We are currently recruiting lab members at all levels now! Apply here.
Group Leader
Rui Huang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph
Postdoctoral fellow, University of Toronto, Molecular Genetics, lab of Dr. Lewis Kay
PhD, University of Michigan, Chemistry, lab of Dr. Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy
BSc, Peking University, China, Chemical Biology
Graduate students
Megan Black
Logan Fanning
Peter Kim
Paige Kanters
Max Wong
PhD, University of Guelph, 2024-current
BSc, University of Guelph, 2018-2023
My name is Megan Black, and I am currently pursuing my PhD in the Huang lab. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph, majoring in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Co-op). I started working in the Huang during my undergraduate degree as a fourth-year research student investigating allostery in the AAA+ mitochondrial enzyme YME1L. I have since concluded that project and for the duration of my PhD, I will use Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to unravel the mysteries still surrounding the interaction between the AAA+ cytosolic enzyme p97 and its co-factor p47. Outside of the lab, I enjoy listening to true crime podcasts as I bake goodies and I love playing hide and seek with my two dogs, Reese and Talia, or snuggling up with my kitty, Lady.
MSc, University of Guelph, 2024-current
BSc, University of Guelph, 2019-2024
My name is Logan and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in chemistry with a specialization in toxicology. My passion for science began in my high school chemistry class and has continued to grow ever since. I enjoy learning about pharmaceutical, nutritional, and biochemical science. My interest in biochemistry pushed me to reach out to Dr. Huang during the final year of my undergrad to complete a 4th year research project. My research involved characterizing the effect of p47 on p97 ATPase activity and investigating the functions of different binding motifs in p47. I have since shifted my focus to DnaA, a protein involved in the DNA replication process of prokaryotic cells. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing chess, tennis, and hockey.
MSc, University of Guelph, 2024-current
BSc, University of Guelph, 2019-2024
My name is Peter and I am in the midst of completing my Master’s degree in chemistry with a specialization in toxicology. My passion for cellular biology and organic chemistry led me to discover Dr. Huang’s lab, which utilizes NMR to study proteins. I was fortunate enough to be selected as an Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) for Dr. Huang, allowing me to continue my involvement in the lab and embark on a research project investigating the protein-protein interaction between the proteins p97 and p47. My ultimate goal is to pursue a graduate degree in either medicine or chemistry and engage in drug research and development. In my leisure time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as rock climbing, camping, golfing, and biking.
MSc, University of Guelph, 2024-current
BSc, University of Guelph, 2019-2024
My name is Paige and I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph majoring in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry with co-op (BPCH:Co-op). In the last year of my undergrad, I joined the Huang lab, assisting Megan Black with her project exploring the interactions in the p47-p97 protein complex using Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancement (PRE) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. I’m currently pursuing my MSc in the Huang lab working with a photoconvertible fluorescent protein, called mEos3.2 to gain mechanistic and structural information about the p47-p97 complex as well as the archaebacterial homolog, VAT. Outside of the lab, I enjoy crocheting, baking desserts and bread as well as spending time with my cats, Willow and Poe.
MSc, University of Guelph, 2025-current
BSc, University of Toronto, 2021-2025
My name is Max, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in chemistry with a specialization in toxicology. I recently obtained my Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Chemistry from the University of Toronto. During this time, I discovered my interest and passion for analytical chemistry, toxicology, and pharmacology, specifically using spectroscopic techniques for the analysis of protein-protein interactions. This interest led me to reach out to Dr. Huang’s lab, where I am now researching potential protein binders for the amyloidogenic extracellular transport protein, Transthyretin (TTR), to prevent aggregate formation. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing basketball, golf, and fishing.
Undergraduate students
Shaye Ryan
Mahreen Chowdhury
Nathan Wong
Megan Humphrey
BSc, University of Guelph, 2020-current
My name is Shaye, and I am currently in the fourth year of my undergrad, majoring in biochemistry with co-op. I have joined the Huang lab to pursue a fourth-year research project that studies the interactions between p47 and p97 using NMR spectroscopy. Throughout my undergraduate experiences, I have gained an interest in structural biology and the various methods of determining cellular structure and function. I want to learn more about how proteins interact with each other to build the complex network of cells and the biochemical pathways in our bodies. I believe that research in this field helps provide foundational knowledge in drug development and disease prognosis on the molecular level. I hope to continue in research once my project concludes and support our doctors and pharmacologists in the medical field. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, hiking, and traveling to new places.
