefore ideal for the training of a young an ambitious student as if the work is well done it will lead to a least a paper where the trainee will participate as a co-author.

Skills required:
Background in biochemistry, cell culture and enzymology in both theory and practice would help.

Research area: When a normal cell divides, it should do so equally. That means that each of the resulting 'daughter' cells should receive equal amounts of chromosomes from the original 'mother' cell. If this does not happen, the resulting daughter cells will have unequal number of chromosomes, a pathogenic state known as aneuploidy. Aneuploidy is therefore caused by incorrect cell division. It is the main cause of miscarriage with approximately 30% of miscarriages being aneuploid. Also, aneuploidy can cause mental and physical abnormalities in newborns and contributes to cancer in adults. Our overarching aim is to identify mechanisms that protect against aneuploidy.

Student roles:
Interesting hits that are relevant to mitosis identified from a mass psectrometry screen we performed will verified and further explored in cell culture experiments. In this context, the intern will be introduced to methods in cell culture, high resolution microscopy including spinning disc confocal microscopy. In addition, the candidate will be introduced to methods in molecular biology. Importantly, the student will also gain theoretical knowledge in field of cell cycle biology. In addition to the scientific training, there will the opportunity to gain training and experience in more generally applicable skills including critical thinking and problem solving, as well as presentation skills. Overall, the intern will have an excellent idea by the end of the 12 weeks of some of the rewards and challenges of graduate studies.

Skills required:
- Good communication and critical thinking skills.
- scientific rigour and ethical conduct.
- Enthusiasm, ambition and interest in the project.
- Ability to work in a team-environment.
- Previous laboratory experience is an asset but not necessary.

Research area: Our lab studies a natural and reversible protein aggregation pathway, which induces a dormant state to protect cells from harsh environmental conditions. In response to common stressors (i.e., heat shock and extracellular acidosis), mammalian cells sequester, immobilize and inactivate a large family of proteins within a subnuclear structure that possesses the same biophysical properties that are associated with the amyloid plaques seen in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and prion-based diseases. Our work uses common cell biology and biochemistry techniques to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying this physiological process.

Student roles:
The student will learn basic molecular cloning techniques to isolate (PCR and gel electrophoresis), insert (restriction enzyme digestion and ligation) and purify (bacterial transformation and plasmid mini prep) the open reading frames of several cellular co-chaperones. These plasmids will then be sequenced, and the student will validate that the correct genes have been cloned.

Concurrently, the student will gain proficiency with basic tissue culture techniques. This includes the maintenance and manipulation of cultured mammalian cells. Once the cloning of the constructs has been completed (above), the plasmids will be transfected into the cell line. Fluorescence microscopy will then be used assess co-localization of the GFP-tagged DNAJ protein with the amyloid aggregates (detected using the amyloidophilic dye Congo red). Finally, candidate genes will be transfected and a time-course analysis will be performed to assess the rate of amyloid disassembly, in the presence or absence of the putative hit proteins.

All of the above experiments will be performed by the student, under the supervision of a senior lab member and the lab principal investigator.

Skills required:
Interested students should have a background knowledge in molecular and cellular biology, with basic experience using common lab techniques (molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation). Some experience maintaining, transfecting and staining cultured mammalian cells would be highly beneficial.

Research area: Dr. Alexandre (Sasha) Douplik is a Professor, Head of Ryerson Photonics Group in the Physics Department at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) since 2011, and a Scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, specializing in Advanced Optical Biomedical Imaging and Laser Surgery and Therapy, author of more than 70 peer-reviewed papers, 55 conference papers, seven book chapters and 18 patents. He was also a visiting researcher at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan, in 2018 and 2023. From 2008-2011 he was a contract (non-tenure-track) Research Professor/Habilitant at Nuremberg-Erlangen University, Germany, where he defended his Biomedical Engineering Habilitation.

Student roles:
Experimental work, data processing and analysis, report writing, and publication participation.

Skills required:
Mechanical Design, Optics, Physics, Engineering, Programming

Research area: The majority of neurodegenerative diseases are strongly linked to the buildup of damaging protein masses in brain cells. One emerging therapeutic strategy is to activate brain cell’s internal machinery to remove these toxic protein masses. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved pathway used by all cells in our bodies to target large objects such as protein aggregates and organelles to a specialized compartment called the lysosome, where these objects will be degraded and their constituents recycled for other processes. Research in the Yip laboratory is aimed at obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the human autophagy pathway.

Student roles:
The Mitacs student will learn how to generate insect cell expression vectors of EPG5 encoding different Vici syndrome disease mutations by a site-directed mutagenesis approach or conventional PCR-based cloning. Once these vectors are generated, the student will assist a senior graduate student in the lab to optimize expression conditions and purification procedures for these mutant EPG5 proteins. The student will also gain exposure to other methods for characterizing the EPG5 mutants, including but not limited to GST pulldown protein-protein interaction assays, negative stain single-particle electron microscopy, and thermal melting assays. The Mitacs student will participate directly in this research project under the supervision of a postdoctoral fellow in the Yip laboratory. He or she will be involved in designing the experiments and carrying them out independently and/or under supervision. Our laboratory is fully equipped to carry out all the proposed experiments, and upon receiving proper training, the student will have access to all instruments. He or she will also have access to the shared resources within the UBC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Life Science Institute, which include, but are not limited to, a transmission electron microscope, ultracentrifuges, and a film developer. Through this project, the student will acquire hands-on skills in key biochemical and molecular biology techniques and will also gain the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Lastly, the student will have a valuable opportunity to develop his or her communication skills through presenting at bi-weekly laboratory meetings and preparing weekly progress reports.

Skills required:
The candidate must be enrolled in a Bachelor of Science program in biochemistry, and other related life sciences or biological sciences disciplines with solid academic standings. Strong communication and organization skills, eagerness to learn new experimental techniques, and attention to detail are also required. The ideal candidate would have strong interests in pursuing a research career and have plans to pursue graduate studies in the future.

Research area: Or laboratory investigate the structure, composition and organisation of the nuclear pore complex, which is the protein complex that allows biomolecular to move from the nuclei to the cytoplam. We have established an expansion microscopy procedure than enable a sample enlargement of up to 20 fold, allowing easier vizualization of small molecular structures, such as nuclear pore complexes.

Student roles:
The student will be trained in advance confocal microscopy, will have to carry out meticulous sample preparation and 3D confocal acquisition to address imporant and fundamental biological questions related to the nuclear pore complex in plants.

Skills required:
Students having background in molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, even microbiology, with a keen interest in cellular biology and molecular biology are welcome to apply.

Research area: Our laboratory is particularly interested in the impact of stress, metabolism, or aging on human health. All of these factors make significant contributions to the onset and progression of some of the most debilitating diseases. This includes cancer, type 2 diabetes and aging-associated organ failure. Our group investigates these problems with modern methods in physiology, cell biology and biochemistry. We have special expertise in state-of-the-art imaging, high throughput screens and other cutting-edge technologies. The current project is an innovative approach that is relevant to the health of numerous individuals world-wide. Specifically, we will explore novel avenues to kill cancer cells.

Student roles:
The student will be involved in all aspects of the project. Together with the supervisor and other members of our group, the candidate will plan and optimize the research strategy, conduct experiments and trouble-shoot, if necessary. The student will actively participate in the interpretation of results and will keep appropriate records of all experiments. The candidate will discuss her/his data at lab meetings and present results at local scientific conferences. The student will work both with lab members and our collaborators. The candidate will have the opportunity to attend scientific seminars and research meetings.
Throughout the project, the student will acquire new research methods and use state-of-the-art instrumentation. This includes, but is not limited to, advanced high resolution microscopy, quantitative imaging and other modern methods in cell biology and physiology.

The student will participate in the following activities:
(1) Measure the toxicity of nanoparticles for cancer and normal cells.
(2) Define the mechanism of nanoparticle uptake.
(3) Determine how nanoparticle kill cancer cells.
(4) Participate in the data analysis and interpretation.
(5) Based on the candidate’s research, he/she will contribute to the writing of a scientific paper.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate will have a good theoretical background in cell biology, physiology ot related fields.
Enthusiasm, scientific curiosity and the ability to work in an international team are essential. To this end, the student can communicate in English, both orally and in writing. Previous research experience at the bench is an asset, but not mandatory.

Research area: Recent advances in machine learning has led to tools such as the AlphaFold from Google that enables the prediction of 3D structure from sequence. AlphaFold is a deep learning method based on neural networks that predicts high accuracy structures without requiring any templates. The success of AlphaFold motivates the development of similar techniques for other methods that currently rely exclusively on sequence information. For example, the development of genome-scale metabolic network reconstructions relies on the use of bioinformatic tools such as sequence alignment. Recently, our group demonstrated that augmenting sequence information with other features lead to improved metabolic network models.

Student roles:
The student will develop new machine learning workflows, will prepare new training sets for protein sequences, train the new datasets on new workflows. The student will also identify deficiencies in the data sets that prevent training, evaluate the importance of specific features for protein modeling. In addition, the student will reproduce existing algorithms in the literature to establish a baseline against which the newly developed algorithms can be compared. The student will also download information periodically from on-line genomics and metagenomics databases not limited to UniProt, Swiss Prot and JGI and use these sequences for training not only literature methods but also newly developed algorithms. Student will develop metrics that measure the successful function prediction in the case of functional genomics and successful prediction of activity or promiscuity in the case of protein engineering and identify new experimental designs that can enable improved prediction and models. Finally the student will also closely interact with experimental biochemists to generate targeted data that can enable the improved performance of these methods. Student will also write a report documenting the research and contribute to a research article summarizing the results of the research. The student will also present their research at weekly group meetings and at local , national and international conferences and interact with collaborators from other Universities.

Skills required:
The ideal will student will have strong background in computational biology, biochemistry and machine learning. The undergraduate program can be in computer science of engineering and the student will have experience with bioinformatics and genome sequence analysis. The student must be willing to learning techniques and work with senior researchers in order to execute new ideas and algorithms into code and test them out. Finally, the student should be comfortable programming in Python and familiarity with Pytorch and developing code for GPUs.

Research area: Cellular senescence is an anticancer program linking cellular stress responses to tissue remodeling. The impact of senescence on tissue homeostasis during development, tissue repair, and aging, is due to context-dependent beneficial and detrimental effects accompanying persistent senescent cells. This explains why senescent cells are suspected of playing a role when triggered during cancer treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.

Student roles:
The student will be paired and directly supervised with a graduate student from my laboratory. The student will assist and perform experiments, analyze data, and realize figures to present the data that he has obtained. It is expected that the student will present experimental approaches, results obtained and data analysis during lab-meetings with the rest of the research group using multimedia support (oral presentation + diaporama).

Skills required:
Theoretical and laboratory background in biology and cell biology is essential. Useful/complimentary knowledge: Bioinformatics, molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, medicine, oncology.

Research area: Indigenous medicine knowledge is rich but at risk of being forgotten as elders pass away. The Mi’kmaq skin remedy of maskwio'mi (maskwi = birch bark; o'mi = oil) is an extract from birch bark, traditionally made in a fire pit, with excellent medicinal properties for eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. PI’s Bierenstiel (Chemistry) and Young (Mi'kmaq Studies) are working with Mi’kmaq community of Membertou First Nation of Sydney, Nova Scotia with a 2-eyed seeing methodology to study maskwiomin with the goal of identifying what pharmaceutically active compounds are in the extract and what properties do these compounds have.

Student roles:
The student has a central role in this Globalink project. The maskwio'mi project is still in the early exploratory stages where we probe the breadth of medicinal properties of that bark extract as well as trying to understand this complex mixture of organic compounds. We have preliminary results that maskwiomin is a broadspectrum antibiotic including being effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria strains such as MRSA. One project is now the reproduction of these experiments (in triplicate) and expansion to other bacteria strains than the so far six tested. This requires repetition of experiments - which is excellent for novice student researchers as one or two learned techniques are applied to other bacteria strains. In addition, another project involves testing for antimicrobial activities against fungi (yeasts and molds) which has not been conducted, yet.

On the chemistry side, we have shown reproducibility of the extract using the new extractor technology. The next steps are to narrow the search for compounds in this highly complex matrix as we have shown that it contains over 200 compounds. The student will be trained using UPLC- or GC-MSMS instrumentation to analyze the extract contents at first through comparison with MS libraries and then using fractionation techniques to narrow down the compound searches. With the biomedical studies, the student will conduct zone of inhibition antibiotic studies as well as MIC determinations. Further experiments will venture into inflammatory studies.

The microbiology/medicinal property study and the chemical analysis study are coupled together and new results will likely influence each other. Pending on study background of the participating student, the project will tip to on of these sub-projects.

The student will be working in a team of several researchers and a postdoctoral researcher will closely assist the student so that the experiments are done properly and safely.

Skills required:
The Globalink project can be adjusted to the skill level of the participating student. Ideally, a student with a study background of biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, or related field is preferred to ensure high level of experiential learning for the student. The project is very interdisciplinary and we welcome different study disciplines. In the past, second year students have participated with a focus on hands-on, lab bench experiments, whereas upper level students could utilize their discipline-specific knowledge on in-depth experimental data analysis. One important factor is excitement for research by the student with an inquisitive mindset.

