Members
Get to Know Our Team
Dr. Natalie Zeytuni
Principal Investigator
Dr. Zeytuni is an assistant professor at the department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University.
Dr. Zeytuni has obtained a BSc in Marine Biology and Biotechnology from the department of Life Sciences at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. Fascinated by the raw research potential in the marine environment she later joined Prof. Raz Zarivach laboratory at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev for MSc and PhD studies. In her MSc and PhD studies, Dr. Zeytuni’s trained as a biochemist and structural biologist, specializing in X-ray crystallography, and her studies focused on a bacterial biomineralization system that produces magnetic nano-crystals called the magnetosome. Later, Dr. Zeytuni joined Prof. Natalie Strynadka at the University of British Columbia, Canada for postdoctoral studies. As a postdoctoral fellow she studied the numerous bacterial secretion systems and membrane transporters associated with bacterial pathogenicity. During her postdoctoral training Dr. Zeytuni has specialized in cryo-electron microscopy, membrane protein production and purification as well as membrane-mimetics systems.
Dr. Zeytuni has been awarded with prestigious fellowships and grants during her studies including the Banting fellowship, EMBO long-term fellowship, L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science fellowship and others.
Prof. Albert Einstein's spirit
Can be only described in equations.
Pure energy.
Space heater
Chief Thermodynamics Regulator
Supports heat addiction. Essential member.
Dr. Natalie Zeytuni
Principal Investigator
Dr. Zeytuni is an Assistant Professor at the department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and an associate member of the Biochemistry Department at McGill University.
Dr. Zeytuni has obtained a B.Sc. in Marine Biology and Biotechnology from the department of Life Sciences at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. Fascinated by the raw research potential in the marine environment she later joined Prof. Raz Zarivach laboratory at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev for MSc and PhD studies. In her M.Sc. and Ph.D. studies, Dr. Zeytuni’s trained as a biochemist and structural biologist, specializing in X-ray crystallography, and her studies focused on a bacterial biomineralization system that produces magnetic nano-crystals called the magnetosome. Later, Dr. Zeytuni joined Prof. Natalie Strynadka at the University of British Columbia, Canada for postdoctoral studies. As a postdoctoral fellow she studied the numerous bacterial secretion systems and membrane transporters associated with bacterial pathogenicity. During her postdoctoral training Dr. Zeytuni has specialized in cryo-electron microscopy, membrane protein production and purification as well as membrane-mimetics systems.
Dr. Zeytuni has been awarded with prestigious fellowships and grants during her studies including the Banting fellowship, EMBO long-term fellowship, L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science fellowship and others.
Anshu Saran
PhD student
Anshu completed her Masters in Biotechnology from McGill University and has a triple major undergraduate degree in Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Zoology from India. Anshu had several enriching research experiences at the McGill and Concordia University - the most notable ones have involved work on the heme-binding role of the enzyme GAPDH and structural aspects of the protein Parkin.
Now Anshu is interested in utilizing structural biology techniques to better understand proteins of medical and biotechnological significance. Here at the Zeytuni lab, Anshu is working on the structural and functional aspects of bacterial secretion system.
When not in the lab, Anshu enjoys reading, playing the piano/ukulele, and experiencing different cuisines
Adwaith B Uday
PhD student
Adwaith obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in India. Adwaith has been involved in various research projects during his time at the Indian Institute of Science. For his Master’s thesis project, he worked on understanding the structure of various complexes in prokaryotic translation initiation using cryo-electron microscopy.
Here at Zeytuni lab, Adwaith is working on determining the structure and function of a group of membrane transporter proteins involved in the secretion and self-resistance against a novel peptide antibiotic.
Outside of the lab, Adwaith loves listening to music, watching movies and TV shows, traveling, and exploring new places. He is also professionally trained in Indian classical music – both vocals and Mridangam (a percussion instrument).
Mia Yang
PhD student
Mia has completed her undergraduate studies in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Alberta, where she discovered her interest in topics related to protein-protein interactions and structural biology.
In Zeytuni’s Lab, Mia is investigating the structure and function of signaling cascades regulating solvent production in bacteria.
Outside the lab, Mia enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and baking.
Elaine Wang
PhD Student
Elaine completed her B.Sc and M.Sc in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Simon Fraser University. During her master’s degree, Elaine investigated the structure and functions of the Type IV pili proteins using X-ray crystallography and biochemical assays. In Zeytuni lab, Elaine utilizes structural biology techniques to determine bacterial pathogens' virulence factors' structure and function.
Outside of the lab, Elaine loves sports and playing classical guitar.
Natasha Alder
Undergraduate student
Natasha is an undergraduate honors student in Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University. She aims to refine her research skills, learn new laboratory techniques, and gain insight into the interplay between structure and function in biological systems.
Outside of the lab, Natasha enjoys traveling, skiing, and exploring cafes with friends.
Paul Petrozza
Undergraduate student volunteer
Paul is an undergraduate student in the Interdepartmental Honours in Immunology program at McGill University. In the Zeytuni Lab, he hopes to acquire new lab techniques, develop strong research skills, and position himself for a future in scientific research.
Outside of the lab, Paul likes playing soccer, hockey and trivia
Prof. Albert Einstein's spirit
Can be only described in equations.
Pure energy.
Prof. Marie Curie's spirit
Chemical Integrity Officer
Radiation specialist.
Space heater
Chief Thermodynamics Regulator
Supports heat addiction. Essential member.
Alumni
Integral part of our journey
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Maggie Zhang - Bachelor Honors thesis student, 2022-2023
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Adel Batal - Bachelor Honors thesis student, 2023
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Yifan Han - Bachelor Honors thesis student, 2023
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Gyana Prakash Mahapatra - MSc student, 2021-2023
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Abdullah Odeh - Bachelor Honors thesis student, 2022-2023
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Keanova Monreau - Bachelor Honors thesis student, 2022
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Winston Ge - Bachelor Honors thesis student, 2021
Melina Chen
Undergraduate Honors student
Melina is an undergraduate honors student in the Department of Biochemistry at McGill University. She hopes to further develop her research and laboratory skills to gain the foundational skills for a successful career in science.
In Zeytuni's Lab, Melina is investigating the biosynthetic pathway of a bacterial-synthesized antibiotic peptide.
Outside of the lab, Melina enjoys watching movies, drawing, and exploring different restaurants and cafes.