Our People

Adam Damry

Assistant Professor

Hey, it’s me! I’ll be joining the uOttawa Department of Chemistry in July to launch a Synthetic Biology research group. We’ll be studying how proteins interact with solids, and how we can harness these interactions to make useful biological tools. If you want to know more, take a look at our projects!

My background ranges from an undergrad in Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering, to a PhD in Structural Biology, and a postdoc in Synthetic Biology. Along the way, I’ve worked with experts across the natural sciences, medicine, and computer science, both in academia and industry. Now, I’m interested in harnessing this multidisciplinary background to think outside of the box and do some cool science!

Kailey Petz

Ph.D. Candidate

Hi! My name is Kailey and I’m a Masters’ student in chemistry exploring the characteristics of plastic degrading enzymes. I joined the Damry Lab when it was created in 2022. I have an Honours Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biochemistry and a Minor in Biology from the University of Ottawa. I’m from a small town in Southern Ontario where I learned to enjoy nature and developed an interest in the building blocks of life and the fundamental interactions that make life possible. I like volunteering for science education, conservation, and sustainability programs and I am currently focused on characterizing plastic degrading enzymes to aid in enzyme engineering efforts.

My next goal is to transfer to the PhD program to expand on my research of plastic degrading enzymes. In the future I hope to use the skills I’ve developed to work in enzyme characterization and engineering, with a focus on the environment and sustainability.

Arnaud Boudigou

Ph.D. Candidate

Bonjour! I’m Arnaud from France and presently pursuing a PhD on the topic of enzyme engineering for plastic degradation. I joined the Damry lab since its creation in 2022. I have a Master’s in systems and synthetic biology from Université Paris-Saclay. I like to travel abroad and take all the opportunities to do internships in different countries. I went to Vietnam at the Hanoï University of Pharmacy during my undergrad, to Boston to defend my team’s iGEM project, and to Denmark at DTU for my master’s internship. I am grateful to be able to specialize in enzyme engineering while also tackling a universal problem, which is plastic pollution. For now, I picture my next goal to use the skills gained during my Ph.D. in protein engineering to work on the production or recycling of waste compounds with a strong focus on sustainability.

Niki Dadgari

Ph.D. Candidate

Hello! I’m Niki from Iran and am pursuing a PhD on the topic of continuous insulin biosensors. I joined the Damry lab since its creation in 2022. I have a master’s in Material and Metallurgical Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology. Yes! I am way out of the field! After I graduated, I worked for 4 years on developing products based on electrospun nanofibers. I was lucky to be able to explore different fields of science and engineering, and that is why I was interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in a completely different field from my experience. During my time at the company, I encountered many projects focused on health issues, which is one of the reasons I was interested in the insulin project the minute I saw it! As I got to know the biochemistry field more this past year, I feel more interested in the protein engineering part of the project. Therefore, I like to picture myself as a protein engineer after graduating with a bunch of hands-on experience in different fields and maybe come up with an interesting product using all the skills gained during my Ph.D. and combine them with my previous experience.

Robert Demerjian

M.Sc. Candidate

Hello, I’m Robert, a master’s student hailing from the beautiful country of Lebanon. I’ve been part of the Damry Lab journey right from its inception in 2022. I completed my undergraduate studies in biochemistry at the University of Ottawa, during which I undertook an honours project with the lab. I was immediately drawn to our research, as well as the innovative and sustainable solutions that the lab strives to develop for global challenges.

Currently, I’m pursuing my master’s degree, delving deeper into the realm of plastic degradation research as well as gaining more scientific skills and knowledge to advance my scientific career. Beyond the lab, I enjoy cycling, rowing, and a good cup of coffee. In the summer you can probably spot me exploring scenic cycling routes around Ottawa and Gatineau, gliding across serene waters, or getting caffeinated at the nearest coffee shop.

Naiema Zaman

Honours Student

Hi there! My name is Naiema (she/her), but many also know me as Lisa! I was born and raised in Ottawa, but have travelled a fair amount of the world in my life thus far. I am currently working with the dream team at the Damry Lab on the insulin biosensor project. When I’m not in the lab doing research, I am typically exploring nature and the community, catching up on the latest romcoms or thrillers, or learning something new. I am great at trivia, board games, and I am a fast – or at least, the fastest in elementary school – wordsearch solver!

Joshua Mahoney

Honours Student

Hi! I’m an undergraduate biochemistry student with interests in biotechnology and sustainability. This led me to join the Damry lab for the Honours project. I am currently contributing to the enzyme engineering and plastics degradation project. Fun fact, I enjoy camping and spent last summer tree planting in northern British Columbia.

Noor Madhoun

Honours Student

I am completing my Honours B.Sc in Biochemistry/BASc in Chemical Engineering and have joined the Damry lab for my 4th year Honours project. If I am not in the lab, I am in class and if I am not in class I am studying and if I am in neither of those places I am napping!