Research area: Dr. Huiyan Li directs the BioMed Innovation Lab at the University of Guelph, Canada. Our multidisciplinary research focuses on developing innovative micro-and nano-biosensors, with an emphasis on biomarker detection for early cancer diagnosis. We have developed a variety of sensors for highly sensitive and multiplexed protein detection by integrating biosensing, micro/nanotechnologies, bio-optics, and biomedicine. We have applied these technologies for the discovery of protein biomarkers in blood samples, shining a light on early non-invasive cancer diagnosis. Collectively, these efforts will eventually contribute to personalized cancer management, improving patient outcomes.

Student roles:
The students will work on the project with the mentorship of Dr. Li and graduate students in the lab. One student will work on the assay development for blood plasma samples, and the other for blood serum samples. They will learn nanotechnology and fabricate the nano-sensor for highly sensitive protein detection. For sample preparation, the students will perform size exclusion chromatography to isolate exosomes from blood plasma or serum samples. They will then learn to characterize the exosomes using advanced microscopy technologies available on campus. The students will learn to conduct immunoassays using the nano-sensor and investigate different assay procedures to achieve optimal assay performance. They will learn to use biostatistics software to compute key assay parameters, such as limit of detection, repeatability, and dynamic range. In the end, the students will conduct assays using the developed procedure to measure exosome protein markers in real cancer samples.

In terms of communication and leaderships, the students will work closely with Dr. Li’s team members and our collaborators at the University of Guelph, including cancer clinicians and those from the Department of Chemistry. The students will be offered the opportunity to become the contact persons for these collaborations and participate in regular project meetings to report the research progress and roadblocks. They will also polish their oral and written communication skills by making presentations to the whole research group and writing progress reports and potential publications.

By completing the project, the students will gain multidisciplinary knowledge and learn the state-of-the-art technologies in nanotechnology, purification techniques, immunoassays, exosome research, and cancer diagnosis. They will also improve their communication skills and leadership in an open, dynamic, and highly collaborative research environment.

Skills required:
Students with a general academic background in biochemistry, biological sciences, biological/biomedical engineering, medical sciences, or chemistry are welcome to apply. Qualified students are expected to have the basic knowledge to understand the motivation of this work, and have the ability and commitment to learn the hands-on operation of the nano-sensor for protein detection, including the chromatography for sample purification, nano-fabrication, immunoassay, and microscopy techniques. The students are also expected to be able to communicate effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Research area: My current research program is in the areas of drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, functional pharmacogenetics/epigenetics, and toxicology. The overarching theme of my research program is to enhance our understanding of the mechanistic basis of individual variation in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, thereby contributing to personalized pharmacotherapy by improving drug effectiveness and safety in the individual patient. Specifically, the aim of my research program is to elucidate the various genetic and non-genetic factors (e.g., drugs/toxicants/endogenous chemicals, food, epigenetics) involved in regulating drug metabolism, transport, and action.

Student roles:
The student will be involved in literature search/reading, planning of experiments, preparation of reagents (including calculations of reagents/chemicals and concentrations required for each step of the experiments), learning and performing experiments in the laboratory, writing of laboratory reports/notes, data analysis using Excel formulas, and statistical analysis using SigmaPlot software. As a member of the laboratory team, the student will also play a role in laboratory management tasks. The student may also be involved in presenting experimental findings in laboratory meetings and/or research symposium (if opportunity exists). The student will be trained to work independently on experiments. Some of the experimental techniques include preparation and dilution of chemicals, biochemical enzyme assays (enzyme kinetics), preparing standard calibration curves, and preparing samples for UHPLC-MS/MS analysis.

Skills required:
The project requires highly quantitative experimental techniques to obtain accurate and precise data. The quantitative project is particularly suitable for students who are highly meticulous, highly organized, and with a very strong interest in pharmacology, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, or biochemistry. Students should have a background in pharmacy, pharmacology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biological sciences, or other related fields. Students with pharmaceutical analysis or bioanalytical chemistry and enzyme assay skills and knowledge will have an advantage in performing the experiments in this project.

Research area: My laboratory uses molecular biology/biochemistry methods to determine mecanisms implicated in preeclampsia, a gestational disease where mothers develop hypertension and proteinuria. We also use physical activity to evaluate the functional impact of these mecanisms as we have shown that exercise training can prevent preeclampsia in our animal models. Finally, we investigate the physiological progression of the disease using many methods such as by measuring blood pressure.

Student roles:
The student will learn to extract RNA and proteins from different tissus and will learn to do real-time PCR and Western blots. He will also learn to extract RNA and to do regular PCR. Finally, the student will analyze his data and present them at our weekly laboratory meetings.

Skills required:
The student is required to have basic laboratory knowledge. He should also understand the basis for different molecular biology methods and shoud be confortable working with mice.

Research area: The Crespo-Garcia lab at the School of Optometry (Université de Montréal, Canada) studies retina cell biology from a fundamental and translational angle. We are interested in understanding how different cells in the retina (vascular cells, neurons, glia) interact with each other, and how these interactions determine retina vascular disease and subsequent neurodegeneration. The candidate will be exposed to a dynamic and inclusive environment where is expected to be an active member of the team, learn new skills and have fun doing science.

Student roles:
At the end of the internship, the student will have learnt key techniques to drive molecular and cellular biology research, including basics in cell culture of mammalian cells, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The candidate will be responsible to direct their own research project and will perform literature research, experiments and analysis. The student is expected to develop critical thinking on the project and be proactive during the course of the research. There will be weekly meetings 1 on 1 with the mentor, but supervision will be available on a daily basis, particularly during the training phase. The candidate will become an integral member of the team, will present their results in a regular basis and participate in lab meetings. The candidate will be encourage to interact with other members of the team and learn from other ongoing projects in the lab or in the department. All the team works on keeping the lab as a safe and inclusive space and the candidate is expected to be respectful and emotionally responsible.

Skills required:
The candidate must be familiar with principles in cell and molecular biology (mRNA, proteins, cell signalling, culture of mammalian cells) and preferably with background in the field of biomedical sciences (understanding of disease, more particularly of ocular pathologies involving the retina). Ideally, the candidate will benefit from having been enrolled at a BSc in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry or Medicine.

Research area: Our laboratory studies mitochondrial gene expression and RNA biology, focusing on mitochondrial transfer RNAs (mt-tRNAs) and how their dysfunction causes human disease. We developed a peptide-morpholino chimera platform that selectively silences individual mitochondrial RNAs in living human cells, and have extended it to mt-tRNAs to switch off mitochondrial protein synthesis in a controlled, dose-dependent way. Combining molecular biology, patient-derived cells, and real-time respirometry, we ask how defects in single mt-tRNAs collapse energy metabolism. The work connects directly to incurable mitochondrial diseases and is supported by a cellular metabolism platform.

Student roles:
Under the day-to-day mentorship of the supervisor and a senior laboratory member, the intern will be a full participant in the project rather than an observer. After an initial onboarding and safety period, the intern will progressively take ownership of a defined set of experiments.
Day-to-day, the intern will:
• maintain human cell cultures and treat them with a dose series of the tRNA-targeting chimeras, alongside appropriate controls;
• run mitochondrial respirometry assays on the Seahorse XF Pro;
• extract RNA and quantify the targeted mt-tRNA;
• assess assembly of the respiratory complexes;
• compare the results with patient-derived MELAS cells.
The intern will analyse the resulting data and keep a detailed, well-organised laboratory notebook, ensuring the integrity and traceability of their data.
Throughout the placement, the intern will meet weekly with the supervisor, present progress at laboratory meetings, and take part in the lab’s journal club, developing the ability to read primary literature critically and to communicate results clearly. The intern will also complete the institutional safety and biosafety training required to work in the laboratory.
We expect the intern to work carefully and independently while asking questions freely, and to contribute to the collaborative, supportive culture of the group. By the end of the 12 weeks, the intern will have learned a coherent set of molecular and metabolism techniques, generated and analysed an original dataset linking mt-tRNA depletion to mitochondrial function, and presented their findings to the group. Where the results support it, the intern’s contribution may feed into a future publication.

Skills required:
We seek a student in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related life science, with:
• coursework in cell biology and molecular biology or biochemistry;
• some hands-on lab experience, ideally including cell culture or basic nucleic-acid work (full training provided);
• basic data-analysis skills (spreadsheets, graphing; GraphPad or ImageJ/Fiji a bonus);
• careful, organised work habits and reliable record-keeping;
• a strong working knowledge of English (French welcome, not required);
• curiosity, initiative, and the ability to work independently and in a team.
Prior experience with mitochondrial methods is an advantage.

Research area: Research in my lab focuses on developing innovative technologies to target drugs to the diseased site, enabling novel therapeutics. https://lilab-tddn.pharmsci.ubc.ca/

Student roles:
Work 40 hours a week. Perform experiments, report and discuss results, help maintain the lab, collaborate with other members in the lab, and write a final report.

Skills required:
1. Background in tumor biology and immunology (e.g. courses or summer project)
2. Cell culture
3. Cell based assays. e.g. MTT/XTT assay and ELISA
4. English proficiency
5. Microsoft Office (Powerpoint, Excel, Word)

Research area: My research focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that control gene expression during key cellular processes. I study how genes are switched on or off through the binding and release of specific transcription factors at regulatory DNA elements. These interactions can reshape local chromatin architecture, alter DNA accessibility and influence downstream gene activity. By understanding how transcription factors and chromatin dynamics coordinate gene regulation, my work aims to provide deeper insight into normal development, cellular responses, and disease-associated changes in gene expression.

Student roles:
This project investigates how the transcription factor IRF1 interacts with nucleosomes at a molecular level. The Panigrahi laboratory focuses on understanding chromatin regulation using biochemical and structural biology approaches to obtain atomistic insights into transcription factor–nucleosome interactions.
The laboratory routinely expresses recombinant proteins using E. coli-based system. Expression constructs for IRF1 and human histones are already established in the lab. The student will work closely with Dr. Panigrahi and will receive hands-on training while performing the following experiments under direct supervision:
1. Recombinant protein expression and purification: E. coli strains will be used to overexpress histones and IRF1. The student will purify these proteins using chromatographic techniques, including affinity and size-exclusion chromatography.
2. Nucleosome reconstitution: DNA templates containing ISREs positioned at defined locations will be amplified using PCR. The purified DNA fragments will be used to reconstitute nucleosomes with site-specific positioning of ISREs to generate distinct chromatin substrates.
3. Biophysical and structural characterization: IRF1 binding to nucleosomes will be assessed using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Complex stability will be evaluated using thermal shift assays. Optimized IRF1–nucleosome complexes will be prepared for cryo-EM in collaboration with the Stanford S2C2 facility for grid preparation, screening, and data collection.
Success of this 12-week project will be determined by formation of high-quality, stable IRF1–nucleosome complexes suitable for cryo-EM structural analysis. The student will be expected to attend weekly lab meetings and departmental seminars. Dr. Panigrahi’s lab collaborates closely with the Stanford Cryo-EM Center, and the student will therefore be expected to attend a one-hour talk or workshop hosted by the center each month.
The student will also be required to maintain a detailed laboratory notebook, documenting experimental methods and results daily. The student will prepare a project report summarizing their work and may be asked to deliver a final presentation.

Skills required:
Prior experience with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is essential. Applicants should have a solid undergraduate-level theoretical knowledge of DNA and protein structure, Escherichia coli-based recombinant protein expression, and basic biochemical techniques, such as agarose gel electrophoresis and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint is required for documentation, report writing, and presentations. Applicant should be familiar with reading published articles and writing project reports.
Applicants should also have access to a personal laptop for daily record-keeping, presentation, and project-related tasks.

Research area: Our laboratory has an interest and expertise in elucidating gene expression programs involved in tumorigenesis, especially those involving cells in the tumor microenvironment. To do this, we use transgenic mouse models, "omic" technologies such as single-cell sequencing and mass spectrometry, as well as the culture of primary and cancer cells. In addition, we are developing molecules (antisense oligonucleotides) to reduce tumor growth in pre-clinical models.

Student roles:
The student will follow established standard protocols to perform molecular biology and biochemistry techniques such as human cell culture (passage, transfection, phenotypic assay); gene expression determination at the RNA (RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, real-time PCR) and protein (protein extraction, western-blot) level. Expect to communicate results and participate in lab meetings.

Skills required:
Background in life sciences or medicine.
Coachable. Self-motivated. Desire for a career in research
Interest in fibroblast biology, extracellular matrix, epigenetic,
Interest in learning cell culture, gene expression analysis, work with mouse models, invasion/migration assays.

Research area: The long-term goal of this proposal is to decipher the molecular basis of heme acquisition in eukaryotes. Due to its critical physiological role as a cofactor for several essential cellular enzymes, organisms have evolved with two different ways to obtain heme: heme biosynthesis and heme uptake from external sources. As opposed to the well-characterized enzymes responsible for heme biosynthesis, knowledge of the players and mechanisms involved in acquisition of exogenous heme is very limited and remains poorly understood. Studies in the Labbe’s group are aimed at filling this gap in our knowledge.

Student roles:
The student will be involved in a research projet in which he/she will have to apply molecular and cellular approaches to perform biological experiments. The student will develop her/his own sub-project to gain independence and autonomy skills.

