Full Time Faculty

Summary:

Director, Professor

Associate Member, Department of Biology

Genetic and molecular analysis of visual system development in Drosophila melanogaster.

Research Interests:

Hydra, Regeneration, Drosophila, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics

The ability to generate genetic variants has greatly aided the study of biochemical and developmental pathways. Given the success of this approach it is not surprising that genetics is being used to address a wide range of neurobiological questions including the generation of behaviour. My laboratory uses the larval visual system of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model system to investigate the mechanisms underlying the development and function of the nervous system. To that end, mutations or molecular tools are used to impair specific cell types and/or cellular interactions. Mutations found to disrupt the development of the larval visual system or the larval response to light can be used to identify molecules involved in these processes. Thus, my research program can be divided in two parts namely the genetic analysis of the larval response to light and the molecular genetic analysis of genes required for the development of the larval visual system. To address these questions a variety of techniques are used such as mutant analysis, molecular and cell biology.

Summary:

Associate Professor

Associate Member, Biology

Dr. Kim Dej completed her undergraduate at the University of Toronto (St. George) in the Molecular Genetics program with a Major in Zoology and a Minor in Botany. During this time she developed an interest in genetics, chromosome structure, and transposable elements. She completed her PhD at Johns Hopkins University with Allan Spradling (Carnegie Institute of Washington) and went on to be a postdoctoral fellow at MIT with Terry Orr-Weaver (Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research). She joined the McMaster community in 2004 where her teaching has focused on genetics, cell biology, research methods, undergraduate laboratory experiences, in addition to community engagement and science communication. Dr. Dej has taught in the Life Sciences program since 2009 and she has been a part of the evolution of the program. She has won several teaching awards including the McMaster President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning, a McMaster Student Union Award (Science), an OCUFA Teaching Award, and a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Education and Mentorship.

Research Interests:

nematode biodiversity; authentic lab research and the undergraduate experience; peer-mentorship and undergraduate student engagement; digital storytelling and student learning

Dr. Dej’s lab research with undergraduate students has focused on the cell cycle in Drosophila melanogaster and biodiversity in nematode species. In 2015 Dr. Dej became a MacPherson Teaching Fellow, which has allowed her to identify and expand independent undergraduate research opportunities on campus. This has been possible by focusing on training (the interactive Nematode Diversity Project eBook lab manual), space (The Applied Learning Lab for Undergraduate Research Excellence, or ALLURE), and funding (small grants that encourage peer-learning and collaboration in undergraduate thesis research). This is part of her broader interest in providing authentic research opportunities embedded in courses for undergraduates even in large courses and assessing the role these experiences play in engaging students. These opportunities are illustrated by development of the Amylase Gene Project (with Alastair Tracey, BIOL1A03), Personal Genome Testing (with Mihaela Georgescu, MOLBIOL2C03), and the development of the Living Systems Lab in the School of Interdisicplinary Science (various student, staff, and faculty collaborators, LIFESCI2L03 & LIFESCI3L03). In 2016 to 2018, Dr. Dej was a MIIETL Leadership in Teaching and Learning (LTL) Fellow. She has used this as an opportunity to partner with students in curriculum development, including assessing the impact on student engagement and learning of cohort-building and scaffolded peer-mentorship within interdisciplinary streams in the Life Sciences program. In partnership with the McMaster Children and Youth University (MCYU) and MacPherson student partners, Dr. Dej is leading the development of ebooks for elementary and middle-school students. Within this project, research is focused upon measuring the impact of the interactive digital storytelling on the learning in addition to the impact of community-engaged learning on university students.

