Meet the team
The Ogata research program is inherently interdisciplinary and is looking for motivated scientists to be part of a diverse team that intersects analytical, materials, and clinical chemistry. Dr. Ogata’s passion for research education is paired with a devotion to training for purposeful diversity and active inclusion in the sciences.
Details on group structure, core values, and how to join found below.
The Ogata team is centered around core values of
empathy | accountability | learning
Graduate Students
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Ruben Castillo Barberi (he/him)
MSc
Ruben was born in Venezuela and moved to Canada at the age of 6. He began working at the Ogata Lab as an ROP student, fabricating electrochemical impedance bioresitors. Pursuing a fourth year thesis, he began researching the encapsulation of proteins in ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks. His Masters will now focus on fabricating a POC device using roll-to-roll technology for detection of cardiovascular markers in blood. Outside of the lab, Ruben enjoys being a Zumba instructor, watching comedy and trying new food.
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Melissa D'Amaral (she/her)
PhD
Melissa completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry and M.Sc. in Molecular Science from Toronto Metropolitan University, in 2020 and 2022, respectively. She completed her theses under the supervision of Prof. Marc J. Adler, where she investigated organosilanes as agents for stoichiometric and catalytic amide synthesis. Melissa is now working towards her Ph.D. in Chemistry in the Ogata Lab, specializing in analytic chemistry, where she will conduct single particle studies of enzyme/MOF composites. When not in the lab, Melissa loves spending time with friends and family, playing volleyball, travelling, or watching reality TV. n goes here
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Jared King (he/him)
PhD
Originally a native of Barbados, Jared King came to Canada to pursue his scientific passions by attending Trent University for his Bachelor's in Chemistry and Forensic Science. A few years after graduating, he kept his pursuit alive by attending Fanshawe College to maximize networking potential and career building. He is now pursuing a Masters in Chemistry specializing in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Toronto. His passions outside of science include archery, singing/performing, cooking, and astronomy.
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Kezia Suryoraharjo (she/her)
PhD
Kezia was born and raised in Indonesia, but moved to Canada to pursue her undergraduate studies in the University of Toronto St. George campus. She gained research experience from working with the Song group and the Wheeler group, then completing her HBSc in Chemistry in 2023. She is now working towards her PhD in the Ogata lab, studying ultrasensitive detection for gynecological disease diagnostics. Outside the lab, she tries to catch up with her family and friends (as well as catch up on sleep), practices calligraphy, and watches cooking videos on YouTube.
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Justin Van Houten (he/him)
PhD
Justin completed his HBSc in Chemistry and Biology at the University of Toronto in 2019. During his undergraduate studies Justin completed work under the supervision of Igor Lenherr where he investigated the transport and fate of mercury and methyl-mercury species in freshwater rivers. Justin completed his MSc in 2021 under the supervision of Ulrich Krull after developing a functional glucose sensor with UCNPs. Justin is now working toward his PhD in the Ogata lab where he studies structure function relationships in metal organic frameworks. Justin enjoys reading classic literature and spending time in nature.
Undergraduate Students
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Katinka Miklóssy (she/her)
Katinka was born and raised in Hungary, moving to Canada in 2022 to complete her undergraduate studies in Chemistry and Mathematics. Within the lab, she will help to examine the catalytic activities of enzymes encapsulated by HRP/BSA-ZIF8 nanoparticles as an ROP student. Besides research, Katinka loves owls and is also passionate about fashion designing and make-up.
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Leon Nitsch (he/him)
Leon was born in Austria, but spent most of his life in Canada. He's currently pursuing his undergraduate degree from UTM, majoring in Chemistry and Computer Sciences. His current research opportunity project is focused on designing python codes to analyze chemical data, as well as teaching the basics of computer science and python. Outside of the lab he likes attending his martial arts classes, spending time with friends, and listening to classical music.
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Syrus Kenyon (he/they)
Syrus was born and raised in Mississauga and is currently in his final year specialising in chemistry. His project revolves around the development of catalytically active nanomaterials. Outside of the lab, Syrus enjoys music, science fiction, and playing escape room board games.
