Dastmalchi Lab Members

Mehran Dastmalchi
Assistant Professor
Department of Plant Science | McGill University

I joined McGill University as an Assistant Professor in the Fall of 2020. 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 am a member of the Canadian Society of Plant Biologists (CSPB), the Phytochemical Society of North America (PSNA), the Centre de Recherche Biologie Structurale (CRBS), and the Centre SEVE. I enjoy a weekly run, every Wednesday at 4:30 pm, together with the grad students at the Macdonald campus -- we call ourselves the Tenure Track Club  (follow us @ttcmacdonald).

Current lab members:

Fanfan Li (M.Sc. 2021)

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. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing a variety of sports and spending time exploring the outdoors!
Brandon (M.Sc. 2021)

I received my Bachelor's of Science from Queen's University, specializing in biotechnology (2017-2021) and learning about plant cell biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. While at Queen's, I conducted research to characterize the plant "Ubox" protein family. Simultaneously, I worked to complete a certificate in business from the Smith School of Business (2018-2021) with the hope of building a link between plant biochemistry and business. Outside of science, I spend my time obsessing about sports and exploring the outdoors. 
Audrey Coté (Honour's 2022)

I recently completed my second year at McGill as an undergraduate student in Environmental Biology (BSc). Coming from a musical background, I studied opera for many years before my passion for science took over in 2017. I consequently acquired certificates to become an animal behaviourist and worked five years on the field tackling emergency rescues and rehabilitation missions with wild animals. This past summer, I worked as a USRA in the Dastmalchi lab, and I will continue this project as an Honour's student during the academic year. Outside of work, I spend my time appreciating music, gastronomy, and nature. 
Lee-Marie Raytek (Ph.D. 2022)

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)! 
Defne Helvacioglu (Honour's 2022)

​I am in my 3rd year at McGill studying Honors Life Sciences with a Microbiology and Molecular Biotechnology specialization. I took Organisms 1 (AEBI 210) in my first year and fell in love with plants, especially plant metabolism. I am interested in the intersection between molecular biology and plants, which led me to do my Honors research project in Dastmalchi Lab this year. Outside of the lab, you can find me napping on the Mac field or running around campus as I am the President of the Macdonald Campus Student Society (MCSS). 

Past lab members:

Jonathan Turcotte - (NSERC-USRA Summer 2021)
Cam-Ly Nguyen - (Volunteer Summer 2022)