Students

Jose Freixas Coutin is an international MSc candidate in Dr Gale Bozzo's Laboratory. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of Havana, Cuba in July, 2008. In September of the same year, he commenced as a researcher at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Havana, Cuba focusing on improving nitrogen fixation in soybean under drought conditions by using biofertilizers. In 2010, he was awarded with an Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program Scholarship, founded by Canadian Bureau for International Education, which allowed him to start a collaborative research project with the University of Waterloo, Ontario. The research work conducted by Mr. Freixas Coutin was part of his MSc thesis in Plant Physiology, which he successfully defended on July 2011 at the University of Havana, Cuba. Additionally, Mr. Freixas Coutin was awarded an OMAFRA-Highly Qualified Personnel Scholarship to pursue his Master’s degree at the University of Guelph. 
PUBLICATIONS

• Freixas JA, Reynaldo IM, and Nápoles MC. Drought influence on nitrogen metabolism fixed during Bradyrhizobium-Soybean symbiosis. Review. Cultivos Tropicales, 2010, 31(2) p. 66-73.
• María Nápoles, Jose A Freixas, Gretel Gomez, Daimy Costales, Edgardo Guevara, Santiago Meira, Gustavo González-Anta y Alberto Ferreira. Chapter 19: Signals in Soybean´s Inoculants. p. 323-344. Book: Soybean-Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physiology. Edited by Tzi Bun Ng. InTech, 2011. ISBN: 978-953-307-219-7.
• Freixas JA, Reynaldo IM, and Nápoles MC. Ureides level in soybean plants with differents inoculants and water deficit. Manuscript. Cultivos Tropicales. 2011. Cultivos Tropicales 2011 32(2) p. 122-135.

Danielle is from Windsor, Ontario. She received her BSc from the University of Windsor. Her undergraduate research project involved the analysis of protein interactions through transient expression of Arabidopsis thanliana E3-ubiquitin ligase subunit proteins. She is currently completing her MSc at the University of Windsor. Outside of her research, Danielle works to facilitate in the educational wellness of aboriginal youth by tutoring and mentoring around the Windsor region.
 
 

Esteban is from Acapulco, Mexico. He is currently conducting his M.Sc research in common dry bean resistance to common bacterial blight (CBB) with Drs. Peter Pauls and Alireza Navabi. He received a B.Sc. in Agronomy from the Colegio Superior Agropecuario del Estado de Guerrero. He has worked in rural development of tropical areas in México and  on research projects in biological control of fungal diseases of tropical fruits. The focus of his Master’s project is to study QTL loci related to BGN21 marker and the inheritance of CBB resistance in black beans to find new candidate genes. He is also interested in Ethnobotany, traveling and exploring new cultures.

Research interests

• Protein Ubiquitination
• Dissection of Chain Specific Ubiquitination patterns
• Genome Assembly and Annotation
• Systems Biology of Genetic Redundancy
• Evolution of Gene families and Gene Splicing
• Synthetic Biology
• Genetic Engineering

Peer Reviewed Publications

• Dezfulian, M.H. Soulliere, D.M. Dhaliwal, R.K. Sareen, M. Crosby W.L. (2011) The SKP1-like gene Family of Arabidopsis Exhibits a High Degree of Differential Gene Expression and Gene Product Interaction During Development. Plos One in press
• Sardari, S.and Dezfulian, M. (2007) Cheminformatics in anti-infective agents discovery. Mini Review in Medicinal Chemistry
• Sardari, S.and Dezfulian, M. (2005) Evaluation of SAR for Amphotericin B Derivatives by Artificial Neural Network. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Katherine Morrow is a third year Queens University student currently on exchange at the University of Edinburgh. She worked on the Bean Genomics website this summer updating profiles as well as creating educational videos. Katherine found that through working on the Bean Genomics project she gained many new computer skills such as, learning how to embed videos and how to create a profile. She said that she enjoyed working on the project because she was given the opportunity to be creative and work in a friendly environment. Outside of the office Katherine enjoys staying active by swimming and running. Overall, Katherine enjoyed working on the project and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to work on it again next summer. 

