Julia Fux, MSc, Research Coordinator
Julia

Julia obtained her BSc and MSc in Molecular Biology from the University of Waterloo.  She has a diverse research background and is proficient in microbiology, molecular biology and electrophysiology. Julia oversees the daily activities of the lab while conducting research focused on topoisomerases, HPLC analyses and properties of food derived flavonoids. Julia's hobbies include gel-watching and aliquoting.

Deep Patel, MPharm, PhD student
Deep

Deep is currently doing his PhD in the Blay lab but previously trained as a pharmacist in his undergraduate studies. He likes to play chess, cricket and volleyball. He also likes to travel and explore new places. His hometown is Mississauga and he is originally from India.

Bogdan Diaconu, BSc, MSc student
Bogdan

Bogdan completed his BSc at Queen's University, specializing in drug development and human toxicology. In the Blay lab, he is researching the mechanisms by which CD26 receptors are regulated upon flavonoid administration to human colon carcinoma cells. Bogdan is the tallest member of the Blay lab at 8 ft 4 ins.

Alex Durocher, BSc, MSc student
Alex

Alex holds a BSc in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour from McMaster University. She is pursuing an MSc in the Blay Lab, investigating the role of the enzyme DPPIV in colorectal cancer metastasis. Alex enjoys playing the electric guitar, volunteering as a Medical First Responder, and collecting retro Air Jordan basketball shoes.

Heather Dekker, BSc, MSc student
Heather

Heather has an Honors degree in Medical Cell Biology with a Major in Genetics from the University of Western Ontario.  She is working on enzymes that may be important in the behaviours of intestinal cells. Heather also holds the record for largest tea collection among the Blay group.

Hayden Huh, BSc, MSc student
Hayden

Hayden is co-supervised by Drs Jonathan Blay and Roderick Slavcev. Previously, Hayden completed an undergraduate degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Waterloo. She is studying the mechanisms of phage penetration into mammalian tissues and aims to apply her research toward developing a phage therapy of colorectal cancer.

Zahra Sepahi, BSc student
Zahra

Zahra is currently in her second year studying Honors Science at the University of Waterloo. She has a passion in learning more about human physiology and organic chemistry. She aspires to work in the field of pediatric cancer when she completes her bachelors. Zahra spends her time volunteering at Grand River Hospital and enjoys exploring the outdoors.

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