I was raised on a farm in southern Ontario. During high school I became passionately interested in playing and performing music and pursued that passion for ten years. After a fairly successful run I was ready to continue my education and went to the University of Guelph to take agriculture with the idea of going home and running the family farm. During my undergrad a had opportunities to get some practical research experience and found that I had a passion for molecules. I finished my agriculture degree and then did an MSc in plant biochemistry, a PhD in yeast molecular genetics and cell biology working on peroxisome biogenesis at McMaster University, and finally did a postdoc at the HHMI, University of Chicago with Dr. Susan Lindquist.

As a PhD student I discovered that proteins synthesized and the cytoplasm are translocated through the peroxisomal membrane as fully-folded and assemble oligomers. How this can happen without compromising the integrity of the membrane barrier is still an open question. As a postdoc I worked on reconstitution of the activity of the molecular chaperone Hsp104 and discovered that this protein worked together with the Hsp70 molecular chaperones to resolubilize and refold denatured, aggregated proteins. More recently, in collaboration with Lewis Kay and talented postdoc Rina Rosenzweig, we solved the mystery of how Hsp70 interacts with Hsp104. I also played a important role in demonstrating certain proteins in yeast can adopt a self-replicating, amyloid-like conformation. The amyloid particles that serve protein-only inherited elements or “propagons” are generated by the action of Hsp104.

In addition to research and teaching, I organize the Sumer Student Enrichment Program in Biochemistry (SSEPB). SSEPB is an inspiring series in which young people with advanced biochemistry degrees with diverse careers are invited to tell students how they navigated the transition from school to work.

In my spare time I enjoy playing guitar and writing songs. For many years I and my colleague, Dr. David Williams, have been called upon to compose parody songs for Holiday parties and other special occasions around the department.