Heather E. McFarlane
Assistant Professor & Canada Research Chair
PhD (Botany) University of British Columbia (2008-2013)
MSc (Biology) McGill University (2006-2008)
BSc (Cell Biology) University of British Columbia (2002-2006)
Hometown: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Heather joined the Department of Cell and Systems Biology at the University of Toronto as a Canada Research Chair in Plant Cell Biology in July 2019. The McFarlane Lab studies cell wall synthesis, secretion, signalling, and remodelling with a view to improving plant biomass for food, materials, and energy.
Heather earned her PhD working with Lacey Samuels at the University of British Columbia (Canada) where she studied the transport of lipids that form the protective plant cuticle. After her PhD, she moved to the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology (Germany) to study cell wall synthesis as an EMBO postdoctoral fellow with Staffan Persson. Heather moved with the Persson lab when they relocated to the University of Melbourne (Australia). There, she was awarded an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award to continue her work on cell wall signaling.
Outside the lab, Heather is an ice hockey enthusiast and opera fanatic.
For a full list of Heather’s publications, check her Google Scholar profile.
Eduardo Ramírez Rodríguez
Postdoctoral Fellow
PhD, University of Toronto (2019-2025)
Master of Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne (2017-2019)
BSc in Biotechnology Engineering (Molecular Biology Concentration), Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (2010-2014)
Hometown: Metepec, México
Eduardo completed his undergrad in Biotechnology Engineering degree at Tec de Monterrey in the beautiful city of Monterrey in Mexico with a concentration in Molecular Biology and Research and Innovation Modality. After graduating, he spent several years as QA supervisor of the snacks division of Grupo Bimbo.
In 2017, Eduardo set course to Melbourne, Australia to complete a master’s in Biotechnology in the University of Melbourne, where he undertook a project looking at the phosphorylation of CC proteins under salt stress using a targeted proteomics approach jointly supervised by Staffan Persson and Josh Heazelwood.
In 2019, Eduardo leaped back to the Americas for a fully funded PhD position in the McFarLab at U of T, where he will be working to uncover how posttranslational protein modifications orchestrate cell wall signalling.
Outside of the lab, Eduardo describes himself as an archetypical Sci-Fi fan, and enjoys a bit of reading or a visit to the movie theatre. If any of the above fail it is because he is swimming a lap in the pool or hanging out with friends.
Ramirez-Rodriguez, E. A., and Heazlewood, J.L., 2019. Enrichment of N-linked glycopeptides and their identification by complementary fragmentation techniques. (Book Chapter in press Plant Proteomics Humana Press, New York, NY)
Carlo Perolo
PhD Student
MSc in Molecular Biology, University of Padua (2017-2019)
BSc in Molecular Biology, University of Padua (2014-2017)
Hometown: Verona, Italy
Carlo studied Molecular Biology at the University of Padua (Italy) where he often enjoyed visiting the beautiful botanical garden.
For the second year of his master’s degree he had the opportunity to work at the University of Vienna (Austria) through the international mobility scholarship ERASMUS+.
In Vienna, under the supervision of Prof. Lorella Navazio and Prof. Markus Teige, he completed his research thesis on a putative calcium binding protein of the plant chloroplast.
Carlo then decided to pursue his scientific career with a PhD at the University of Toronto where he is currently investigating plant cellulose synthases and their inhibitors in a project co-supervised by Heather and Nick Provart.
In his free time he enjoys taking care of his houseplants and cooking, especially for his friends.
Yu Zhu 朱 瑜
PhD Student
MSc in Genetics, Fudan University (2018-2021)
BSc in Agronomy, China Agricultural University (2014-2018)
Hometown: Zhejiang Province, China
Yu received his undergraduate degree in China Agricultural University, then he continued his studies in the MSc program of Genetics at Fudan University to study functional genomics in rice, with a special focus on genes that affect yield and their potential values for molecular breeding.
During his research experience, Yu became very interested in how plants respond to changing surroundings, so he decided to join McFarLab at UofT to study cell wall signalling.
For him, reading and cooking in his free time are escapes from the stress of everyday life.
Fabrizio Chow
PhD Student
BSc University of British Columbia (2018-2023)
MSc (in progress) University of Toronto
Hometown: Chilliwack, BC, Canada
Fabrizio is a MSc student in the McFarlane lab. He completed his undergraduate degree in chemical biology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he studied the localization of enzymes within the secondary cell wall of plants. He also investigated student perceptions towards alternative grading schemes with the Department of Chemistry at UBC.
His work in the McFarlane lab focuses on the signal pathways in the secondary cell wall of plants as a stimulus response to their external environments.