The students involved in the proposed research program will learn a broad spectrum of experimental approaches, including new proteomics strategies and several applications involving next generation sequencing for genome-wide analysis of gene expression changes. Although each student will primary work on a specific aim, collaboration between students will be highly encouraged to ensure that they gain mastery over all the laboratory methods.

Each week, we have a:
Lab meeting: a member describes her/his results and experimental problems in order to exchange ideas and receive constructive criticism.
Journal club: to discuss and comment publications relevant to our field or other areas.

Departmental group seminar: the graduate students are exposed to "tell a story" and exchange about their results with other graduate students and professors of the Department.

Skills required:
Highly interested student who is eager to learn molecular and cellular biology as well as yeast genetics. New generation sequencing (NGS) approaches (e.g. RNA-Seq) will be used and a combination of bioinformatics tools will be available for the trainees.

Research area: The laboratory use the molecular biology, biochemistry, and structural biology methods to study the structure-function relationship of proteins. Research in the laboratory aims to improve our understanding of membrane supported functions within the bacterial envelope to ultimately develop novel therapeutic strategies against infectious diseases, and carcinogenic bacteria.

Student roles:
The candidate will gain experience in molecular biology (cloning, site-directed mutagenesis), expression/purification of proteins, biochemistry (electrophoresis, enzymology, biophysics), and structural biology (protein crystallography).

Skills required:
The project will consist in investigating the structure-function relationship of nickel transporters and nickel-homeostasis proteins. The candidate will use multidisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, electrophysiology and bioinformatics to dissect the molecular mechanism of nickel transport across the outer and inner membranes of the pathogen. Structures of nickel transporters will be helpful in the design of specific inhibitors to treat high-risk populations for gastric cancers and lymphomas.

Research area: The laboratory of Prof. Charles Calmettes focuses on the bacterial envelope biogenesis with a particular emphasis on the assembly of outer-membrane proteins in Gram-negative bacteria. The laboratory use the molecular biology, biochemistry, and structural biology methods to study the structure-function relationship of proteins. Research in the laboratory aims to improve our understanding of membrane supported functions within the bacterial envelope to ultimately develop novel therapeutic strategies against infectious diseases.

Student roles:
Candidate will gain experience in molecular biology (cloning, site-directed mutagenesis), expression/purification of proteins, biochemistry (electrophoresis, enzymology), liposomes formation, structural biology, and mass spectrometry

Skills required:
The candidate should have a background in biochemistry, microbiology, or biotechnology.

Research area: My research focuses on cardiac metabolism and pathophysiology. I am examining molecular mechanisms of cardiomyopathy induced by metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Student roles:
The student will perform cell culture studies and work with tissues from mice subjected to diet-induced obesity. In addition, the project entails immunoblot analyses of proteins involved in LPA signaling. The student will also examine cardiomyocyte function by measuring sarcomere shortening using a specialized microscope. In addition, the student will perform enzyme activity assays.

Skills required:
The student would need to have some experience in working in a research laboratory. Students with a background in biochemistry and/or cell biology are preferred.

Research area: Dr Lamarche-Vane’s lab investigates molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of cell migration and adhesion, linked to development and human diseases. For instance, in the adult, migration events are involved in the normal physiology as well as in pathology such as metastasis. In embryogenesis, cell migration is an important feature of the development of the nervous system. Dr Lamarche-Vane is interested to uncover novel mechanisms underlying the role of the Rho GTPases in cell migration, in particular, in the developing nervous system and in the cellular processes leading to metastasis using global molecular and cellular approaches.

Student roles:
The student will be matched with a postdoctoral fellow or a senior PhD student in the lab to be trained for the specific research project. The student will learn on a day-to-day basis cell culture, transfection, CRISPR/CAS9 approaches, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. The student will be trained and then, will be able to accomplish independently the experiments under the supervision of the postdoc or PhD student. The student will learn how to critically analyze the data, how to organize them and will meet with Dr Lamarche-Vane every week to discuss the data and the follow-up strategies.

Skills required:
The student should have some basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology. Some background in the basic signaling mechanisms involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and cell migration will help but is not absolutely essential.

Research area: The Turak Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory seeks to revolutionize biosensors by making them cheaper, more accessible, and more flexible. Our research focusses on developing easy, versatile, and inexpensive methods of exploring and tuning surfaces using nanoparticle functionalization. To achieve this vision, the Turak group uses simple manufacturing approaches (reverse micelle deposition), allows nature to dictate morphology (entropic self-assembly, beneficial dewetting), and develops characterization tools that are widely applicable to nanotechnology.

Student roles:
Students will characterize the nanoparticles properties, focusing particularly on size, using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, UV/Vis absorption, and surface plasmon resonance techniques.

Skills required:
Ideally the student will have some experience in material synthesis in solution, and some understanding of self-assembly. Bonus if they have some experience with thiol functionalization.

Research area: Nanobubbles are gas-filled bubbles in water with typical diameters in the ~100 nm range. Nanobubbles in bulk aqueous solution have only recently come under focused scientific investigation. While many questions remain regarding bulk nanobubbles, they possess several consistently reported features, most notably being stable in water over long periods (e.g. months). Nanobubbles have potential for tremendous impact across a wide range of application areas that rely on gases dissolved in water, ranging from water treatment and environmental applications to energy innovation and food production, and hence their investigation has triggered considerable interest and excitement.

Student roles:
The student intern will work closely with a senior lab member on the evaluation and re-design of SONIC and also characterize the nanobubbles solutions using acoustic measurements, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The student intern will interact closely with a team of a postdoc, graduate student and professors.

Skills required:
This project requires one highly enthusiastic and self-motivated student with background in engineering, physics, or chemistry/material science that has taken analytical chemistry courses, has wet laboratory experience (prepare solutions, analytical balance, pH meter), and familiar with instruments (i.e., UV-Vis). Students must be proficient in English, and Microsoft Office software including Excel and Word. A student with background in engineering that has knowledge in acoustics, physical chemistry, and transport phenomena is a plus.

Research area: My specialized research areas include geochemistry and contaminant hydrogeology. My current geochemistry research focuses on how long-term water-rock interactions on Earth drive the natural formation and transformation of geochemical species such as H2, CH4, and simple organic compounds. This research is important for understanding early Earth habitability, natural H2 formation as a potential green energy source, and pathways for greenhouse gas transformation

Student roles:
Literature review, database construction, and a little bit of coding

Skills required:
This project invites motivated student to work on geochemical simulation of the natural hydrogen cycle in subsurface systems. The student will begin with an extensive literature review and will gain knowledge and hands-on experience in geochemical modeling, kinetic rate laws, and reactive transport concepts. Your work will contribute to novel research at the interface of geology, aquatic geochemistry, and energy sciences.
Students with geochemistry or chemistry background are preferred. Prior modeling skills are not required, but experience with Python or Matlab will be an asset.

Research area: The Hoare lab is a world leader in the rational engineering of smart, environmentally-responsive materials, with an emphasis on materials suitable for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering. Smart materials in the context of our work refer to materials whose physical properties can be triggered to change reversibly by a change in the environment (i.e. pH, temperature, the concentration of a particular chemical) or the application of an external signal (i.e. a magnetic field, near-infrared light, or ultrasound). Our lab performs novel polymer/nanoparticle synthesis to improve such vehicles, including using small animal models to confirm biological functionality.

Student roles:
The student would be paired with a PhD student in my lab who is driving this project. The PhD student would provide hands-on mentorship and direction for the student on a day-to-day basis, initially via co-run experiments and then by being available for help on an as-needed basis. The student would perform several experimental tasks: (1) isolate and/or functionalize the natural polymer-based hydrogel precursor materials (molecular weight, degree of functionalization, type of functionalization); (2) fabricate and characterize the physicochemical properties of the resulting hydrogels (gelation time, mechanics, degradation time); (3) synthesize and characterize the anti-infective material and/or delivery vehicles via both physical measurements (e.g. molecular weight, degree of functionalization, particle size, particle structure, drug loading capacity) and biological measurements (e.g. zone of inhibition or contact killing testing on common wound bacteria); and (4) assess the biological compatibility of the hydrogels via cytocompatibility testing and (time permitting) in vivo infected wound mouse models to assess both infection management and functional tissue regeneration. The student will be responsible for co-planning experiments with their mentor, collecting/organizing/analyzing the resulting data, and preparing short reports summarizing their data aiming for a future publication and/or patent application. In addition to these research tasks, the student would be expected to participate in all lab activities (including social events, seminars/local conferences, and our weekly lab group meetings), including the presentation of a short (10-15 minute) talk at the end of the placement on their research results. The student would also help with routine lab tasks (e.g. safety inspections, lab cleaning, supplies and waste management) and have the opportunity to participate in entrepreneurship activities through our wound healing-focused start-up company and/or professional development workshops organized via a CREATE program to accelerate career readiness in the field of applied biomaterials.

Skills required:
The student should have a chemistry, chemical engineering, or biomedical engineering background, although biochemistry and related sciences will also be considered if strong aptitude and interest is shown. The student should have demonstrated a strong record of scholarship. Some previous laboratory experience is preferred, with that experience ideally coming in a polymer chemistry and/or polymer characterization laboratory setting; however, strong candidates will be considered even without prior experience in a lab.

Research area: Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is a critical technique for the enrichment, recovery, and removal of (bio)chemical targets. Current methods often rely on synthetic plastics or silicon-based sorbents, which can be cost-prohibitive and environmentally taxing. This research focuses on developing a new generation of sustainable, biocompatible, and cost-effective SPE sorbents. By leveraging novel materials, we aim to bridge existing performance gaps in conventional approaches, creating more efficient tools to capture, concentrate, and control high-priority targets within both biological and environmental contexts. This project will explore the design and synthesis of these advanced sorbents to improve analytical performance and environmental sustainability.

Student roles:
The intern will actively participate in method development and daily laboratory operations alongside research assistants and fellow students. Responsibilities include performing chemical reactions, conducting chemical analyses, and analyzing and presenting experimental data to the team. The intern is expected to attend and report progress at weekly meetings and deliver a 20-minute oral research presentation to a broad audience in August. Throughout the internship, the student must strictly adhere to Concordia University of Edmonton’s code of conduct and established laboratory safety protocols to ensure a productive and secure research environment.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate should have a solid foundation in general chemistry, basic laboratory skills, and proficiency in experimental data analysis software such as Microsoft Excel. While not required, prior training in analytical or synthetic chemistry is a significant asset, and experience with laboratory instrumentation or a "DIY" approach to problem-solving is strongly preferred. Throughout the internship, the student will receive hands-on training in one or more techniques, such as FTIR, HPLC, GC-MS, and XRF. The intern will gain practical experience in experimental design, sample collection and preparation, as well as chemical product development and testing.

Research area: The project deals with the optimization of a platform for the functionalization of bacteriophages ("phages" in short, i.e. viruses that infect bacteria but not humans) on materials, which has the potential of leading to the development of technologies for prevention and diagnosis of bacterial diseases. The project will be conducted under the supervision of Professor Ilaria Rubino, who specializes in phages, phage engineering, and antimicrobial materials. The student will be co-supervised by Professor Marc-Antoine Lauzon, who has extensive expertise in 3D printing techniques and biomaterials.

Student roles:
Student’s role:
1) Literature review: the student will familiarize themselves with phage functionalization techniques, material options, 3D printing techniques, surface treatment techniques, requirements of the targeted applications, and challenges;
2) Platform design: the student will conceive and create 3D models of substrates for phage immobilization allowing for the systematic study of input gradients;
3) Fabrication: the student will operate the 3D printers for prototyping;
4) Surface treatment: the student will treat the surface of the substrates;
5) Characterization: the student will characterize their products (e.g., surface morphology, topography, composition, hydrophilicity).
6) Phage functionalization: the student will use physical or chemical functionalization techniques to immobilize phages on their proof-of-concept platform.
7) Performance evaluation: the student will evaluate the phage surface coverage (e.g., scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)), activity (e.g, plaque assay, infection dynamics), and efficacy (bacterial burden reduction).
8) The student will analyze and summarize their results.
The project will be mainly conducted in the laboratories of Professors Rubino and Lauzon, and of the Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering Department (Faculty of Engineering of the Université de Sherbrooke). The work environment aims to provide opportunities for initiation and consolidation of students’ research skills. The interpretations and ideas of all group members are taken into consideration and greatly encouraged.
Professors Rubino and Lauzon will provide supervision on the phage and 3D printing techniques, respectively. All necessary training will be provided. The student will be invited to share their questions and results during weekly meetings. The student will have the opportunity to interact with the Department's technicians, and will have access to a desk and all necessary equipment.
The student will plan their research work, ensuring a flexible schedule; if needed, the dates of beginning and end of the internship could be modified. The results could lead to a scientific publication.

Skills required:
Introductory knowledge on the following topics would be an asset, but not a requirement:
(i) 3D printing: software for design of 3D models, fabrication;
(ii) Material characterization: microscopy, SEM sample preparation, image analysis, composition analysis;
(iii) Chemistry and biochemistry: functionalization techniques (e.g., physical adsorption, electrostatic interactions, covalent bonding);
(iv) Microbiology: bacteria cultures, phages.

