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!