Dr. Mehrdad Hajibabaei

Principal Investigator
Associate Professor
Department of Integrative Biology

Dr. Mehrdad Hajibabaei’s research has focused on the application of genomics information to biodiversity analysis, ranging from the elucidation of deep branches of the tree of life to the development and application of DNA-based tools for species identification (e.g., DNA barcoding, DNA metabarcoding). Mehrdad is one of the pioneers using high-throughput genomics technologies such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for the assessment of biodiversity in samples. These samples vary from bulk environmental water, soil, and sediments. He has played a leadership role in establishing and managing large-scale research projects and collaborative networks such as the Canadian Barcode of Life Network and the International Barcode of Life (iBOL). 

In 2011, Mehrdad established Biomonitoring 2.0, a large-scale applied genomics project funded by Genome Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and Parks Canada. Since October 2018, he has been leading project STREAM, a $2.6 million project funded by Genome Canada in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada and ECCC. This ambitious project applies genomic tools to the assessment of ecological health of major Canadian watersheds and will involve the engagement of citizen science community groups.

Dr. Andrew Riley

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Andrew completed his PhD at the University of Guelph in bioinformatics. During his PhD, his research focused on studying the evolution of dehydration-induced proteins, plant proteins that are intrinsically disordered (proteins that do not form a stable 3D structure). This research expanded into a much broader study of intrinsically disordered proteins and how sequence-based approaches can be used to study their evolution. While most of his research has focused on molecular biology and bioinformatics, Andrew has an interest in natural history, and exploring the world through camping, hiking, and SCUBA diving.

Andrew’s current research involves developing and applying methods to analyze metabarcoding data. These methods are focused on how existing data can be used to gain insight on within-species diversity and population structures.

Bráulio Silva

PhD Student, Integrative Biology

Bráulio is a Brazilian biologist who joined the Hajibabaei lab in September 2022. He received his Master of Genetics with an emphasis in genomics and bioinformatics in 2021 from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Before joining the lab, Bráulio developed projects focused on comparative genomics and the evolution of repetitive DNAs (satellite DNAs and transposable elements) using Drosophila (fruit fly) as a model organism of study. Due to his previous works, he developed bioinformatics and wet lab skills and wants to use them in his PhD project.

He is particularly interested in using Next-Generation Sequencing (metabarcoding data) and eDNA for conservation purposes, such as measuring impact levels and developing strategies to minimize human action in nature. Besides the research environment, Bráulio likes discussing, teaching, and helping people to become more passionate about the fascinating biological world. Also, he is always available to play soccer and volleyball with friends!

Aleksander (Aleks) Mell

Masters Student, Integrative Biology

Aleks is an ecologist with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation with a minor in Applied Geomatics from the University of Guelph. He has joined Dr. Hajibabaei and his team to pursue a Master of Science in Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph. Aleks’ research involves using aerial imagery and metabarcoding technologies to investigate patterns in ecosystem structure to support aquatic biomonitoring, complementing the future of the STREAM project.

Emma Booth

Masters Student, Integrative Biology

Emma is an undergraduate student at the University of Guelph, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation with a minor in Molecular Biology and Genetics. She joined the Hajibabaei Lab in 2023 as a volunteer during her first year and currently works as a Student Lab Technician.

Dr. Joe Rudar

Visiting Scientist, Bioinformatics

Joe received his BSc.H in Microbiology from the University of Guelph. Following this he continued his education and received both a BEd and MBinf from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Guelph respectively and subsequently obtained his in bioinformatics in the Hajibabaei lab. He is interested in applying and developing machine learning and statistical methods which can be used to discovery and characterize biomarker taxa and genes. The goal of this research is to understand what these biomarkers can tell us about the current state of the environment and how various stressors can impact organisms before lasting damage to eco-systems is done. In addition to his research I am also passionate about education and teaching and he helps younger students in developing their STEM skills. He is currently a research scientist at CFIA Animal Health Branch and a visiting scientist in the Hajibabaei lab,

Artin Mashayekhi

MSc Student, Bioinfomatics

Behnam Abbaszadeh Aghdam

MSc Student, Bioinformatics