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.

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.

Keuna finished her undergraduate at Western University with an Honors in Chemistry. Her undergraduate thesis was on optimizing metallic nanoplates for plasmon-enhanced spectroscopies. Keuna’s current research is geared towards developing novel nanomaterial-based antimicrobials that can target bacterial biofilms. She likes to play squash, go on runs and watch movies.

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.

Franklin completed a Master of Environmental Science at UTSC. Currently in the Mechano-Microbiology Lab, 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.

Jessica is a second-year student double majoring in Biochemistry and Human Biology. She has finished a research project collaborating with the Toronto Zoo to analyze macronutrients in Timothy Hay via PSCB90 (supervised by Professor Kim). As an NSERC USRA student, she is currently investigating the efficiency and potential of antibiofilm nanotherapeutics based on polydopamine nanoparticles (PDNP) as means to disrupt the bacterial biofilm and help solve chronic wound infections. During her leisure time, she likes to read manga, watch Korean dramas, and play with cats. In addition, she is interested in volunteering and helping people!

Uyen has a double major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She interned at analytical chemistry lab at Pasteur Institute, Vietnam then investigated transovarial transmission of pathogenic Bartonella spp. in trombiculid mites on rats in Mekong Delta. She is currently interested in understanding the effects of nanoplastics on beneficial and pathogenic soil biofilms. Uyen enjoys pottery, good food and traveling. She has a dog named Cat. 

Ha is a fourth-year student majoring in Biochemistry and Environmental Science. Her current interest surrounds the interaction between bacteria and nanoparticles. Ha enjoys watching drama, reading webtoon, and listening to music during her free time.

Abdumalik is a second-year international student who is currently doing a Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Specialist. He is currently interested in researching phagocytosis, immune responses to various biofilms and their applications in medicine. In his spare time, he likes reading books, watching interesting documentaries, and rolling jiu-jitsu.

Rachel is a second-year undergraduate student completing a double major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As a PSCB90 student, she is exploring the antimicrobial activity of polydopamine nanoparticles. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys listening to R&B music and exploring nature.