Research Team Members: Staff and Trainees
Dr. Linda Alrayes is a plant scientist with a strong background in molecular genetics, genomics, and plant in vitro propagation. She has a BSc in Microbiology, a Master’s degree in Biotechnology, and a PhD in Biological Sciences. Her experience includes working on the in vitro propagation of endangered plants, using medicinal plant extracts as pharmaceutical alternatives, and modifying plant traits through genetic engineering. She also has extensive experience in plant and yeast cloning.
Currently, she is a postdoctoral associate working on a research project that uses nanotechnology to enhance plant performance in the boreal ecozone. The main goal of her research is to develop new technologies that help seeds germinate better and increase plants’ tolerance to environmental stresses in boreal regions. This work supports effective forest reclamation and revegetation after resource mining, with the potential to significantly improve sustainable environmental practices.
Ramak Esfandi is a postdoctoral associate at Dr. Raymond Thomas’s Lipid Lab, specializing in the development of nootropic functional foods and nutraceuticals. Their research utilizes advanced techniques like foodomics to explore marine-based functional foods, assess their health benefits, and contribute to sustainable food production. Dr. Esfandi earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry with a focus on Food Science from Carleton University, where they studied the antioxidant properties of hydrolyzed oat bran proteins and their effects on obesity-related enzymes. They are dedicated to advancing food science and creating innovative solutions for brain health and sustainability.
Grace Callahan is PhD candidate from Corner Brook, Newfoundland. She obtained my BSc (honours) in Environmental Science (biology stream) from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her PhD project focuses on using techniques in lipid bioinformatics as a guide for decision making in identifying marine-based bioactive lipids and their application in the innovation of novel marine-based cosmetic and nootropic products, as well as the validation of health promotive benefits in improving skin health and brain health.
Le Anh Minh Nguyen, PhD creceived his BSc and MSc in Food Science and Technology before pursuing doctoral training in Biology at Western University, Canada. With professional experience in both the food industry and academia, her interdisciplinary research combines food science, analytical chemistry, lipidomics, metabolomics, and neuroscience. During her PhD, she investigated the neuroprotective potential of red-rice-based functional foods against oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. As a postdoctoral researcher, she focuses on neurolipid biology, lipid remodeling during neuronal stress, and the application of mass spectrometry-based lipidomics to uncover mechanisms linking nutrition, metabolism, and brain health.
Moganatharsa Ganeshalingam holds a MSc in BEAS (Specialization: Human Breast Milk Lipidomics and Lipid Bioinformatics) from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada and a
BSc in Agriculture (Specialization: Food Chemistry) from the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Her PhD focuses on using metabolomics to identify functional compounds with potential anti-cancer properties from natural marine biomass and to develop pancreatic cancer therapeutics.
Olaide Ajibola’s research interests focus on fermentation technology, biochemical engineering, and industrial biotechnology. He has previously researched the production of probiotic coconut beverages using selected bacteria in a batch system. Currently, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Raymond Thomas, he is utilizing metabolomics to enhance the development of probiotic beverages, providing insights into green technologies and integrated bio-food products.
Additionally, he has experience in using beneficial microbes and enzymes for environmentally friendly technologies, including the biodegradation and bioconversion of lignocellulosic agricultural waste into value-added products, bioremediation of organopollutants, and the development of biocontrol agents and biofertilizers.
He aims to contribute to the establishment of integrated biorefineries for probiotic beverages in Canada, particularly in addressing challenges related to utilizing biorefinery byproducts for novel process streams.
Anita Fuambi is a master’s student in Biology, and her current research focuses on demonstrating the mechanisms by which a novel fermented nootropic beverage may confer neuroprotective benefits. She completed her Bachelor of Science with an Honors Specialization in Genetics at Western University. There, she gained research experience as both a USRI (Undergraduate Summer Research Internship) awardee and a fourth-year honors thesis student in Dr. Raymond Thomas’ lab. These experiences involved exploring the potential of nootropic ingredients for enhancing brain function and improving health outcomes, providing a strong foundation for her current graduate research in neuroprotection and functional food analysis.
Burak Turkmen serves as the Artist in Residence and Food Sustainability Artist at the Nootropic Foods Laboratory. He brings a unique analytical and creative background to the team, holding a Bachelor of Law and a diploma in Interactive Media Design from Fanshawe College.
As a professional multimedia designer and drone operator, Burak leads “The Visual Bridge,” a strategic multimedia initiative designed to translate complex scientific research into accessible public narratives.
His work focuses on high-impact visual communication through:
Graphic Design: Crafting high-fidelity visual assets and professional layouts to effectively communicate scientific concepts.
Cinematography & Drone Videography: Capturing cinematic aerial perspectives and high-resolution video to document laboratory processes and sustainability initiatives using professional equipment and drone technology.
Web Design & Digital Presence: Executing full-scale website redesigns to enhance the lab’s digital engagement and online reach.
Burak recently spearheaded the comprehensive redesign and migration of the Raymond Thomas Lipid Lab website, optimizing the platform for global engagement.
Undergraduate Students
Jarvinia Rowe-Ibekwe’s master’s project aims at optimizing Amaranth nutritional value and performance within an agrivoltaic system. This research explores the potential for the co-production of energy and food, integrating renewable energy with sustainable agriculture.
