From Montreal, to Ottawa, to Ann Arbor, and back to Montreal again: my career in mugs!
-JH
Principle Investigator
Jessica Head, PhD
I am an ecotoxicologist with expertise in developmental models (fish and birds) and toxicogenomics. My career has taken me through laboratories in industry (Pharmaceutical), academia (McGill, University of Ottawa, University of Michigan) and government (Environment Canada, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). I'm thrilled to be at McGill and in my hometown of Montreal! I am motivated to do research by my fascination with molecular biology and my passion for the natural world. Research questions that I find compelling relate to how seemingly simple relationships between exposure to chemicals and toxic effect are modulated by 'real-world' complexity (e.g. multiple stressors, variable genetic background, species-differences, variable histories of exposure). The McGill Ecotoxlab explores the fundamental science behind these questions and works towards applying our expertise to solving problems in the field of ecological risk assessment and regulatory toxicology.
I am an ecotoxicologist with expertise in developmental models (fish and birds) and toxicogenomics. My career has taken me through laboratories in industry (Pharmaceutical), academia (McGill, University of Ottawa, University of Michigan) and government (Environment Canada, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). I'm thrilled to be at McGill and in my hometown of Montreal! I am motivated to do research by my fascination with molecular biology and my passion for the natural world. Research questions that I find compelling relate to how seemingly simple relationships between exposure to chemicals and toxic effect are modulated by 'real-world' complexity (e.g. multiple stressors, variable genetic background, species-differences, variable histories of exposure). The McGill Ecotoxlab explores the fundamental science behind these questions and works towards applying our expertise to solving problems in the field of ecological risk assessment and regulatory toxicology.
Current Lab Members
Emily Boulanger, technician and former MSc student
I have always been passionate about marine biology/ecology, more specifically aquatic wildlife. Recently, I have become fascinated with ecotoxicology and the effects contaminants could have on marine mammals, birds, and fish. Many contaminants can cause birth defects, malignant tumors, and other developmental disorders in living organisms. After finishing my M.Sc. degree, which involved looking at the effects of contaminated sediments on the early life stages of fish, I am currently working at McGill University as a research assistant/laboratory technician in Dr. Jessica Head's lab. This work allows me to interact and assist many students with their projects.
I have always been passionate about marine biology/ecology, more specifically aquatic wildlife. Recently, I have become fascinated with ecotoxicology and the effects contaminants could have on marine mammals, birds, and fish. Many contaminants can cause birth defects, malignant tumors, and other developmental disorders in living organisms. After finishing my M.Sc. degree, which involved looking at the effects of contaminated sediments on the early life stages of fish, I am currently working at McGill University as a research assistant/laboratory technician in Dr. Jessica Head's lab. This work allows me to interact and assist many students with their projects.
Hugo Marchand, Post-Doc and former PhD student
I am an avid ornamental fish keeper and breeder, which has fueled my scientific interest in fish reproduction and contaminants’ effects on fry. My research focuses on the effects of fish early life exposure to anthropogenic contaminants. As well as traditional lab species, I have the opportunity of working with the copper redhorse, an endangered fish endemic to Quebec, which has a spawning season that coincides with a major agricultural flush of herbicides and pesticides.
I am an avid ornamental fish keeper and breeder, which has fueled my scientific interest in fish reproduction and contaminants’ effects on fry. My research focuses on the effects of fish early life exposure to anthropogenic contaminants. As well as traditional lab species, I have the opportunity of working with the copper redhorse, an endangered fish endemic to Quebec, which has a spawning season that coincides with a major agricultural flush of herbicides and pesticides.
Yeonseon Jeon, PhD student
Watching birds has widely altered my thoughts, career, and life. The hobby led me to get interested in ecology and population genetics, to join the molecular ecology lab in Ewha Univ., South Korea, and finally to join this ecotoxicology lab in McGill Univ., Canada. My current studies are built around the transcriptomic and histological effects of ethinylestradiol exposure in birds such as Japanese quail and double-crested cormorant. Websites: www.linkedin.com/in/ysjeon. www.researchgate.net/profile/Yeon_Seon_Jeon |
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Jonathan Sangiovanni, PhD Student
I was initially drawn to science to understand the chemistry behind the everyday molecular interactions in my previous career in the culinary world. Yet, keenly aware of the ongoing global shifts in climate and the effects of human activity on diverse habitats, I was instead compelled to contribute to progress in environmental research. Since, I graduated with honours from McGill University in Environmental Biology, ever favouring an interdisciplinary approach that included stints in both plant science and microbial ecology. My current research focuses on the molecular basis of variability in sensitivity to environmental contaminants among different bird species. Outside of the lab, I can be found tending to his garden, on the baseball field, or photographing just about everything with my SLR camera.