Peter is a Masters student who started his degree in Sept 2011.  Peter is jointly supervised by project collaborator Rong Cao of AAFC Guelph and Massimo  Marcone in the Dep. of Food Science, University of Guelph.
Education:
B.Sc. University of Guelph (Honours Biochemistry)
M.Sc. Candidate University of Guelph (Food Science)/Agriculture Agri-Food Canada
Research Interest:
To better understand the biochemistry behind the dry bean seed post-harvest darkening phenomena. To identify the biochemical compounds related to both the darkening phenomena and the human health-promoting properties of diets high in beans.

Denise is a current student of Peter Pauls who started her masters degree in May 2011. Denise is from Port Hope, Ontario. She received her B.Sc. in Biology with a focus in Plant Biotechnology at the University of Guelph. Her fourth year thesis project was "Identification and characterization of a major resistance gene for common bacterial blight resistance in common bean variety OAC Rex", which continued into a M.Sc. project beginning in May 2011.  The focus of the project is to use the sequence of OAC Rex library clones associated with a major resistance quantitative trait locus (QTL) to identify the location of candidate resistance genes, characterize them and test their ability to reduce disease susceptibility.  Outside of her research, Denise is developing a passion for running, and will be completing her first race in summer 2012.

Sarita is a recently graduated master student of Peter Pauls and Alireza Navabi. Originally she is from Nepal. She received her B.Sc. in Botany at the Trivuwan University of Nepal, Kathmandu. The title of her master thesis is “Inheritance and Quantitative trait loci analysis of folate content in dry beans”. Sarita started working on the bean phenolics portion of the project in March 2012
khanals@uoguelph.ca
University of Guelph
Department of Plant Agriculture
 

Annie was born in China and moved to Canada when she was 8 years old. She learnt about the Bean Genomics project through her hig school's co-op program. After working in the lab she has learnt numerous laboratory skills including DNA extraction from plant tissues. Annie said that what she is most excited about is that she is “actually being given the opportunity to conduct lab work myself, and really contribute to the research” of the project.  Annie will be going into Grade 12 in the fall and hopes to attend McMaster,  Western, The University of Toronto or Queen's for Health and Life Sciences in the hopes of becoming a dermatologist. In her spare time Annie likes to practice her music whether it be on the piano, alto saxophone, or the clarinet. She also enjoys staying active by swimming regularly. 

Evan Wright graduated this spring from John F. Ross Collegiate in Guelph Ontario. Next year he will be studying at the University of Guelph in the engineering department. In the future he hopes to get into a co-op program specializing in biological engineering. Evan said that he enjoys working in the lab because he is using skills he learnt in school and is now able to perform these skills in a practical setting. During his time in the lab he has learnt how to extract DNA, do PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and run electrophoresis gels. He believes that the skills he has learnt this summer will be very useful to him in the future. Evan is working under the supervision of Dr. Gregory Perry and would like to be able to work in the lab again next summer. Outside of the lab Evan likes to stay active by swimming, biking and playing recreational sports. He has looked at the clubs at the University of Guelph and is excited to get involved next year. Evan said the following about his experience " the atmosphere at the lab is super friendly which makes work really fun".

 Mehdi worked, and was an instructor at the Agriculture Research Centre (Genetic and Physiology Department)  at Shiraz Azad University in Iran for nearly ten years. During this time he also served as the Director of undergraduate studies in the Plant Protection Department for 3 years. He has two masters degrees, one from Shiraz Azad University in the physiology of wheat grain yield improvement, and one in soybean drought stress from the University of Guelph. Medhi started work as a research assistant for Dr H.J. Earl at the University of Guelph in July of this year and his since started his PhD degree in bean breeding and nitrogen fixation inheritance under the supervision of Dr. Ali Navabi and Dr. K. Peter Pauls. Medhi knows his strong background in crop physiology will enhance his studies and future career in bean breeding.

Outside of his professional interests, he travels widely, reads, writes, swims, plays volleyball and enjoys his family life.