BSc, University of Guelph, 2021-current
My name is Mahreen, and I’m heading into my fourth year in Biomedical Toxicology with Co-op. During my undergrad, I worked as a pharmacy assistant, which sparked my interest in the pharmaceutical industry and the chemistry behind it. This led me to enjoy toxicology courses that focused on drug interactions and their biochemical effects on the human body. This summer, I was fortunate to be selected for the Undergraduate Research Award at the Huang Lab, where my project focuses on testing the binding affinities of ubiquitin variants to p47 in order to inhibit the p97–p47 interaction involved in Golgi reassembly. I believe this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the structure and function of p97 and p47, ultimately aiding in drug development and disease treatment. Outside of academics, I enjoy drawing, painting, and spending time with my friends!
BSc, University of Guelph, 2021-current
My name is Nathan and I’m in my fifth year studying Biomedical Toxicology at UoG. I’ve developed a strong interest in the pharmaceutical industry and the chemistry behind it, which led me to enjoy toxicology courses focused on drug interactions and their biochemical effects on the human body. Currently, I am working with GFP in the Huang Lab, where my research focuses on protein behavior, molecular interactions, and applications with DNA aptamers. Alongside this, I also work at the university within the Laboratory Services Division in the analytical biology section, focusing on dairy analysis, gaining valuable applied laboratory experience. I believe these opportunities will deepen my understanding of protein function and analytical methods, supporting future advancements in both research and applied science. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing Clash Royale, catching Pokémon, and fishing.
BSc, University of Guelph, 2021-current
My name is Megan, and I am currently in my fifth year of Biomedical Toxicology (Co-op). During my undergrad, I had the privilege of working as a co-op student at Kenvue, where I supported research and development on new Tylenol® products and gained hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical industry. My coursework in toxicology has further deepened my understanding of drug mechanisms and their impact on the human body. I am now pursuing an undergraduate research project in the Huang Lab, where I am establishing an in vitro substrate unfolding assay to study the translocation mechanism of the p97–p47 complex. In addition, I am investigating the interactions between VCPIP1, FTCD, syntaxin-5, ubiquitin, p97, and p47 during membrane remodeling, with the goal of determining their roles and potential order of events in this process. I believe this research will strengthen my experimental and analytical skills while deepening my appreciation for the complexities of protein interactions. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, readings books, and traveling the world.
Alumni
- Emilie Carson, BSc, University of Guelph, Biochemistry.
- Nicole Dcosta, MSc, University of Guelph, Chemistry.
- Susan Debevc, BSc, University of Guelph, BPCH; Current: RAQC student at Seneca Polytechnic.
- Henry Lim, BSc, University of Guelph, Chemistry; Current: MSc in chemistry at the University of Guelph.
- Raji Raseekan, BSc, University of Guelph, Biomedical Toxicology; Current: PhD student in biochemistry at the University of Toronto.
- Kazimir Gudelis, BSc, University of Guelph, Biochemistry; Current: MBiotech at the University of Toronto.
- Emma Rhode, BSc, University of Guelph, Biomedical Toxicology.
- Baylie Kalnitsky, MSc, University of Guelph, Chemistry.
- Adam McMahon, BSc, University of Guelph, Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
- Simrah Waseem, BSc, University of Guelph, Biomedical Science.
- Nicole Chen, MSc, University of Guelph, Chemistry.
- Victoria Muir, BSc, University of Guelph, 4th year undergrad research student; Current: MSc student in McMaster University.
- Chor Kwan Lam, Master of Bioinformatics, Capping Project, University of Guelph.
- Sabrina Heddokheel, BSc, University of Guelph, 4th year undergrad research student.
- Jill Yuen, BSc, University of Guelph, 4th year undergrad research student.
- Husain Al-Jaberi, BSc, University of Guelph, 4th year undergrad research student; Current: graduate study in Western Ontario University.
- Aaron Ovadia, BSc, University of Guelph, 4th year undergrad research student; Current: medical school student.
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