I am a PhD researcher currently working on transformation and CRISPR-Cas gene editing in highbush blueberry. In the past, I have worked in blueberry RNA virus characterization as well as in western red cedar transcriptomics, heartwood rot resistance elucidation, and diterpene synthase discovery. I have expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and tissue culture. In my free time, I enjoy making music and art, as well as spending time outdoors.

I am a Research Associate at Simon Fraser University working in the Mattsson Lab. With approximately 30 years of experience in research and higher education, my expertise includes plant biotechnology, plant tissue culture, plant stress physiology, and the physiological responses of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. Throughout my career, I have taught and conducted research in these areas, contributing to both academic training and advances in plant physiology.

My current work focuses on the genetic transformation of plants, gene editing, and the micropropagation of transgenic plant lines. I am involved in developing and optimizing tissue culture and transformation systems to support research in plant biotechnology and genome editing.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy nature photography, with a particular interest in photographing the sky and flowers, as well as crocheting

I am PhD candidate at Dr. Mattson Lab. My research focuses on understanding the genetic diversity of blueberry scorch and shock viruses and developing reliable diagnostic tools to support sustainable disease management in blueberry production. I am also involved in finding novel viruses in blueberries using next generation sequencing. I am passionate about applying molecular biology techniques to solve agricultural challenges and translating research into practical solutions for growers.

I am currently a Master’s student working with the blueberry virus group to find correlations between symptoms and various blueberry viruses. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Science right here at SFU and have worked in the Mattsson lab for several years working on various projects. Outside the lab, I play competitive soccer and love swimming for fun!

I’m a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Mattsson Lab at Simon Fraser University, where my research focuses on protoplast isolation, culture, plant regeneration, and CRISPR-based genome editing in raspberry and blueberry to develop improved regeneration and gene-editing systems for crop improvement. I completed my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, where I developed in vitro propagation systems and investigated secondary metabolite production in Podophyllum hexandrum using molecular markers, cell culture, and HPLC. My M.Sc. research focused on the biosynthesis and antibacterial activity of iron nanoparticles using Pseudomonas putida. Before joining SFU, I worked as a Research Associate at Segra International, developing tissue culture, somatic embryogenesis, protoplast isolation, and bioreactor systems for cannabis. Outside the lab, I enjoy long walks, photographing flowers and nature, cooking, and recently exploring baking. 

I’m a Master’s student with the Blueberry Virus Group where I analyze symptom presentation among various viruses and investigate their interactions. I also am working to develop higher throughput, automatable RNA extraction techniques for plant species with high secondary metabolite content. I recently finished my Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry here at SFU, during which I was volunteering and then working as a Research Assistant at the Mattsson lab. I spend most of my free time exploring the hiking trails of the Lower Mainland, gardening and expanding my cooking and baking skills.

I’m a M.Sc student co-supervised by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Scientists Michelle Franklin and Bryan Brunet. My research focuses on using molecular tools to determine how and when blueberry aphids spread Blueberry Scorch Virus (BlScV) in the lower mainland. Additionally I am working with the BC Blueberry Breeding Program to test their elite and experimental blueberry cultivars for host plant resistance, with the aim of identifying plant traits that confer resistance to aphids. I got my BSc. here at SFU in biology, where I did a NSERC USRA in the Gries lab working on entomology and murine chemical ecology, and did my honours thesis in the Mattsson lab investigating the resistance to heartwood rot fungi in Western Red Cedar. Outside of the lab you’ll find me hiking and taking photos of landscapes, the stars, and insects, or trying out some new recipes in the kitchen.

jpickett@sfu.ca | james.pickett@agr.gc.ca | ResearchGate

 I am a Master’s student and a Research Assistant student co-supervised by Charitha at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research. I am working on identifying genes associated with flower bud initiation in Highbush blueberries and their expression levels.

I completed my BSc and MSc at University of Ibadan, Nigeria where i worked on using botanical controls on postharvest fungi affecting apples; Introducing gamma rays to break cross-incompatibility between Vigna vexillata and Vigna unguiculata to be bred and improved for resistance against striga gesnerioides respectively. I also worked for years in an agricultural research institute and molecular laboratory before coming to Canada. 

My research experience spans pathology, molecular biology, genetics, breeding. 

Hobbies- Road trips, I enjoy nature walks and scenic views

oob2@sfu.ca | oluwatomiwa.babarinde@agr.gc.ca

I’m currently a masters student co-supervised by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Scientist Charitha Jayasinghege. My research focuses on improving forage legumes (birdsfoot trefoil and cicer milkvetch) through plant growth regulator applications and developing tissue culture-based transformation and CRISPR/Cas genome editing approaches. I completed my B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and previously worked with plant growth-promoting bacteria and fungi. My research experience includes molecular biology, tissue culture, and microbiology. Away from the lab, I enjoy leisurely walks, photography, sports, and music

I am an undergraduate Data Science student at Simon Fraser University with a strong interest in machine learning and artificial intelligence. I recently joined the Mattsson Lab as a research assistant, where I’m expanding my technical skills while exploring the intersection of data science and biology. I’m excited to learn how computational methods can help solve real-world biological challenges and contribute to impactful research.

Outside of academics, I enjoy going to concerts and discovering new music. I’m also a huge fan of The Weeknd!