Joe is from Fort Worth, Texas.  Joe has a B.Sc in Plant Biology from the University of Guelph.  After completing his MSc studying the fungus Fusarium graminearum in corn, Joe joined the bean project starting his PhD with Dr. Peter Pauls in September 2011. The objective of his PhD research is to study the genetics and biochemistry of folic acid (Vit B9) synthesis and ulitmately increase the level of folic acid in bean thereby improving its nutritive value.

Maryam is from Tehran, Iran and has been living in Canada since 2006. She obtained her B.Sc in plant pathology and worked as a plant pathology researcher and marketer for 3 years. Maryam also taught high school plant biology for 7 years. She is currently doing her M.Sc research with Dr. Alireza Navabi and Dr. Peter Pauls in plant breeding at the University of Guelph.
Maryam's research project is an examination into the inheritance of Navy bean's disease resistance to race 73 of anthracnose. Her objectives for the future are to develop her knowledge and experience about disease resistance and breeding. Maryam also plans to continue on and obtain her PhD. Outside of her research, she does and has her black belt in taekwondo.
email:vazinm@uoguelph.ca 

Fawn is a current student of Peter Pauls who started her PhD degree in May 2012.  Fawn is from Burlington, Ontario.  She received her B.Sc. in Biology and M.Sc. in Plant Agriculture with a focus on Weed Science at the University of Guelph.  The focus of her PhD project will be to evaluate the level and pattern of P. acutifolius introgression into a population of CBB resistant RILs (Compass*2//Apex/Rexeter) and to determine its affect(s) on agronomic characteristics of bean.  Outside of her research, Fawn is a 'Big Sister' through the Big Brother/Big Sister program in Guelph.

Arad is a recent graduate of Centennial Vocational Institute in Guelph currently enrolled at University of Western to study biological and medical science. Although Arad has only been working on the Bean Genomics project for a short while he has greatly enjoyed the experience so far and has learned many new lab skills such as DNA extraction and PCR. It is these lab skills that he believes will be very helpful in his schooling next year. Arad said that he enjoys working in the lab and hopes to be able to come back and work on the project again next year. Being able to have a job where you are able to not only work in the a laboratory setting but go out into the field as well has really been a fun part of his summer. Outside of the lab Arad enjoys staying active by playing tennis and plans on trying out for Western’s varsity team.  He also likes to spend time with friends and listening to 90’s hip-hop music. Overall Arad said the following about his time at the lab “I could not have thought of a better way to spend my summer”. 

Research interests:
Clair works with Dr. Rong Cao and Dr. Krista Power to investigate the health benefits of consuming beans in a model of experimental colitis.  Beans are rich in many bioactives, and she is interested in bean phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins). 
Her project consists of two parts, bean phenolics characterization and an in vivo colitis study. Cooked beans were assessed for their phenolic content and antioxidant activities by using HPLC, Ciocaleu reagent assay, AlCl₃ colorimetric assay, ORAC, and FRAP. In addition, cooked beans were incorporated into animal diet to determine the preventative and therapeutic properties of consuming beans in a DSS-induced colitis model. The effects of beans on colitis were determined using a disease activity index, assessing biomarkers of inflammation in various tissues, and colon histopathology scoring.  Overall, it was found that beans are rich in phenolic compounds with darker bean exhibits higher phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant activities compared to its lighter color pair (e.g. black bean Vs. navy bean). In addition, the health benefits of consuming beans differ depend on the timing of bean consumption. Consuming beans during colitis resulted in both attenuate and aggravation of disease symptoms, whereas limiting the bean consumption before the induction of colitis ameliorated DSS-induced colitis.
Claire has received an OMAFRA HQP scholarship.
Contact:
Claire Zhang, MSc candidate (Bean Breeding and Genetics)
Education:
B.Sc. McMasters University (Biology and Psychology)
M.S.c, University of Guelph (Human Health and Nutritional Science)
Posters and presentations:

