People

After completing her undergraduate degree at McMaster University, Pui Sai decided to continue on with her graduate studies at the very same school, which has become a second home to her. Currently, Pui Sai is exploring biochemical research under the guidance of Dr. Yingfu Li, while being co-supervised by Dr. Brian Coombes. Previously, Pui Sai also engaged in other areas of study including the pursuit of a minor degree in Philosophy, as well as the completion of research projects in biochemistry (Dr. Murray Junop's lab, McMaster University), cell biology (Dr. William Trimble's lab, The Hospital for Sick Children), and environmental organic geochemistry (Dr. Myrna Simpson, University of Toronto). Pui Sai has also held teaching assistant positions in advanced biochemical and chemical engineering lab courses, and continues to enjoy mentoring undergraduate students in the Li lab.

In her leisure time, Pui Sai can be found reading, drawing, swimming or shopping. Pui Sai also loves ice-cream and the colour yellow.

"Happiness to me, is the decision to seek out the best in every situation."

My main interest is to develop an aptamer-based method of pathogen detection. I am currently using SELEX, a powerful form of test-tube evolution to select the most capable nucleic acid sequences that recognize Listeria monocytogenes, a common food-borne pathogen. Aptamers developed through this process can then be used as part of a fluorescent- or colourimetric-based biosensor.

• NSERC PGS-D3 (McMaster University 2011-2014)
• OGS (McMaster University 2011-2012, declined)
• Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences Travel Award (McMaster University 2011)
• Vanier CGS nominee (McMaster University 2011)
• Sun Life Financial Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (McMaster U. 2010-2011)
• NSERC CGS-M (McMaster University 2009-2010)
• McMaster Entrance Scholarship (McMaster University 2003-2004)