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.

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) – PhD Candidate

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.

Amelia Doerksen (she/her/hers) – MSc Student

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 am excited to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Sanders and the lab team. I plan to continue my academic career and want to apply to a graduate biomedical research program in the future. In my free time I enjoy painting, crocheting, and swimming.

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

I completed my B.Sc., 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.

Athena Austen (she/her/hers) – Volunteer

I am currently in my fourth year of my Honours BSc in Bio-Medical Science with a minor in Neuroscience. Dr. Sanders taught my third-year biochemistry course, which is where I first came across her work and was immediately interested in learning more. As someone who struggled with childhood epilepsy, Dr. Sanders’ research on the involvement of protein trafficking in neural function, specifically within seizure disorders, is something I am extremely passionate about. Being a part of this team is an absolute dream come true. I am so excited to work with Dr. Sanders and everyone in the NeuroPalm lab. Through my research project, I hope to learn more about the scientific process and refine my skills in the lab. Outside of school, I love waterskiing, running, traveling, and spending time with family.

Gabriella Santander (she/her/hers) – Undergraduate Summer Research Assistant

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.

Amara Akukwe (she/her/hers) – Summer Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am currently in my third year of a BSc in Biomedical Science at the University of Guelph. This summer, I will be joining the Neuropalm Lab as a research assistant, where I am excited to contribute to research focused on palmitoylated proteins and their role in cellular function. This area of study aligns with my growing interest in understanding how biological mechanisms impact organ function, especially in the brain. The brain has always intrigued me, and I’m eager to learn more about the mechanisms that regulate cell function. Through my work with palmitoylated proteins, I aim to explore how these molecules can help distinguish between normal and abnormal neurological functions, offering insights into neurological diseases. I am excited to apply molecular techniques, such as microscopy and western blotting, which I have learned in my coursework. 

Sanders Lab Alumni

• Denver Bakhareva, 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)