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 & Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China), Southampton University & Cardiff University (UK), Khon Kaen University (Thailand), and Kyushu Institute of Technology (Japan).

Outside of the lab, Jean-Paul enjoys playing the violin and runs a weekly CrossFit class at Ontario Tech.

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

Jean-Paul Desaulniers
Professor in Chemistry