Haissi Cui
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor starting July 2022
Department of Chemistry
Contact: haissi.cuiATutoronto.ca
I’m a biochemist by training, but my research has taken me into different areas of chemistry and biology. Curiosity fuels much of what I do and I enjoy learning new methods. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases make me happy.
I was born in Asia, grew up in Europe, and am now working in North America – I strongly believe in the importance of diversity and in supporting accessibility to scientific research through outreach.
Link to Haissi’s bio
Noha Soliman Abdelfatah Elsakrmy
PhD student
Start date: 2022
Department of Chemistry
Noha is an international student from Egypt. She did a B.Sc. in Pharmacy and a M.Sc. in genomics and precision medicine prior to joining U of Toronto.
During her M.Sc., Noha researched DNA damage and repair and is particularly interested in further understanding the molecular consequences upon the disruption of nuclear structures and RNA processing.
Outside of the lab, Noha enjoys spending time with her family, and taking a stroll in the nice weather.
Santiago Tijaro Bulla
PhD student
Start date: 2022
Department of Chemistry
Native to Colombia, Santiago got two bachelor’s degrees from the Universidad de los Andes, one in microbiology and one in chemistry, and he developed a great interest for interdisciplinary research, especially in the areas of organic chemistry and synthetic biology.
Then in 2019, Santiago moved to Canada to start his MSc. in Chemistry under the supervision of Professors Julianne Gibbs and Matthew Macauley at the University of Alberta. Santi worked at the interface between chemistry and biology using solid phase synthesis to make sgRNAs with chemical modifications for new applications using CRISPR-Cas9.
Now as a part of the Cui Lab, Santiago will be working with non-canonical amino acids and expanded genetic code techniques to improve our understanding of where translation takes place inside of cells. He is very excited to use small molecules to expand our understanding of life. He loves cats, Star Wars and video games.
Samuel Nyandwi
M.Sc. student
Start date: 2022
Department of Chemistry
Born and raised in Quebec city, Samuel completed a Bachelors in Bio-organic Chemistry at McGill university. During his undergraduate studies, he had the opportunity to carry out research on an RNA-binding protein and on a CYP enzyme.
For his M.Sc., Samuel is looking forward to investigating aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase mutations that are linked to white matter brain disorders.
Aside from his studies, Samuel enjoys playing the piano, community work and having fun outdoors.
Qingyu Shi
PhD student
Start date: Sep 2023
Department of Chemistry
Originated from China. Qingyu completed her undergraduate degree in biological chemistry at the University of Toronto.
She is currently working on nuclear speckle proteins and understanding RNA processing.
Outside of the lab, Chelsea enjoys trying various delicious food, travelling with friends and family, and badminton.
Colette Macarios
PhD student
Start date: Sep 2023
Department of Chemistry
Colette was born in Toronto, raised in the United States and completed her high school studies in Japan.
She returned home for her post-secondary education at the University of Toronto where she earned her B.S.c in Pharmacology and Physiology.
For her PhD, Colette is looking to visualize tRNA in vivo through RNA engineering.
In her free time, she enjoys promoting Japan-Canada cross-cultural awareness, making new friends, and cooking.
Sofija Volkanoska
CHM299 Student/Lab Helper
Sofija is an undergraduate student pursuing a Pathobiology specialist with a major in Chemistry at the University of Toronto.
As part of her CHM299 course at the Cui Lab, she is excited to be working on tRNAs. Outside of her studies, Sofija enjoys listening to podcasts and teaching swimming classes to kids.
Chloe Taylor
CHM395 Student
Chloe is a 3rd year student in the Biological Chemistry program at The University of Toronto. They previously worked in the Wheeler Microfluidics lab where they assisted in developing a noninvasive prenatal genetic test.
This year they will be working with Samuel to investigate the relationship between aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase mutations and a white matter brain disorder.
Outside of the lab they enjoy thrifting, exploring the outdoors and spending time with their cats!
Adrian Li-How-Cheong
CHM395 Student
Adrian is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto majoring in Chemistry and Physiology. He was born in the GTA to Mauritian parents.
This year, Adrian is synthesizing fluorescent non-canonical amino acids to study tRNA aminoacylation.
Outside the lab, Adrian enjoys practicing and teaching Wushu (Chinese Martial arts), as well as growing succulents. He is an avid Maple Leafs fan.
Han Gao
CHM499 Student
Han is originally from China and is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree as a Pharmaceutical Chemistry specialist at the University of Toronto.
Han is investigating the multisynthetase complex. Outside of the lab, he enjoys trying various types of food and making new friends.
Annie Li
CHM499 Student
Annie is currently in her last year pursuing a degree at the University of Toronto specializing in Biological Chemistry.
As a CHM499 student, she is very excited to start working with a team of wonderful people!
Out of school, Annie enjoys spending time with her friends.
Abhinav Sahal
Lab helper
Abhinav is a second year student pursuing a Chemistry Specialist. Born in India and having been all around the world, he most recently finished his high school studies in Zambia before moving to Toronto.
Abhinav is most excited to learn and witness various protein synthesis and purification techniques and maybe even fluorescence tagging! In his free time, he loves mountain biking and following cricket.
River Zhang
Lab helper
River was born and raised in Vancouver. He is currently a 3rd year undergraduate student in the Pathobiology and Biochemistry program at the University of Toronto.
As a member of the Cui Lab, he is extremely excited to work with Noha and learn many new things. River enjoys thrifting, playing basketball and watching anime in his free time.
Previous lab members
We miss you – thank you for joining us!
Felicia Pais Araujo
Mitacs undergraduate student
Originating from a Portuguese family, Felicia was born and raised in Germany where she is completing her undergraduate degree in Molecular Medicine at the University of Göttingen.
As a Mitacs GRI intern she is doing her internship at the Cui lab for the duration of summer. Her project revolves around the deletion of enzyme subunits in mammalian cells.
Outside of the lab, Felicia loves to meet with friends, travel to new places or enjoys reading a book.
Juan Pablo Padilla Martínez
Mitacs undergraduate student
Juan Pablo is an international student from Mexico. He is completing his undergraduate degree in Chemical Pharmaceutical Biology at the University of Guanajuato.
Juan Pablo is a MITACS GRI 23’ intern at the Cui Lab, where he is working in a project regarding gene editing to manipulate cell signaling.
Outside of the lab, Juan Pablo likes playing volleyball, traveling and spending time with his friends.