Centre members
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Dr Emmanuel Gonzalez
Specialized in bioinformatics, biostatistics and microbiome science, Dr Gonzalez is leader in metagenomic strategy at the Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics (C3G) within the Department of Human Genetics. He has developed leading-edge bioinformatics approaches across diverse multi-omic applications notably the first microbiome association to chronic pain. He is also active in the space science arena as a member of two NASA genelab analysis working groups and with past and ongoing microbiome projects conducted on the ISS, MARS500, and Axiom-1.
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Dr Jennifer Ronholm
Since 2017, Dr Ronholm has been an Assistant Professor at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University where she is cross-appointed between the Department of Food Science and the Department of Animal Science. She was, in 2021, awarded the Deputy Minister's Award for Excellence in Science for her contribution to optimizing whole genome sequencing for food safety. Her research aim is to find a way to fortify the microbiome of humans and animals to resist infection we will be able to reduce our reliance on antibiotic usage in the context of production agriculture.
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Dr Bastien Castagner
Dr. Castagner’s research focuses on the design of small-molecules and natural product analogues as novel drug candidates. He is especially interested in the chemistry and biology of inositol phosphates and carbohydrates. His group has been involved in novel strategies to inactivate the toxins responsible for the pathogenesis of Clostridioides difficile. He is also interested in the human gut microbiota and how molecules can impact its composition and metabolism, for the benefit of the host (us!).
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Dr Jianguo Xia​
Dr Xia joined ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University as an Assistant Professor in 2015, and has become an Associate Professor since 2020. His lab focuses on leveraging bioinformatics, metabolomics and systems biology to study the effects of biological (i.e. gut microbiome and helminths) and environmental factors on health and disease. Dr Xia's main interest is to understand important biological, environmental and nutritional factors on health and disease to develop computational solutions for high-throughput experiments.
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What is a member?
Given the unique structure of the Centre, investigators from all the research community, both local and international, can engage the Centre as users and members:
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A User is defined as a Principal investigator who renders platform services on a fee-for-use basis and/or uses Centre protocols or other documentation for funding applications.
A Member is defined as an investigator with a published and/or self-identified interest in microbiome research. It is expected from members that they play an active role within and for the Centre. A Member will have access to a complementary expertise and a facilitated internal collaboration channel in exchange of which, they offer the same for the other members. This cooperative structure will create a hub not only for continuous training, but also foster interdisciplinary innovation.
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How to become a member?
To become a Member, investigators are invited to submit their CV and a 500-word statement of intent, describing how they can contribute to the goals of the Centre including, but not limited to, governance, attendance at annual meetings, engagement in community outreach and Centre advancement. To create a strong and diverse network, the Centre will aim for a diversity of discipline research applicants and every member request will be reviewed by the Centre leaders and one external investigator.
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To submit a Member application, contact the Centre by using the following email address:Ìýmicrobiome.centre [at] mcgill.ca