|
Dr. George diCenzo (he/him)
Associate 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. |
|
Dalila Seckar
Lab Manager
Employed at Queen's University for over five years, I bridge administration with a biological focus and provide organizational support for researchers. I’m also a photographer, sewist, knitter, skier, cyclist, and runner, and my favourite habitats are aquatic. |
|
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. |
|
Ariane Mayrand Nicol (she/her)
PhD 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. |
|
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 Candidate
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 Candidate
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 Candidate
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. |
|
Natalia Naranjo
MSc Student
After completing my undergraduate degree in Biology at Universidad Militar Nueva Granada (Colombia), I discovered my passion for applying biology to agriculture. This excitement drove me to develop my thesis on the quantification of nitrogen and the intricate microbiological dynamics within an aquaponic system. Now, I joined the diCenzo lab to delve into the fascinating world of rhizobia-legume symbiosis. In my spare time, I find joy in swimming, climbing, meditating, getting lost in fiction and romance novels, and exploring new places whenever I can travel. |
|
Erika Gagnon (she/her)
MSc Student
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biology and will be conducting my BIOL 537 thesis in the diCenzo lab. My research interest is focused on finding sustainable methods for agricultural practices through microbial bio-inoculants. In my free time, I love to read, swim, knit and crochet |
|
Livia Titley (she/her)
MSc Student
I am an undergraduate student specializing in Biology and completing a BIOL537 honors thesis in the diCenzo laboratory. I am conducting a competition-based research experiment to determine rhizobia strains that are best at both fixing atmospheric nitrogen and competing for host nodulation. The overarching goal of this project is to support the development of a rhizobia inoculant specifically suited to the agricultural conditions of Southern Ontario. My enthusiasm for science never ends! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, seeing friends and family, being outdoors, and exploring a wide range of topics including quantum physics, mycology, geology, and immunology. |
|
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
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Jithin Sunny - 2023-2025
Graduate Students
Dr. Rui Huang - PhD '23
Dr. Collin Juurakko - PhD '22
Dr. Collin Juurakko - PhD '22
Sam Gutmanis - MSc '25
Aakanx Panchal - MSc '24
Mia Rondinelli - MSc '22
Emily Červenka - MSc '22
Aakanx Panchal - MSc '24
Mia Rondinelli - 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
Erika Gagnon (2024-2025) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Sebastian You (2024-2025) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Autumn Hodgins (2024-2025) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
McKayla Twist (2023-2024) - BIOL 541 Honours Thesis
Bryant Han (2023-2024) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Avery Dixon (2023-2024) - Summer Research Assistant; LISC 595 Independent Study
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
Sebastian You (2024-2025) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Autumn Hodgins (2024-2025) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
McKayla Twist (2023-2024) - BIOL 541 Honours Thesis
Bryant Han (2023-2024) - Summer Research Assistant; BIOL 537 Honours Thesis
Avery Dixon (2023-2024) - Summer Research Assistant; LISC 595 Independent Study
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
Undergraduate Lab Technicians and Volunteers
Sabrina Brown (2023-2024)
Sebastian You (2023-2024)
Yuqi Yang (2023)
Sierra Robinson (2022-2023)
James Liu (2022-2023)
Jeremie Alexander (2021-2022)
Yifan Duan (2019-2020)
Ben Arhen (2019-2020)
Sebastian You (2023-2024)
Yuqi Yang (2023)
Sierra Robinson (2022-2023)
James Liu (2022-2023)
Jeremie Alexander (2021-2022)
Yifan Duan (2019-2020)
Ben Arhen (2019-2020)
Lab Visitors
Mónica Majo Cuervo (2024) - Visiting PhD Candidate
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 |
|
