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.

Dr. Teresita M. Porter

Visiting Researcher

Terri’s research background is in ecology and evolution, mycology, and bioinformatics. She uses environmental genomics methods to assess biodiversity from soil, water, and freshwater benthic samples to monitor water quality and soil health. Terri has a special interest in taxonomic assignment methods and how methodological bias affects the analysis of biodiversity and biomonitoring data.

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!

Joe Rudar

PhD Candidate, 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 is currently working towards the completion of a PhD in bioinformatics. 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.

Genevieve Johnson

PhD Student, Integrative Biology

Genevieve is interested in applications of molecular biology for ecological monitoring and management. Her project builds upon the lab’s stream-biomonitoring efforts. She is using RNA sequencing to study the transcriptomes of benthic arthropods in streams with exposure to agricultural activity.

Before joining the Hajibabaei lab, Genevieve studied Fisheries and Biology at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF). She worked in fisheries genetics labs at UAF and at NOAA NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center Auke Bay Laboratories.

Mike Wright

Lab Manager

Mike received his BSc from Trent University in 2011, and his MSc from the University of Guelph in 2017, where he investigated changes in wetland invertebrate communities in the Peace-Athabasca Delta (Alberta) using DNA metabarcoding, as part of the Biomonitoring 2.0 project. Since finishing his masters he has continued in the lab as lab manager, and helps organize collaborations, including the lab’s current large-scale project, STREAM.

Artin Mashayekhi

MSc Student, Bioinfomatics

Behnam Abbaszadeh Aghdam

MSc Student, Bioinformatics