MSc Students
Jimisha Patel
Jimisha Patel was born in India and moved to Canada during her middle school years. She recently graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Biomedical Sciences. For her master’s research, she is co-supervised by Dr. Forrester, and she will be focusing on chemical modifications of siRNAs and silencing in parasitic nematodes. She is excited to deepen her knowledge in chemical biology and organic chemistry. Outside the lab, Jimisha enjoys painting, reading, spending time in nature, and playing badminton.
Meaghan Westerik
Meaghan Westerik grew up in Milton, Ontario, and recently graduated from Ontario Tech with a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Forensic Science. Her undergraduate thesis project involved synthesizing an alginate-HRP-based biomaterial that can be used to design a chemically relevant forensic blood substitute. Meaghan is excited to jump in and learn more about organic chemistry, biology, and biophysics while in the lab! When she's not spending time at school, she enjoys reading, going to the gym, and watching anime and kdramas.
Katherine Nguyen
Katherine was born in Toronto and later moved north to Bradford Ontario in 2012. She completed her undergraduate degree in Chemical Biology at Ontario Tech and then pursued her Chemical Laboratory Certification from Seneca Polytechnic. She is excited to return to Ontario Tech for her master's research where she will be working to understand the biological mechanisms of short-activating RNA under the guidance of Dr. Desaulniers. She is excited to have the opportunity to be involved in new research for the field of chemical biology. Katherine is passionate about teaching STEM and enjoys reading, swimming, and playing classical guitar.