• Zhang C., Zarepoor L., Lu J., Da Cunha R., Wu W., Cao R., Pauls P., Power K.A., Bean health benefits depends on timing of consumption. OMAFRA Food for Health Meeting; Guelph, ON; Jun, 2012. (Poster)
• Zhang C., Lu J., Zarepoor L.,Da Cunha R., Wu W., Cao R., Pauls P., Power K.A., Navy and black beans induce both beneficial and adverse effects on biomarker of colonic inflammation in mice. Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology: The Role of Inflammation during Carcinogenesis; Dublin, Ireland; May, 2012. Abstract #388; Pg 141. (Poster)
• Zhang C., Lu J., Zarepoor L.,Da Cunha R., Wu W., Cao R., Pauls P., Power K.A., Preventative effects of non-darkening and darkening cranberry beans in colon inflammation. ICCI Cancer Research Symposia; Guelph, ON; May, 2012. (Poster)
• Zhang C., Zarepoor L., Lu J., Da Cunha R., Wu W., Cao R., Pauls P., Power K.A., Preventative effects and white and dark kidney beans on biomarkers of colonic inflammation in mice. College of Biological Sciences Symposia; Guelph, ON; Apr, 2012. (Short-talk)
• Zhang C.,Cao R., Pauls P., Power K.A., Can beans help you to fight inflammatory bowel disease? OMAFRA HQP Scholarship Knowledge Translate and Transfer Day; Guelph, ON; Feb, 2012 (Poster)

Kimberly has sent us her biography to let us know what she has been up to:
I was born in Windsor Ontario, but have spent most of my life in Guelph. Currently I'm studying Environmental Science with a co op at the University of Waterloo; I'm just about to begin my second year. I had an amazing summer working at the University of Guelph and on this project. I worked primarily with Dr.Greg Perry, and under his instruction I was able to learn and perform various tasks in the lab such as DNA extractions and gel electrophoresis. When I had the opportunity to work on this project, I had just graduated from John F. Ross C.V.I., so although some of the concepts behind this project were way outside the realms of my knowledge, I found all of the scientists I had the chance to work with to be very friendly and willing to explain anything I was uncertain about. The skills I gained working in the lab could not have been more beneficial to me in my first year of studies. Every skill and technique I learned working in the lab that summer I used in various labs I had during my school year, from chemistry to plant biology. Having learned these skills over the summer and being able to apply them during first year gave me a huge advantage, as I was much more confident and was able to perform experiments more accurately without having to take extra time to get used to the equipment. I am looking forward to starting my second year of University and getting to experience my first co op term. I am certain that the time I spent working in the lab will be beneficial when searching for a co op job, as the skills I learned are incredibly transferable to a large variety of jobs in my field of study. I feel very lucky to have had such an amazing job.

Katie is a fourth year student at the University of Guelph and is studying environmental science with a primary focus in natural resource management. After researching a couple of projects at the University of Guelph she became interested in the work being done in the Bean Genomics Project and has now worked as a summer student for the past two years. Katie grew up in the city and enjoys the contrast of being able to work in the countryside. Working outside in an agricultural setting she learnt how to drive a tractor and gaiters. Also, working indoors in the lab she measured flower colour, plant growth and performed numerous other tasks. Overall, Katie is positive that the skills she has learned while working on the project will be helpful in her education and is now considering a masters program. In her free time she likes to go camping.

Josh will be entering his third year at the University of Guelph in the fall. He is studying Human Kinetics’ in Biological Science. This is his second year working on the Bean Genomics Projects and he very much enjoys being able to work both in a laboratory setting and outside in the field.  Working outside in the sunshine Josh said is one of the best aspects of his summer. Josh is working under the supervision of Tom Smith and has  learned about the agronomy of growing a bean crop. If given the opportunity Josh would like to come back and work on the project again.  In his free time Josh enjoys playing sports and is a part of a beach volleyball team at the University of Guelph. Later on in his career Josh hopes to go into either sports medicine or physiotherapy. 

William graduated from John F. Ross Vocational Institute in spring and will be attending Macmaster University in the fall. He is entering his first year and is majoring in Physical Science.  Will has greatly enjoyed working in the fields this summer and said it is the kind and friendly people he works with that makes the job fun. He also likes that he was been able to work outside and enjoy the wonderful summer weather. Through working on the project Will has learnt proper planting techniques and how to maintain a bean crop. Outside of work he likes to play the piano and is interested in joining the band at Macmaster. 

DiNatale is a Masters student with William Crosby.