Molecular Science

Biofilms, Microorganisms, and Viruses

We have a strong, dynamic cohort of researchers with expertise in microorganisms, viruses and biofilms as well as an extensive, sophisticated array of facilities for investigating microbes. The scientific questions explored span a broad range of diverse topics including the molecular identities of bacterial populations in wastewater treatment systems, the molecular strategies employed by pathogens to infect their hosts, molecular retrovirology of HIV replication, and the role of biofilms in biofouling, biodeterioration and bioremediation. Researchers use a wide variety of molecular, biochemical and imaging tools to investigate microbial identity, diversity, function and interaction within bacterial communities and between bacteria and hosts. Directions in research include the role of viral and bacterial pathogens in human disease, the molecular basis of pathogenesis and the genetic basis of virulence. Another area of research includes the study of the role of biofilms in environmental survival and proliferation of microorganisms, their impact on biofouling and opportunities for their use in bioremediation. Investigators are also interested in understanding the interactions of organisms in biofilms with varying environmental stimuli and the feasibility of gene transfers as a means of bioaugmentation. This broad range of topics provides students with many exciting research opportunities to explore the world of microorganisms, viruses and biofilms.

Courtesy of Dr. M. Hausner

Courtesy of Dr. M. Hausner

Courtesy of Dr. D. Foster

Faculty

Name	Topics
Roberto Botelho rbotelho@ryerson.ca My Website	Intracellular lipid signaling, organelle identity, membrane trafficking, phagocytosis
Mario Estable mestable@ryerson.ca My Website	Molecular retrovirology
Debora Foster dfoster@ryerson.ca My Website	Microbial pathogens; cellular microbiology
Kim Gilbride gilbride@ryerson.ca My Website	Microbial ecology, microbiological population fingerprinting,
Martina Hausner martina.hausner@ryerson.ca My Website	Biofilm formation, composition and function
Gideon Wolfaardt gwolfaar@ryerson.ca My Website	Biofilm fundamentals and industrial applications; infection control