Lab Members
Lab Members
Lab Members
The Team
Lori Burrows, Principal Investigator
Professor Lori Burrows is a microbiologist, Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, and international expert on the structure, function, and regulation of type IV pili (T4P). She has published over 120 peer reviewed papers, reviews, and book chapters. She is the Associate Director of McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Diseases Research and serves on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Bacteriology (ASM), the Journal of Biochemistry (ASBMB), and ACS Infectious Diseases. Dr. Burrows is the Canadian Research Chair in Microbe-Surface Interactions.
Hanjeong Harvey, Lab Manager
Hanjeong has been the Burrows lab manager since 2006. She holds a MSc degree in Microbiology and is responsible for daily operations of the lab, safety, and training of new lab members. She helps with most of the projects in the lab in addition to working on isolation of type IV pilus-specific bacteriophages as research tools and potential therapeutics for antibiotic resistant bacteria. In 2018 she was awarded the Michael Kamin Hart Staff Award from the Michael G. DeGroote Institute of Infectious Disease Research in recognition of her ongoing commitment to excellence in research, training, and community.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Nathan Roberge, PhD Candidate
Nathan joined the Burrows lab in 2022 after completing his MSc in Biochemistry at Queen’s University. His research is focused on characterizing the regulatory components and bacteriophage-encoded inhibitors of the type 4 pilus extension machinery. His research is currently funded by a NSERC CGS-D award. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, painting, and cooking.
Ikram Qaderi, PhD Candidate
Ikram joined the Burrows lab in 2020 as a GlycoNet summer student before starting his senior thesis in the fall. After completing his BHSc in the BDC program, Ikram continued his research in the Burrows lab as a MSc candidate before transferring into the PhD program in 2023. He previously held a NSERC CGS-M award and his research is currently funded by a NSERC PGS-D award. His research focuses on characterizing type 4 major pilin accessory genes using various molecular biology techniques and pilus-specific bacteriophages.
Veronica Tran, PhD Candidate
Veronica completed her BSc in Biochemistry (Co-op) at McMaster University before joining the Burrows lab as a Masters student in 2021 and transferring in 2023. Her research involves analyzing genetic mutations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that are selected upon following bacteriophage exposure. She previously held a CIHR CGS-M award and her research is funded by a NSERC PGS-D award. In her free time, Veronica enjoys practicing yoga and reading.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Paankhi Dave
Paankhi is in her fourth year of the Biochemistry Research Specialization program. Her project involves characterizing interactions between a phage-peptide Aqs1 and PilB. She currently holds an IIDR Summer Student Fellowship. In her free time, Paankhi enjoys singing, playing music, and baking.
Matthew Davidson
Matthew is in his fourth year of the Biochemistry program. His project involves investigating the role of TonB-dependant transporters in bacteriophage infection. He is currently complete a fourth-year thesis in the lab. In his free time, Matthew enjoys rock climbing, swimming, and watching TV.