Mathieu Blanchette
School of Computer Science; McGill
Research interests:
Our group works on the development of algorithmic and machine learning approaches to problems arising in genomics and proteomics. We work with biologists and geneticists on the development of approaches for (i) genome sequencing and comparative genomics in plants and animals, (ii) the discovery of genetic and epigenetic factors affecting gene expression, and (iii) the identification of protein-protein interactions and the analysis of the complex networks they form.
QB Courses: BIOL 395/495

Gary Brouhard
Department of Biology and Associate Member, Physics; McGill
Research interests:
Dr. Brouhard's research interests are in the molecular basis of morphology, especially how the microtubule cytoskeleton determines the location of neurons in the brain. The Brouhard lab uses single-molecule biophysics, biochemistry, as well as work with model organisms to study how enzymes control the shape of microtubules.
QB Courses: BIOL 201, BIOL 395/495, BIOL 518.

Gonzalo Cosa
Department of Chemistry; McGill
Research interests:
Research interests in the Cosa group involve the development of fluorescence-based methodologies to study complex biological systems. The integrating element in our research program is the exploitation of organic chemistry, biophysics, photophysics and microscopy towards imaging processes at the cellular or molecular level with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Our interests/questions center on the role reactive oxygen species play in live cells, and on elucidating complex dynamics in self-assembled biological systems and biomaterials/nanomaterials. The tools we utilize in our research group span from the rational design and preparation of new fluorescent organic probes to the utilization and development of state-of-the-art single molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques.
QB Courses: BIOL 395/495 (on sabbatical September 2011 to August 2012)

Damien D'amours
Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology; Université de Montréal
Research interests:
Our team studies the molecular and physical determinants of genome organization during mitosis. We combine classic genetic approaches with quantitative biochemistry to unravel how cells control genome/chromatin architecture to build mitotic chromosomes. Furthermore, we have a particular interest in the interplay between protein kinases, their substrates, and cell cycle checkpoints during cell division.
QB courses: BIOL 395/495

Paul Francois
Department of Physics and Associate Member, Biology; McGill
Research interests:
We study  theoretical aspects of biological phenomena, from gene networks dynamics to their evolution. We are especially interested in physical aspects of embryonic development (patterning, tissue mechanics), non linear dynamics in single cells (immune system, genetic oscillators, cells as control systems) and evolution of gene networks (computational evolution, connection to bifurcation theory).
QB Courses: BIOL 395/495, BIOL 551

Gregor Fussmann
Department of Biology; McGill and Director, Gault Nature Reserve
Research interests:
Community ecology, evolutionary ecology, aquatic ecology. Eco-evolutionary dynamics: evolutionary change in nature may be rapid and the distinction between ecological and evolutionary time scales is often arbitrary. To study eco-evolutionary dynamics people in my lab use aquatic model organisms and conduct controlled experiments in the laboratory and in the field. We believe that this approach, combined with mathematical modelling, will contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of real ecosystems.
QB Courses: BIOL 206, BIOL 308, BIOL 331, BIOL 395/495, BIOL 432

Frederic Guichard
Department of Biology; McGill and Co-Director Centre for Applied Mathematics in Bioscience And Medicine (CAMBAM)
Research interests:
Theoretical ecology and complex system theory applied to intertidal ecosystems and to marine reserve design. Emergence of large scale patterns and dynamics from local interactions among individuals. Multidisciplinary approach involving mathematical modeling, field experiments and remote sensing.
QB Courses: BIOL 308, BIOL 434, BIOL 395/49

Sabrina Leslie
Department of Physics; McGill
Research interests:
Dr. Leslie's research program strives to create a new mechanistic understanding of fast molecular searches, which underlie a host of key cellular processes. One class of fast molecular search processes, that remains largely uncharacterized due to limited analysis techniques, is the search that initiates DNA repair. The Leslie lab circumvents limitations in existing techniques by developing new single-molecule microscopy tools capable of simultaneously measuring: weak protein-DNA and DNA-DNA interactions; extended search trajectories of individual molecules over several seconds; millisecond-timescale interaction kinetics; and topologically complex or strained DNA substrates.
QB Courses: PHYS/BIOL 319; BIOL 395/495

Brian Leung
Department of Biology; McGill
Research interests:
Biological invasions, ecology of diseases, ecosystem management. Addressing environmental issues through the synthesis of models (mathematical, computational, and statistical) with empirical data (literature, field or lab studies). Creating models for ecological forecasting, given uncertainty and sparse data. Developing decision theory, using risk analysis.
QB Courses: BIOL 395/495, BIOL 373

