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.
Kevin Mariscal
Kevin Mariscal was born in Oshawa, Ontario, whilst the rest of his family was born in Peru. He completed his bachelors of science at Ontario Tech University in 2019. After working at Thermo Fisher Scientific for a few years as a Sr. Processing Technician, he became eager to complete a Master’s supervised by Dr. Desaulniers. Outside the lab, he likes Nike and likes to play many sports such as basketball, volleyball and tennis.
Daisee Lubrin
Daisee Lubrin was born in Saint Lucia and moved to Canada in 2019 to pursue her Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Forensic Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She recently graduated with highest distinction in June 2023. For her undergraduate thesis, she worked on synthesizing an alginate-DNA/RNA biosensor in a project co-supervised by Dr. Desaulniers and Dr. Stotesbury. Daisee will be continuing this project for her master’s research and is looking forward to investigating some of the applications of the biosensor that she synthesized in her undergrad. Outside the lab, Daisee enjoys reading and traveling. She is also an avid fan of the CrossFit sport (hello kettlebells!) and enjoys watching the CrossFit Games.