current members
principal investigator
Raymond Thomas, PhD
Principal Investigator
Laboratory Staff
Tim D’Souza
Executive Chef
dr. jian yu, phd
Analytics Laboratory Manager
Dr. Jian Yu is the Analytics Laboratory Manager in the Dr. Raymond Thomas Lipid Lab. With a focus on mass spectrometry-based analysis, Jian has extensive experience in bio-analytics, instrumentation, and compliance. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Oleschuk group at Queen’s University, where his research centered on liquid micro-junction-based mass spectrometry imaging and microbial metabolome analysis. His work has been published in Analytical Chemistry, ChemRxiv, Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, and Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry.
Currently, Jian is responsible for managing the core mass spectrometry facility and analytics lab. His role includes the application of LC-MS and GC-MS in metabolomics, foodomics, lipidomics, and nootropic foods research. In addition to his research responsibilities, Jian is actively involved in facility user training and instrument maintenance, contributing to the academic and professional development of students and colleagues.
post-doctoral fellows and associates
dr. linday alrayes, phd
Post-doctoral Associate
I am a plant scientist with a strong background in molecular genetics, genomics, and plant in vitro propagation. I have a BSc in Microbiology, a Master’s degree in Biotechnology, and a PhD in Biological Sciences. My 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. I also have extensive experience in plant and yeast cloning.
Currently, I am a postdoctoral associate working on a research project that uses nanotechnology to enhance plant performance in the boreal ecozone. The main goal of my 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
dr. ramak esfandi, phd
Post-doctoral Associate
I am Ramak Esfandi, a postdoctoral associate at Dr. Raymond Thomas’s Lipid Lab, specializing in the development of nootropic functional foods and nutraceuticals. My research utilizes advanced techniques like foodomics to explore marine-based functional foods, assess their health benefits, and contribute to sustainable food production. I earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry with a focus on Food Science from Carleton University, where I studied the antioxidant properties of hydrolyzed oat bran proteins and their effects on obesity-related enzymes. I am dedicated to advancing food science and creating innovative solutions for brain health and sustainability
PhD Students
grace callahan
PhD Candidate
I’m a PhD candidate from Corner Brook, Newfoundland. I obtained my BSc (honours) in Environmental Science (biology stream) from Memorial University of Newfoundland. My 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 Candidate
I finished my bachelor and master degrees in Food science and technology in 2008 and 2011. I am a food scientist with many years of experience in the food industry and academia. I joined the Raymond Thomas Lipid Lab as a biology PhD student in 2021. My project is focused on neuroprotective food based on red rice.
Moganatharsa Ganeshalingam
PhD Candidate
I hold 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. My PhD focuses on using metabolomics to identify functional compounds with potential anti-cancer properties from natural marine biomass and to develop pancreatic cancer therapeutics.
eRIC fORDJOUR
PhD Candidate
I am a PhD student at the Professor Raymond Thomas Lab, Western University. I hold a BSc in Agriculture Technology (Agronomy) from UDS-Ghana, an MPhil in Plant Protection (Entomology) from KNUST-Ghana, and an MSc in Agriculture (Agronomy) from KNU-South Korea. I have more than 25 years of experience in crop production. My expertise includes crop production, plant protection, plant breeding, soil management, and sustainable agriculture, dedicated to optimizing farming practices for improved yields and environmental health. I am passionate about developing innovative solutions to address challenges such as climate change, outdated cultivation challenges, and food security.
Currently, my PhD research focuses on the development of nano bio-fertilizers that will enhance the growth and yield of plants, especially cannabis. This work highlights the potential of nano bio-fertilizers to revolutionize crop production by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and environmental safety.
Olaide Ajibola
PhD Candidate
My research interests focus on fermentation technology, biochemical engineering, and industrial biotechnology. I have previously researched the production of probiotic coconut beverages using selected bacteria in a batch system. Currently, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Raymond Thomas, I am utilizing metabolomics to enhance the development of probiotic beverages, providing insights into green technologies and integrated bio-food products.
Additionally, I have 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.
I aim 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. This summary captures the essence of your research interests and goals while maintaining clarity and focus.
Brian Christiani
PhD Candidate
Elham Momeny
PhD Candidate
I am a PhD candidate in the Biochemistry and Physiology stream, focusing on marine-based lysosomal enzymes and their potential therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases. I also have expertise in formulating food and pharmaceutical products on an industrial scale.
MSc Students
Anita fuambi
MSc Candidate
I am a master’s student in Biology, and my current research focuses on demonstrating the mechanisms by which a novel fermented nootropic beverage may confer neuroprotective benefits. I completed my Bachelor of Science with an Honors Specialization in Genetics at Western University. There, I 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 my current graduate research in neuroprotection and functional food analysis.
uNDERGRADUATE Students
Jarvinia Rowe-Ibekwe
Undergraduate Student
I am currently a fourth-year Honors Specialization in Genetics and Biochemistry student. In the Raymond Thomas Lipid Lab, I work on a project aimed at optimizing Amaranth growth within an agrivoltaic system. This research explores the potential for the co-production of energy and food, integrating renewable energy with sustainable agriculture.
In Honorarium
Adam Dempsey, PhD