Websites: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-sangiovanni/ https://www.instagram.com/giovanni_san_giovanni/
I was initially drawn to science to understand the chemistry behind the everyday molecular interactions in my previous career in the culinary world. Yet, keenly aware of the ongoing global shifts in climate and the effects of human activity on diverse habitats, I was instead compelled to contribute to progress in environmental research. Since, I graduated with honours from McGill University in Environmental Biology, ever favouring an interdisciplinary approach that included stints in both plant science and microbial ecology. My current research focuses on the molecular basis of variability in sensitivity to environmental contaminants among different bird species. Outside of the lab, I can be found tending to his garden, on the baseball field, or photographing just about everything with my SLR camera.
Websites: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-sangiovanni/ https://www.instagram.com/giovanni_san_giovanni/
Ramela Koumrouyan, PhD Student
I love variety in my science like I love variety in my cuisines and hobbies, which is to say, a lot. My scientific upbringing started with human-focused molecular research. It expanded to include topics in population ecology and genetic diversity as I took more courses and research opportunities in that direction. It also let me have my fair share of fieldwork-related adventures. From there, joining Jessica’s lab for my graduate studies felt like a natural fit, given I could use my molecular and ecological background in applied ecotoxicology experiments. Now, I am studying the potential hazard of UV Absorbents, which are common plastic and cosmetic additives, in avian species. The project’s scope, and my love for birds, has increased over the years, and I look forward to making an impact on environmental regulation with the results I am generating.
I love variety in my science like I love variety in my cuisines and hobbies, which is to say, a lot. My scientific upbringing started with human-focused molecular research. It expanded to include topics in population ecology and genetic diversity as I took more courses and research opportunities in that direction. It also let me have my fair share of fieldwork-related adventures. From there, joining Jessica’s lab for my graduate studies felt like a natural fit, given I could use my molecular and ecological background in applied ecotoxicology experiments. Now, I am studying the potential hazard of UV Absorbents, which are common plastic and cosmetic additives, in avian species. The project’s scope, and my love for birds, has increased over the years, and I look forward to making an impact on environmental regulation with the results I am generating.
Nicolas Decelles, PhD Student
My career trajectory so far highlights my two main interests and research areas: the efficient and ethical use of various animal models in research and the observation of gross and microscopic morphological outcomes to better understand the effects of human activity on wildlife. Moreover, studying for my doctorate in veterinary medicine and my two years of training in veterinary anatomic pathology gave me great insight into the morphological and clinical outcomes that could potentially be used in research. It also made me keenly aware of the surprising lack of collaboration between the fields of veterinary and environmental sciences, which has always seemed like a huge missed opportunity to me. With this in mind, I am currently studying morphological outcomes in the tissues of the endangered copper redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi), as well as changes in the expression of their genes to determine the effects of environmental contamination on its conservation status.
My career trajectory so far highlights my two main interests and research areas: the efficient and ethical use of various animal models in research and the observation of gross and microscopic morphological outcomes to better understand the effects of human activity on wildlife. Moreover, studying for my doctorate in veterinary medicine and my two years of training in veterinary anatomic pathology gave me great insight into the morphological and clinical outcomes that could potentially be used in research. It also made me keenly aware of the surprising lack of collaboration between the fields of veterinary and environmental sciences, which has always seemed like a huge missed opportunity to me. With this in mind, I am currently studying morphological outcomes in the tissues of the endangered copper redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi), as well as changes in the expression of their genes to determine the effects of environmental contamination on its conservation status.
Aylish Marshall, MSc Student
Growing up in a rural town in Quebec, I’ve always loved spending time in nature and learning about the species I encountered. I followed this passion by completing a B.Sc in Biology from McGill University where I gained a more profound appreciation of both the beauty and fragility of our ecosystems. This pushed me to pursue research that combined environmental and species conservation by focusing on ecotoxicology within Dr. Jessica Head’s lab. My project focuses on evaluating the impact of pesticide exposure in river water in early-life stage fish using transcriptomics. I have the privilege of studying two species endemic to Quebec: the river redhorse and the copper redhorse. With this project, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of these species and their conservation needs.
Growing up in a rural town in Quebec, I’ve always loved spending time in nature and learning about the species I encountered. I followed this passion by completing a B.Sc in Biology from McGill University where I gained a more profound appreciation of both the beauty and fragility of our ecosystems. This pushed me to pursue research that combined environmental and species conservation by focusing on ecotoxicology within Dr. Jessica Head’s lab. My project focuses on evaluating the impact of pesticide exposure in river water in early-life stage fish using transcriptomics. I have the privilege of studying two species endemic to Quebec: the river redhorse and the copper redhorse. With this project, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of these species and their conservation needs.
Ryan Chui, MSc Student
A chance encounter in Ecology while completing my undergraduate studies at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, made me realize that I wanted to do more research regarding the environment and to be out in the field. This spurred me to find opportunities that would allow me to pursue my newfound interests while still utilizing the knowledge gained during my undergraduate studies in Biology and Pharmacology. My studies explore how 6-PPD Quinone and Bisphenol A result in transcriptomic changes in a variety of fish species.