Courses:

CMTYENGA2A03: Foundations in Community Engagement

LIFESCI4N03 (Visualizing Science)

LIFESCI2G03: Genes, Genomes, and Society

Discovery Program (through Arts & Science program)

Summary:

Dr. Carolyn Eyles was the former Director of the Integrated Science Program and is a Professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Science and the School of Geography & Earth Sciences. She holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from the University of East Anglia, a postgraduate certificate of Education from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in geology from the University of Toronto. Her research interests lie in the fields of glacial sedimentology and environmental geology, and she has worked extensively in Alaska, Australia, Brazil, Iceland, Norway, Great Britain and Canada. She has over 75 publications in peer-reviewed journals and books and has co-authored two first year geoscience textbooks. Dr. Eyles is a practicing Professional Geoscientist of Ontario (P.Geo), and is a member of the Geological Society of America, the American Geophysical Union, and the American Geological Institute. Dr. Eyles is a 3M National Teaching Fellow and has won numerous teaching awards including an OCUFA Teaching Award, an Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance Teaching Award, and the McMaster President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction. Her current teaching duties include Earth Science components of interdisciplinary courses in the Integrated Science program and senior/graduate level courses in glacial sedimentology. She chaired the committee that designed and developed the interdisciplinary Honours B.Sc. Integrated Science Program and served as the program Director from 2009-2015.

Research Interests:

Glacial sedimentology, urban and environmental geology, paleoenvironmental analysis

Research Interests:

Analysis of Surgical Margins using X-ray Interaction Data, Synchrotron Micro Probe XRF mapping of tissue, X-Ray Scattering for Materials Analysis, and Development of a tri-axial XRF instrument, an EDXRD system and a Total Reflection XRF device.

Courses:

Med Phys 1E03

Science 1A03

Med Rad Sci 1C03

Science 3RP3

Med Rad Sci 3Z06

Med Phys 4Y06

Summary:

Dr Alexander Hall is a science communication expert whose work explores the history of science in popular media. With an interest in the role of science in society, he is committed to empowering more active participation and engagement with science across diverse communities. He has an extensive track record working on large multidisciplinary research projects, is a co-founder of the International Research Network for the Study of Science & Belief in Society, and a former History of Science Section Recorder for the British Science Association.

Research Interests:

Science communication, history of science, media studies, science and technology studies, environmental history

Dr Hall’s research traces how scientists have gained positions of expertise in society and used the media to communicate complex theories to the public. Focussing on the history of science in popular media, Dr Hall has published on a wide range of subjects from the history of evolution on TV and radio, to the importance of narrative in communications on climate change.

UG Teaching:

Science Communication for Professional Audiences (LIFESCI 3PP3/SCICOMM 3PP3)

Science Literacy (ISCI 1A24)

History of the Earth (ISCI 2A18)

UG Supervisor on:

Integrated Science Enrichment Project (ISCI 2A18)

Integrated Science Independent Project (ISCI 3A12)

Research Practicum (LIFESCI 3RP3)

Independent Project in Science Communication (SCICOMM 4A03)

Undergraduate Thesis Projects (e.g. LIFESCI 4C12/4C15 and ISCI 4A12)

Grad:

Narratives of Science (GEOG 721/SCICOMM 704)

Grad Supervisor on:

Creative Project in Science Communication (SCICOMM 702)
Science Communication Research Project (SCICOMM 703)

Masters and PhD-level Thesis Projects

Summary:

Program Coordinator, Honours Integrated Science

Dr. Chad Harvey is the instructor for the Life Science component of iSci 1A24. His educational background in the fields of invasion biology, zoology, and entomology certainly come through in his teaching style. As such, Dr. Harvey introduces a new “organism of the day” at the beginning of each lecture.

Research Interests:

Foodweb ecology, conservation biology, biostatistics, pedagogical engagement, interdisciplinary curriculum design, research-based education

