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.

Brandon is currently an MSc student looking into the mechanism of nanoplastic corona formation using RNA-Seq.

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 fourth-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. 

Therry is a fourth-year student double majoring in Biochemistry and Neuroscience. She is currently a CHMD90 student investigating the targeted delivery of Fe²⁺ micronutrients to Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) using polydopamine nanoparticles. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature and taking aesthetic photos of the sky

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.

Xiao is a third-year student majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His project involves the integration of metal oxides in microfluidic devices for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Outside of the lab, he enjoys listening to R&B music and playing badminton.

Jaelyn is a fourth-year student specializing in chemistry. Over the summer, she finished a research project on the effect of various biofilm matrix components on the ability of polyethyleneimine to disrupt E. coli biofilms, as part of her UTEA program. She is now working on a new project that involves using metal induced assembly of polydopamine as a delivery platform. In her leisure time, Jaelyn enjoys watching thriller movies and has an interest in nanotechnology and its applications..

Renjie is a fourth-year student specializing in Environmental Chemistry. He is currently investigating the structure of polydopamine which bind with metal and form the metal-polydopamine complex. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to music, watching cartoon and travelling.

Amir is a second-year student majoring in biochemistry and statistics. He is doing a second year research project(PSCB90) where he is working on polymer coating of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPR).In his spare time he enjoys playing backgammon and reading literature.