Our Team
We keep adding new members to the group, come and join us!
Principal Investigator
B.Sc. Beijing Normal University
Ph.D. Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto
Postdoc. The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto
wei zhang
My broad research interests are in the field of ubiquitin signaling, protein engineering, targeted protein degradation, genome stability, and cancer therapeutics. In the past years, my lab has been working on development of synthetic biology approaches to manipulate human cell signal transduction cascades to identify new molecular mechanisms and innovative therapeutic strategies. We also actively engage in collaborations with researchers from Canada and around the globe in both academic and industrial sectors. Our laboratory is currently supported by funding from CIHR, NSERC, Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Research Society, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, and Ontario Research Fund.
Lab Manager
B.Sc. Vancouver Island University
M.Sc. University of Guelph
Olivia Roscow
I completed my undergraduate degree in 2017 on Vancouver Island where I had the opportunity to work with Fisheries and Oceans Canada testing a potential antiviral drug on piscine reovirus replication. This led me to pursue graduate studies in Guelph where I developed the first infectious clone of a concerning strain of a grapevine virus. After finishing my MSc in 2019, I knew I needed to pursue my enthusiasm for molecular biology and the Zhang lab gave me the opportunity to do so.
Technician
B.Sc. University of Waterloo
M.Sc. University of Waterloo
Julia Fux
I completed my studies in Molecular Biology at the University of Waterloo. The topic of my masters thesis was focused on molecular machinery of neuronal signalling in molluscs. Following that, I worked in a cancer laboratory in the UW School of Pharmacy, where I became interested in various ways cancer cell abnormalities can be exploited to differentiate them from healthy cells, and target them with minimal side effects for the surrounding tissues.
In the Zhang lab I aim to explore the ways small proteins can target various pathways and modulate cellular activity.
I live in Waterloo with my husband, my son and my dog. In my free time I enjoy painting, rock climbing and martial arts.
Postdoctoral Fellow
B.Sc. University of Guelph
Ph.D. University of Guelph (Biochemistry)
Evan MalLette
In high school I learned about the curious but amazing world of molecular biology and the vast number of proteins that 20 amino acids have arranged into to make everything in life possible. Throughout my undergraduate degree and graduate studies in biochemistry, I learned about structural biology and the mechanics of enzyme catalysis and protein-protein interactions. Despite all we know about how proteins function, there are seemingly endless questions still to be answered about cellular functions and opportunities to exploit molecular biology to solve biological issues. I aim to develop a selection of optimized synthetic for eventual use in combined cancer therapeutics.
PhD Candidate
B.Sc. University of Ibadan
M.Sc. University of Ibadan
Bayonle aminu
I am currently a PhD student in the Molecular and Cellular Biology program. I have always been interested in molecular basis of complex diseases. My undergraduate degree in Zoology exposed me to the high similarity in biological processes among most organisms. Also, I studied the role of cell signaling in breast cancer at the Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati. I am excited to be in the Zhang lab to make use of prior knowledge about cellular signaling to engineer proteins for developing better therapeutics.
PhD Candidate
B.Sc. Beijing Institute of Technology
Qi Liu
I am currently a PhD student in the Program of Molecular and Cellular Biology. When I took part in the 2016 iGEM during my undergraduate study in Beijing, I knew synthetic biology for the first time. After that, the more I learnt about it, the more I became interested in. I am very excited to join in the Zhang lab. I hope I could learn more synthetic biology and protein engineering and contribute to these areas.
Postdoctoral Fellow
PhD. University of Western Ontario
Tanner Tessier
I completed my PhD studies at the University of Western Ontario in the department of Microbiology and Immunology where I studied protein-protein interactions mediated by short linear motifs (SLiMs). My primary research focus involved developing an approach for identifying novel and/or non-classical SLiMs. Along the way I investigated various virus-host protein-protein interactions mediated by the human adenovirus E1A protein, which makes extensive use of SLiM-mediated interactions. Proteins are the dominant driving force of virtually all cellular processes and modulating their associated interactions for therapeutic purposes has become an exciting area within protein engineering and synthetic biology. In the Zhang lab, I aim to develop protein-based inhibitors that disrupt the human papilloma virus E6/E6AP/p53 axis, as well as develop novel proteomic tools for studying the ubiquitin proteasome system.
Undergraduate Research Student
B.Sc. University of Guelph
James Vaillancourt-Poulakis
I'm a fourth-year biochemistry student at the University of Guelph, and the world of science never fails to fascinate me. When I'm not in the lab, you'll likely find me lost in the magic of music. I'm passionate about playing the guitar, bass, and piano, as each instrument allows me to express myself in unique ways. Staying active is crucial to me, so I make it a point to hit the gym daily and dive into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It not only keeps me physically fit but also challenges me mentally. Above all, I cherish the time I spend with my loved ones. Whether it's laughing with my family or sharing adventures with friends, those moments are precious and bring immense joy to my life.
MSc Student
B.Sc. University of Guelph
Nathaniel Petersen
I obtained my undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics at the University of Guelph. In high school I gained an interest in molecular biology; the complexity of organisms like plants and animals made up of seemingly countless different processes really captured my attention and lead me to my degree at Guelph University. In my studies I have come become more intrigued by the processes that can affect people, and particularly those of human diseases. The many protein-protein interactions of human disease, and potential treatments are a primary area of interest for me. In the Zhang lab I am excited to continue to explore the molecular world of protein-protein interactions and learn more about potential therapeutics.
Undergraduate Research Student
B.Sc. University of Guelph (2022-pre)
Azat Bikmullin
I have an advanced diploma in Biotechnology from Seneca College and am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology at the University of Guelph. During my time at Seneca, I developed a strong interest in and deep respect for various aspects of molecular biology and microbiology. I have always been particularly interested in the complexity of genetics and the cellular mechanisms underlying cell to cell interactions.
My passion for this field led me to an opportunity to gain real hands-on experience in the Zhang lab, where I hope to contribute to actual research. I am eager to expand my knowledge and understanding, specifically in the areas of studying protein-protein interactions at a molecular level and mastering various lab techniques involved in the research.
Lab Alumni
Maria Rosales Gerpe
Postdoctoral Fellow, 2018-2019 | Current position: Reporter at Cambridge Times.
Dirk HaCkenberger
Project student, 2018-2019 | Current position: PhD Candidate at McMaster University.
Marcos Ibrahim
Project student, 2018-2019 | Current position: Medical school student at University of Ottawa.
Doris Do
Co-op student, 2019 | Current Position: Microbiology Analyst at Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Nicole Leblanc
Project student, 2019-2020 | Current position: PhD Candidate at University of Waterloo.
Pamela Molina
Project Student, 2019-2020 | Current position: Research Assistant, Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer.
isaac Jonker
Project student, 2019-2020 | Current position: J.D. Candidate at University of Toronto.
Toyeshwari Taukoor
Project student, 2019-2020 | Current position: Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network.
Stephanie ouzikov
Project student, 2020-2021 | Current position: MSc student at University of Toronto.
Samantha Boudreau
Project student, 2020-2021 | Current position: PhD Candidate at McGill University.
Gabriel Laplante
Master of Biotechnology, 2020-2021 | Current position: Medical school student at University of Alberta.
Emma Lee
Project student, 2021-2022 | Current position: MSc student at McGill University.
TIMMY CHEN LIANG
Master of Science, 2021-2023 | Current position: Research Grants Officer, University Health Network
zane Stekel
Master of Science, 2021-2023