Principle Investigator
Dr. Dustin Little
Dustin received his BSc in Biochemistry in 2008 from the University of Waterloo. He then worked for one year in the food science industry before completing his PhD in Biochemistry in 2015 at the University of Toronto under the supervision of Dr. Lynne Howell. From 2015 to 2019, Dustin was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University in the lab of Dr. Brian Coombes. In 2020 he joined Toronto Metropolitan University establishing his lab in the Department of Chemistry and Biology.
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Ananya Nanda
Ananya completed her PhD in Biotechnology from the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology. Her project focuses on the engineering and production of COVID-19 reagents for the development of a rapid immunoassay for neutralizing antibodies. Outside the lab, Ananya enjoys traveling and exploring untouched places, trying out different cuisines, music, dancing, and walking. She is also a pet fanatic!
Graduate Students
Sarah Birstonas
Sarah is a PhD student in the Molecular Sciences program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her project focuses on the post-translational regulation of the type III secretion system and how it affects bacterial virulence and infection. Sarah's interests include reading Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels, cooking, and cycling around The 6.
Thomas Esmond
Thomas is a PhD student in the Molecular Sciences program at Toronto Metropolitan University. His project focuses on the post-translational regulation of O-antigen biosynthesis and how these modifications affect bacterial virulence and physiology. Outside the lab, Thomas is involved with Toronto Metropolitan University Tabletop Gamers in Science, enjoys video games, and plays the guitar.
Jocelyne Mendez-Guzman
Jocelyne is a MSc student in the Molecular Sciences program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her work focuses on the post-translational regulation of the type III secretion system and how it controls bacterial pathogenesis. Jocelyne's interests outside of the lab include drawing, painting, laughing, and holding the title of Tame Impala's #1 fan.
Esther Tang
Esther is a MSc student in the Molecular Sciences program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her project focuses on the post-translational regulation of bacterial virulence systems through phosphorylation. Outside the lab, Esther enjoys arts-and-crafts, calligraphy, and playing badminton.
Senthuran Mahendradeva
Senthuran is a MSc student in the Molecular Sciences program at Toronto Metropolitan University. His work focuses on characterizing post-translational modifications that affect the Type III Secretion System.
Undergraduate Students
Abiali Badani
Abiali is currently a fourth-year Biomedical Sciences student at Toronto Metropolitan University. His project focuses on the post-translational regulation of bacterial virulence systems through phosphorylation. He is also involved on campus as part of the TMU robotics team as a life detection member. Outside the lab Abiali enjoys cooking dishes from around the world, making fermented foods and wine, playing video games, and spending time with his friends.
Angie Awadallah
Angie is currently a fourth-year student majoring in Biomedical Sciences and minoring in Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her work project focuses on the post-translational regulation of O-antigen biosynthesis, and how these modifications affect bacterial virulence and physiology. Angie is involved in numerous student groups on campus, including being the Faculty of Science Director in the TMU Students’ Union. Outside of the lab, Angie enjoys going on walks, working out, and spending time with family and friends
Stephen Varughese
Stephen is currently a fifth-year Biology student minoring in Computer Science at Toronto Metropolitan University. His project focuses on understanding how chaperones interact with effectors of the type III secretion system. Stephen is involved on campus as part of USSTM as the operations and logistics lead as well as with the TMU run club. Outside of the lab, Stephen enjoys going for runs, bike rides, and watching basketball.