Amy Shaub Maddox
Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology; Université de Montréal
Research interests:
Cytokinesis, the physical division of one cell into two, is accomplished by a transient organelle called the contractile ring. We are focused on understanding the mechanics of ring assembly and closure. We primarily employ live cell time-lapse imaging and custom quantitative image analysis software to describe and measure cell shape and its evolution during cytokinesis.
QB Courses: BIOL 395/49

Paul S. Maddox
Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology; Université de Montréal
Research interests:
Chromosome segregation requires two chromatin based processes; centromere specification and chromosome condensation. Defects in either centromere specification or chromosome condensation results in catastrophic division failure. We use a combination of biochemistry, classical cell biology and innovative high resolution light microscopy to determine the the mechanisms underlying these unanswered questions in cell division.
QB Courses: BIOL 395/49

Stephen Michnick
Department of Biochemistry; Université de Montréal
Research interests:
We are interested in two broad questions: 1) How do cells make decisions about their fate based on their interpretation of external signals and internal queues and 2) How have macromolecular complexes evolved to regulate cell fate decisions. We use a variety of techniques to achieve our aims, including cell-based assays to study the dynamics, topological organization and of protein-protein interactions, quantitative single cell time-lapsed imaging of protein, RNA and DNA dynamics, protein analysis by mass-spectrometry, and a variety of computational and modeling approaches.
QB courses: BIOL 395/49; PHYS/BIOL 319

Anthony Mittermaier
Department of Chemistry; McGill
Research interests:
The Mittermaier lab studies the molecular basis of protein function, particularly in the context of drug design. They use Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy to characterize protein structure and dynamics, as well as calorimetry to measure the heat flow associated with protein folding and binding. The combination of these two techniques yields descriptions of protein behaviour that are atomically precise and thermodynamically rigorous.
QB courses: BIOL 395/495; CHEM 514 (on sabbatical September 2011 to August 2012)

Nicolas Moitessier
Department of Chemistry; McGill
Research interests:
Interfacing and applying computational and medicinal chemistry for the development of pharmaceuticals
QB courses: BIOL 395/495; CHEM 211, 212, 503 and 504

Derek Ruths
School of Computer Science; McGill
Research interests:
I'm interested in characterizing and modelling the dynamics of biochemical and social networks. The fact that experimental data in molecular biology can be quite noisy makes inferring accurate models of biochemical networks very challenging. In my lab, we're building modeling methods for signaling and transcriptional dynamics that are resilient to the noise inherent in the experimental results used to train them.
QB courses: BIOL 395/495; COMP 364

Jackie Vogel
Department of Biology and Associate Member, Computer Science, Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill; Coordinator of the QB Option
Research interests:
The mitotic spindle plays an essential role in the transmission of genetic information during cell division in all eukaryotic cells. Our research focuses on spindle assembly and mitotic control mechanisms. We use budding yeast as a model for the detailed analysis of these evolutionarily conserved processes, using high-resolution microscopy, biochemistry, molecular genetics, and the analysis of relevant genetic networks and protein structure-function relationships using genomic and bioinformatics methods.
QB courses: BIOL 395/495, 518, 551

Jérôme Waldispühl
School of Computer Science; McGill
Research interests:
Prediction, evolution, dynamics of molecular structures. Our group works in the computational structural biology area broadly defined. We develop theoretical models and algorithms to decipher the relationship between RNA and protein sequences and structures. Predicting molecular structures is not a finality but a means to understand the genetic code and biological systems.
QB courses: BIOL 395/495; COMP 462/561, COMP 761

Alanna Watt
Department of Biology; McGill
Research interests:
DR. Watt is interested in brain development, and how early patterned network activity is involved in the development of neuronal circuits. Using techniques including electrophysiology, two-photon and confocal imaging, the Watt lab studies how network activity plays a role in sculpting the developing cerebellum.
QB courses: BIOL 306, BIOL 395/495

Tamara Western
Department of Biology; McGill
Research interests:
Correct growth and development in plants is inextricably linked with the characteristics of their cell walls. Dr. Western's research focuses on the mechanisms of cell wall production and modification using a combination of genetics and cell biology. She also addresses the ramifications of changes in cell wall properties on plant development through morphological and biomechanical studies.
QB courses: BIOL 202, BIOL 395/495

Paul Wiseman
Departments of Chemistry and Physics; McGill
Research interests:
Biophysical technique development involving fluorescence fluctuation and correlation analysis and applications to study the molecular regulation of cell adhesion, migration and cell signalling in mammalian cells and neurons. Also applications of single molecule tracking methods and nanoparticles to study protein receptor distributions and transport and nonlinear microscopy methods for imaging extra cellular matrix within intact tissue.
QB Courses: BIOL 395/495, CHEM 514