Foodweb and community ecology of non-indigenous (invasive) species. My field and laboratory research attempts to determine the direct and indirect interactions and mechanisms through which non-indigenous species impact resident foodwebs and ecosystems. I employ a combination of empirical and theoretical tools to understand these interactions across multiple spatial and temporal scales. My pedagogical research seeks to increase student engagement in the entire teaching and learning process. I pursue this through identifying the importance of interdisciplinarity in teaching. Why do I need to study math if I am interested in biology? Additionally, I seek to discover techniques and strategies that increase student involvement in the classroom, enhancing student activity in the classroom and their general desire to learn and apply learning concepts. My field and laboratory research attempts to determine the direct and indirect interactions and mechanisms through which non-indigenous species impact resident foodwebs and ecosystems. I employ a combination of empirical and theoretical tools to understand these interactions across multiple spatial and temporal scales. My primary research interests deal with how populations of non-indigenous (invasive) species interact with resident species over multiple spatial and temporal scales. The main thrust of my research highlights the importance of indirect interactions as a mechanism by which non-indigenous species impact these systems. My research to date has combined these ideas with quantitative theory and empirical studies in a number of managed and natural systems. I use a number of statistical approaches, including multivariate and spatial statistics, to address both applied and fundamental questions. The ultimate goal of my research is to ascertain the key interactions by which non-indigenous species impact native ecosystems and how we may predict the outcome of these impacts for conservation purposes.

Courses:

ISCI 1A24

ISCI 2A18

ISCI 3A12

ISCI 4A12

ISCI/ARTSCI 3IE1 – KENTUCKY CAVES

ISCI/ARTSCI 3IE1 – GRANT WRITING

ISCI 3IS3

Summary:

Associate Director (Curriculum & Pedagogy),

Joint Appointment, Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour

Dr. Ayesha Khan has a Ph.D. in behavioural neuroendocrinology during which she investigated the influence of in utero, dietary, and social factors on time to sexual maturity in developing females. Her research has been published in journals such as Reproduction, Physiology & Behavior, Reproduction, Fertility and Development, Hormones and Behavior, and Hormone and Metabolic Research. Her passion for teaching is largely driven by the interactions she has with the enthusiastic and inquisitive students she meets on a regular basis. She teaches a variety of courses covering topics such as animal behaviour, physiology of reproductive behaviour, and neuropsychology. Dr. Khan has taught in the Life Sciences program since 2013. Her teaching has been recognized through the McMaster Student Union Award for her work in community engaged education as well as through the McMaster President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning.

Research Interests:

Student experience with community-engaged education; impact of institutional policies on student mental health; hormones and behaviour.

Dr. Khan’s research interests explore ways through which the undergraduate student experience is enhanced by incorporating experiential education in large enrollment courses. As part of a multi-institutional initiative, she is also investigating the impact of the newly implemented Fall Break on student mental health. She has received funding from the Forward With Integrity Initiative at McMaster University to create an online strategy to disseminate information about community-engaged education. In previous years, she has served as a Research Fellow at the Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation & Excellence in Teaching.

Courses:

LIFESCI 2D03

LIFESCI 3E03

LIFESCI 4X03

Summary:

Dr. Katie Moisse is a science journalist teaching science communication in the School of Interdisciplinary Science. Her stories have appeared in Scientific American, Spectrum and The Atlantic. She was Digital Health Editor for ABC News, leading the network’s national online coverage of countless outbreaks and other important health stories. She has a Ph.D in pathology from the University of Western Ontario, an M.Sc. in neuroscience from King’s College London and an M.Sc. in journalism from Columbia University.

Research Interests:

Science communication, media, global health, public health

Dr. Moisse’s research examines the role of the media in shaping perceptions about health and science among non-scientists, as well as the role of creative storytelling in enhancing science comprehension and curiosity.

Courses:

LIFESCI 2AA3

LIFESCI 2G03

LIFESCI 3P03

LIFESCI 3Q03

LIFESCI 3XX3

LIFESCI 4E03

LIFESCI 4J03

LIFESCI 4L03

SCICOMM 2A03

SCICOMM 3P03

SCICOMM 701

SCICOMM 702

SCICOMM 703

Summary:

Dr. Heather O’Reilly (Johnston) completed a PhD in Kinesiology and Health Science (Biomechanics/Ergonomics) and a Diploma in Health Psychology at York University. She also held the Ralph McGinn Postdoctoral Fellowship funded by WorkSafeBC at The Institute for Work and Health. She is an associate ergonomist through the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists (CCCPE), using an interdisciplinary approach towards the prevention and management of work-related injuries.  Heather teaches in the Life Sciences and Integrated Science programs.

