H.B.Sc. from University of Ottawa (2004-2008)
Biomedical Science with minor in Criminology
Thesis: 3,3’,4,4’- Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77) impact on the binding of adrenergic ligands to the liver β-adrenoceptors (β-AR) and the fuel supplies in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).
Ph.D. from University of Ottawa (2008-2014)
Biology with specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology
Thesis: Characterizing the biochemical and toxicological effects of nanosilver in vivo using zebrafish (Danio rerio) and in vitro using rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).
I am a postdoctoral associate and I am investigating the effects of cigarette smoke extract on early development. Besides identifying the specific mechanistic aspects of cigarette smoke toxicity in developing embryos, my project also aims to propose the zebrafish embryo model as an appropriate model for preclinical studies. Despite the intensive research on the effects of cigarette smoke, several knowledge gaps still exist, especially as it relates to early development. Also, cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of more than 7000 different chemicals, and with the exception of nicotine, the precise roles of the other compounds in driving cigarette smoke toxicity remain elusive. Thus, a secondary aim of my project is to tease out the effects of these various compounds, such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).