Sanders Lab
Sanders Lab
Default header image

MEET THE TEAM

Shaun Sanders (she/her/hers) – Principal Investigator

I first became interested in scientific research during my BSc at the University of British Columbia while volunteering in a research lab. I was always fascinated by the brain and brain diseases and quickly realized that I love research. At the time I was trying to develop strategies for delivery of therapeutics across the blood brain barrier in Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases, devastating, fatal neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect young children. After my BSc, I worked as a research technician in Dr. Michael Hayden’s lab researching the adult-onset neurodegenerative disease, Huntington disease (HD). There, I became fascinated with how the protein-lipid modification known as palmitoylation regulates protein trafficking in neurons and how that goes wrong in neurological disorders. I quickly decided that I wanted to pursue a PhD with Dr. Hayden investigating the role palmitoylation plays in HD and identified the Huntingtin palmitoylating enzyme ZDHHC17 as an essential protein crucial for neuronal integrity. This led to a postdoctoral fellowship in the lab of Dr. Gareth Thomas in Philadelphia. During my postdoc I combined biochemical and cell biological studies with viral-mediated approaches in neurons to identify a new role for palmitoylation in targeting voltage-gated potassium ion channels to the neuronal axon initial segment, the site of action potential initiation. I joined the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph June 2020.

Julia Fux (she/her/hers) – Research Technician 

I completed my graduate studies at the University of Waterloo. My first research experience was in Dr Spafford’s laboratory, where I worked on my undergrad research project, sequencing and cloning the mollusk voltage gated sodium channel. I became fascinated by neuronal signaling mechanisms and the cellular processes that regulate and guide neuronal firing. My M.Sc. was focused on the structure and characteristics of voltage gated sodium channel subunits and the proteins it engages within the neuron. Afterwards, I worked with Dr Blay at UW School of Pharmacy, analyzing mechanisms of invasion employed by cancer cells and helping in developing liquid biopsy methods. Following that, I had an opportunity to work with Dr Zhang, developing unique tools for modulating levels of specific proteins within cells. I am excited to be a part of the NeuroPalm lab, where I can use my experience and knowledge while working on a subject that I am deeply interested in. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family and my dog, sea kayaking and exploring nature.

Amelia Doerksen (she/her/hers) – Research Technician

I am in my fourth year of my Honours BSc in Bio-Medical Science at the University of Guelph. I joined the NeuroPalm Lab as part of my Senior Research in Biomedical Sciences Project to gain experience and learn more about current molecular neuroscience research. My curiosity about biochemical mechanisms and pathways that are involved in neurological diseases developed during my undergraduate degree. Dr. Sanders taught my third year biochemistry course and I was fascinated by her research on palmitoylation regulating sub-neuronal protein targeting and neuronal function. I wanted to pursue my interest in the field of neurobiochemistry and I was excited to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Sanders and the lab team. I recently completed my MSc in the NeuroPalm Lab and am continuing my work as a technician. In my free time I enjoy painting, crocheting, and swimming.

Andrey Petropavlovskiy (he/him/his) – PhD Candidate

Originally from Saint-Petersburg, Russia, I have completed an Honours Specialization Bachelor of Science degree in genetics and biochemistry at the University of Western Ontario in 2020. During my thesis project in Dr. Martin Duennwald’s lab I investigated the functional diversity of Hsp40 chaperones and their involvement in neurodegenerative disease. This experience led me to become interested in how protein post-translational modifications, folding, and trafficking contribute to protein function. In the NeuroPalm lab I am working to understand how palmitoylation modifies subcellular targeting and function of Hsp70 chaperones. September 2021 I began my PhD studies in the NeuroPalm lab. Contact me at andrey at uoguelph.ca.

Charlotte Townsend-Bennie (she/her/hers) – MSc Student

I am a first generation university student who completed their Honours BSc. In Molecular Biology & Genetics at the University of Guelph. Falling in love with not only molecular science but also the beauty and culture of the campus, I knew I wanted to continue my academic journey at UoG. While looking over faculty and various labs I came across Dr. Sanders and her work on palmitoylation of neuronal proteins. I have a never-ending curiosity of how proteins are regulated and trafficked throughout our cells. I am also fascinated by the human brain and being able study protein defects that are implicated in human disease is something that brings me so much gratification. As a MSc student in the NeuroPalm Lab I get to learn and build my skills in various genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches. My current focus is on the mechanisms of dynamic palmitoylation of voltage-gated potassium ion channels and how dynamic palmitoylation aids in the clustering of these channels at the axon initial segment.

Saba Sabzevari (she/her/hers) – PhD Candidate

I recently joined the NeuroPalm lab recently as a PhD student. I have a background in behavioural studies and am eager to learn more about molecular sciences. Dr. Sanders’ lab provides me with the opportunity to learn more about protein regulation and trafficking. I find it intriguing to watch how minor adjustments in the smallest parts of our bodies may have a significant impact on our health and well-being. I am interested in studying molecular biology and using what I have learned to address and alleviate neurological and psychological disorders. Dr. Sanders is a highly helpful personality and is highly knowledgeable, making her an excellent supervisor. The NeuroPalm lab, with its diverse techniques and prospects, can assist me in moving closer to my goal. I believe that the most meaningful aspect of my life is when I can alleviate the suffering or sorrow of others, and I hope that as a scientist, I can accomplish this goal.