A chance encounter in Ecology while completing my undergraduate studies at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, made me realize that I wanted to do more research regarding the environment and to be out in the field. This spurred me to find opportunities that would allow me to pursue my newfound interests while still utilizing the knowledge gained during my undergraduate studies in Biology and Pharmacology. My studies explore how 6-PPD Quinone and Bisphenol A result in transcriptomic changes in a variety of fish species.
Alumni
Graduate Students
Hugo Champagne Marchand, PhD 2023
Effects of early-life exposure to environmental pesticides in wild and laboratory fishes.
Marchand H, Barst BD, Boulanger E, Vachon N, Houde M, Xia J, Liu P, Ewald JD, Bayen S, Liu L, Head JA. 2022. Exposure to contaminated river water is associated with early hatching and dysregulation of gene expression in early life stages of the endangered copper redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 41(8): 1950-1966.
Effects of early-life exposure to environmental pesticides in wild and laboratory fishes.
Marchand H, Barst BD, Boulanger E, Vachon N, Houde M, Xia J, Liu P, Ewald JD, Bayen S, Liu L, Head JA. 2022. Exposure to contaminated river water is associated with early hatching and dysregulation of gene expression in early life stages of the endangered copper redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 41(8): 1950-1966.
Ashley Hanas, MSc 2020
Effects of Early Life Exposure to Contaminants on Stress and Stress Related Behaviour in Birds
Hanas A, Guigueno M, Fernie KJ, Letcher RJ, Chamberland F, Head JA. 2020. Assessment of the effects of early life exposure to triphenyl phosphate on fear, boldness, aggression, and activity in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) chicks. Environmental Pollution, 258:113695
Emily Boulanger, MSc 2017
Early life effects of environmental contaminants in fish
Boulanger E, Barst BD, Alloy MM, Blais S, Houde M, Head JA. 2019. Assessment of contamination of sediment using a contact assay with early-life stage zebrafish (Danio rerio). Science of The Total Environment, 659: 950-962
Early life effects of environmental contaminants in fish
Boulanger E, Barst BD, Alloy MM, Blais S, Houde M, Head JA. 2019. Assessment of contamination of sediment using a contact assay with early-life stage zebrafish (Danio rerio). Science of The Total Environment, 659: 950-962
Cynthia Franci
Franci CD, Aleksieva A, Boulanger E, Brandenburg J, Johnston T, Malinova A, Head JA. 2018. Potency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in chicken and Japanese quail embryos. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 37 (6), 1556-1564
Jonas Brandenburg, MSc 2016
The Role of DNA methylation in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) – induced changes to AHR-signaling in developing chicken
Brandenburg J, Head JA. 2018. Effects of in ovo exposure to benzo [k] fluoranthene (BkF) on CYP1A expression and promoter methylation in developing chicken embryos. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology, 204:88-96
The Role of DNA methylation in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) – induced changes to AHR-signaling in developing chicken
Brandenburg J, Head JA. 2018. Effects of in ovo exposure to benzo [k] fluoranthene (BkF) on CYP1A expression and promoter methylation in developing chicken embryos. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology, 204:88-96
Post-docs
Elena Legrand
Currently: Aquatic Toxicologist/Risk Assessor at Stantec
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/eléna-legrand-5ba58947
Currently: Aquatic Toxicologist/Risk Assessor at Stantec
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/eléna-legrand-5ba58947
Camila Athanasio
Currently: post-doctoral fellow at UOIT (September 2019) in Dr. Denina Simmons laboratory
https://deninasimmons.com
Currently: post-doctoral fellow at UOIT (September 2019) in Dr. Denina Simmons laboratory
https://deninasimmons.com
Mélanie Guigueno
Currently: Assistant Professor, McGill University, Department of Biology (Jan. 2019)
https://melanieguigueno.weebly.com/
Currently: Assistant Professor, McGill University, Department of Biology (Jan. 2019)
https://melanieguigueno.weebly.com/
Matthew Alloy
Currently: ORISE Fellow at EPA-Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/matthew-alloy-ecotox
Currently: ORISE Fellow at EPA-Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/matthew-alloy-ecotox
Benjamin Barst
Currently: Professor at University of Alaska
https://basulab.weebly.com/barst.html
Currently: Professor at University of Alaska
https://basulab.weebly.com/barst.html
Undergraduate Students
Alexandra Zvezdin, NSERC USRA, Spring/Summer 2020
Kira-Marie Lazda, NSERC USRA, Spring/Summer 2019 Katelyn Depot, Work Study, Winter 2018 Lyell Buttermore, Honours Environmental Biology, Winter 2018 François Ste. Marie Chamberland, Honours Environmental Biology, Winter 2017 Lise Coquilleau, Honours Environmental Biology, Winter 2017 Nima Rahimi, Life Sciences Research Project, Fall 2016 Michelle-Claire Roy, Honours Environmental Biology, Winter 2016 Ariane Lismer, Life Sciences Independent Study, Fall 2015 Angelika Aleksieva, Honours Life Sciences, Winter 2015 Asya Malinova, Honours Life Sciences, Winter 2015 |