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Principal Investigator

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Postdoc, Wyss Institute at Harvard (2015-2017)

Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, MIT (2015)

B.A.Sc. Chemical Engineering, University of Ottawa (2010)

B.Sc. Biochemistry, University of Ottawa (2010)

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Noémie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesne, ing., Ph.D.
Canada Research Chair in Biologically-Derived Materials
Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, McGill University

   After earning a double degree in Biotechnology (Chemical Engineering & Biochemistry) from the University of Ottawa, Prof. Dorval Courchesne spent a few years in Boston to pursue graduate studies.  She completed her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in the groups of Paula Hammond and Angela Belcher.  She then worked as an FRQNT postdoctoral fellow at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University.  She joined the Department of Chemical Engineering at McGill University in August 2017.

  Prof. Dorval Courchesne authored several publications and hold patents in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology and materials science.  She believes that biologically-derived materials have a tremendous potential to improve the functionalities of various devices for environmental and biomedical applications. She aims at developing novel methods for engineering and assembling functional protein-based materials and devices. She is also broadly interested in composite materials, sustainable material alternatives and bio-inspired technologies.​

    Prof. Dorval Courchesne is a member of the Québec Center for Advanced Materials (QCAM/CQMF); the Research Center for High Performance Polymer and Composite Systems (CREPEC); the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications (PROTEO); the McGill Institute for Advanced Materials (MIAM); the McGill Sustainability Systems Initiative (MSSI); and the Trottier Institute for Sustainability in Engineering and Design (TISED).  In 2020, she was recognized as the recipient of the Christophe Pierre Award for Research Excellence (Early Career) in the Faculty of Engineering at McGill, and as an Emerging Leader in Chemical Engineering by the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering.  In 2021, she became Canada Research Chair in Biologically-Derived Materials, and in 2022, she was the recipient of a Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Scholars Award in the Engineering category.

Lab Group

Postdoctoral Researchers

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Dr. Slah Hidouri
Postdoc

   Slah obtained his PhD in Biological Sciences with a specialty in the engineering of nanobiomaterials. He has worked on the development of electrochemical biosensors using layered nanomaterials for the immobilization of algal cells, enzymes, and antibodies for biomedical and environmental monitoring and for food safety. As a postdoc, he previously studied the development of biosensors based on bacteria modified with nanoparticles at the Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Chemistry (Pune University, India), and investigated the effects of nanoparticles on bacterial metabolism in the Department of Life Sciences (Carthage University, Tunisia). In 2017, he joined the Department of Fundamental Sciences  at the University of Québec in Chicoutimi as a postdoc and worked on the development of silica nanocarriers for cancer therapy.  Slah also recently finished a project on the development of antibacterial superhydrophobic surfaces. In the Dorval Lab, he works on the fabrication of bio-derived composite materials for several applications. His areas of expertise include biosensor technologies, bio-inspired materials engineering, nanomaterials & surface coatings.

E-mail: slah.hidouri(at)mcgill.ca

Office: Wong 6290

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Dr. Julia Maria 
de Medeiros Dantas

Postdoc

 Julia completed her PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Université de Sherbrooke with focus in the development of large-scale storage techniques for bioethanol feedstock. During her PhD, she also worked with the production of lignocellulosic ethanol and biogas production. She did her Bachelor and Master’s degree in the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. During her bachelor, she worked with the production of bioactive oligomers of chitosan by chitosanases and her Master’s thesis was on the immobilization of those enzymes. Now, during her postdoc she will be working with the bioeletronic team to improve the production of conductive proteins. Her areas of expertise are fermentation optimization, purification of biomolecules and scaling-up fermentative processes. When not in the lab, she loves to cook for her loved ones, practicing/watching sports and all kinds of art.

E-mail: julia.demedeirosdantas(at)mcgill.ca

Office: Wong 6130

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PhD Students

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Mario Alfonso Arenas Garcia

  Mario is the recipient of a CONACYT-SENER Energy Sustainability Scholarship, awarded to pursue his PhD in Chemical Engineering at McGill University. His project consists of generating a bio-hybrid solar cell device based on engineered photoactive proteins. He did his Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology in Mexico and his Master's degree in Biochemical Engineering in England. As of recent, he was in a research stay at Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Estado de México, which involved the evaluation of three-phase systems in different bioreactors for the production of bioplastics. When not involved in research, he enjoys spending his time trying out new foods, reading about history and attending concerts!

E-mail: mario.arenasgarcia(at)mail.mcgill.ca

Office: Wong 6080

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Daniel Modafferi

   Daniel joined the group as a PhD student in Chemical Engineering.  He is the recipient of an FRQNT Doctoral Research Scholarship and a Vadasz Scholar MEDA Award.  He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry as a member of the Co-op program, and an M.Sc. in Physics at Concordia University, in Montreal.  He continues to dismiss barriers between classical scientific disciplines and fields, as he applies his interdisciplinary knowledge to develop new bioelectronic materials from proteins, for the application of wearable or implantable electronic devices.  His interests include, but are not restricted to, piano playing, the outdoors, and baking (eating).

