Research in Bio-organic Chemistry
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PhD Student Description: Adam was born and raised in Toronto. He completed his B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Bioengineering at the University of Toronto. In his thesis project under the supervision of Dr. Alison McGuigan, he worked on improving the optical properties of a tissue-mimetic tumour cell assay platform called GLAnCE. He joined the Nitz group in 2023 as a PhD student, where he is working on the metalation and functionalization of porphyrins as barcoding reagents for Mass Cytometry. Outside the lab, he enjoys reading fantasy novels, taking outdoor walks, and competing in video game tournaments. |
MSc Student Description: Ahmed did his B.Sc. at McMaster University, where he was involved in projects including organic photocatalyst optimization, analysis of organic pollutant fate in the environment, and formulation of pharmaceutical products for pre-clinical trials. Since joining the Nitz group in 2024, Ahmed has been working toward producing new C-glycoside scaffolds. Sugars aside, he has a real passion for cheese… soft, sharp, pungent, bring it all. Crackers aren’t the only things he’s cracking up, though. Stay punny, Ahmed!! |
Post-Doc Description: Alex is a PhD student at the University of Toronto. He is exploring the usage of bacterial toxins to generate defined glycoproteins. When not working, he enjoys amateur birdwatching in nice weather or curling up in front of a computer when the weather is lousy. He also heartily recommends checking out some of David Attenborough’s nature documentaries as an escape from reality. |
PhD Student Description: Angus was born and raised in the city of Richmond Hill, ON. He completed his B.Sc. in Biochemistry at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr. John Honek, where he worked on the combinatorial synthesis of ADAMTS-4/5 inhibitors targeting the metalloproteinase domain. As a PhD student, his research focuses on the design and synthesis of ruthenium drug analogs to study their pharmacological effects by mass cytometry. Outside of the lab, Angus enjoys going to the gym, training for half marathons, snowboarding, building Lego and late-night gaming sessions with his friends. |
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PhD Student Description: Diane was born and raised in Korea until she was 10 years old when she immigrated to Vancouver, BC. She completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of British Columbia. As a PhD student in the Nitz lab, Diane is working with bacterial nanocompartments to develop them into protein-based reagents for mass cytometry. After 6 pm, you may find her knitting while rewatching K-dramas from the 2000s, or admiring cake videos. Ask her about the free food events that are being offered around Lash Miller! |
PhD Student Description: Hunter grew up in Ottawa and did his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry at Carleton University. His 4th year honours thesis was in organic chemistry under Jeff Manthorpe studying the kinetics of diazomethane generation and alkylation of various diazald precursors. He is currently doing his masters working on the biofilm project. The goal of his research is to increase the cellular uptake of 1-phosphate sugars using acyl-phosphate derivatives that will cleave spontaneously within the cytoplasm to give the 1-phosphate sugar. In his spare time he enjoys playing sports and spending time outdoors to explore what the world has to offer. |
Post-Doc Description: Jamie completed her B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Chemistry at the University of British Columbia (2018). Her thesis project involved the synthesis of peptide derivatives as potential ligands for metallic catalysts of the hydroamination reaction. She joined the Nitz group in fall of 2018 and is working on the bio-incorporation of tellurium-containing amino acid analogues/probes. Outside of the lab, you may find Jamie reading (non-scientific literature), doing arts and crafts, terrorizing her friends with pictures of yummy food over instant messaging, or listening to JK Rowling’s inspiring Harvard commencement speech for the nth time. Ten points to Gryffindor! |
MSc Student Description: Patricia was born in Toronto, but grew up in Orangeville, Ontario. She moved back to Toronto to start her B.Sc. in Biological Chemistry at UofT and graduated in 2024. She joined the Nitz lab as a third year undergraduate student and stayed in the lab for graduate studies. Currently, she is working on utilizing acetyltransferases as a chemoenzymatic tool for labelling sugars. Outside the lab, you can find her at the gym, paddling on the lake, or playing TTRPGs with friends. |
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PhD Student Description: Una grew up in the Niagara Region and completed her B.Sc. in Biochemistry at Brock University. Her undergraduate thesis project was under the supervision of Dr. Tony Yan and revolved around synthesizing an alternative for PEG compatible in bioconjugation reactions with oligonucleotides. Beginning her graduate studies, she joined the Nitz lab to further explore the field of chemical biology and is currently investigating certain classes of acetyltransferases for the labelling of sialic acid residues on glycan structures. Outside the lab, she enjoys visiting cafes (both for coffee and the vibes), playing cozy games and doing puzzles. |
MSc Student Description: Valeria was born in Toronto but grew up all around the GTA. She completed her BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry next door at TMU. Her fourth year thesis with Dr. Koivisto worked towards the development of EdU compatible fluorescent BODIPY probes for use in CuAAC click chemistry. She joined the Nitz lab as a MSc student where she is studying the various oxidized species of tellurophene as they pertain to a bioorthogonal click reaction. Outside the lab she enjoys dancing, playing cards, reading, spending time with her cat, and yoga. |