Research area: This research focuses on deep-ocean sediments deposited at water depths of ~3000–5000 m during the Eocene–Oligocene Transition (EOT), one of the most significant climate transitions of the past 50 million years. This work integrates sedimentology, sedimentary geology, and geochemistry to reconstruct changes in deep-marine environments and ocean circulation. A multi-proxy approach will be employed, including Rock-Eval pyrolysis, total organic carbon (TOC), bulk stable carbon isotope (δ¹³C) analyses, and, where feasible, bulk sulfur isotope (δ³⁴S) measurements to characterize variations in organic matter preservation, redox conditions, and paleoceanographic processes across the EOT.

Student roles:
The successful candidate will conduct some or all of the analyses outlined above and will work collaboratively between the University of Manitoba (laboratory analyses) and Western University (data processing, interpretation, and synthesis) under the guidance of two supervisors. You are expected to develop a project timeline, set dates for lab work and travel, conduct literature research, do lab work, analyze the data, and prepare a final report following a journal article format. The candidate is expected to demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and strong motivation for interdisciplinary research.

Skills required:
The student is required to have a good understanding of sedimentology, geochemistry, and paleoceanography gained as part of a bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth sciences. Hands-on experience with isotope analysis and organic matter characterization are very welcome.

Research area: The research laboratory focuses on understanding the chemistry and biochemistry of enzymes involved in metabolizing carbohydrates in bacteria. Studying these enzymes will result in new insight into the mechanism of action, the structure and the function of these catalysts. These enzymes are potentially drug targets. Potent inhibition is a potential avenue towards developing new antibiotics. The laboratory uses a wide variety of chemical techniques, organic synthesis, carbohydrate chemistry, enzymology, HPLC, TLC, NMR, gene cloning and protein engineering. Students will be exposed to some or all of these techniques.

Student roles:
The student will conduct all of the experiments, with assistance from a graduate student or post-doctoral fellow present in the laboratory to assist with day-to-day queries. The student will write up their research findings daily in their laboratory notebook. This will be reviewed by the supervisor and more senior researchers on a daily basis. The student will be required to present their research findings daily to their supervisor in English. They will be required to prepare weekly powerpoint presentations outlining their productivity and present to the research group (up to 10 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows). They will be required to write an end of experience report.

Skills required:
Students need to have strong quantitative lab skills, understand the principles and practical aspects of organic synthesis, be familiar with TLC and HPLC, UV visible spectroscopy and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Understanding the theory of these techniques is a requirement. Potential students need to demonstrate in their application how their current experiences demonstrate this knowledge. Hands-on training for the techniques will, however, be provided.

Research area: Nanobubbles are gas-filled bubbles in water with typical diameters in the ~100 nm range. Nanobubbles in bulk aqueous solution have only recently come under focused scientific investigation. While many questions remain regarding bulk nanobubbles, they possess several consistently reported features, most notably being stable in water over long periods (e.g. months). These unique features can transform a wide range of processes that are currently limited by gas solubility. For example, ozone-containing nanobubbles can increase the concentration of ozone in water disinfection and therefore significantly decrease the required amount of energy and emission footprint when compared to conventional ozonation treatment.

Student roles:
The student intern will work closely with a senior lab member on the generation of solutions containing ozone-nanobubbles and ozone. The intern will need to prepare bromide and bromate solutions from analytical standards and construct a calibration curve on an ion chromatography. Then, the intern and graduate student will be spiking bromide into two reactors containing ozone-nano bubbles and ozone and taking samples over time. Samples will be analyzed for bromide and bromate concentration with ion chromatography and for bubble size and population using an nanoparticletracking analyzer. This project will provide the intern with hands-on experience on the use of two analytical instruments and design of experiments. Furthermore, the student interns will Interact with a team of postdocs, graduate students, and professors.

Skills required:
This project requires one highly enthusiastic and self-motivated student with background knowledge in engineering and/or chemistry that has taken general chemistry and has wet laboratory experience (prepare solutions, analytical balance, pH meter). Students must be proficient in English, and Microsoft Office software including Excel and Word. Students ideally would have taken analytical chemistry (understand and know how to construct a calibration curve) and experience with ion chromatography and colorimetric methods is a huge plus.

Research area: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-dependent neurodegenerative disorder, and afflicts more than 44 million individuals worldwide. One of the hallmarks of AD is the presence of excess glutamate in the brain. Glutamate, a neurotransmitter, is the most abundant free amino acid in the central nervous system. Unfortunately, when present in excessive amounts, glutamate becomes toxic and, via a complex set of processes, leads to cognitive impairment. The latter can involve problems with memory, language, thinking, and judgment, which are greater than normal age-related changes.

Student roles:
Read associated literature, conduct experiments (under supervision of senior lab member), interpret results, write a final internship report (10 pages), and make a final oral presentation to lab members (10 min).

Skills required:
All associated techniques will be taught on-site. Background in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology are seen as most appropriate for capitalizing upon this learning experience.

Research area: Polymer Science, Biomaterials, Bioengineering, Carbohydrate Science

Student roles:
The student will be involved in the preparation of the polymers/hydrogels/nanoparticles by modern synthetic techniques, evaluation of the physical and chemical properties. In additional, some biological evaluation of the materials will be conducted.

Skills required:
Some background on organic, polymer or biochemistry will be useful.

Research area: My lab studies the genetic and epigenetic basics of neurodevelopmental disorders including Rett Syndrome. In addition, we perform pre-clinical studies in mice with molecular, cellular, and behavioural analysis. We test the rescue effect of commonly-used metabolic drugs.

Student roles:
The student will be responsible for associated experiments, analyzing the data, and keeping up to date with related literature.

Skills required:
Knowledge of molecular and cellular biology for transcript and protein analysis. Knowledge or expertise of working with mice and behavioural/neuroscience studies is preferred.

Research area: The Zenkina research group in Materials Chemistry focuses on the development of novel nanostructures employing self-assembly of organic and organometallic compounds on metal and oxide surfaces with a heavy emphasis on their practical applications as metal ion sensors, protein receptors, and electrochromic materials. Our research efforts are focused on the development of assays that allow simultaneous multi-analyte detection. To reach this goal, we introduce various nitrogen-containing building blocks into one multidentate molecule able to simultaneously detect few drastically different metals. On the other hand, we built ligands able to interact with metal centers of metalloproteins producing a Uv-vis and/or fluorescence

Student roles:
Student will get practical experience in synthesis of the functional building blocks (organic, organometallic, inorganic materials and nanoparticles), screen printing, nano- and surface characterization techniques (TEM and STM, BET, XPS). Student will perform design, synthesis and full characterization (based on NMR, UV-Vis, IR and HRMS) of molecular compounds that able to act as selective sensors for metal ions and bio-molecules. Most active molecular blocks will be embedded into suitable solid support (SiO2, glass, ITO, mesoporous ITO or TiO2 surfaces) for generation of new sensing materials. Molecular orientation on the surface and sensing properties of materials will be studies and finely tuned.

Skills required:
Preferably chemistry student with some background in chemistry (Organic and Inorganic, Analytical or Instrumental chemistry).

Research area: Our laboratory is particularly interested in the impact of aging, stress, or metabolism on human health. All of these factors make significant contributions to the onset and progression of some of the most debilitating diseases. This includes cancer, type 2 diabetes and aging-associated organ failure. Our group investigates these problems with modern methods in physiology, cell biology and biochemistry. We have special expertise in state-of-the-art imaging, high throughput screens and other cutting-edge technologies. The current project is an innovative approach that is relevant to the health of numerous individuals world-wide. Specifically, we will explore novel avenues to preserve healthy kidneys.

Student roles:
The student will be involved in all aspects of the project. Together with the supervisor and other members of our group, the candidate will plan and optimize the research strategy, conduct experiments and trouble-shoot, if necessary. The student will actively participate in the interpretation of results and will keep appropriate records of all experiments. The candidate will discuss her/his data at lab meetings and present results at local scientific conferences. The student will work both with lab members and our collaborators. The candidate will have the opportunity to attend scientific seminars and research meetings.
Throughout the project, the student will acquire new research methods and use state-of-the-art instrumentation. This includes, but is not limited to, advanced high resolution microscopy, quantitative imaging and other modern methods in cell biology and physiology.

The student will perform and participate in the following activities:
(1) Measure the aging-associated damage to kidney cells.
(2) Quantify the changes in chaperone performance in aging kidney cells.
(3) Assess how pharmacological drugs impact chaperones in kidney cells.
(4) Evaluate how pharmacological drugs slow down kidney cell aging.
(5) Participate in the data analysis and interpretation.
(6) Based on the candidate’s research, he/she will contribute to the writing of a scientific paper.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate will have a good theoretical background in cell biology, physiology or related fields. Enthusiasm, scientific curiosity and the ability to work in an international team are essential. To this end, the student can communicate in English, both orally and in writing. Previous research experience at the bench is an asset, but not mandatory.

Research area: We study networks of protein interactions, their robustness and evolution using Deep Mutational Scanning and genome editing. Our work has implications for understanding evolution, cancer, and in synthetic biology.

Student roles:
The student will have to perform experiments (or bioinformatics analyses), analyse the results, interpret the results and design further experiments or analyses. He/she will have to participate in our laboratory activities such as journal clubs, lab meetins and attending local conferences.

Skills required:
Basic training in experimental molecular biology and microbiology, biochemistry and cell biology
OR
Basic training in theoretical molecular biology and bioinformatics (Python, R)

Research area: The Baker Research group works at the interface between organic chemistry and protein chemistry with applications in synthetic biology. Some research includes functional hydrogels for sensing or stimulation, wet-adhesives as sustainable materials, and dynamic click chemistry. We are interested in the production of proteins and enzymes with non-canonical amino acids for functionalizing surfaces. Specifically, the synthesis of proteogenic non-canonical amino acids (nCAAs) using organic chemistry and enzymatic routes. Multi-step synthesis, polymer chemistry, orthogonal reactions, and cell-free protein expression are areas of expertise. This interdisciplinary research provides interns with a unique training opportunity.

Student roles:
The required role of the student will be to design and carry out experiments focused on the synthesis and incorporation of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs). The specific details can be formalized based This will include working alongside a graduate student or supervisor to be trained and able to carry out experiments. Experiments including multi-step synthesis of intermediates leading to proteogenic ncAAs to be incorporated into protein using cell-free protein expression. Students will be trained or are expected to design DNA for recombinant protein expression or cell-free protein expression. Evaluation of protein will include mass spectrometry and electrophoresis. A student will be expected to purify small molecules and proteins as well as carry out assays to study the activity or properties of the molecule or enzyme. In some cases the expressed proteins will be used for conjugation to polymeric hydrogels which will be synthesized as part of the research project. Students are required to keep detailed records from their experiments and prepare for weekly meetings and group meetings where they have the opportunity to share results and plan for subsequent studies. Data collected as part of their research will be uploaded to the data server for the research lab for records as the anticipated results will be part of published work.

Skills required:
Suitable background or skills that would compliment the research activities include, literature searches, experimental planning, good laboratory notebook record keeping, scientific writing, statistical analysis, and oral presentation experience. Other skills not had in advanced will be trained.
Organic chemistry:
- Retrosynthesis
- Liquid-liquid extraction
- Flash chromatography
- NMR
- Recrystallization
- Schlenk line
- TLC
- Distillation

Molecular biology:
- DNA design
- Pipetting
- PCR
- Electrophoresis (agarose and SDS-PAGE)

Research area: My research focuses on stem cell based models of Parkinson’s disease and the effect of mitochondrial stress on the nervous system. We are attempting to understand the link between mitochondrial dysfunction, proteostasis and the transcriptional deficits that result in neurodegenerative disease. Additional research is focused on oxidative modification of proteins and their effect on synaptic plasticity, as well as, direct differentiation of stem cells to replenish damaged brain tissues. To this end, we are attempting to improve protocols to generate both oligodendrocyte and neuronal precursor cells to promote cell therapy after injury.

Student roles:
The University of Guelph (UofG) is home to over 2500 graduate students in disciplines that range from molecular biology and neuroscience to veterinary medicine. These various departments jointly offer a program in Collaborative Neuroscience that builds off this diversity of expertise to offer multidisciplinary neuroscience environment. Our lab is situated in the newly built Science Complex at UofG, and consists of an open lab environment with researchers focused on neurodevelopmental (Autism), neurological (Multiple Sclerosis) and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s). The collaborative laboratory environment exploits expertise in biochemistry, neurobiology, genetics and development to answer fundamental questions in neuroscience and to create new tools for disease modeling. Mitacs students will work as part of a collaborative team that consists of a Senior Lab Manager, a Junior Technician, a Post doctoral fellow, 2 PhD student and 2 Master Students. We train future scientists in the areas of molecular neuroscience and stem cell biology. Our lab houses a Stem Cell Culture and Analysis Suite with all of the necessary equipment for generating and working with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Here, trainees learn to reprogram somatic cells, screen colonies for pluripotency and establish novel hiPSC models of neurological disorders. In parallel, the Animal Surgery and Primary Cell Culture Suite allows novel finding to be translated in vivo. We explore cell replacement therapies that are highly novel and of specific relevance to PD.