E-mail: daniel.modafferi(at)mail.mcgill.ca

Office: Wong 6130

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Dalia Saldanha

   Dalia Saldanha recently completed a research internship in the Dorval Lab, as part of the Biotechnology Graduate Program at McGill University.  She has now joined the group as a PhD student in Chemical Engineering. She is the recipient of a MEDA award and an FRQNT Doctoral Research Scholarship.  With a triple major Undergraduate degree in Biotechnology, Chemistry and Zoology from Christ University (India) she is now channeling her diverse research interests into developing genetically engineered and chemically conjugated biosensors with bacterial proteins. She is interested in modifying the properties of these sensors to meet a wide range of potential biomedical, environmental and food safety needs. Having lived in Kuwait, Dubai, India and now Montreal, she considers herself to be almost as cosmopolitan as the E. coli she works with and hopes that one day her future career as a research scientist (and part-time science journalist ) will help her see more of the world than she already has. When she is not holding a pipette or typing furiously into a laptop, she enjoys writing poetry, creating scientific comics and reading contemporary YA novels.

E-mail: dalia.saldanha(at)mail.mcgill.ca

Office: Wong 6080

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David Uriel Zamora Cisneros

   Born and raised in Mexico City, where he completed his bachelor’s degree and M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering at UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) and UAM (Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana), respectively, David was awarded a CONACYT scholarship to pursue his doctoral studies abroad. Now he is a Ph.D. candidate in the Materials Modeling Research Group and in the Dorval Lab in the Department of Chemical Engineering, and in the Harrington Lab in the Department of Chemistry at McGill University. His project involves the in-silico study of liquid crystals, their presence in biological systems just as the one seen in the mussel byssus, and the founding principles that lead them to their transformation into materials with remarkable properties. When not involved in research or at McGill, you can find him at some cafe/food places trying out new food or enjoying a cup of coffee while he lurks through the immeasurable music realm looking for new songs/bands or the next concert in town. His interests besides music are drawing, reading, and long walks.

E-mail: david.zamoracisneros(at)mail.mcgill.ca

Office: Wong 6190

    Master Students

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    Ariel Zheng

       Ariel is a Master of Science student in Chemical Engineering, focusing on the production of protein and bioplastic composites with improved mechanical properties. She was raised in Vancouver, BC and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at The University of British Columbia. During her undergraduate studies, she helped design and create specialized catalysts that could turn biocrude into usable fuel at ambient temperatures and pressures. When not busy with lab work, she enjoys reading, hiking and travelling to new places with friends and family. 

    E-mail: jia.y.zheng(at)mail.mcgill.ca

    Office: Wong 6290

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    Xinxin Hao

    Xinxin is a Master of Science student in Chemical Engineering, focusing on the fabrication of soft electrodes for tissues. In his undergrad, he worked on developing composite bioinks for living cells and composite conductive biomaterials. He completed his bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from McGill University in May 2023. He is a recipient of MEUSMA award.

    Email: xinxin.hao(at)mail.mcgill.ca

    Office: Wong 6130

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    Omar Jimenez

       Omar is a M.Sc. student in Chemical Engineering, working on a joint project between the Dorval and Harrington Labs at McGill, investigating the expression and properties of recombinant mussel byssal thread proteins. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from McMaster University in December 2020. In his undergraduate studies, he investigated the optimization of white-rot fungi culture conditions for wastewater treatment applications. Outside the lab, Omar enjoys going for long walks, cooking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

    E-mail: omar.jimenezcastaneda(at)mail.mcgill.ca

    Office: Wong 6080

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    Undergraduate Students

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    Yolanda Zheng

         Yolanda is an undergraduate chemical engineering student with a minor in biomedical engineering. She is currently engaged in a project focused on the processing and fabrication of phage-based biomaterials. She is the recipient of a SURE award for the summer of 2023. Her passion for the biomedical field fuels her dedication to applying her knowledge to the development of functional biomaterials. Outside of McGill, Yolanda enjoys skiing, reading, and drinking coffee. 

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      Henry Stephenson

          Henry is a bioengineering undergraduate student working on a project to develop responsive textiles. His research background is primarily in immunology and synthetic biology, though he’s excited to expand his skills with biologically derived materials. He is part of the McGill iGEM undergraduate research team in addition to his work at Dorval Lab. Henry hopes to leverage his research background and a minor in Management to benefit the world through the innovations of biotechnology and molecular biology. Beyond research, Henry loves practicing piano (especially Chopin), linguistics and language learning, and playing pickup soccer with friends.

