Jenna Cameron (Bioinformatics Undergraduate Student):

I have a great interest in Bioinformatics and I joined the Hill laboratory to investigate associations between DNA sequence context and mutation hotspots and coldspots. I also examine the patterns of mutation for evidence of mutagen signatures. Using Java, I design programs to show mutation signatures, patterns and hotspots as well as create graphical user interfaces to make them easily accessible. In the fall, I will be starting my third year at Western doing an Honours Specialization in Bioinformatics while living in Saugeen Maitland Hall as an academic programmer.

Rory Crabbe (MSc student):

I hypothesize that endogenous induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) will increase susceptibility to neurodegeneration and heart disease. To determine this, I am studying a model of elevated ROS-associated neurodegeneration and environmental stress-triggered heart disease with the ability to assay in vivo mutations in individual tissues. I am analyzing the mutation frequency and pattern in the cerebellum and heart to determine if mice treated with an ROS-inducing mutagen have a higher susceptibility to mutation than wild type controls.

Kevin Leonard (Student: Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry):

My primary interest is in vision research, and I am involved in several collaborative projects with Dr. Hill’s group. My main project involves the validation of a potential neuroprotective agent which we anticipate will preserve vision a mouse model of oxidative stress induced retinal degeneration. As a part of this project, as well as others, I use electroretinography (ERG) as a method of assessing visual function in mice. The other major project I am involved with is an examination of fluid flow patterns in the eye, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) technology. The results of this study will be important in improving drug delivery to various parts of the eye, especially the neural retina at the back of the eye which is the target of many blinding diseases. My research involves extensive collaboration with

Tom MacPherson (MSc candidate):

I study the biomechanics and function of the eye with aging, stress and disease. My research will provide insight into the dynamics of fluid flow in the various chambers of the eye. My research is expected to improve drug delivery to cell susceptible to degeneration and will permit testing of neuroprotective drugs.

Anita Prtenjaca (PhD student):

Anita is measuring the spontaneous mutation frequency in a mouse model of neurodegeneration during disease progression.  Analysis of the amount of spontaneous mutations and mutation types in the mouse model mice will provide insight into the origin of mutation in brain tissues prior to and with onset of disease. A baseline measurement of spontaneous mutations will also provide a comparison for testing antimutagenic therapies for effectiveness in the delay and prevention of neurodegeneration.

Caitlin Ward (Microbiology and Immunology Undergraduate Student):

I am currently assessing the nature and frequency of mutations in a bacterial strain commonly used in transgenic mouse mutation detection assays. The bacteria are not thought to contribute mutational artefacts that would contaminate the assays, but direct measurements have not been made. My work will be important in distinguishing the nature of mutations in bacteria and mice. My research interests include infection and the immunological reaction to infection, as well as microbial genetics. I am completing an Honors Specialization in Microbiology and Immunology, along with a minor in Anatomy and Cell Biology.

Tonya Ward (Honors Thesis Student):

I am currently studying the number and type of mutations in heart tissue with elevated levels of oxidative stress.
I will be able to describe the differences in mutation with and without this type of stress. My data will be used as a baseline to assess the success of different strategies designed to counteract oxidative stress.