We are interested in structure-function relationships of enzymes and enzyme evolution. We are studying steroid degrading enzymes from the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other related bacteria. We are also interested in enzymes that can be used to detoxify environmental pollutants.
My research interests include parent-child relationships, child development, early childhood education and care, child and family well-being, family relations, various aspects of work-life integration (as well as school-life or school-work-life integration), and the experiences of non-traditional students in formal post-secondary education, in particular mature students and student parents.
The problems I have worked on in animal science have direct implications for genetic selection, food quality (e.g. cow milk), and animal health. On the other hand, my work in understanding the structure and driving mechanisms of ecological (e.g. plant-pollinator) networks have indirect implications for ecosystem conservation, management, and restoration.
Research in my laboratory aims to identify and characterize new molecular factors and cellular mechanisms implicated in neuronal development and plasticity, which in turn will help reveal important new details about the pathophysiology of different brain disorders and identify potential targets for improved pharmacological treatments.