Students will undertake research that will provided training in the following areas:
• Culture and maintenance of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (hESCs/hiPSCs)
• Culture and maintenance of primary neuronal cultures and SHY5Y neuroblastoma cells
• Biochemistry and molecular biology (eg. qPCR/Luciferase/Western Blot/Immunofluorescence)
• Structured illumination and live cell imaging microscopy

More information about our group can be found at www.neurobiology.ca

Skills required:
Essential Skills/Qualifications
• Background in any of the following areas (Biochemistry, Genetics, Neuroscience, Stem Cell Biology)
• Highly organized and detailed oriented
• Effective time management
• Excellent oral and written English language abilities

Asset Skills/Qualifications
• Laboratory experience any of the following areas: Microscopy, Tissue Culture, Molecular Biology (PCR, electrophoresis), Biochemistry (Western Blot, Protein quantification)

Research area: Cancer, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, helicase

Student roles:
The student will participate in this ongoing project and work directly with a graduate student in Dr. Wu’s lab. The student will treat wild‑type and DDX41 knockout (KO) THP‑1 and HeLa cells with anisomycin, and assess the expression and dynamics of the NS markers SON and SRRM2. These analyses will include mRNA expression by quantitative PCR, protein levels by Western blotting, subcellular localization by IF, and speckle dynamics by FRAP. In addition, the student will examine nuclear speckle formation under stress conditions in DDX41‑KO cells reconstituted with the DDX41‑R525H mutant, as well as in primary blood and bone marrow samples from MDS/AML patients harboring DDX41 mutations. The extent of the student’s involvement in these experiments will be tailored to their available time and progress over the course of the project.

The student will also interact with other researchers in the Cancer Research Cluster (https://research-groups.usask.ca/cancercluster/) and the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology (https://medicine.usask.ca/bmi/index.php). He/she will attend weekly lab meetings and BMI Thursday seminars. The student will also participate in the Annual Protein Structure, Function, and Malfunction Meeting and Annual Saskatchewan Cancer Research Conference in June 2027.

Skills required:
Courses taken and lab skills in: biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, or medical biochemistry. Lab experience is a plus but not must.

Research area: Nous utilisons différentes approches pour étudier les ARN impliqués dans la régulation microbienne. Nous profitons de la richesse des banques de données de séquences en utilisant des outils bioinformatiques pour découvrir de nouveaux ARN et déterminer l’étendue de leur influence. Nous tirons aussi profit des outils de la biologie moléculaire, de la biochimie et de la génétique pour découvrir de nouveaux ARN et étudier les ARN dont la fonction demeure inconnue.

Student roles:
Plusieurs essais avec des gènes rapporteurs (luminescence) pourront être effectués. En plus d'essais déjà faits précédemment, des essais plus poussés pourront aussi être faits avec: des températures variées, des nutriments ciblés, des conditions de croissance particulières (ex: anaérobie), des stress (ex: stress oxydatif; carence: en métaux, en source d'énergie, en N, en S, en P...), ou encore dans différentes souches mutantes de P.aeruginosa. Si les outils sont prêts pour mai, le stagiaire pourra aussi faire des essais de retardement sur gel (gel shift, EMSA) avec des protéines pertinentes pour les ARN concernés et, dans le cas de potentiels riboswitchs dont les ligands auraient été dévoilés par les essais des gènes raporteurs, des essais par in-line probing pourront être faits.

Livrables
1- Avoir plus d'information sur les conditions qui affectent la modulation d'expression par les ARN cis-régulateurs. 2- et sur les mécanismes sous-jacents.
Communication et supervision:
L'étudiant travaillera avec des étudiants du laboratoire pour l'aider à apprendre les tâches décrites ci-haut et, après avoir gagné en autonomie, planifiera et effectuera ses tâches seul. J'aurai aussi des rencontres minimalement sur une base hebdomadaire avec l'étudiant.

Skills required:
L'étudiant(e) devrait avoir de bonnes bases en microbiologie et en biologie moléculaire. Idéalement, de l'expérience en laboratoire avec la culture de bactéries et des technique de biologie moléculaire de base (ex: PCR, électrophorèse), au minimum l'étudiant(e) aura une bonne connaissance théorique de ces concepts. Des connaissances à propos des ARN non-codants seraient un atout, mais ce n'est pas essentiel, ce sera une belle opportunité d'apprendre pour l'étudiant(e).

Research area: I study the role of microparticles / microvesicles (size about 500 to 1000 nm) in inflammatory diseases, in particular in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects approximately 1% of the North American population and is one of the leading causes of disability in Canada. So my laboratory studies the different inflammatory processes involved in this terrible disease using multiple approaches.

Student roles:
The student will be responsible for isolating microparticles / microvesicles from samples of rheumatoid arthritis patients and co-incubating these samples with healthy immune cells. He or she should be familiar with techniques such as flow cytometry, PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting, cell culture, isolation of blood cells and manipulation of animal model of arthritis. He or she will also have to analyze his data and present it during laboratory meetings.

Skills required:
Training in immunology, biochemistry or chemistry would be a skill required for this project. Any training in biology (molecular biology or microbiology) could also be considered.

Research area: In 2020, approximately 10 million people developed Tuberculosis (TB) and 1.5 million lives were lost to the disease. This happens despite the fact that TB is curable and drugs targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the causative agent of TB) have been around since the 1950s. A significant hindrance to TB control and eradication is the prolonged treatment regimen. Patients who develop TB are treated with 2-4 drugs over a period of 6 months. We need to identify new drug targets or approaches in order to accelerate the treatment of TB patients, by targeting the persisting M. tuberculosis sub-populations.

Student roles:
Initially the student will be provided background material and literature related to the research. Then, the student will learn how to plan, design and conduct experiments effectively and how to analyze the data to draw meaningful conclusions. In terms of techniques, the student can expect to be trained in molecular biology, cloning, compound screening, assay design & antimicrobial discovery. Once the training period is completed, the student will initiate the project work independently under the immediate mentorship of a senior researcher in the lab. The student will be expected to design and execute the experiments independently and will be presenting the progress or discuss challenges during periodic presentations at lab meetings. During the stay in the lab, the student will not only get to learn the techniques being used in their own project but will be provided opportunities to acquire other techniques such as imaging, organoid culture, microfabrication etc that are used routinely in our lab. The aim is not only to generate data for this specific project proposed, but to provide a broad exposure to various techniques as well as to showcase the research environment and scientific enterprise. Towards the end of the project the student will provide a written project report including motivation, methodology & conclusions. If the results are significant and reproducible these will be included and written up to be part of a scientific manuscript that will be submitted for publication in peer-review journals with the student listed as an author.

Skills required:
The project requires the student to have background biology knowledge. In terms of technical skills molecular biology skills (DNA isolation, cloning etc) and some microbiology skills (plating, transformation, pure culture etc) will be appreciated. The student should be familiar with online repositories for scientific articles and how to source relevant background literature for reading up on the project and to be updated with the recent developments in the field. Any quantitative programming skills (Matlab) or statistical analysis experience would also be useful.

Research area: Research in the Zhang lab focuses on the characterization of agrifood nutrients and bioactivities using diverse analytical techniques. Examples include liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography (GC), and their combination with mass spectrometry (MS). We also study how those bioactive components affect human health (or disease progression). Some of the existing research projects in this research group include food macro- and micro-nutrient measurement and their changes during food processing, food flavor and aroma compound characterization, and non-invasive biomarker screening for Parkinson’s Disease.

Student roles:
Under the guidance of the supervisor, the student will be trained to work independently, to perform sample preparation, milk fat removal, drug extraction, LC-MS instrument operation, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. From this training, the student will gain hands-on experience of the latest analytical technology, LC-MS, learn related software (for instrument operation and data processing), and good laboratory skills. The student is required to write clear laboratory notebook, summarize the results and report to the supervisor on a regular basis.

Skills required:
The desired candidate should have a good background in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, have basic knowledge on chemical solution preparation, and good pipetting skills. Good laboratory practice, attention to details and communication skills are preferred.

Research area: Our research focuses on developing advanced sustainable materials for environmental and food-related applications. We combine metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with biodegradable polymers derived from wood and biomass to create functional materials for packaging, sensing, and contaminant removal. The work integrates materials chemistry, polymer science, and environmental engineering to design smart, eco-friendly systems that improve food safety, extend shelf life, and reduce plastic waste while addressing emerging contaminants such as PFAS.

Student roles:
The intern will be fully integrated into the research team and will receive training in laboratory safety, experimental design, and advanced materials preparation. The student will contribute to the development of biodegradable polymer films enhanced with functional porous materials.

Key responsibilities include:

Preparing biodegradable polymer films using solution casting or thermal processing methods
Assisting in the synthesis or incorporation of MOF materials into polymer matrices
Conducting laboratory experiments to evaluate material properties such as gas barrier performance, moisture behavior, and mechanical stability
Supporting experiments related to interaction with gases or model contaminants
Assisting with data collection, analysis, and documentation of results
Participating in group meetings and presenting research progress

The student will work closely with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, gaining hands-on experience with modern analytical tools and interdisciplinary research approaches. By the end of the internship, the student will have developed practical laboratory skills, improved scientific understanding, and contributed to ongoing research in sustainable materials and environmental technologies.

Skills required:
Students in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Science, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Basic knowledge of chemistry and materials is expected. Prior laboratory experience (e.g., solution preparation, synthesis, or analytical techniques) is an asset but not required. Strong motivation, curiosity, and willingness to learn are essential. Interest in sustainability, polymers, or environmental applications will be considered an advantage.

Research area: My research program aims to develop and apply advanced analytical chemistry technologies to solve challenging and emerging issues faced by the agri-food industry. Specifically, my research has been focusing on the advancement in novel and reliable chemo- and bio-sensor- and instrument-based analyses for food chemical and biological hazards as well as food adulterants and quality markers; development and implement point-of-need microfluidic “lab-on-a-chip” devices to achieve real-time, cost-effective and high-throughput analysis; and development and application of mass spectroscopic based metabolomics and bioinformatics to systematically investigate food products.

Student roles:
The student will work with me or a senior student in my lab for the design of the colorimetric sensor array that can responde to quality change of the product of interests. Optimize the reagents for the sensor array. perform chemical assays and instrumental analysis for quality indicators. If time permit, the student will also try to integrate the sensor array into a real packaging system, evaluating the performance of it.
In addition to perform the research work listed above, the student will also need to attend weekly group meeting and present results during the group meeting.

Skills required:
Students from chemistry, food science, biological science, and related areas are welcome. The student is expected to have fundamental knowledge and experience about shelf life and deteroriation indicators of common food products, colorimetric assays; be able to use UV-VIS spectrometer, design shelf life studies; perform chemical assays for determining the quality properties, and foundamental statistics. Other general kills that are expected include self-learning skill, teamwork skills and communications skills (both written and verbal in English).

Research area: The research group is utilizing lipid and polymer based drug delivery and nanotechnology for applications in vaccine adjuvants and therapeutics.

Student roles:
The student will independently perform tissue culture experiments such as analysis of uptake and cellular disposition of nanoparticles, nanoparticle preparation and analysis, gel electrophoresis and other project related tasks.
Learning Outcomes :
By the end of the internship, the student will:
Gain hands-on experience in cell culture and laboratory research
Understand basic principles of vaccine development and delivery systems
Learn how nanoparticles are prepared and used in biomedical applications
Develop skills in experimental design, data collection, and scientific communication such as verbal and written report\

Skills required:
Undergraduate students in Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, or related fields

Prior experience with cell culture techniques and viral propagation (strongly preferred)
Basic familiarity with laboratory practices and sterile techniques
Experience with immunostaining, microscopy, or histology is an asset (not strictly required)
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Must be comfortable with simple calculations, descriptive statistics and data analysis.

Research area: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed nanoparticles secreted by virtually all cell types. In the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, EVs released from infected red blood cells mediate parasite-to-parasite and parasite-to-host communication and have been linked to disease severity, immune modulation, and transmission. Our laboratory has established leading expertise in P. falciparum EV isolation and characterization, generating stage-specific proteomic profiles across the intraerythrocytic cycle. We are now extending this work to transcriptomics (EV-associated RNA cargo) and lipidomics (EV membrane composition), building a multi-omic map of how EV identity and function change as the parasite develops.

Student roles:
Both students will be fully integrated into the laboratory, each assigned a defined sub-project under direct supervision of a senior graduate student or postdoctoral fellow, with mentorship from Dr. Rohrbach. All laboratory training — including safety orientation and parasite culture — will be provided upon arrival.
Student 1 will focus on EV RNA cargo. After learning P. falciparum culture (maintaining ring, trophozoite, and schizont-stage synchronized cultures using human RBCs from a licensed blood bank), this student will assist with EV isolation from stage-specific cultures using differential centrifugation and size-exclusion chromatography. The primary work will involve RNA extraction from EV preparations, quality assessment, and contribution to analysis of the stage-specific EV transcriptomic dataset currently being completed in the laboratory. The student will compare RNA profiles across parasite stages, identify candidate regulatory RNAs (e.g. small RNAs, parasite mRNA fragments), and contribute to data visualization and interpretation. Some functional work — testing whether EV-associated RNA can be delivered to recipient parasites — may also be initiated depending on progress.
Student 2 will focus on EV lipidomics and membrane composition. This student will learn EV isolation and characterization (nanoparticle tracking analysis using the Particle Metrix ZetaView), then contribute to preparation and analysis of the lipidomic dataset being generated at the Macdonald Mass Spectrometry Platform. The student will examine differences in phospholipid, sphingolipid, and sterol profiles across stage-specific EV populations, and explore whether lipid compositional differences correlate with EV size distributions or known functional properties. Microscopy-based membrane labeling experiments to validate lipid raft-associated EV subpopulations may also be conducted.
Both students will attend weekly lab meetings, keep detailed laboratory notebooks, present a final oral report, and submit a written project summary at the end of the internship.