Fabrizio is a coffee enthusiast, an avid gym goer and urban explorer. In his free time, you can find Fabrizio reading a book in a coffee shop or tending to his houseplants.BC
Gaeun Shin
MSc Student
BSc University of Toronto (2019-2024)
MSc (in progress) University of Toronto
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Gaeun started in the McFarlane Lab as an undergraduate student double majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology and Immunology. She conducted both CSB498 and CSB499 projects and won a UTEA scholarship to conduct summer research in the lab. She joined the McFarLab as an MSc student in Fall 2024.
She is interested in studying the correlation between epithelial cells, the extracellular matrix, inflammation, and immune cell regulation. In the McFarlane Lab, her project involves clustering isoxaben phospho-responsive mutants together into groups based on their phenotypes in the presence of different cell wall stress factors.
Outside the lab, Gaeun makes bubble tea and enjoys cooking!
Fayeza Tabassum Azad
BSc Student (CSB499)
BSc (in progress) University of Toronto (2021-2025)
Hometown: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Fayeza is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology (Focus in Stem Cells and Developmental Biology) and Mathematics. She joined the lab as a Work Study student in May 2024 and is now conducting a CSB498 project in the lab. She is interested in exploring various areas of research related to cell biology, such as bioinformatics, developmental biology, math modelling etc. Prior to joining the McFarlane lab, Fayeza completed an ROP project in the Department of Cell and Systems Biology where she worked to develop a hands-on laboratory for undergraduate students to observe gene expression patterns in Drosophila.
Outside of the lab, she loves trying out new restaurants :)
Olivia Boyle
BSc Student (work-study)
BSc (in progress) University of Toronto (2023-2027)
Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
Olivia is an undergraduate student studying Molecular Genetics and Cell and Molecular Biology, with a minor in Statistics. She joined the lab as a Work-Study student in Summer 2025. Olivia is eager to explore how biological systems function and respond to changes at the molecular level. She is also passionate about data analysis and looks forward to gaining experience working with biological datasets.
Outside the lab, Olivia enjoys crocheting or painting while catching up on her favorite TV shows.
Stella Chen
BSc Student (work-study)
BSc (in progress) University of Toronto (2023-2027)
Hometown: Toronto, ON, Canada
Stella joined the McFarlane lab as a work-study student in fall 2024.
Anastasija Petrovic
BSc Student (work-study)
BSc (in progress) University of Toronto
Hometown: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Anastasija is an undergraduate student currently pursuing a Specialist in Neuroscience and a Major in Biochemistry. She joined the McFarlane Lab as a Work-Study student in September 2025. Her scientific interests span molecular biology and biochemistry, and she is very eager to gain experience in plant cell biology.
In the McFarlane Lab, Anastasija assists graduate students with experiments such as DNA extraction, PCR, microscopy, and genetic screens, and supports the group with other lab duties. She has a particular love for PCRs and the problem-solving they demand, making them one of her favourite parts of the job.
Outside the lab, Anastasija is a member of the Varsity Blues Rowing Team. When not on the water, in class or in the lab, she enjoys going on hikes and exploring Toronto’s many cafés in search of the best cappuccino.
Aliya Zulaikha Mohd Zamri
BSc Student (CSB498)
BSc (in progress) University of Toronto (2022-2026)
Hometown: Penang, Malaysia
Aliya is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology with minors in Environmental Studies and Environmental Science. She joined the McFarlane Lab as a CSB498 research student in Fall 2025, where her project focuses on plant genetics and cell wall–related responses. Her academic interests lie at the intersection of plant molecular biology, climate science, and environmental sustainability. During summer of 2025, she completed a research internship with the Centre for Global Change Science at the University of Toronto, where she carried out field and laboratory studies on CO₂ assimilation and canopy photosynthesis in cropland and grassland ecosystems.
Outside of the lab, Aliya enjoys baking and traveling with friends a lot!
Previous McFarLab Members
Graduate Students & Postdocs
Callum Hayes
Callum was a visiting postdoc from the Haydon Lab at the University of Melbourne. He joined the lab in Summer 2025 with a RN Robertson Scholarship from the Australian Society of Plant Scientists to study subcellular localization of transcription factors using advanced microscopy.
Eskandar Mohammad
Eskandar was an MSc student from 2024-2025. He characterized a mutant with defects in cell wall and cell expansion and pioneered several new techniques in the lab.
Eduardo Ramírez Rodríguez
Eduardo was an PhD student from 2029-2025. He tracked changes to the phosphoproteome under cell wall stress and characterized an intracellular kinase that contributes to cell wall signaling. He then took up a postdoc position at the University of Toronto.
Natalie Hoffmann
Natalie was an PhD student from 2019-2024. Her thesis work investigated cell wall synthesis, secretion, and signalling in the plant endomembrane system. After graduating she was awarded an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Alban Mariette
Alban was a visiting postdoc from the Ebert lab at Ruhr University Bochum. He joined the lab in Summer 2023 with a Travelling Fellowship from the Company of Biologists to study subcellular localization of cell wall synthesis using advanced microscopy.
