Dr. George diCenzo (he/him)
Assistant Professor
I joined the Department of Biology at Queen's University as an Assistant Professor in July of 2019. I completed my BSc (2012) in Molecular Biology and Genetics at McMaster University (Canada), during which I performed research in the group of Prof. Turlough Finan. I remained in Dr. Finan's group to complete my PhD (2017) in Biology. I then joined the group of Prof. Alessio Mengoni at the University of Florence (Italy) as a NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow, where I also worked closely with Prof. Marco Fondi. During this time, I spent two months with Dr. Peter Mergaert at a CNRS institute just outside of Paris (France). In 2017 I was awarded the Armand Frappier Outstanding Student Award from the Canadian Society of Microbiology for my PhD research. Outside of the lab, I enjoy travelling, and cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors. I used to enjoy competitive running, having been a member of the McMaster Varsity Track and Field Team, although I am now well-past my prime. |
Oona Esme (she/they)
Laboratory Technician
I completed a three-year diploma in Biotechnology at St. Lawrence College in the spring of 2023. I started at Queen’s University as a placement student in the Snedden Lab, assisting with research on calcium signaling pathways in plants. In May 2023 I joined the diCenzo Lab as a Laboratory Technician, assisting with student research projects and the Open Plastic Project, isolating microbes and investigating their potential to degrade plastics. In my time outside of the lab I enjoy drawing, gardening and spending time with my family. |
Dr. Tia Harrison (she/her)
NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow
I completed my BSc in Integrated Science from McMaster University in 2013. I then became a MSc (2015) student in Dr. John Stinchcombe’s lab at the University of Toronto where I looked for matching patterns of geographic genetic variation in legumes and their rhizobia partners. I later completed a PhD (2023) with Dr. John Stinchcombe and Dr. Megan Frederickson. My PhD work focused on understanding the impact of symbiosis on latitudinal diversity gradients, range expansion, and genome evolution in the legume-rhizobium system. I am now a post doc in the diCenzo lab where I am using experimental evolution to study cooperation and competition in rhizobia. Outside of research, I enjoy crocheting stuffed animals, practicing and teaching yoga, and hanging out with my two cats. |
Dr. Sabhjeet Kaur (she/her)
Postdoctoral Fellow
I obtained BSc and MSc Microbiology degrees from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. Later, I joined Dr. Ivan Oresnik’s research group at the University of Manitoba in 2016 as a PhD student. My PhD work involved characterization of pentose phosphate (PP) pathway and Embden Meyerhof Parnas (EMP) pathway mutants of Sinorhizobium meliloti. My major focus was to study central carbon metabolism in relation to symbiosis in S. meliloti-alfalfa model system. Over the years I have grown to love metabolism! I recently joined the diCenzo lab as a postdoctoral fellow, where I will be working on the ‘Open Plastic’ project to identify microbes and enzymes from mealworm and superworm guts that can degrade plastics. Beside my research interests, I am a former theater actor who also loves to read, cook, and grow plants. |
Dr. Jithin Sunny
Postdoctoral Fellow
I obtained my B.Tech and M.Tech in India from Karunya Institute and SRM-IST, respectively. After completing my master's, I undertook PhD studies with Dr. Lilly, SRM-IST, who had just started working on the genomics of bacterial species. Initially, I worked on isolating thermophilic species and studying their genomes. Later with the help of getagenomics, I expanded my research to psychrophiles. Regarding genome sequences, a lot of knowledge is hidden in plain sight. My interests primarily lie in understanding microbial DNA and their population data. I work in the diCenzo lab as a postdoctoral fellow for the Open Plastic project. Here I wish to use my expertise and knowledge to understand plastic-degrading bacteria in detail. Besides research, I enjoy exploring philosophy and artificial intelligence. I imagine what it would be like for a machine to stare at nature and one day contemplate honest thoughts. |
Ameneh Norouzian
PhD Student
Having completed my B.Sc. in Genetics, I advanced my studies with an M.Sc. in Microbial Biotechnology from the University of Tehran, Iran. Currently, as a PhD student co-supervised by Dr. Laurence Yang and Dr. George diCenzo, my research is centered on the chemo-biological upcycling of plastics, utilizing Yarrowia lipolytica to convert pre-treated plastic waste into valuable biochemical products. Beyond academia, I am passionate about working out, Zumba, and exploring the diverse natural landscapes of the world. |
Mia Rondinelli (she/her)
PhD Student
I completed my BMSc in Microbiology, Immunology, and Interdisciplinary Medical Science at Western University (2020). In 2020, I joined Dr. George diCenzo’s research group as an MSc student, investigating the role of vim-1 in the carbapenem-resistant phenotypes of various clinical isolates from KGH. After graduation (2022), I was hired as a research assistant in the diCenzo lab. Now, as a PhD student, I will be working to identify PVC-degrading enzymes produced by microbial isolates from the guts of worms and Lake Ontario waste plastics. Outside of the lab, I enjoy yoga, cooking and baking for my friends, and Piston’s basketball. |
Gaia Rota (she/her)
PhD Student
I obtained my BSc in Biotechnology in 2020 and completed a MSc in Biology-Ecology in 2023 at Milano Bicocca University (Italy). During my Master degree I joined the group of Dr. Jonathan D. Van Hamme at Thompson Rivers University (Canada), investigating the ability of a soil bacterium to degrade short-chain PFASs. I recently joined the diCenzo and Howe labs as a PhD student, where I will be working for the Open Plastic project to identify nylon-degrading enzymes produced by microbial isolates from plastic waste in Ontario. Outside of Biology I like spending time with my family, reading, travelling and practicing outdoor sports. I’m also a big fan of comedy and movies. |
Nicholas Smith (he/him)
PhD Student