Skills required:
Students should have a background in cell biology, biochemistry, or molecular biology. Some familiarity with data analysis — spreadsheets, basic statistics, or bioinformatics — is an asset, as the project involves working with multi-omic datasets. Prior laboratory experience is helpful but not required; all technical skills will be taught. Curiosity about infectious disease biology and comfort working in a BSL-2 environment (full safety training provided) are essential. Students from life sciences, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or biomedical sciences programs are encouraged to apply.

Research area: My research focuses on stem cell based models of neurodegenerative disease and how to repopulate the brain after injury. We are attempting to understand the link oxidative stress and tissue loss following stroke, and how we can use neural stem cells to regenerate the damaged tissue regions. To this end, we are attempting to improve protocols to generate both neuronal precursor cells and neurons for transplantation promote cell therapy after injury.

Student roles:
The University of Calgary is home to over 2500 graduate students in disciplines that range from molecular biology and neuroscience to veterinary medicine. These various departments jointly offer a program in Collaborative Neuroscience that builds off this diversity of expertise to offer multidisciplinary neuroscience environment. Our lab is situated in the newly built Science Complex, and consists of an open lab environment with researchers focused on neurodevelopmental (Autism), neurological (bipolar, schizophrenia) and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Huntington, Stroke). The collaborative laboratory environment exploits expertise in biochemistry, neurobiology, genetics and development to answer fundamental questions in neuroscience and to create new tools for disease modeling. Mitacs students will work as part of a collaborative team that consists of a Senior Lab Manager, a Junior Technician, a Post doctoral fellow, 2 PhD student and 2 Master Students. We train future scientists in the areas of molecular neuroscience and stem cell biology. Our lab houses a Stem Cell Culture and Analysis Suite with all of the necessary equipment for generating and working with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Here, trainees learn to reprogram somatic cells, screen colonies for pluripotency and establish novel hiPSC models of neurological disorders. In parallel, the Animal Surgery and Primary Cell Culture Suite allows novel finding to be translated in vivo. We explore cell replacement therapies that are highly novel and of specific relevance to PD.

Students will undertake research that will provided training in the following areas:
• Culture and maintenance of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (hESCs/hiPSCs)
• Culture and maintenance of primary neuronal cultures and slice culture
• Animal dissections
• Biochemistry and molecular biology (eg. qPCR/Luciferase/Western Blot/Immunofluorescence)
• Structured illumination and live cell imaging microscopy

More information about our group can be found at www.neurobiology.ca

Skills required:
Essential Skills/Qualifications
• Background in any of the following areas (Biochemistry, Genetics, Neuroscience, Stem Cell Biology)
• Highly organized and detailed oriented
• Effective time management
• Excellent oral and written English language abilities

Asset Skills/Qualifications
• Laboratory experience any of the following areas: Microscopy, Tissue Culture, Molecular Biology (PCR, electrophoresis), Biochemistry (Western Blot, Protein quantification)

Research area: Our lab is interested cellular signaling and how it can be disrupted in cancer cells. We are looking to use structural biology techniques, such as cryo-electron microscopy, as well as other biochemical tools to study protein and nucleic acid complexes involved in cellular signaling. In particular, we will be looking at different classes of molecule involved in this process: (i) multi-domain proteins regulating Rho signaling (ii) Long non-coding RNAs with auxiliary roles in growth factor signaling.

Student roles:
Based on their scientific interest, the student will be assigned to a specific project, centering on one lncRNA, or one activator of Rho GTPases. For this project the student will be tasked to identify interactors the molecule of interest, purify the molecule for structural characterization and to measure the strength of these interactions in a reconstituted system. If structural determination efforts are successful, functional assays to confirm structure findings will be carried out in a relevant model cell type (e.g. cancer cell lines).
Structure determination will be accomplished mainly via cryo-electron microscopy, assisted by other techniques such as SAXS, MALS, NMR or crystallography. The student will be supervised directly by the principal investigator (Malik Chaker-Margot) who will help them develop the skills needed to accomplish the project.

Skills required:
We expect the student to have training in biochemistry and molecular biology, including laboratory experience, either through university classes or hands-on academic lab experience. The student ought to know how to use a micropipette, prepare chemical solutions, and have basic knowledge of nucleic acid and protein purification methods. Any prior experience on structural biology or biophysical techniques, such as electron microscopy, crystallography, biological molecule NMR, light scattering or calorimetry would be seen as a major asset. Cell culture will also be a significant component of the project so prior knowledge would be valued.

Research area: Our research concerns the critical biological question of what controls the lipid shuttling process to timely exchange across the lipid bilayers and to precisely respond to the systemic level of lipids. Specifically, my laboratory is directed at elucidating the molecular view of protein-mediated lipid trafficking on the cellular membranes, with emphasis on the membrane-anchored cholesterol and phospholipid transporters. Our team analyzes their function-structure relationship by building molecular models at atomic or near-atomic resolution using membrane protein structural biology and by understanding the chemical basis of lipid transport using protein biochemistry and biophysics.

Student roles:
The student is expected to be present in the laboratory daily (normally 9 AM to 5 PM) to receive technical and theoretical training. Following appropriate training, the student will carry out wet-lab tasks relating to protein purification and characterization in addition to various dry-lab tasks, including experimental planning, data analysis, protein sequence alignments, and other bioinformatics methodologies. The student will be supervised and trained by senior lab personnel on biochemical methodologies, including SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting and large-scale human membrane-protein expression using a Pichia pastoris yeast expression system. The student will be expected to take detailed notes during training sessions and ask appropriate questions in order to prepare themselves to subsequently perform newly learned tasks independently. The student will be expected to participate in weekly group meeting (both journal club and work-in-progress), to compile data and generate figures, and to learn writing publication-quality reports. The student will experience a collaborative and educational environment that will support their development as a trainee and help prepare them for their future careers.

Skills required:
A background in molecular biology, structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, organic chemistry, and well-developed analysis skills is desirable. Strong written and oral communication skills in English are necessary. The student should be self-directed and enthusiastic to learn new skills and methodologies, such as computer-based bioinformatics and structural biology data analysis.

Research area: Our laboratory develops nanoscale electronic circuits based on low-dimensional materials functionalized with biological macromolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins. Due to their strong confinement, these nanomaterials exhibit exceptional sensitivity to their local environment, enabling the detection of tiny changes in molecular composition and organization at their surface. Our research aims to leverage this sensitivity to investigate biomolecular interactions across previously inaccessible spatial and temporal scales. Ultimately, we seek to translate these insights into innovative biomedical sensing technologies, with a particular emphasis on applications in oncology and precision medicine.

Student roles:
The student will first be trained in the fabrication of graphene-based nanosensors using micro- and nanofabrication techniques, as well as in their electrical characterization in liquid environments using specialized instrumentation developed in our laboratory.

The core of the project will involve the functionalization of GFET devices with single-stranded DNA probes using a variety of chemical anchoring strategies. The student will implement different surface chemistry protocols, carefully control experimental conditions, and document each functionalization process.

The student will then perform electrical measurements to evaluate sensor response before and after biomolecular immobilization, and upon exposure to target analytes. These experiments may be complemented by characterization techniques such as optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, or Raman spectroscopy, depending on project progression.

A key component of the role involves data analysis and interpretation. The student will compare experimental results across different functionalization strategies, identify trends, and relate observations to physical models of charge transport and surface interactions in graphene.

Throughout the internship, the student will maintain a detailed laboratory notebook, participate in group meetings, and receive regular mentorship from senior researchers. At the end of the project, the student will prepare a written report and present their findings to the research group and the broader institute community, gaining valuable experience in scientific communication.

Skills required:
Our multidisciplinary team welcomes students from physics, biomedical engineering, chemistry, or molecular biology. Prior laboratory experience is an asset, including exposure to electrical measurements, microscopy or spectroscopy techniques, or wet chemistry; however, no specific technical expertise is required, as training will be provided. We value strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, creativity in problem-solving, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Motivation, curiosity, and good communication skills are essential for successfully conducting interdisciplinary research in a dynamic laboratory environment.

Research area: My research interests are mainly centered on the system biological understanding of pathogens and their interactions. Analytical advances have made it possible to create huge molecular data sets. However, this data complexity has posed a challenge for the biological interpretation. Moreover, the components in biological systems are connected through a web of interactions which are not easily accessible to traditional molecular biological methodologies. In my line of work I use high-throughput technologies to create models of these networks and use them to identify key nodes of cellular processes, pathogenic interactions or disease pathways.

Student roles:
The candidate will learn to cultivate food pathogens and expose them to different challenging environmental conditions including desiccation, heat or nutrient stress or antimicrobial substances. Subsequently, the candidate will determine survival rates. Since morphological adaptions might be expected, we will complement this study with microscopical analyses. In addition, global molecular analyses such as proteomics or metabolomics can be conducted to explore the mechanisms of adaptation or tolerance on a more detailed level.

Skills required:
Ideally the student will have a background or interest in microbiology, biotechnology and/or molecular biology. Having participated in a practical course involving aseptic and/or molecular biological techniques would be an asset. At minimum the student should have knowledge of laboratory safety standards, though specific training will be offered on-site.

Research area: Jusqu’à 90% des individus font face à un évènement traumatique au cours de leur vie, et plus de la moitié d’entre eux développent un trouble psychiatrique, tels que le TSPT. Les traitements ayant une efficacité très limitée, il y a un besoin criant de développer de nouvelles interventions pharmacologiques. Notre laboratoire utilise des approches multidisciplinaires pour (1) comprendre les mécanismes inflammatoires impliqués dans la vulnérabilité au trauma psychologique; (2) identifier des biomarqueurs prédisant une vulnérabilité; et (3) utiliser une pharmacothérapie de précision en ciblant des interventions adaptées aux caractéristiques pathophysiologiques des patients et individus à « haut risque psychiatrique ».

Student roles:
Dans le cadre de sa participation au projet de recherche au sein d’une équipe dynamique, vous serez appelé.e à évaluer le phénotype comportemental chez la souris, mesurer la pression artérielle et collecter des échantillons de sang et de tissus de cerveau. Vous aurez aussi l’opportunité d’apprendre ou utiliser des techniques de biologie moléculaire (immunohistochimie, immunobuvardage, ELISA, PCR, etc), à appliquer les analyses statistiques pertinentes et interpréter les résultats avec une approche critique.

Skills required:
L’étudiant.e doit poursuivre des études de 1er cycle (baccalauréat, ou équivalent) dans un domaine pertinent à la recherche : pharmacie, biologie moléculaire, sciences biomédicales, biochimie ou toute autre discipline connexe. La motivation, la capacité de travailler en équipe ainsi que la capacité d’analyse critique sont des compétences requises. Une expérience en manipulation des souris et/ou techniques de biologie moléculaire est un atout.

Research area: Our research group specializes in chemical and synthetic biology, focusing on the function and engineering of enzymes. We have a particular interest in carbohydrate processing enzymes and have devoted research towards their development as biochemical tools and as targets for novel molecular therapeutics. We employ synthetic biology, both through the metabolic engineering of micro-organisms, and by constructing cell-free enzymatic pathways to produce valuable molecules, including bioactive glycosides and carbohydrates.

Student roles:
In the course of the internship, the student will clone genes for multiple enzymes in a designed pathway using recombinant DNA techniques. Cloning of these enzymes will be followed by recombinant protein expression in E. coli, and the enzymes will then be purified using chromatographic techniques. Enzymes will then be tested for their activity using assays that will be developed in the course of the internship, and which will generally involve methods including spectrophotometry, thin-layer chromatography, mass spectroscopy, and potentially HPLC and NMR techniques. Assembled enzymatic pathways or parts thereof will then be tested towards the synthesis of bioactive carbohydrates. Laboratory-scale enzymatic syntheses of these glycans will be carried out and products will be isolated and purified by chromatographic techniques so that synthesized glycans can be quantified to determine the efficiency of the developed processes. The student will also actively review published literature and research towards the development of the research plan and strategy. He or she will participate in research discussions and meetings and may have the opportunity to take part in a research symposium or conference. The student will be expected to provide periodic written research updates and will write a final report upon the completion of the internship.

Skills required:
The candidate for the research internship will ideally be a student in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related discipline. He or she will have practical laboratory experience in standard molecular biology techniques and will ideally have experience with recombinant DNA techniques, molecular cloning, protein biochemistry, and performing enzyme assays. Background in carbohydrate biochemistry and glycobiology will be considered an asset. The intern should be comfortable with reading scientific literature on the topic, developing protocols, and effectively communicating scientific results in both spoken and written communication.