Jenny (Jia Hui) Huang
Jenny was an MSc student from 2021-2023. She investigated subcellular trafficking of N-glycosylated cell wall proteins. After graduating, she joined Terrana Biosciences as a research associate.
Raegan Larson
Raegan was an MSc student from 2020-2022. During her thesis, she generated real-time sensors of cell wall stress. She later joined the University of Copenhagen for her PhD studies.
Undergraduate Students
Kai Kang Nie
Kai was a work-study student in summer 2025 and is currently completing his BSc degree and working in the Harris Lab.
Elle Nelson
Elle was a work-study student in the lab from 2023-2035. After graduating, she returned to BC to attend Medical School at UBC.
Krystyn Kalloo
Krystyn was a CSB498 project course student in 2024-2025 and is currently completing his BSc degree.
Jenson McIntyre
Jenson was a CSB498 project course student in 2024-2025 and is currently completing his BSc degree.
Tina Guan
Tina won an NSERC-USRA in summer 2024, then stayed in the lab as a work-study student for fall-winter 2024-2025. Since graduating, she is working as a technician at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute.
Gaeun Shin
Gaeun conducted both CSB498 and CSB499 projects in the lab from Summer 2023 to Winter 2024 and then won a UTEA for Summer 2024. She then later joined the McFarlane lab for her graduate studies.
Demitra Tsoukalas
Demi started as a work-study student in Summer 2023, then she conducted a CSB498 in Fall 2023-Winter 2024. She is now conducting research in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Vicky Fang
Vicky was a CSB498 student in the McFarlane lab in Fall 2023 to Winter 2024. She studied the activation of intracellular kinases in response to cell wall stress. She then joined the Masters in Public Health program at Waterloo.
Francesca Skye Medina
Skye joined the McFarlane lab as work-study student in Summer 2023 and Fall 2023-Winter 2024. She supported Eduardo in screening for cell wall signaling mutants.
Shengjie Xu
Shengjie was a CSB498 project course student in the McFarlane Lab in Summer 2023 working on characterizing real-time sensors of cell wall stress. He then went on to an M. Eng degree at UofT.
Evan Berthelot
Evan joined the lab as a CSB498 student in Fall 2022-Winter 2023 and continued as a CSB499 student in Summer 2023. He then joined the Zimmer lab at UNB for his MSc.
Eskandar Mohammad
Eskandar joined the McFarLab as a work-study student in Summer 2022, then conducted a CSB498 project, and later won a UTEA for Summer 2023. He later joined the McFarlane lab for his MSc.
Lauren Hall
Lauren was a work-study student in the McFarLab from Fall 2022-Winter 2023. She later joined the Wong lab for her graduate studies in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at SickKids.
Vicky Zhu
Vicky started as a work-study student in Fall 2021, then won a CSB-URA, then did a CSB498. Then, she joined the Mitchell Lab in CSB with an NSERC-USRA. and then the Sloan Kettering Institute for her PhD.
Leo Tullo
Leo joined the McFarLab as a work-study student in Fall 2022-Winter 2023. After graduating, he joined the Zhao Lab at UTSC for his MSc in plant biology.
Carlos Wang
Carlos was a volunteer from Spring 2021 to Winter 2023. After finishing his BSc, he joined the Masters of Public Health program at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Terrence Amponsah
Terrence was a BCB430 student in Summer 2022. After graduating, he joined ADP Canada as an Associate Applications Developer.
Rowan Brookman
Rowan was an NSERC-USRA, a CSB498 student, and a UTEA student from 2021-2022. He next joined Robin Cameron’s lab at McMaster as a grad student.
Lella Erceg
Lella was a CSB498 student in Summer 2022. She did another project course in the Department of Biochemistry at UofT, then joined the Stewart Lab at UTM Biology for her MSc.
Erik Ensminger
Erik was a BCB330 student in Fall 2020-Winter 2021. He later joined the Pugh Lab in the Medical Biophysics program at UofT as a graduate student.
Stephanie Halim
Stephanie was a MITACS Globalink Intern from The University of Hong Kong in Summer 2021. After graduating, she joined MIT as a graduate student.
Una McNally
Una was a CSB497 student in Summer 2020 and a CSB498 student in Fall 2020-Winter 2021. Next, she joined CSB as a graduate student in the Harris Lab.
Jenny (Jia Hui) Huang
Jenny joined the lab in Fall 2019, then she won an NSERC-USRA in Summer 2020 and continued as a CSB498 project student in Fall 2020-Winter 2021. She next joined CSB as an MSc student in the McFarLab.
Benjamin-Israel Moke
Ben was a work-study student from Fall 2019-Winter 2020. After finishing his BSc, he joined Laura Corbit’s lab in CSB as a graduate student.