Associate Professor
B.Sc. (Carleton University, 2007)
Ph.D. (Carleton University, 2012)
NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow (Stanford University, 2012-2016)
Researcher/Lecturer (ETH Zürich, 2016-2018)
Associate Editor, Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids, 2022-present
Kavli Emerging Leader in Chemistry, American Chemical Society, 2021
Canada Research Chair Tier II, CIHR in Functional Oligonucleotides, 2019-present
Executive Editor Aptamers, Library Publishing Media, 2020-2024
Editor Advisory Board, ACS Chemical Research in Toxicology, 2021-present
Office: P&P 104
Lab: P&P 003; McMed 1317
Email: Maureen.Mckeague [at] McGill.CA
Website: McKeague Group Website
Research Themes
- Analytical/ Environmental
- Chemical Biology
- Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Research Interests
Chemical Genomics
The chemistry of the genome is far more complex than the base pairing recognition of A-T and G-C. For example, small modifications to each base (e.g., DNA damage and epigenetic marks) profoundly impact a cell’s ability to proliferate and produce secondary metabolites. On the other hand, direct binding of small molecules to DNA or RNA can be used to regulate biosynthetic pathways. Our research bridges the chemistry of the genome to natural product production and clinical diagnostics for new applications in green chemistry and cancer therapeutics.
Currently Teaching
CHEM 110. General Chemistry 1.
Credits: 4
Offered by: Chemistry (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
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Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
A study of the fundamental principles of atomic structure, radiation and nuclear chemistry, valence theory, coordination chemistry, and the periodic table.
- Fall
- Prerequisites/corequisites: High school mathematics and physics or permission of the instructor; CHEM 120 is not a prerequisite
- Each lab section is limited enrolment
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PHAR 303. Principles of Toxicology.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2026
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Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Fundamental mechanisms by which toxic compounds damage a biological system (organelle, cell, organ, organism, ecosystem). Detection and quantification of toxicity and risk/benefit analysis are considered. Selected agents of current risk to human health or the environment are evaluated in depth.
- Winter
- Prerequisites: BIOL 200, BIOL 201 or BIOC 212, PHGY 209 and PHGY 210
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CHEM 540. Advances in Industrial Biotechnology.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Chemistry (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2026
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Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Introduction to emerging technologies and research advances in biotechnologies. Topics include semisynthetic production of drugs and drug candidates through large-scale fermentation, next generation synthesis of DNA and whole genes, green toxicology, single-molecule diagnostics, orphan-drug re-purposing,
and next- generation genomic analyses in drug development. Translational research, issues of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and ethics are also covered.
- Prerequisite: CHEM 222 (or equivalent) and BIOL 200 or CHEM 332
- Restriction: U3 Students or higher. Not open to students who have taken or are taking PHAR 540.
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