Outside of the university, you’ll find her training with community run clubs, finding stillness on the yoga mat, and playing fetch at the park with her dog!

Research Interests:

musculoskeletal disorders, work and health, ergonomics, occupational biomechanics, biopsychosocial risk factors, psychological injuries, evidence synthesis

Heather holds research collaborations as an adjunct scientist with the Institute for Work and Health (IWH) and as a researcher within the Centre for Research Expertise on Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD). Combining ergonomics, biomechanics, and health psychology, she is passionate about an interdisciplinary approach towards the prevention and management of work-related injuries. Her research has explored clinical measurement of upper extremity injury, biopsychosocial factors of shoulder and spine function, workspace design, and evaluation of personal protective equipment in the armed forces. Her recent research explores the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other work-related outcomes like psychological injuries and mental stress to improve occupational health and safety programs, policies, and practices.

Courses:

LIFESCI 4U03

ISCI2A18

ISCI4A12

Summary:

Quality and Safety in Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) Planning and Delivery. IMRT is a radiotherapy technique that is widely used to either escalate dose to target structures or to limit dose to organs at risk. My research interests stem from our clinical efforts to maintain a high level of quality and safety while accommodating the increased complexity associated with IMRT planning and delivery. Specific projects have included the use of the electronic portal imager for patient specific quality assurance; dosimetry of IMRT fields; and development of IMRT techniques.

Research Interests:

Quality and Safety in Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) Planning and Delivery

Summary:

Dr. Pritchard completed a PhD in Medical Sciences (Physiology and Pharmacology) at McMaster University and a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics. The focus of her PhD and postdoc work was on the assessment of bone quality in older adults with type 2 diabetes, the assessment of frailty in clinical practice, and on the use of electronic decision support systems for the dissemination of clinical practice guidelines. Dr. Pritchard teaches in the Life Sciences and Kinesiology Programs.

Research Interests:

aging, nutrition, protein, sarcopenia, frailty, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, community engagement, service learning, intergenerational learning

My research interests are focused in the fields of aging sciences and the scholarship of teaching and learning. I conduct clinical research with undergraduate students to learn more about the determinants of healthy aging, and specifically, how nutrition and physical activity can promote preservation of musculoskeletal health. I am also interested in understanding the impact of community engagement projects and intergenerational learning experiences on undergraduate student learning.

Courses:

LifeSci 2N03

LIFESCI 3AA3

LifeSci 3G03

LIFESCI 3LX3

LIFESCI 3Z03

LIFESCI 4Z03

LIFESCI 4W03 To understand it, teach it – students take nutrition science course on the road – Faculty of Science – McMaster University

Summary:

Dr. Shaiya Robinson has a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from McMaster University. Her doctoral thesis examined the role of a transcription factor called Kaiso in intestinal epithelial homeostasis. Dr. Robinson completed her postdoctoral studies at the Hospital for Sick Children. There, she compared the effects of different Lactobacillus probiotics on key signalling pathways that govern intestinal epithelial cell differentiation. Currently, Dr. Robinson is an Assistant Professor with the School of Interdisciplinary Science where she teaches courses in the Life Science Program. Outside of teaching and research, Dr. Robinson enjoys baking, hiking, and horror movies.

Research Interests:

intestinal homeostasis; developmental biology; cell signalling; cell & molecular biology; genetics; peer-mentorship; virtual learning and student engagement

Courses:

LIFESCI 2G03; LIFESCI 2CC3; LIFESCI 3XX3; LIFESCI 4DD3

Summary:

Dr. Veronica Rodriguez Moncalvo received her Honours B.Sc. degree in Biology from the University of Buenos Aires and her PhD in Biology from McMaster University.She later pursued her postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, USA. Upon her return to Canada, she taught several undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of Guelph and Wilfrid Laurier University. She joined the School of Interdisciplinary Science as an Assistant (Teaching stream) Professor in July 2017.

