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 Senior Director of the Canadian Society of Plant Biologists (CSPB) and a member of the Phytochemical Society of North America (PSNA), the Centre de Recherche Biologie Structurale (CRBS), and the Centre SEVE.

Postdoctoral Fellow - Enzymology

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. 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.

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)! 

M.Sc. Student - Metabolomics & Transcriptomics

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!

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!

Honours B.Sc. Student

I am in the final year of a degree in Life Sciences at Macdonald Campus, McGill University. Since taking Organisms I with Dr. Dastmalchi in my first year as a U1 student, I began to develop a profound interest in plants for their resilience and fascinating properties. I am looking forward to learn a lot through this opportunity and to familiarize myself with the techniques used in professional lab settings. Outside of school, I am a passionate lover of arts and music, and a big foodie who loves to bake!

USRA 2024 > Volunteer B.Sc. Student

I am a second-year student in the Agro-Environmental Sciences program at McGill. My specialization is on agronomy practices for plant production. This past summer I conducted a USRA internship in Dr. Dastmalchi's lab on protein engineering. Long-term, I want to apply my knowledge and research findings to improve our agricultural landscape and our use of resources.

Volunteer B.Sc. Student

I am a U2 undergraduate student at McGill studying Life Sciences with a specialization in plant biology. I’m very interested in the biochemical pathways and genes responsible for plants’ many defensive and communication capabilities. I am excited to learn more about the biochemistry involved in plant metabolites in the Dastmalchi lab. Outside of the lab, I like running and enjoying live music!