Interested in Graduate Studies?

I am always looking for enthusiastic and talented graduate students interested in plant molecular biology, plant biochemistry, or biochemical ecology. Thesis projects typically focus on one aspect of poplar defense, which is analysed at both the protein and the gene level. The specific project will depend on a student's background and interests. Contact me for more information and projects available.

These are the completed PhD and MSc theses from the Constabel laboratory:

  • Carmen Lea (MSc, 2020): Purification and Biological Activity of Oregonin, a Novel Bioactive Diarylheptanoid Found in the Leaves and Bark of Alnus rubra (red alder)
  • David Ma (PhD, 2019): Functional Characterization of R2R3-MYB Activators and Repressors as Flavonoid Transcriptional Regulators in Poplar
  • Gerry Gourlay (PhD, 2019): Condensed Tannins as in vivo Antioxidants in Populus tremula x tremuloides
  • Kennedy Boatang (PhD, 2019): Red Alder (Alnus rubra) Defense Mechanisms Against Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma Californicum) Defoliation (co-supervised with Dr. Barbara Hawkins)
  • Philip-Edouard Shay (PhD, 2017): The Effects of Condensed Tannins, Nitrogen and Climate on Decay, Nitrogen Mineralisation and Microbial Communities in Forest Tree Leaf Litter
  • Rebecca Westley (MSc, 2015): Investigating Potential Physiological Roles of Condensed Tannins in Roots of Populus: Localization and Distribution in Relation to Nutrient Ion Uptake
  • Russell Chedgy (PhD, 2015): The Role of BAHD Acyltransferases in Poplar (Populus spp.): Secondary Metabolism and Synthesis of Salicinoid Phenolic Glycosides
  • Hao Tang (Msc, 2015): Characterization of a Putative Flavonoid 3', 5'- Hydroxylase (PtF3'5'H1) in Populus
  • Amy Franklin (Msc, 2013): Functional Characterization of PtMYB115, a Regulator of Condensed Tannin Synthesis in Poplar
  • Alpha Wong (Msc, 2013): Effects of Poplar Phenolics on the Fitness and Behaviour of Chaitophorus Aphids ( co-supervisor: Steve Perlman)
  • Vasko Veljanovski (PhD, 2012): Functional Characterization of Flavonoid Glucosyltransferases and an Acid Phosphatase from Poplar (Populus spp.)
  • Lan Tran (Msc, 2011): Molecular and Comparative Phylogenetic Analysis of the Polyphenol Oxidase Gene Family in Poplar (Populus spp.)
  • Mike Zifkin (Msc, 2011): Flavonoid Gene Expression and Metabolite Profiling during Fruit Development in Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)
  • Robin Mellway (PhD, 2010): The Regulation of Stress-Induced Proanthocyanidin Metabolism in Poplar
  • Nicole Dafoe (PhD, 2009): Identification and Characterization of Phloem and Xylem Sap Proteins in Populus trichocarpa x Populus deltoides
  • Ian Major (PhD, 2007): Analysis of Poplar Inducible Defense Response against Insect Herbivores
  • Jiehua Wang (PhD, 2004): Analysis of the Expression and Function of Polyphenol Oxidase in Hybrid Poplar
  • Joseph Patton (MSc, 2003): Novel Wound-Induced Genes in Hybrid Poplar
  • Miyoshi Haruta (PhD, 2003): Analysis of Inducible Anti-Herbivore Defenses and Signals in Populus
  • Darren Peters (MSc, 2002): Dihydroflavonol and Condensed Tannin Accumulation in Aspen
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