Research area: Our research group specializes in chemical and synthetic biology, focusing on the function and engineering of enzymes. We have a particular interest in carbohydrate processing enzymes and have devoted research towards their development as biochemical tools and as targets for novel molecular therapeutics. We employ synthetic biology, both through the metabolic engineering of micro-organisms, and by constructing cell-free enzymatic pathways to produce valuable molecules, including bioactive glycosides and carbohydrates.

Student roles:
In this project the Mitacs Globalink Research Intern will produce and test several cell and exosome surface-modifying reagents.

In vitro enzymatic synthesis of glycoconjugates. Our research group has cloned the genes from several bacteria that are involved in the assembly of specific glycan structures—many of which are also found on human cell surfaces. The Research Intern will express and purify these recombinant enzymes from E. coli and use them as biocatalytic tools to produce a variety of glycan structures (glycoconjugates) attached to a chemical linker bearing an azide functionality that will facilitate their attachment onto biological membranes.

Decoration of biological membranes with synthetic glycans. Working with our collaborators in the labs of Dr. René Bazin and Dr. Lionel Loubaki at Héma-Québec (the province’s blood services and biologics provider), and Dr. Christopher Brett at Concordia University, the Research Intern will develop methods to covalently attach the synthetic glycoconjugates to stem cell and exosome surfaces through chemical adaptor molecules that specifically react with the azide groups of the glycoconjugates and lysine residues of membrane proteins on stem cell or exosome surfaces.

Probing interactions of glycan-modified membranes. In continued collaboration, the Research Intern will perform experiments to determine the biological effect of glycan modification on these surfaces. The binding interactions of modified stem cells with specific receptors will be assayed in vitro using techniques established by our collaborators at Héma-Québec and the effect of glycan modification of exosomes will be investigated in Dr. Brett’s research group.

The Mitacs Globalink Research Intern will join a motivated, multidisciplinary team of scientists applying chemical and synthetic biology approaches to develop innovative solutions to improve health and deliver benefits to society. He or she will receive first-class training at the Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology which houses Canada’s first and only Genome Foundry.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate for this research internship will be a student in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related discipline. He or she will have practical laboratory experience in standard molecular biology techniques and will ideally have experience with recombinant DNA techniques, bacterial culture, protein biochemistry (particularly expression and purification of recombinant proteins), and performing enzyme assays. Background in carbohydrate biochemistry and glycobiology will be considered an asset. The candidate should be comfortable reading scientific literature on the topic, developing protocols, and effectively communicating scientific results in both spoken and written communication.

Research area: In the recent years, global and national policies have been increasingly dominated by issues relating to energy security and environmental health. These concerns have clearly highlighted the importance of sustainable development technologies that will be required to meet the growing global energy demand without compromising the health of the environment. Key technologies that are being emphasized at the national and international level are biorefinery processes to synthesize renewable fuels and high-value co-products from biomass. There is a need to develop sustainable bioprocesses that can be used to synthesize fuels and chemicals. While there has been significant attention and emphasis in

Student roles:
In this project, the student will learn the basics of systems biology starting with exposure to metabolic network reconstruction, and bioinformatics. This initial step will be followed by learning the essentials of mathematical models of metabolic networks. The student will then use optimization algorithms to design new strain strategies for chemicals production. He will then construct the strains and characterize the performance of the strains and prioritize the best candidates for strain optimization. The student will also use advanced synthetic biology techniques like the dynamic controller developed in our lab to control metabolic pathways for improving productivity.

Skills required:
Student should be trained in engineering (e.g., chemical or biochemical engineering) with basic knowledge of biochemistry. He should also know the basics of mathematical modeling and being able to program in MATLAB or Fortran is a plus. Knowledge of bioinformatics is a major plus. Basic experimental skills and interest in learning molecular biology and analytical chemistry tools and other advanced synthetic biology techniques will be a plus.

Research area: Resistance to antibiotics as reached crisis proportion. This situation is the result of two main problems. On one side, bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to current antibiotics, to the point that we now see bacteria that are resistant to all current antibiotics. On the other hand, no novel class of antibiotics have been discovered in the last 30 years, and our pipeline of novel compounds is extremely limited. Therefore, novel approaches are needed to identify novel antimicrobial targets and to develop the next-generation of antibiotic strategies.

Student roles:
The student will be in charge of his/her own projet, from reading the literature to performing the experiments and analyzing the results. Furthermore, the students will be responsible (with other members of the laboratory) of lab chores to make sure the lab function properly.

Skills required:
Our lab seeks motivated students with an interest and experience in microbiology, bacterial genetics, bioinformatic, or something similar. Students should be able to work independently and posses good organizational skills and scientific curiosity. Understanding French is an advantage.

Research area: General knowledge in biology, biochemistry and immunology

Student roles:
Doing various biology experiments in the lab such as cell cutter, plasmid extraction and various screening

Skills required:
General knowledge in biology, biochemistry and immunology

Research area: Cells require many different signals from their surroundings to grow, move, or survive. These processes are essential for normal development, but can be hijacked in cancer cells, allowing the disease to spread. Our lab focuses on a cell surface receptor called RET that conveys extracellular signals in many tissues. However, in some cancers, RET signals cause the tumour to grow or help it spread throughout the body making the disease hard to treat. My lab uses molecular, cell biology and high throughput approaches to explore RET’s cellular roles in order to develop tools for targeting these processes in human cancer.

Student roles:
The student will have opportunities to participate in a variety of approaches as part of the work described. They will apply the skills developed in their undergraduate courses to help analyse existing data to identify novel RET protein interactions with regulatory proteins of interest. Together with the supervisor, the student will develop a research plan to functionally explore these interactions and their contributions to cancer. The student will address these goals using an array of approaches. Standard methodologies including molecular and cellular biology, protein and/or DNA manipulation, and mammalian cell culture will be used throughout and some experience with these methods would be an asset. The student will perfect their skills in fundamental techniques used in biomedical research such as protein isolation, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence microscopy and cell-based functional assays (migration, invasion, proliferation and/or viability). As time permits, the student will have opportunities to acquire skills in state-of-the-art methodologies including real time gene expression analysis, CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knockout or shRNA knockdown, whole cell imaging of live and fixed cells by confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis. Motivated students are encouraged to further build communication skills through preparation of their work for presentation and publication.
The student will work within a small and very collegial group of graduate and undergraduate students and research associates under the supervisor’s direction. Our research group is part of the Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics at the Sinclair Cancer Research Institute at Queen’s University, which includes 12 Principal Investigators and over 60 students and fellows with complementary interests and expertise in a broad range of cancer research areas. The interested student will have opportunities to interact with members of multiple laboratories with different perspectives and expertise that will help to expand their professional research network and enhance their research experience.

Skills required:
We are seeking a motivated student interested in developing skills and models for exploration of cancer growth. They should have a background in some aspect of biological sciences or related field. Previous courses in biochemistry, molecular biology and protein or gene function or other relevant fields of study would be key to contributing to the project goals. Some molecular research experience, particularly mammalian cell culture would be an asset. Good English oral and written communication skills and experience with critical reading of scientific literature will optimize the student’s experience and provide opportunities for them to present/publish their research work.

Research area: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer representing ~80% of acute leukemia and affecting nearly 150,000 people worldwide. Despite improvements in treatment, the 5-year survival rate is low ~30%, so new innovative treatments are needed. The homeobox (HOXA) family of genes are conserved transcription factors (TFs) and their overexpression is involved in AML. Even though HOXA proteins are validated targets for AML drug discovery, there are no HOXA inhibitors because as TFs, they lack binding sites for ligands and substrates that receptors and enzymes have. Even if a candidate “inhibitor” binds to a TF, it may not have

Student roles:
The students will be responsible for passaging cell lines involved in the study as well as plating cells and performing drug treatment studies by preparing dilutions of drugs. Students will measure cell viability using the MTS assay according to established methods. The students will also extract mRNA and protein from treated and untreated cells and measure mRNA gene expression using qPCR and corresponding protein expression using ELISA. Various assays will be employed to evaluate early and late apoptosis. If time permits the students will assist with the quantification of DNA and histone modifications using analytical mass spectrometry.

Skills required:
My laboratory will provide training in cell culture, and drug treatment approaches and curve fitting to determine IC50. The students will also learn to use qPCR, ELISA, tests to measure apoptosis and potentially measurement of histone and DNA modifications using mass spectrometry. The students should have a background in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine, medical or health sciences, pharmacology or pharmacy. It is expected that the student can prepare buffers and solutions, understand the operation of a pipet, and basic calculations. Laboratory safety is one of our primary concerns and as such students should be familiar with basic laboratory safety

Research area: Our research is dedicated to understanding how the gut-brain axis, metabolic shifts—particularly those associated with mitochondrial dysfunction—and inflammation impact brain homeostasis and function, ultimately influencing mood and overall well-being. Utilizing well-established model systems such as Drosophila melanogaster, we aim to characterize mitochondrial profiles in both the gut and brain to shed light on the complex, multifactorial pathophysiological processes underlying neurodegenerative and mood disorders. Our team brings strong expertise in fruit fly genetics, molecular biology and behavioral neuroscience. Our mission is to unravel the biological mechanisms driving brain dysfunction, with the goal of advancing targeted therapeutic strategies that promote brain health.

Student roles:
phases of the study:
Weeks 1–4: Training and Pilot Work
Complete mandatory safety and ethics training (biosafety, animal handling).
Learn Drosophila handling, gut dissection, and mitochondrial isolation techniques.
Practice Smurf assay, RNA extraction, and qPCR.
Prepare materials and perform pilot tests for mitochondrial and gut assays.

Weeks 5–8: Experimental Phase
Isolate mitochondria and perform ATP, ROS, and ETC activity assays.
Collect samples for metabolomics and proteomics.
Dissect gut tissues for microbiome (16S/ITS) and inflammation (qRT-PCR) analyses.
Conduct Smurf assay to assess gut permeability.

Weeks 10–12: Data Analysis and Presentation
Analyze mitochondrial, gene expression, and gut permeability data.
Assist in interpreting proteomic and microbiome results.
Prepare figures and report findings in a short manuscript.
Present results at a lab meeting or student symposium.

My training program will focus on nurturing essential academic skills, including theoretical knowledge acquisition, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication through team meetings and journal clubs. I will foster a welcoming environment that meets needs of both domestic and international students and organize social events to promote team bonding and collaboration. To ensure a smooth transition for the international student, I will actively engage with the International Student and Study Abroad Centre as well as the International Office. I will be available during and outside regular office hours to provide support.

Skills required:
The student should have a background in biological sciences, neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, or related fields, with solid knowledge of molecular and cellular biology. Basic lab skills such as pipetting and solution preparation are required. Experience with techniques like DNA extraction, PCR, histology, or model organisms, especially Drosophila, is a plus. Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, ImageJ) is also beneficial. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for teamwork and presentations. The student must be detail-oriented, able to work independently and collaboratively, and committed to following protocols and safety guidelines.

Research area: Dr Lamarche-Vane’s lab investigates molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of cell migration and adhesion, linked to development and human diseases. For instance, in the adult, migration events are involved in the normal physiology as well as in pathology such as metastasis. In embryogenesis, cell migration is an important feature of the development of the nervous system. Dr Lamarche-Vane is interested to uncover novel mechanisms underlying the role of the Rho GTPases in cell migration, in particular, in the developing nervous system and in the cellular processes leading to metastasis using global molecular and cellular approaches.

Student roles:
The student will be matched with a postdoctoral fellow or a senior PhD student in the lab to be trained for the specific research project. The student will learn on a day-to-day basis cell culture, transfection, CRISPR/CAS9 approaches, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. The student will be trained and then, will be able to accomplish independently the experiments under the supervision of the postdoc or PhD student. The student will learn how to critically analyze the data, how to organize them and will meet with Dr Lamarche-Vane every week to discuss the data and the follow-up strategies.

Skills required:
The student should have some basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology. Some background in the basic signaling mechanisms involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and cell migration will help but is not absolutely essential.

Research area: My lab studies the genetic and epigenetic basics of neurodevelopmental disorders and their in vitro as well as in vivo modelling.

Student roles:
Student will be responsible to keep up to date about the literature, and work with a lab member in studies associated with transcript and protein analysis in model systems.

Skills required:
A basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology techniques involving RNA and protein analysis, as well as cell culture experiments.

Research area: I have a broad-range of interests and skills in comparative physiology, metabolism and evolution. Particularly, I am trying to integrate different approaches such as molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology and evolutionary biology to study the physiological and metabolic adaptations that enable different species (Insects, Fish, Marine Invertebrates, Mice) to live in a particular environment under different constraints.

Student roles:
The student will perform laboratory experiments (qPCR, mitochondrial oxygen consumption, ATP production, enzymatic activities) and will be in charge of analysing the results and produce the figures. The student will also be in charge of raising the drosophila and produce the knock-down strains.

Skills required:
Background in biochemistry (metabolism) and biology. Skills in laboratory experiments such as molecular biology, measurement of enzymatic activities and mitochondrial oxygen consumption as well as experience with the Drosophila melanogaster model is an asset.

Research area: I am a structural biochemist interested in applying my strong expertise in protein biochemistry and biophysics to guide drug development for cancer patients. My research program is currently focused on understanding the role of AR transcriptional condensates in order to identify new therapeutic options for patients with advanced forms of prostate cancer.

