News Archives - Biochemistry /biochem/category/news/ ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University Wed, 06 May 2026 14:27:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Dr. Kyle Biggar named a 2026 recipient of the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ IP Impact Award /biochem/2026/dr-kyle-biggar-named-a-2026-recipient-of-the-carleton-ip-impact-award/ Wed, 06 May 2026 14:04:45 +0000 /biochem/?p=4253 Dr. Kyle Biggar (Institute of Biochemistry) has been named a 2026 recipient of the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ IP Impact Award for co-developing DarwinAI, an artificial intelligence platform designed to accelerate peptide drug discovery. Developed through a collaborative research project with Dr. James Green (Department of Systems and Computer Engineering) and their co-supervised PhD student Dr. François Charih, […]

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Dr. Kyle Biggar named a 2026 recipient of the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ IP Impact Award

Published on May 6, 2026

Time to read: 1 minutes

News

picture of award recipient sitting in a lab

Dr. Kyle Biggar (Institute of Biochemistry) has been named a 2026 recipient of the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ IP Impact Award for co-developing DarwinAI, an artificial intelligence platform designed to accelerate peptide drug discovery. Developed through a collaborative research project with Dr. James Green (Department of Systems and Computer Engineering) and their co-supervised PhD student Dr. François Charih, the technology uses AI to design target-specific peptide drugs and predict drug safety profiles earlier in development — cutting time, costs, and reliance on animal testing. Now successfully commercialized through Ottawa-based startup NuvoBio, DarwinAI is already supporting the design of new peptide-based treatments, turning ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ research into real-world impact.

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]]> Biochemistry Student Spotlight /biochem/2026/biochemistry-student-spotlight-10/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:44:52 +0000 /biochem/?p=4239 Publication alert: Cell membrane components affect antimicrobial activity Jen Villacres (B.Sc. Biochemistry & Biotechnology/2021 and M.Sc. Biochemistry/2024) and Michael Shaikhet (B.Sc. Biochemistry/2025) have published research on cell membrane-targeting antimicrobial compounds. This work was part of a larger project in the group of Prof. Tyler Avis (Institute of Biochemistry). The work indicates that cell membrane lipid […]

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Biochemistry Student Spotlight

Published on May 6, 2026

Time to read: 1 minutes

News

Picture of yeast sytox

Publication alert: Cell membrane components affect antimicrobial activity

Jen Villacres (B.Sc. Biochemistry & Biotechnology/2021 and M.Sc. Biochemistry/2024) and Michael Shaikhet (B.Sc. Biochemistry/2025) have published research on cell membrane-targeting antimicrobial compounds. This work was part of a larger project in the group of Prof. Tyler Avis (Institute of Biochemistry). The work indicates that cell membrane lipid components play a role in antifungal compound efficacy and mechanistic activity.

Read the research here (). For more information on Prof. Avis’s research, visit /avislab/.

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]]> Biochemistry Student Spotlight – Nashira Ridgeway /biochem/2025/biochemistry-student-spotlight-9/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:13:00 +0000 /biochem/?p=4225 Publication alert: Using machine learning to explore post-translational modifications Nashira Ridgeway (B.Sc. Computational Biochemistry/2017) has published research on an approach to potentially streamline the discovery of post-translational modification-inducing enzyme activity. This work was part of a larger project in the group of Prof. Kyle Biggar (Institute of Biochemistry). The approach offers a refined method for […]

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Biochemistry Student Spotlight

Published on May 6, 2026

Time to read: 1 minutes

News

Publication alert: Using machine learning to explore post-translational modifications

Nashira Ridgeway (B.Sc. Computational Biochemistry/2017) has published research on an approach to potentially streamline the discovery of post-translational modification-inducing enzyme activity. This work was part of a larger project in the group of Prof. Kyle Biggar (Institute of Biochemistry). The approach offers a refined method for the prioritized identification of enzyme-substrate networks and the features of substrates that influence selection.

Read the research here (). For more information on Prof. Biggar’s research, visit /biochem/people/kyle-biggar/.

