TRAINEE EXECUTIVE
The BSC Trainee Executive comprises a diverse group of young biophysical researchers from across the country. The primary goal of the BSC Trainee Executive is to engage trainees and to preserve and expand the biophysics culture in Canada.
One of the main initiatives of the BSC Trainee Executive is the yearly BSC Trainee Symposium which is held at the beginning of the annual BSC Meeting. This initiative provides an opportunity for trainees to present their work in oral presentations, network with other trainees and established researchers as well as gain perspectives on scientific careers outside of academia through networking interactions with a diverse group of guest speakers. The specific themes of the symposium vary from year to year depending on the preferences and opinions voiced by trainees, however, two important aims persist. First, is the opportunity for high quality trainees to share their research. Second, trainees are exposed to the diverse career opportunities that are available in the field of biophysics.
The BSC Trainee Executive is eager to plan and lead trainee-focused activities and initiatives. The Executive is receptive to new members who have a passion for expanding biophysics in Canada. Please take a closer look at the BSC Trainee Executive members by reading below!
William Jennings
President
University of Ottawa
I am currently a trainee in Dr. Jyh-Yeuan (Eric) Lee’s lab at the University of Ottawa. I completed my BSc and MSc in Biochemistry at McMaster University where I investigated the molecular properties of diacylglycerol kinase epsilon and its interaction with membranes under the supervision of Dr. Richard Epand. I am fascinated by the intimate relationship between biological membranes and membrane-anchored proteins and how many diverse cell processes are linked to cell membranes. In Dr. Lee’s lab, I am investigating transmembrane lipid transfer processes that have important implications for human health and disease.
When I am not working in the lab, I enjoy maintaining a healthy lifestyle by running, hiking and participating in other outdoor activities. I am also an enthusiastic cook who likes to try new recipes and ingredients.
Benjamin Martial
Vice-President
Université Laval
I am conducting my PhD studies in Michèle Auger’s lab at Université Laval. My research is focused on an amyloid peptide involved in Parkinson’s disease. In my free time I enjoy playing soccer games, and the follow-up after-game beer with my team. My week-ends are most often spent trekking in nature, reading, visiting Québec’s beautiful spots, its cafés, its museums, and often end up around a glass of wine with friends.
Benjamin Baylis
Member at Large
University of Guelph
I am currently a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph working under the supervision of Dr. John Dutcher. My research involves using atomic force microscopy to investigate the properties of a novel nanoparticle, phytoglycogen, which is naturally produced by corn. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and going camping and fishing.
Jane Gagné
Communications Director
Université Laval
Hi, my name is Jane, and I’m currently enrolled in the MSc program at Université Laval in Michèle Auger’s lab. My project consists of the investigation of spider silk structure with the final aim of recreating artificial silk.
I’m part of my university’s basketball team, so I have a lot of my free time dedicated to training and games. Other than that, I enjoy the usual after game beer and going out with friends.
Bronwyn Lyons
Communications Director
University of British Columbia
Bronwyn completed her MSc at the University of Guelph in Dr. Rod Merrill’s laboratory. She is currently a PhD student in Dr. Natalie Strynadka’s laboratory at UBC. For her PhD, she is studying various mechanisms and structures encompassing the type 3 secretion system in a variety of pathogens, using cryo-EM and X-ray crystallographic techniques.
Haydee Mesa-Galloso
Communications Director
University of Calgary
I received my B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Biochemistry from the University of Havana, Cuba. Currently, I am a Ph.D. candidate in Biological Sciences under the supervision of Professor D. Peter Tieleman, Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Molecular Simulation, University of Calgary, Canada. I am a 2018 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar and a 2017 Alberta Innovates Health Solution Graduate Studentship awardee. My current research area focuses on the characterization of lipid-protein interactions in ion-channels using molecular dynamics simulations. In my free time, I enjoy dancing latin music, doing yoga and reading history books. I have also spent many hours on Neflix and to cook.
Morgan Robinson
Fundraising Director
University of Waterloo
I am supremely interested in the advancement of human flourishing and the alleviation of human suffering. To that end, I wish to understand what factors cause the mind to fail with age and with that understanding advance prevention and treatment options. The molecular mechanisms which drive age-related cognitive decline require a biophysical description to make further advancements. I combine molecular biology and atomic force microscopy techniques to understand how lipid membrane structure affects receptor signaling pathways in Alzheimer’s disease. On a personal level, I am happiest when I am in the forest, at dusk, after a long hike or paddle. I completed my MSc in the nanoscale biophysics lab at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr. Zoya Leonenko in 2017. Currently, I am a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy, co-supervised by Dr. Zoya Leonenko (Physics and Astronomy) and Dr. Michael Beazely (Pharmacy), and the Director of Fundraising on the BSC trainee executive.