Nisandi Herath (she/her/hers) – PhD student

I completed my BSc, majoring in Biomedical Science and minoring in French, at the University of Guelph in 2024. I was first introduced to Dr. Sanders’ research during my undergrad while taking her third year biochemistry course. I was interested in learning more about the role of palmitoylation in protein trafficking and function in neurons, and was fortunate to be given the opportunity to volunteer from F22-S23, complete an undergraduate research project F23-W24, then a S24 USRA position in her lab. Currently as a graduate student, I am studying the essential role palmitoylation plays in maintaining the energy needs of vesicular transport in neurons, and how this may be implicated in neurodegenerative conditions.

Brittany D’Agostin (she/her/hers) – PhD Student

Prior to joining the NeuroPalm lab as a PhD student, I completed an Honours BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics with a minor in Hispanic Studies, and an MSc in Biomedical Sciences with a specialization in Regenerative Medicine. I have always been curious about molecular mechanisms behind nerve injury and neurodegenerative diseases. During my MSc, I studied how nerve injury alters the profile of nerve-secreted proteins and how these changes could affect other cell types. I came across the NeuroPalm Lab research at a conference I attended and was fascinated by the research. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about palmitoylation and the role it has in protein regulation and function in neurons.

Gabriella Santander (she/her/hers) – Undergraduate Research Project Student

I am a third-year undergraduate student completing an Honours B.Sc. in Biological Science and a minor in Molecular Biology and Genetics. This past fall, during Dr. Sanders’ third-year biochemistry class, I came across her research and investigations and instantly became absolutely fascinated with her work, publications, and broad knowledge of neurology, cell biology and genetics. I found her passion, openness, and welcoming teaching style very motivating, sparking in me a tremendous interest in the efficient trafficking and delivery of neuronal proteins and how palmitoylation regulates this process to result in neuronal function. Therefore, as a Colombian immigrant, it is an honor for me to be the recipient of the CBS Summer Research Assistantship for 2025 and to work with an amazing and talented group of individuals who share similar interests, under the mentorship of someone I truly admire like Dr. Sanders. Moving forward, I am excited to expand my knowledge and gain valuable experience in the NeuroPalm lab, as well as to improve personally and professionally as I prepare for my future career continuing research. I am also passionate about body-building and in my free time I like to spend lots of time outside, try recipes, swim and skateboard.

Soha Mohammad (she/her/hers) – Undergraduate Research Project Student

I am currently a fourth-year Bio-Medical Science undergraduate student. In my third year, I had the opportunity to take Dr. Sanders’ biochemistry class, where I was introduced to her research. As someone deeply interested in neuroscience, I found her work to be unique, novel, and deserving of more attention. The brain is remarkably complex, and I am eager to deepen my understanding of both neuroscience and the research process. Dr. Sanders’ radiating personality and inspiring teaching style left a strong impression on me, and I am truly looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to her lab. Outside of academics, some of my hobbies include rock climbing, crocheting, hiking, film photography, and finding new sweet treats!

Maaike Vlaar (she/her/hers) – Undergraduate Research Project Student

I am currently a fourth year Bio-Medical Sciences student with a minor in Biochemistry. This fall and winter, I am joining the NeuroPalm Lab as part of my fourth year research project and I am so excited to expand my knowledge of the impact of palmitoylation on neuronal functioning! I was first introduced to this topic while working with Andrey on the regulation mapping of zDHHC palmitoyl acyltransferases. This experience sparked my interest in the complexities of protein trafficking, which was strengthened through Dr. Sanders’ third year biochemistry course. I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on this foundation through hands-on research and look forward to developing my skills in the lab!

Sanders Lab Alumni

  • Denver Bakhareva, Undergraduate Research Project Student
  • Amara Akukwe, Summer Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • Athena Austen, Undergraduate Research Project Student
  • Simone Clarke, Undergraduate Research Project Student
  • Étienne Sellar, Technician
  • Ayla Sarnat, Project Student (S24-F25)
  • Brodie Buchner-Duby, PhD (co-supervised F23-S24)
  • Will Taylor, USRA (S23 & S22), Undergraduate Research Project Student (W23), Undergraduate Research Assistant (S21), Volunteer all the rest of the time until W24
  • Mahmoud Al Ramadan, Undergraduate Research Project Student (F23-W24)
  • Jordan Kogut, MSc (F21-S23)
  • Alysha Church, Project Student (F22-W23)/Research Assistant (S23) & USRA (S22), alysha.church at medportal.ca
  • Fiona McIlhargey, Undergraduate Research Project Student (F22-W23)
  • Arshia Leekha, MSc (F20-F22)
  • Natalina Becke, Undergraduate Research Project Student (F21-W22), NSERC USRA (S21)
  • Kainaat Fatima, Undergraduate Research Project Student (F21)
  • Zane Stekel, Undergraduate Research Project Student (F20-W21)