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        Matthew Pyo

            Matthew is a chemical engineering undergraduate student with a minor in nanotechnology currently working on developing bio-inspired 3-D nanocomposites based on natural proteins. His life-long goal as a chemical engineer is to develop innovative while sustainable nanomaterials for the contemporary world to fulfill the needs of the urban society and tackle major environmental issues at the same time. Aside from research, Matthew loves playing guitar, exploring new food spots, as well as planning trips for the future.

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          Leila Megevand

              Leila is an undergraduate chemical engineering student working on phage-based biomaterials. She is motivated to apply what she’s learning to tackle the environmental challenges of today and the future through biotechnology. Leila’s a big foodie and enjoys skiing and tennis.

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            Sharon Wu

                Sharon is an undergraduate student in materials engineering currently working on biomaterials synthesis and mechanical testing. Outside the lab, she enjoys sleeping, munching on food, and daydreaming. She is also an authentic rotisserie chicken and McDonalds burger enjoyer.

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              Ghia El-Zoubeir

                  Ghia is an undergraduate student in chemical engineering currently working with the bioelectronics team on improving the performance of conductive proteins. In her free time, she enjoys many creative activities such as singing, dancing and watercolour painting.

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                Kingsley Wong, MSc (thesis), 2021-2023.  in

                Simon Rowat, MSc (thesis), 2021-2023.  in

                Zahra Abdali, PhD 2018-2022, Postdoc 2022-2023.  in

                Angie Cai, MSc (thesis), 2020-2022.  in

                Amy Chow, MEng (project), 2020-2022.  in 

                Catrina Huyer, MEng (thesis), 2020-2021.  in

                Raed Gharbi, MEng (thesis), 2019-2020.  in

                Jiawei Yan, MEng (project), 2018-2020.  in

                Saadia Wasim, MEng (thesis), 2018-2019.  in

                Bita Janfeshan, Postdoc, Fall 2018.  in

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                Juliana Ferraro, SURE/EUL & CHEE 494 projects, McGill University, Winter 2020-Fall 2023 in

                Jennifer Jiang, NSERC USRA/SURE & BIEN 471 projects, McGill University, Summer 2021-Winter 2023 in

                Graham Townsend, SURE/EUL and CHEE 494 projects, McGill University, Fall 2020 - Summer 2022 in

                Riley Sun, UG research project (CHEE 495), McGill University, Winter 2022 - Summer 2022 in

                Alina Yuan, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Winter 2022 in

                Dukun Zhao, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Winter 2022 in

                Hajar Diouri, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Winter 2022.

                Sophia Roy, SURE/EUL & UG research projects, McGill University, Winter 2019 - Winter 2022.  in

                Pew Dey, UG research project (BIEN 471), McGill University, Summer 2021.  in

                Coralie Jabra Khabbaz, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Winter 2021.

                Gregory Brock, NSERC USRA/SURE project, McGill University, Summer 2020.  

                Ziqi Zheng, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Summer 2019 - Fall 2020.  in

                Armita Amini, NSERC USRA/SURE & CHEE 494 projects, McGill University, Summer 2018 - Fall 2020.  in

                Robert Chen, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Winter - Fall 2020.

                Lei Wang, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Winter - Summer 2020. 

                James Li, NSERC USRA/SURE project,  McGill University, Summer 2020.

                Oliver Xie, NSERC USRA/SURE & CHEE 494 projects, McGill University, Fall 2017 - Summer 2020.  in

                Yangshixing Li, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Winter 2019 - Spring 2020. 

                Cathy Zhou, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Winter-Fall 2019.

                Xiaodan Zhu, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Fall 2018-Fall 2019.

                Liam Curtis, UG research project (CHEE 494),McGill University, Fall 2019.

                Aastha Goyal, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Fall 2019.

                Johan Alberti, Visiting student, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Toulouse, Summer 2019.

                Alexander Bevacqua, NSERC USRA/SURE project, McGill University, Summer 2019.

                Elia Benchekroun-Jolicoeur, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Summer 2019.

                Shurui Feng, Visiting student, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Summer 2019.

                Scott Jiang, UG research project (CHEE 494),McGill University, Fall 2018-Winter 2019

                Alexandra Jacobson, UG research project (CHEE 496), McGill University, Winter 2019.

                Jonathan Ong, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Fall 2018-Winter 2019.

                Jessica Tian, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Winter 2018-Winter 2019.

                Nolwenn Cousineau, NSERC USRA/SURE project,McGill University, Summer 2018.

                Alexander Lambert, SURE project,McGill University, Summer 2018.

                Nidhi Kamath, Visiting student, Manipal Institute of Technology, January-June 2018.

                Honghan Zhu, UG research project, McGill University, Fall 2017-Winter 2018

                Esther Xu, UG research project (CHEE 494), McGill University, Fall 2017-Winter 2018

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