Welcome to my chemical biology page at Ontario Tech University! I hope you find what you are looking for here!

Here at Ontario Tech University, I lead a research group in chemical biology, where our primary focus involves designing artificial nucleic acid derivatives, and assessing their biological function. We have interest in designing new chemically-modified nucleic acids for primary applications in antisense oligonucleotides and short-interfering RNAs.

My roots in chemical biology started when I was an undergraduate at Western University, where I was exposed to the chemical synthesis of DNA derivatives and examining their biological applications. During my graduate studies at Wayne State University under the supervision of Christine Chow, I studied pseudouridine, and through organic synthesis, studied its role within RNA using a variety of biophysical techniques. Following my PhD, I was a postdoc at the University of Michigan, where I worked under the supervision of Anna Mapp and designed various small-molecule protein-protein inhibitors.

Since 2008, I have been at Ontario Tech University. In addition to my research group, I am passionate about teaching, and teach advanced courses in chemical biology and organic chemistry. I also lead a variety of student-exchange experiences in chemistry between Nanjing University (China), Cardiff University (UK), Khon Kaen University (Thailand), and Kyushu Institute of Technology (Japan).

Please feel free to reach out at anytime if you would like to meet or have any questions!

Jean-Paul Desaulniers
Professor in Chemistry