Student Engagement Team 

Julie Nadeau
 Co-Leader 
Julie is a PhD candidate in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, supervised by Dr. Shuaiqi Guo. Her research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, specifically investigating the structural and functional mechanisms underlying host recognition by the large adhesin Vv1 from Vibrio vulnificus. Her work aims to better understand V. vulnificus pathogenesis and contribute to the development of novel strategies to prevent bacterial adhesion and infection. Beyond her research, she is passionate about science communication and outreach, particularly in making AMR research accessible to diverse audiences. Through her role with the McGill AMR Centre, she hopes to connect researchers, trainees, and the broader community in advancing awareness and understanding of AMR.

Emma Maria Provençal
Co-Leader 
Emma Maria is a second year master’s student at the Institute of Parasitology under the supervision of Dr. Thavy Long. Her research focuses on understanding macrocyclic lactone resistance in Dirofilaria immitis, the nematode responsible for canine heartworm disease. More specifically, she is investigating the role of the kynurenine pathway. Emma is particularly interested in anthelmintic resistance as an important and often overlooked aspect of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and is excited to increase awareness of it. As part of the AMR Centre, she hopes to help bring diverse perspectives to conversations around AMR, as well as connect researchers and trainees working across different areas of drug resistance.

Justine Dela Cruz
VP Social
Justine is a 1st year master’s student in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology under the supervision of Dr. Shuaiqi Guo. His research focuses on microbial interactions and climate-related research, particularly how bacterial adhesins mediate bacteria–microalgae interactions and their ecological significance. He is excited to be part of the AMR outreach team, as his work may also inform strategies to control bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation and address antibiotic resistance.

Gillian Cameron
VP Newsletter 
Gillian is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences supervised by Prof. Sebastien Faucher. Her project focuses on the emergence of copper resistance in the waterborne pathogen Legionella pneumophila via experimental evolution. When not in the lab, Gillian can be found painting, getting out into nature, or exploring all that Montreal has to offer.

Haoxuan Yang​​​​​​​
VP InternalHaoxuan is a first year MSc student in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology supervised by Dr. Shuiqi Guo. Her research focuses on PilY1, a surface-associated protein involved in the adhesion and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Her interest in antimicrobial resistance grew through studying how bacterial virulence contributes to persistent infections and treatment challenges. Haoxuan joined the Outreach Team to help raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance among both the scientific community and the public.

Sam Nguyen ​​​​​​​
VP External Sam is a PhD Candidate from the Department of Animal Science, supervised by Dr. Jennifer Ronholm. His research focuses on the interactions between bacteria from milk and mammary pathogenic Escherichia coli. He is interested in evaluating the probiotic applicability of novel commensal bacteria and the adaptation of pathogens to antagonistic interactions. This year, Sam continues his role in external communications and looks forward to sending you those promotional emails.

Afia Jahin
Ambassador Director
Afia is a 3rd Year PhD student in Civil Engineering under the supervision of Prof. Dominic Frigon. Her research explores AMR in wastewater and environmental reservoirs, with a focus on using molecular and metagenomic approaches to better understand how resistance genes are distributed and disseminated within One Health systems. She enjoy connecting research with real-world environmental and public health challenges. I hope to join the McGill AMR Centre Outreach Team to share knowledge about AMR, engage with diverse communities, and contribute to making AMR research more accessible and impactful. beyond the laboratory.

Ashley McGibbon
Graduate Ambassador
Ashley is a 2nd year master’s student in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology supervised by Dr. Dao Nguyen. Her project investigates the efficacy and mechanism of copper-based surfaces against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the aim to develop antimicrobial replacements for high touch surfaces. She is excited for the opportunity to be co-lead and to work with others who are passionate about AMR to help make a positive difference through upcoming projects and events.

Sophia Goldman
Graduate Ambassador 
Sophia is a PhD candidate in the department of Microbiology and Immunology supervised by Dr. Dao Nguyen. Her research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, specifically investigating the mechanisms of neutrophil evasion by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in persistent cystic fibrosis infections. She is also exploring novel therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing the eradication of new-onset Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. She is passionate about raising awareness of AMR within the scientific community and in the general population and is looking forward to being apart of the team again this year.

Arianna Giurleo
Graduate Ambassador
Arianna is a PhD student the department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics under the supervision of Dr. Bastien Castagner. Her project is focused on understanding the benefits of polyphenols on human health by exploring their effect on the gut microbiota. She is interested in spreading awareness and informing the public about key scientific issues with an emphasis on AMR in hopes to bring more attention to this growing problem.

Eszter Farkas
Graduate Ambassador
Eszter is a PhD candidate in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology supervised by Dao Nguyen. Her research is focused on antibiotic compound discovery and the biosynthetic capabilities of Arctic bacteria. Her interest in AMR began during her undergraduate Honour’s project which focused on antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. She is passionate about raising awareness on AMR among the scientific community and the public. Eszter has held various roles with the Outreach Team over the years and is excited to continue to support the team this year.