After completing my undergraduate degree here at Queen’s, I stayed in the diCenzo lab to continue studying the rhizobia-legume symbiosis with co-supervision by Dr. Graeme Howe. I enjoy working on projects that have real-world applications and am excited by the possibilities that bacteria bring. In my spare time, I enjoy working out, reading, and making music. |
Sam Gutmanis (he/him)
MSc Student
I graduated in 2023 from Queen's University with my BScH with a Specialization in Biotechnology. After getting the opportunity to do research in the diCenzo lab during the final leg of my undergraduate degree, I am back in the lab studying rhizboia for my Master's degree. I am continuing my research exploring the impacts that altering the flg22 eptiope of Sinorhizobium meliloti has on motility and symbiotic functioning. When I'm not in the lab I enjoy working out, building Lego, and playing guitar. |
Ariane Mayrand Nicol (she/her)
MSc Student
I completed my HBSc in Biochemistry at the University of Ottawa in 2023. Amongst other research projects during my undergraduate degree, I studied arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi dikaryons for my honours project and for the subsequent summer. In the diCenzo lab, I will focus on using experimental evolution to study the effect of temperature on rhizobia symbiosis. In my free time I enjoy baking, being active and more recently I have been getting into fermentology. |
Aakanx Panchal (he/him)
MSc Student
I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science degree in the Integrated Science (Biology Concentration) program at McMaster University in April 2021. While there, as a member of Dr. Turlough Finan's lab, I studied symbiotic phenotypes of various Sinorhizobium meliloti minimal gene sets necessary for symbiosis with alfalfa. In the diCenzo lab, I am now continuing to explore the world of symbiosis by looking closely at nodulation signalling. Outside of biology, I enjoy listening to and playing music - I mainly play the alto saxophone, Akai EWI, and piano. I am also a recent fan of Marvel movies and shows. |
Brigitte Gaudert
BSc Student
I’m an undergraduate student in Biotechnology passionate about finding sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change. As part of my BIOL 537 thesis, I will be looking into designing advanced antimicrobial materials from protein nanofibers under the supervision of George diCenzo and Kevin De France. Aside from working in the lab, I am passionate about film photography, and I am a current member of the Queen’s Varsity rowing team. |
McKayla Twist
BSc Student
In 2021, I graduated from the Biotechnology Advanced program at St. Lawrence College. I am currently completing my BSc with a specialization in Biotechnology here at Queen’s, and I recently started my BIOL541 thesis in the diCenzo lab. For my thesis, I am studying the Sinorhizobium meliloti bacA gene and how certain mutations affect its symbiosis with leguminous plants. In my free time I enjoy reading, boating, and horseback riding. |
This could be you!
Future group member
Would you like to see your face on this page as a member of our team? Then please send us an email! We would be happy to hear from you and to let you know if any positions are available. |
Lab Alumni
Graduate Students
Dr. Rui Huang - PhD '23
Dr. Collin Juurakko - PhD '22
Dr. Collin Juurakko - PhD '22
Mia Rondinelli - MSc '22
Emily Červenka - MSc '22
Emily Červenka - MSc '22
Natalie Vanderheyden - MSc student 2021-2022
Kiera Antaya - MSc student 2019-2021
Kiera Antaya - MSc student 2019-2021
Undergraduate Students
Naomi Loughlin (2023) - Summer Research Assistant
Sam Gutmanis (2022-2023) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Ally Jewitt (2022-2023) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Owen Ledwell (2022-2023) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Jeremie Alexander (2022-2023) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Nicholas Smith (2021-2022) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Sydnie Stinson (2021-2022) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Cali Kaye (2021-2022) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Ryan Sivertson (2021) - BIOL 538 Research Mentorship
Janis Cheng (2020-2021) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 541 Honours Thesis
Ceaira Hiemstra (2020-2021) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Luca Zadra (2020-2021) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Yifan Duan (2020-2021) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 540 Research Mentorship
Megan Clemens (2019-2020) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Sam Gutmanis (2022-2023) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Ally Jewitt (2022-2023) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Owen Ledwell (2022-2023) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Jeremie Alexander (2022-2023) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Nicholas Smith (2021-2022) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Sydnie Stinson (2021-2022) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Cali Kaye (2021-2022) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Ryan Sivertson (2021) - BIOL 538 Research Mentorship
Janis Cheng (2020-2021) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 541 Honours Thesis
Ceaira Hiemstra (2020-2021) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Luca Zadra (2020-2021) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Yifan Duan (2020-2021) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 540 Research Mentorship
Megan Clemens (2019-2020) - BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Undergraduate Lab Technicians and Volunteers
Yuqi Yang (2023)
Sierra Robinson (2022-2023)
James Liu (2022-2023)
Jeremie Alexander (2021-2022)
Yifan Duan (2019-2020)
Ben Arhen (2019-2020)
Sierra Robinson (2022-2023)
James Liu (2022-2023)
Jeremie Alexander (2021-2022)
Yifan Duan (2019-2020)
Ben Arhen (2019-2020)
Lab Visitors
Francisco Fuentes-Romero (2023) - Visiting PhD Candidate
Amira Boukherissa (2023) - Visiting PhD Candidate
Badriya Mubashshira (2022) - Visiting PhD Student
Milena Serenato Klepa (2021-2022) - Visiting PhD Candidate
Ivan Sosa-Marquez (2021) - Visiting PhD Candidate
Dr. Bethany Holland (2020) - Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Biology | Queen's University
116 Barrie Street | Kingston ON | K7L 3N6 | Canada Email: george.dicenzo [at] queensu.ca Phone: +1 (613) 533-6000 ext. 78529 |