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]]> Biochemistry Student Spotlight – Irbaz Rehman /biochem/2025/biochemistry-student-spotlight-8/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:05:18 +0000 /biochem/?p=4199 Publication alert: A cranberry endophyte reduces plant pathogen growth  Irbaz Rehman (B.Sc. Biochemistry/2023) has published research on a new fungal endophyte from cranberry. This work was part of a larger project in the group of Prof. David McMullin (Institute of Biochemistry). The work indicates that the fungal endophyte produces natural products able to inhibit the […]

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Biochemistry Student Spotlight

Published on May 6, 2026

Time to read: 1 minutes

News

Publication alert: A cranberry endophyte reduces plant pathogen growth

 Irbaz Rehman (B.Sc. Biochemistry/2023) has published research on a new fungal endophyte from cranberry. This work was part of a larger project in the group of Prof. David McMullin (Institute of Biochemistry). The work indicates that the fungal endophyte produces natural products able to inhibit the growth of pathogens of cranberry and related plants.

Read the research here (). For more information on Prof. McMullin’s research, visit /mcmullinlab/.

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]]> Biochemistry Student Spotlight – Kyla Malo /biochem/2025/biochemistry-student-spotlight-7/ Thu, 06 Nov 2025 22:13:13 +0000 /biochem/?p=4203 Publication alert: Biomarkers of an ancient microbial ecosystem   Kyla Malo (B.Sc. Biochemistry & Biotechnology/2024 and M.Sc. Biochemistry/current) has presented research on biochemical markers of extinct microbial life trapped in 460 million year old rock formations. This work was part of a larger astrobiology project in the group of Prof. Allyson Brady (Institute of Biochemistry). […]

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Biochemistry Student Spotlight

Published on May 6, 2026

Time to read: 2 minutes

News

Publication alert: Biomarkers of an ancient microbial ecosystem

 

Kyla Malo (B.Sc. Biochemistry & Biotechnology/2024 and M.Sc. Biochemistry/current) has presented research on biochemical markers of extinct microbial life trapped in 460 million year old rock formations. This work was part of a larger astrobiology project in the group of Prof. (Institute of Biochemistry). The work indicates that specific biomarkers present in laminated rock formations may help distinguish between ancient and modern microbial systems, helping to understand life on early Earth or other planets.

Read the research . For more information on Prof. Brady’s research, visit /biology/people/allyson-brady/.

 

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]]> Fall Break /biochem/2025/fall-break/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 19:48:21 +0000 /biochem/?p=4186 Dear Students, We hope your Fall term is going well and that you’re settling into your courses and the learning environment here at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´. For those of you in your first year, adjusting to university life can be a big transition, and we want to acknowledge the effort you’re putting into navigating new expectations and […]

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Fall Break

Published on May 6, 2026

Time to read: 2 minutes

News

Dear Students,

We hope your Fall term is going well and that you’re settling into your courses and the learning environment here at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´. For those of you in your first year, adjusting to university life can be a big transition, and we want to acknowledge the effort you’re putting into navigating new expectations and routines.

We also hope you had a chance to connect with friends or family over Fall Break and take a well-deserved break from your academic schedule.

Please remember that we are here to support you—both in your studies and in your overall experience at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University. Whether you need academic guidance, wellness resources, or simply someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you continued success as the term progresses.

Warm regards,
Véronic Bézaire (on behalf the Institute administration team)
Director, Institute of Biochemistry

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]]> Biochemistry Teaching Spotlight /biochem/2025/biochemistry-teaching-spotlight/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 18:26:54 +0000 /biochem/?p=2951 Publication alert: Educational Resource for Exploring Biochemical Structure-Function Relationships   Biochemistry Professor Alexandra Pettit has published work on an open education resource for exploring biomolecular structure and function. Along with colleagues, Prof. Pettit developed a “Box of Lessons” to engage both students and educators in developing skills in biomolecular visualization and use of public bioinformatics data resources […]

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Biochemistry Teaching Spotlight

Published on May 6, 2026

Time to read: 1 minutes

News

Publication alert: Educational Resource for Exploring Biochemical Structure-Function Relationships

 

Biochemistry Professor Alexandra Pettit has published work on an open education resource for exploring biomolecular structure and function. Along with colleagues, Prof. Pettit developed a “Box of Lessons” to engage both students and educators in developing skills in biomolecular visualization and use of public bioinformatics data resources and tools.

Read the work here ().

