Ruby is a biophysical chemist with research interests in understanding why bacteria stick to surfaces―and the aftermath of such seemingly simple yet complex action. She obtained her BSc in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines and PhD in Chemistry at the Biointerfaces group of Gilbert Walker at the University of Toronto. Before coming to UTSC, she poked model membranes at the National Research Council Canada with Shan Zou, pulled DNA and proteins in Tom Perkins’ lab in JILA (CU-Boulder), and measured the forces involved in bacterial adhesion in Yves Dufrene group in UCL, Belgium, as a Marcel de Merre fellow. She continued measuring forces of various systems at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, in the Mechano(bio)chemistry group of Kerstin Blank, as an Alexander von Humboldt fellow. Ruby was named a Cottrell Scholar, Class of 2021. Outside research and teaching, Ruby enjoys the multi-cultural and festive environment of Toronto. Also check out these articles: Welcome by Mandy Koroniak and Bacterial Attraction by Patchen Barss.

Nesha did her PhD at Cornell University, working on single-molecule biophysics and single nanoparticle catalysis. She then moved to Harvard Medical School to study in vitro reconstitutions of clathrin-coated vesicles. Prior to joining the Nano(materials)-Bio Interactions lab, she worked with BioMedX and Roche Diagnostics in Heidelberg, Germany, where she was part of the Nanomaterial-based Biosensor group, developing electronic sensors for Point-of-Care applications. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cycling, as well as playing the guitar and banduria. She also enjoys exploring the different cuisines in Toronto neighbourhoods.

Anna is a PhD Chemistry student. For her undergraduate honors thesis, she studied the interfacial and nanoscale properties of polymer films and nanoparticles. Her current project is exploring the antimicrobial ability of polydopamine systems and how it affects bacteria. Aside from research, she enjoys the outdoors and reading.

Xiao is a Master’s student in Chemistry and a recipient of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). His research focuses on developing and applying microfluidic platforms for the real-time monitoring of plant root–bacteria interactions, with the goal of uncovering the physicochemical and hydrodynamic factors that shape microbial colonization in the rhizosphere. Outside of the lab, Xiao enjoys listening to R&B music and staying active through badminton.

Franklin completed a Master of Environmental Science at UTSC. Currently, he is looking into the ability of antimicrobial nanospheres to disrupt E. coli biofilms. Franklin is interested in understanding the nanoscale properties, of both bacteria and the surface, in relation to plastic-associated biofilms. Aside from research, Franklin enjoys volunteering, physical activity, art, GSAS and watching good movies.

Yilei completed her Master of Chemistry at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with Professor Nagl. She worked on analyzing the antibacterial property of films on a digital microfluidic device coupled with an oxygen sensor layer. Currently, she is working on studying the interaction between biofilms and materials engaged in microbial fuel cell projects. In her spare time, she enjoys petting cats and watching movies.

Poh Ying (Shirley) completed her Master of Chemistry at Concordia University with Professor Louis Cuccia. She investigated the coordination polymerization of homochiral and racemic copper aspartate, as well as the spatiotemporal resolution of racemic copper aspartate using tailor-made additives in a reaction–diffusion framework. Currently, she is working on bacterial rigidity sensing, focusing on how key adhesion mechanisms shape bacterial attachment on soft and stiff substrates. In parallel, she studies true-to-life nanoplastic–bacteria interactions, with the goal of understanding how rhizobacteria regulate nanoplastic immobilization and organization at their surfaces. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music and gardening.

Rachel is a fourth-year student pursuing a double major in biochemistry and molecular biology. She joined the team through a PSCB90 project in Winter 2024, where she investigated nanoparticle disassembly using amino acids. She is now exploring the use of nanoparticles for agricultural applications through CHMD90. Outside of the lab, Rachel enjoys listening to music, thrifting, and having KBBQ with friends.

Kendrick is a fourth-year student specializing in Chemistry. He is currently investigating interactions between nanoplastics and soil microbes. In his free time, he enjoys solving sudoku puzzles, catching up on movies, and watching sitcoms.