Faculty

I am a plant biochemist with experience in small molecule analysis, biochemistry, and plant trait development.

Before joining UFV I worked as a Facility Manager for the Analytical Core Facility at the at the University of British Columbia. I've worked as a metabolomic scientist for the breeding and genetics division of a large company and as a formulation and analytical chemist helping to bring natural products to market.

I hold a PhD from the University of Victoria, where I used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and metabolomics to discover new biosynthetic pathways in Poplar Trees. My PhD was under the supervision of Dr. Peter Constabel. I also hold an MSc in Plant Agriculture from the University of Guelph. While at Guelph, under the supervision of Dr. Gale Bozzo, I worked on understanding the enzymatic and biochemical changes of Brassicaceae leaves during nutrient deficiencies and stress.

When not on campus you can find me outside all year round running, hiking, climbing, looking at plants, or skiing.

PhD Forest Biology (University of Victoria)

MSc Plant Agriculture (University of Guelph)

BSc Biology (University of Victoria)

I am a plant biochemist with a broad research interest in the small molecules plants produce.

Plant Biochemistry and Adaptation:

Plants respond and adapt to their environment by changing their physical structure and biochemistry. My research focuses on the biochemical adaptations that local species have which allows them to thrive in Western British Columbia. By understanding the adaptations and biochemical potential species currently have, we can understand how they may grow and adapt in the future with our changing climactic conditions.

Applied Biochemistry:

From perfumes, painkillers, pesticides, and food flavour plant chemistry influences our lives every single day. I am interested in taking what we have learned about natural plant chemistry, especially for species that grow around the lower mainland, and using that knowledge to create product and genetic solutions that can improve lives.