 

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]]> Biochemistry Student Spotlight – Hieu Le /biochem/2025/biochemistry-student-spotlight-6/ Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:59:19 +0000 /biochem/?p=2941 Publication alert: Authentication of plant-based milk alternatives  Hieu Le (B.Sc. Computational Biochemistry/2023) has published research on a method to authenticate plant-based milk alternatives. This work was part of a larger project in the group of Prof. Yaxi Hu (Institute of Biochemistry). This study presents a novel method for rapid and non-destructive identification of the sources […]

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Biochemistry Student Spotlight

Published on May 6, 2026

Time to read: 1 minutes

News

Publication alert: Authentication of plant-based milk alternatives

 Hieu Le (B.Sc. Computational Biochemistry/2023) has published research on a method to authenticate plant-based milk alternatives. This work was part of a larger project in the group of Prof. Yaxi Hu (Institute of Biochemistry). This study presents a novel method for rapid and non-destructive identification of the sources of plant-based milk alternatives using a technique combining portable spectroscopy and machine learning.

Read the research here (). For more information on Prof. Hu’s research, visit /fact-lab/.

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]]> Dr. Bruin wins 2025 Dorothy Killam Fellowship for research about how environmental toxins are contributing to the rise of Type 2 diabetes /biochem/2025/dr-bruin-wins-2025-dorothy-killam-fellowship-for-research-about-how-environmental-toxins-are-contributing-to-the-rise-of-type-2-diabetes/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:37:15 +0000 /biochem/?p=2937 Dr. Jenny Bruin is one of two ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ researchers to have been awarded the prestigious Dorothy Killam Fellowship, one of Canada’s top academic honours. Her work on environmental links to diabetes demonstrates how academic discovery can drive real-world impact. Jenny Bruin, a professor in the Department of Biology and the Institute of Biochemistry, is addressing a growing public […]

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Dr. Bruin wins 2025 Dorothy Killam Fellowship for research about how environmental toxins are contributing to the rise of Type 2 diabetes

Published on May 6, 2026

Time to read: 1 minutes

News

Dr. Jenny Bruin is one of two ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ researchers to have been awarded the prestigious Dorothy Killam Fellowship, one of Canada’s top academic honours. Her work on environmental links to diabetes demonstrates how academic discovery can drive real-world impact.
Jenny Bruin, a professor in the Department of Biology and the Institute of Biochemistry, is addressing a growing public health concern: the link between environmental pollutants and rising diabetes rates. Her research investigates how these pollutants affect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which regulate blood sugar. She is also studying the link between chemotherapy and diabetes in cancer survivors .Jenny Bruin, a professor in the Department of Biology and the Institute of Biochemistry, is addressing a growing public health concern: the link between environmental pollutants and rising diabetes rates. Her research investigates how these pollutants affect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which regulate blood sugar. She is also studying the link between chemotherapy and diabetes in cancer survivors .
Read the full story from ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Newsroom: .
Dr. Bruin was featured on All in a Day with Alan Neal on March 19, 2025 about the award and being a leading researcher at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University. In the interview she explains how this funding will help advance her research into the role of environmental toxins in the rise of cases of Type 2 diabetes.
Listen to the full interview here: .

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]]> Biochemistry Student Spotlight – George Hilan /biochem/2025/biochemistry-student-spotlight-5/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:22:03 +0000 /biochem/?p=2919 Publication alert: Next-generation precision cancer therapy   George Hilan (B.Sc. Biochemistry & Biotechnology/2022 and M.Sc. Biochemistry/2024) has published research on cancer-targeting peptides. This work was part of a larger project in the groups of Prof. Bill Willmore and Prof. David Sabatino (Institute of Biochemistry). The work indicates that specific peptides could function as efficient therapeutic […]

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Biochemistry Student Spotlight

Published on May 6, 2026

Time to read: 1 minutes

News

Publication alert: Next-generation precision cancer therapy

 

George Hilan (B.Sc. Biochemistry & Biotechnology/2022 and M.Sc. Biochemistry/2024) has published research on cancer-targeting peptides. This work was part of a larger project in the groups of Prof. Bill Willmore and Prof. David Sabatino (Institute of Biochemistry). The work indicates that specific peptides could function as efficient therapeutic delivery systems for applications related to cancer-targeted gene therapy.

Read the research here (). For more information on Prof. Willmore and Prof. Sabatino’s research, visit /willmorelab/ and /sabatinolab/.

 

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