Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences - University of Toronto, Scarborough

I joined UTSC in the Fall of 2025, after having spent five years at McGill University as an Assistant Professor. I obtained my PhD from Western University (2010-2015), studying soybean isoflavonoid biosynthesis. I conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Calgary on opium poppy (2015-2018) and at Brock University on Madagascar periwinkle (2018-2020). I served as the Senior Director of the Canadian Society of Plant Biologists (CSPB), and I am a member of the Phytochemical Society of North America (PSNA).

Ph.D. Candidate - Plant Biochemistry

I completed my Bachelor's in Honours Biology at McMaster University (2021), where I developed a strong interest in plant science. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I pursued my passion for sustainable agriculture and tackling food security through biotechnology research. I transferred from a MSc to a PhD in the Winter of 2022 in Dr. Dastmalchi's lab to continue my work on the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus.Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing a variety of sports and spending time exploring the outdoors!

Ph.D. Candidate - Metabolomics & Strain Engineering

I recently completed my BSc/MSc at Queen’s University studying plant stress biology with a focus on post-translational (phosphorylation) regulation of metabolic enzymes. During this research, I became fascinated by synthetic biology efforts in the ag-biotech sector. As I join the Dastmalchi lab, I am excited to pivot towards this booming and crucial field. When I’m not conducting experiments, I enjoy participating in Science Communication outreach initiatives, through CSPB and other opportunities. In my free time, I love being down by the water, salsa dancing and traveling (ideally doing all three at same time in Colombia)! 

Ph.D. Student - Protein Characterization

I am joining the Dastmalchi lab after completing my MSc at Western University (2024), where I focused on characterizing monooxygenases involved in plant secondary metabolism. My interest in plant research began during an undergraduate course on medicinal plant biochemistry. I was extremely fascinated by the diverse range of specialized metabolites that plants produce - many of which can interact with mammalian receptors. As I start working with Dr. Dastmalchi’s team, I look forward to contributing to the study of alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus. When I am not in lab, I enjoy hiking (especially in the Fall). I am also an avid lover of all documentaries, books and podcasts. If you’re ever looking for recommendations, just let me know!

I am a current UTSC student double majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. My interest in plant biology research emerged during courses exploring plant biochemistry. I am looking forward to furthering my knowledge on the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus and the possible applications from compounds it produces. Outside of the lab I enjoy dance, travelling and spending time with family and friends!

I am an undergraduate at UTSC double majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Through my undergraduate studies at UTSC, I have become increasingly interested in phytochemistry and the study of plant specialized metabolites for pharmacologically relevant applications. In the Dastmalchi Lab, I look forward to contributing to research on the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus and the biochemical characterization of its monoterpenoid indole alkaloids.  In my free time, I enjoy traveling, going on spontaneous trips with friends, and exploring nature trails.

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto Scarborough double majoring in biochemistry and psychology. My interest in plant biology began at a young age through gardening and deepened during my bio-organic chemistry coursework at UTSC, where I was introduced to phytochemistry and the chemical diversity of medicinal plants. I am excited to continue my learning on the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus. Outside of the lab, I enjoy gardening, taking long walks while listening to podcasts, and creating handmade jewelry for my small business

Hello! I am currently in my third year of an undergraduate degree at UofT, double majoring in biology and psychology. I am eager to learn under the guidance of the lab’s talented researchers and explore my interests within the field. I have always had a profound passion for nature and the remarkable complexity of all organisms within it, especially plants. A few of my favourite subjects include cell biology and plant physiology which I am beyond excited to apply within the Dastmalchi Lab! 

I'm a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto Scarborough, majoring in Molecular Biology, Immunology & Disease and Psychology. I've always been fascinated by the incredible variety of molecules that plants produce to interact with and defend themselves from their environment. In the Dastmalchi Lab, I'm excited to learn how genes and enzymes work together to produce these compounds and to gain hands-on experience with the tools used to study and engineer plant metabolism. Outside the lab, I enjoy singing, playing the piano, and exploring new restaurants across Toronto.