My project investigates how metabolic cues that activate AMPK – a key energy sensor protein – can regulate the membrane traffic of cell surface proteins. In doing this, I have discovered a novel signaling pathway that controls cell migration by regulating the clathrin-mediated endocytosis of 1-integrin. Besides this research, I’m passionate about teaching and mentorship in higher education. Outside of the lab, I enjoy keeping up with reality TV, baking, and walking Toronto’s trails while listening to true crime podcasts.

I am a highly motivated PhD candidate doing some exciting interdisciplinary research on using silver nanoparticles in improving fluorescence signal in cell biology studies. My key expertise lie in microscopy, cell line propagation, nanomaterial synthesis, manipulation of cell propagation in different environments and studying their interaction with different material/substrates. In my downtime I enjoy devouring high fantasy and sci-fi novels, and contemplate how close we might be to some great sci-fi by greats like Asimov and Crichton - probably not too far.

I’m a Master’s student working on an interdisciplinary project focused on the application of silica nanoparticles in studying a common endocytic mechanism. My project allows me to expand my skill set across the cell biology and chemistry disciplines such as microscopy, cell line propagation, organic, and inorganic synthesis. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy reading, and baking.

Shafi is currently a second year MSc student in the Molecular Science program at Toronto Metropolitan University. He joined the Antonescu lab in Fall 2022 and his project focuses on how cancer cells adapt to low nutrient environments. Specifically, he studies how triple-negative breast cancer cells can sense and adapt to amino acid availability through the activation of protein recycling pathways and the regulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta. Outside of the lab, Shafi enjoys spending time with family and playing/watching sports with friends.

My name is Cristina Camardi and I am a first year M.Sc. student at the Toronto Metropolitan University. I completed my B.Sc. with honours at the University of Guelph majoring in Molecular Biology and Genetics. I am passionate about learning the fundamentals of intracellular signal transduction events and how their regulation influences cellular function and physiology. My project will focus on this very subject, specifically, phosphoinositide (PIP) lipid signaling. Moreover, how acyltransferase LCLAT1 maintains specific PIP species levels, which in turn, will subsequently affect cellular growth, survival and migration. This is particularly relevant in triple-negative breast cancer, as mutations hijacking PIP involving signaling pathways contribute to tumorigenesis. Beyond my research interests, I enjoy walking in nature and practicing yoga.

My name is Kseniia Golik and I am on an exciting journey of first-year Master’s. I completed my B.Sc at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During my time as an undergraduate, I got to work on materials chemistry. Now, as a graduate student, I am excited to explore the world of fundamental cell biology and cancer in relation to kinases that drive cell proliferation and survival (Akt1) and metabolism (Akt2) in triple-negative breast cancer. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending my time reading fantasy and romance while photosynthesizing in the sun.

My name is Natalie Uzynski and I am a first year MSc. student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). I completed my HBSc. at the University of Toronto, majoring in Fundamental Genetics as well Cell and Molecular Biology. I then worked in clinical cancer research prior to joining the Molecular Science program at TMU. I am interested in understanding how the disruption of fundamental cellular processes contributes to cancer progression. My project aims to determine how clathrin regulates PI3K-Akt signaling, a pathway upregulated in many cancers. Using cutting-edge microscopy methods, I aim to obtain unprecedented resolution of clathrin structures within cells, and determine the localization of key signal activators and inhibitors. Apart from science, I enjoy matcha, weightlifting, and travelling.

Hi! My name is Sahar and I'm currently a 4th year undergraduate Biomedical Sciences thesis student at the Ant lab. I'm working on investigating the effects of ultrasound microbubble therapy (USMB) on triple negative breast cancer cells under Ellie. In my free time I'm working on learning French and Persian.