Mehran Dastmalchi
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Current lab members:
Fanfan Li (M.Sc. 2021 > Ph.D. 2023)
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! |
Audrey Coté (USRA 2022 > Honours 22/23 > Research Intern 23 > MSc 2024)
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)! |
Dr. Meha Sharma (Postdoctoral Researcher 2023)
I received my Ph.D. in Plant Science at McGill University (2023). During my graduate work, I focused on identifying the molecular basis of interaction between plants and rhizobacteria. I have identified the role of organic acids and their associated genes in the recruitment of beneficial bacteria. Throughout this work, I gained expertise in the fields of molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. In the Dastmalchi lab, I am excited to conduct bioinformatics and protein expression analyses to identify plant-derived compounds which can enhance pesticide efficiency. Outside the lab, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, playing sports, and cooking. |
Puneet Kaur (M.Sc. 2023)
I did my B.Sc. in Agriculture from India and found the genetic control of phenotypic expression in plants really interesting. This interest brought me to the Dastmalchi Lab where I will work on understanding the biochemical and genetic pathways of isoflavonoids in an underexplored genus of the Fabaceae to exploit its potential in agriculture, pharmaceutical industry and human health. Outside of the lab, I like going to cute cafes and exploring the city of Montréal! |
Andrew Park (Volunteer Summer 2024)
I am currently a U1 student in Life Sciences, specializing in plant science. I have always been fascinated by plants and I want to grow my knowledge of the field. After taking Prof. Dastmalchi's introductory plant biology course, Organisms 1, I heard that he was looking for summer volunteers -- I did not hesitate in applying to join the team. I hope to learn about plant growth and maintenance, and to pick up some molecular biology techniques this summer -- hoping they will guide me in my exploration of the vast world of plants. |
Victor Reyes de la Rosa (NSERC-USRA Summer 2024)
I am a first-year student in the Agro-Environmental Sciences program at McGill. My specialization focusses on agronomy practices for plant production, but scientific approaches to exploring the fundamentals of plant molecular biology have always interested me. After taking a class with Dr. Dastmalchi, I was eager to learn more about the world of plant science, and so I applied to his lab. I am excited to see what professional lab work is all about, and how we can apply these findings to improve our agricultural landscape |
Past lab members:
Brandon (M.Sc. 2021-2023)
Brandon received his Masters degree from McGill University, Plant Science, in August 2023. My first student to graduate! He conducted enzymatic assays with proteins involved in flavanone biosynthesis and perfected protein expression and purification systems in the lab. He is interested in bridging the gap between plant/synthetic biology research and business. He completed his BSc from Queen's University, specializing in biotechnology (2017-2020) and a certificate in business from the Smith School of Business (2018-2021). Wishing him the best of luck! |
Jonathan Turcotte (NSERC-USRA Summer 2021)
Cam-Ly Nguyen (Volunteer Summer 2022)
Defne Helvacioglu (Honours 2022/23)
Xavier Brasseur-Trottier (NSERC-USRA 2023)
Olivia Grossi (Volunteer 2023-24)
Cam-Ly Nguyen (Volunteer Summer 2022)
Defne Helvacioglu (Honours 2022/23)
Xavier Brasseur-Trottier (NSERC-USRA 2023)
Olivia Grossi (Volunteer 2023-24)