Research Interests:

visual literacy and group work in the classroom

Within the area of pedagogical research, Dr. Veronica Rodriguez Moncalvo is interested in studying 1) the impact and effectiveness of scaffolding visual literacy throughout the life science program, 2) the impact and effectiveness of group activities such as contracts, peer evaluation, and group reflections on teamwork success in the classroom. In the field of scientific research, Dr. Veronica Rodriguez Moncalvo is currently interested in studying the molecular and cellular bases of tissue homeostasis and regeneration in Hydra.

Courses:

Current:

LIFE SCI 2A03

LIFE SCI 3M03

LIFE SCI 3N03

LIFE SCI 4CM3

LIFE SCI 4V03

Previous:

LIFE SCI 2L03

LIFE SCI 3YY3

Summary:

Associate Member, Department of Physics & Astronomy

Dr. Sarah Symons is a Full Professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Science and an associate member of the Department of Physics & Astronomy. She was educated in the UK, gaining a BSc Honours Degree in Mathematics and Astronomy and PhD in History of Astronomy in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Leicester. She began her career as an academic pedagogical project manager in the UK. At McMaster, she has been a pedagogical designer and teaching professor in the Honours Integrated Science Program and also teaches LIFESCI 4P03 Ancient Scientific Literature.

Research Interests:

pedagogy, history of science, history of astronomy, Egyptology, science literacy

Sarah’s involvement in scholarship of teaching and learning includes pedagogical research in science education, educational consultancy focusing on active learning and assessment design, and collaborative projects with teaching-stream and interdisciplinary faculty internationally. She is particularly interested in science literacy and scientific skills development in science courses big and small. Her research outside pedagogy is in history of astronomy, concentrating on astronomical texts and instruments from ancient Egypt.

Courses:

ISCI 1A24A/B, ISCI 2A18A/B, ISCI 3A12A/B, ISCI 4A12A/B, LIFESCI 4P03, SCICOMM 701

Additional Websites:

• https://experts.mcmaster.ca/people/symonss My McMaster Experts profile where you can find details of my publications and teaching.
• https://aea.mcmaster.ca My research database of ancient Egyptian astronomy. It contains details of star clocks, water clocks, star maps (“astronomical diagrams”) etc. from across ancient Egyptian history.

Are you interested in doing a research project with me?

• I supervise undergraduate projects regularly. Topics are usually within history of science, particularly in ancient times, or science communication or pedagogy. Book office hours with me to discuss!
• I am not currently taking graduate students.

Are you thinking of asking me for a reference letter?

• I am happy to write reference letters for students who have completed an individual research project or thesis with me, or who have TA’d for me. If you have taken a course with me, it’s probably best to come see me in office hours to update me on what you’ve been doing and what your plans are. In all cases, please follow the reference guidelines here

Summary:

Dr. Ana Tomljenovic-Berube is a proud alumna of McMaster University, having completed both her Honours B.Sc. (Co-op) and Ph.D. in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences. Her research focused on microbial pathogenesis and gene regulation in the pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium. Her experiences working with students as a TA in combination with her love of learning inspired her to pursue a career in teaching. After completing her graduate studies, Dr. Tomljenovic-Berube taught in the Biotechnology stream of the Bachelor of Technology Program for the School of Engineering Practice and Technology at McMaster, before joining the teaching team in the School of Interdisciplinary Science as an Assistant Professor in July 2019.

Research Interests:

Student engagement, experiential learning, student experience in their degree program, infectious diseases, gene regulation

Dr. Tomljenovic-Berube’s current pedagogical research interests revolve around student engagement and pertain to how technology, experiential laboratory learning, and other innovative active learning strategies can be used to engage STEM students to achieve deep learning and improve learning outcomes.

Courses:

LIFESCI 2G03

LIFESCI 2L03

LIFESCI 3YY3

LIFESCI 3L03

LIFESCI 4L03

ISCI 2A18 (Drug Discovery)

SCICOMM 2M03