Student roles:
The student will be expected to transfect cancer cells with different variants of the androgen receptor and evaluate the effect on the transcription of key oncogenic pathways.

Skills required:
The project involves cell culture, protein biochemistry, and microscopy skills. Therefore, students with a strong background in Cell Biology and/or Biochemistry will be best suited for this position.

Research area: Dr. Anna Ignaszak is an expert in electrochemical biosensor technologies with over 20 years of experience in electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, and biomedical diagnostics. Her research focuses on the development of portable and ultrasensitive biosensing platforms for detection of cancer, infectious disease, inflammatory biomarkers, and environmental contaminants. She has extensive expertise in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), voltammetric sensing, electrochemiluminescence, nanomaterial-modified electrodes, and biomolecular surface functionalization. Dr. Ignaszak integrates advanced materials, microfabrication, and computational modeling to design high-performance point-of-care diagnostic devices. Her work emphasizes translation of electrochemical sensor technologies toward clinically relevant, field-deployable, and commercially scalable healthcare applications.

Student roles:
This research project proposes the development of an integrated organ-on-a-chip platform with embedded enzymatic electrochemical sensors for real-time monitoring of pancreatic cancer cell metabolism. Two graduate students will work collaboratively on the same microfluidic organ-on-a-chip hardware system while developing different metabolic sensing strategies to study cancer progression, therapeutic response, and tumor microenvironment dynamics.
Student 1 will focus on glucose metabolism sensing using an enzymatic glucose biosensor integrated directly within the organ-on-a-chip platform. Since pancreatic cancer cells exhibit elevated glucose uptake and glycolytic activity (Warburg effect), monitoring glucose consumption provides critical information about tumor aggressiveness and drug response. The student will fabricate enzyme-modified microelectrodes using glucose oxidase immobilized onto nanomaterial-enhanced gold or carbon electrodes. Research tasks will include optimization of enzyme immobilization, electrode stability, mediator selection, and electrochemical detection using amperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The student will evaluate glucose consumption profiles of pancreatic cancer organoids exposed to chemotherapeutic agents under dynamic microfluidic conditions.
Student 2 will focus on lactate sensing, targeting lactate production as a key metabolic marker of tumor hypoxia and altered cancer metabolism. This student will develop a lactate oxidase–based electrochemical sensor integrated into the same organ-on-a-chip platform. Tasks will include development of anti-fouling sensing interfaces, optimization of enzyme loading and signal amplification, and real-time monitoring of lactate secretion from cultured tumor spheroids. The student will investigate how hypoxic conditions and drug treatments alter lactate production and extracellular acidification within the microfluidic tumor environment.
Both students will utilize the same organ-on-a-chip hardware platform incorporating microfluidic channels, integrated electrode arrays, and a common portable potentiostat system for simultaneous metabolic measurements. Shared activities will include microfabrication, COMSOL-assisted fluidic modeling, tumor spheroid culture, data analysis, and validation against standard biochemical assays.

Skills required:
Students working on this electrochemical biosensor project should have a background in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, materials science, or related disciplines. Knowledge of electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, nanomaterials, molecular biology, or biosensor fabrication is considered an asset. Experience with techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, or biomolecule immobilization is beneficial but not mandatory. Ideal candidates should demonstrate strong motivation, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment. Full training in electrochemical methods, biosensor fabrication, analytical techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication will be provided throughout the project.

Research area: My research focuses on developing advanced sustainable materials for environmental and industrial applications, with an emphasis on biopolymers and porous materials. Our team works closely with industry partners to design wood-based, biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics used in packaging. Current projects involve transforming wood pulp and lignin into lightweight foam materials with enhanced mechanical strength, water resistance, and environmental performance. Students gain hands-on experience in material synthesis, characterization, and real-world problem-solving in a collaborative research environment at UNBC.

Student roles:
The intern will be fully integrated into the research team and will receive training in laboratory safety, experimental design, and material synthesis techniques. The student will contribute to the development of biodegradable foam materials through hands-on experimentation and data analysis.

Key responsibilities include:

Preparing biopolymer formulations using wood pulp, lignin, and additives
Assisting in foam production and optimizing processing conditions
Conducting material characterization (e.g., FTIR, SEM, thermal analysis, density, and mechanical testing)
Recording and analyzing experimental data
Participating in group meetings and presenting findings

The student will also gain exposure to advanced instrumentation such as SEM, FTIR, DSC, BET, and TGA, depending on project needs. In addition, they will develop skills in scientific communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of materials science, environmental sustainability, and industrial innovation, while contributing to the development of next-generation eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Skills required:
Students in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Science, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Basic knowledge of chemistry and materials is expected. Prior laboratory experience (e.g., solution preparation, synthesis, or analytical techniques) is an asset but not required. Strong motivation, curiosity, and willingness to learn are essential. Experience with polymers, biomaterials, or sustainability-related topics will be considered an advantage.

Research area: Our laboratory investigates RASopathies—a group of rare genetic disorders caused by germline mutations in the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, including Noonan, Costello, and cardio-facio-cutaneous syndromes. These conditions share clinical features such as developmental delays, congenital heart defects, and increased cancer risk. We study the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive disease pathology to identify druggable targets. Our translational research aims to develop novel therapeutic strategies. This MITACS Globalink internship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects using advanced cellular and molecular techniques to elucidate disease mechanisms and test potential treatments, ultimately advancing precision medicine for these currently incurable conditions.

Student roles:
The student will play a central role in generating and characterizing iPSC-based models of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in RASopathies. Primary responsibilities include culturing and maintaining induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patient samples with severe cardiac phenotypes or MEK inhibitor resistance, and differentiating them into cardiomyocytes using established protocols. The student will verify differentiation through molecular and functional characterization, performing techniques such as PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence to assess gene expression, protein levels, and cellular morphology. Advanced cellular assays will include calcium imaging with fluorescent indicators, electrophysiology measurements, and contractility assessments to identify phenotypic differences between patient and control lines.
For mouse work, the student will manage breeding colonies, genotype pups via PCR, maintain health records, and assist with tissue dissection and sample processing for downstream analysis. Additional tasks may include performing intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injections while strictly adhering to animal care protocols and safety regulations; the student will obtain necessary certifications.
Data analysis will involve processing experimental results, maintaining organized digital records, and contributing to data visualization for presentations. The student will participate in regular lab meetings, present findings, and engage in scientific discussions. Throughout the internship, they will collaborate with team members to troubleshoot experiments, optimize protocols, and maintain a safe, organized laboratory environment. Meticulous record-keeping, attention to detail, and the ability to follow complex protocols are essential. Opportunities to learn new techniques and contribute to experimental design will arise as the student gains experience.

Skills required:
Demonstrated academic excellence
Background in cell/molecular biology, biochemistry, or genetics
Experience or willingness to learn:
cell culture (iPSC culture/differentiation a plus)
Familiarity with molecular biology techniques (PCR, Western blot, cloning, qPCR, immunofluorescence)
Mouse work: genotyping, IP/subcutaneous injections, tissue dissection, safety protocols
Data acquisition (flow cytometry, imaging analysis, statistical methods)
Knowledge of cardiac biolog, and RAS/MAPK signaling beneficial
Willingness to work with animal models, handle mice, perform procedures, and obtain certifications
Strong organizational, record-keeping, problem-solving, analytical, teamwork skills, communication, and attention to detail

Research area: My research focuses on understanding how plants interact with the diverse microbial communities that live on and within them, collectively known as the plant microbiome. These microbes influence plant growth, nutrient acquisition, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. My laboratory combines genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics to investigate how plants maintain beneficial microbial associations while defending against pathogenic microbes. Using both model and agriculturally relevant systems, we seek to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern plant-microbe interactions. This knowledge will contribute to developing more resilient crops and sustainable approaches to agricultural productivity and disease management.

Student roles:
The student will play an active role in investigating biofilm formation in the fungal pathogen P. clavispora. Working closely with the supervisor and laboratory members, the student will establish and maintain fungal cultures, perform biofilm formation assays, and monitor biofilm development using quantitative measurements and microscopy-based observations. The student will assist in identifying key developmental stages of biofilm formation and selecting appropriate sampling time points for downstream molecular analyses.
The student will participate in sample collection and processing for RNA extraction and quality assessment. Training will be provided in microbiological techniques, molecular biology methods, experimental design, data management, and laboratory safety. The student will learn the importance of generating high-quality and reproducible biological samples for transcriptomic analyses and will contribute to maintaining accurate experimental records.
Following RNA sequencing, the student will assist with data organization, visualization, and interpretation. The student will help identify genes and biological pathways associated with different stages of biofilm development and contribute to the discovery of candidate molecular markers for future studies.
Throughout the project, the student will participate in regular research meetings, discuss experimental results, troubleshoot technical challenges, and contribute ideas for future experiments. This project is part of a larger collaborative research effort involving multiple laboratories, providing opportunities to interact with researchers from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. The student will provide progress updates and present findings to collaborators during project meetings, while gaining experience in scientific communication through oral presentations and written summaries.

Skills required:
This project is open to undergraduate students with an interest in microbiology, plant biology, genetics, or related fields. Previous research experience is an asset but is not required. The most important qualifications are reliability, responsibility, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. Students should be able to follow protocols carefully, maintain accurate records, and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members. Successful applicants will demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and a positive attitude toward problem solving. Training will be provided in all necessary laboratory and analytical techniques.

Research area: Our research group studies how environmental change impacts biodiversity and the benefits that nature delivers to people, such as clean drinking water, climate regulation, and food production. These benefits are in part delivered by how microorganisms break down and transform different organic substrates. We merge theory and approaches from biology and chemistry to study how organic substrates are changing because of climate change and the implications for microbial metabolism and evolution at the level of entire ecosystems. The outcomes of our research will help society mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve models of the global climate system.

Student roles:
The student will work in a team of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to undertake field and laboratory work related to organic matter biogeochemistry and climate change. The field work will involve collecting organic matter from lakes and their surrounding soils along a climate gradient in Canada. We will take in-situ measurements with specialised probes for temperature, pH, oxygen/chlorophyll levels, and greenhouse gas emissions. In the lab, the student will learn analytical chemistry techniques like solid phase extraction to extract organic matter from the samples and analyse the extracts on one of the most advanced mass spectrometers in the world: a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer at the Trent University Water Quality Centre. Samples will also be used to measure microbial activity, such as with spectrophotometric enzyme assays, and biomass with flow cytometry, and the student will be trained in these techniques. Finally, we will characterise the composition and function of microbial communities collected from the environment using state-of-the-art long-read and single-cell sequencing. The student will be trained in nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, as well as bioinformatics. There will also be an opportunity to participate in long-term microbial evolution experiments and learn how to culture microorganisms and undertake community competition experiments. The student will undertake statistical analyses that link the taxonomic and functional composition of microorganisms to organic matter composition and reactivity. Throughout, the student will learn standard laboratory operating procedures and statistical modelling (including computer programming). The student will also be provided with all relevant health and safety training, including for outdoor field work and first aid in remote locations.

Skills required:
The student should be enrolled in a degree in biology, chemistry, geography, earth sciences, or a similar discipline. Ideally, the student will already have some laboratory and fieldwork experience and skills in data science (e.g. relevant courses), but training will be provided by our research group in molecular biology and analytical chemistry techniques as well as bio/chemoinformatics.

Research area: LEE laboratory is studying microalgae, focused on their nitrogen use efficiency, for mitigating global impact of carbon emission. Genetic mutations of key players involved in nitrogen starvation responses help decipher molecular mechanisms of microalgae for sensing nitrogen status and regulating energy and carbon/nitrogen balance.

Student roles:
The proposed project assistants will have three main duties as follows.
1. Maintenance of algal culture: The students are expected to perform sterile culture
techniques and make culture media according to defined recipes.
2. Molecular characterization of algal strains: The students will perform routine
nucleic acid isolation from algal cultures, and prepare polymerase chain reaction for
genotyping individual algal strains.
3. Preparation for physiology experiments: The students will be asked to inoculate
algal cultures at a defined concentration, and harvest the cultures, variously
prepared according to given protocols.
4. Daily report: The students will be expected to write down the details of the tasks
done for the day and planned for the next day.

Skills required:
College-level working knowledge in cell biology and genetics.
Minimum 6 months of working experience in lab-based environments.
Organizational skills in collecting and summarizing numerical data.

Research area: Urologic patients often present congenital/acquired pathologies requiring surgical reconstruction. Still, it has been challenging due to the limited availability of tissues, especially for the urethra. Therefore, it represents a significant public health issue because nearly 2% of men will suffer from these pathologies, and it has a considerable psychological impact. Interestingly, tissue engineering is a developing field that aims to replace or regenerate these dysfunctional tissues. We are interested in urethral tissue engineering, an under-researched field. A genitourinary tubular graft was successfully assembled. It became apparent to use this tubular urological tissue as a urethral substitution model.

Student roles:
The student will closely work with a PhD candidate, and perform 2D and 3D cell culture. The student will also analyse the reconstructed tissues (histology, immunofluorescence, ELISA, Western blot, and functional assessment (permeability assay and mechanical resistance).

Skills required:
Knowledge in cell biology, cell culture, basic and advanced microscopy and histology. Maintaining a good quality lab book. Mandatory in lab safety and cell culture training.