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Arvin Azodi (he/him)
Born in Iran, Arvin started in his undergraduate journey at the University of Toronto Mississauga, specializing in Biological Chemistry and majoring in Chemistry. His research project involves using roll-to-roll impedance bioresistors for detecting biomarkers using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Outside of the lab Arvin enjoys to play the piano, socialize, and play soccer.
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Adan Butt (he/him)
Adan was born in Pakistan before moving to Canada at the age of 6. He currently works at ECCC as a geospatial data scientist with a focus on large multi-dimensional weather datasets. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing and playing basketball.
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Sophia Alonzi (she/her)
Sophia is entering her third year majoring in Chemistry and Biology for Health Sciences. Previously, as a ROP student in the Nguyen Ba lab, she measured phenotypic mutation rates of yeast after removing or inactivating human oncogene orthologs. Her current UTEA project focuses on developing single molecule assays to detect biomarkers of human disease. Outside of the lab, she likes to read, garden, and crochet.
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Anthony Makwanda (he/him)
Anthony was born and raised in Tanzania, moved to Canada pursuing his undergraduate studies. He is currently entering third year taking degree Specialist in Biotechnology. Outside the lab he enjoys sewing, reading and travelling.
Honourary Member
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Moose
Lab Dog!
GROUP STRUCTURE
GROUP MEETINGS
The Ogata Lab has group meetings once a week, were one graduate student presents a research update, literature review, lesson on an analytical technique, or literature on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
WEEKLY ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGS
Students meet with Professor Ogata once a week to discuss experimental progress, professional development, and feedback.
ELECTRONIC LAB NOTEBOOKS
Student’s must maintain a onenote lab notebook, template provided by upon entry to the group. Everyone’s notebook and protocols are open for ease of access. Students log their daily experiments and prepare pre-meeting notes. Keeping clear and detailed lab notes is an important skill that translates to all future careers in research.
LAB RESPONSIBILITIES
Each graduate student is assigned a leadership role in the lab and is responsible for performing the tasks for that role. Example of leaderships roles include safety officer, purchasing manager, and social chair.
MENTORSHIP
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Each student will create individual development plans and meet with Prof. Ogata to discuss their unique career goals, challenges, and strategic planning of 3-month goals. These meetings are also used to assess student progress and strategize for continued student growth.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
To educate ourselves and foster discussion skills, all students are required to present on an article focused on equity, diversity, inclusion topics at group meeting at least once a semester
EQUITABLE MENTORSHIP
Each student will meet with Prof. Ogata at weekly one-on-one meetings. Prof. Ogata's mentorship style is to provide students the opportunity to receive feedback weekly while requiring students to be proactive in executing experiments on a day-to-day basis; with the goal of fostering independence and critical thinking skills in students.
Alumni
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Mujda Mirabi (she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher
Mujda is starting as an ROP student in the Korzynski Bespoke Materials Laboratory
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Ayesha Dar (she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher
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Shriya Gulati (she/her)
NSERC USRA summer student, ROP & CPS489 thesis student
Shriya is starting graduate school (MSc in Chemistry) in the Wheeler Lab at the University of Toronto.
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Diego Estrada (he/him)
ROP & CPS489 thesis student
Diego is working as a Lab Assistant at the Ministry of Environment, Conservations and Parks of Ontario
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Advikaa Dosajh (she/her)
MSc Student
Currently working as a scientist at the Forensic Science Centre.
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Gurjap Bhullar (he/him)
Research Opportunity Program, CPS489 Thesis Student
Currently working as a lab technician at UTM
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Shirley Liu (she/her)
BIO481 Thesis Student
Shirley started at Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Fall 2023
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Ruben Castillo Barberi (he/him)
Research Opportunity Program, CPS489 Thesis Student
Ruben started graduate school (MsC in Chemistry) at the University of Toronto in Fall 2023
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Ian Kenalty
CPS489 Thesis Student
Ian started graduate school (MsC in Chemistry) at the University of Toronto in Fall 2023
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Hannah Ruffo (she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher
Hannah started graduate school (PhD in Chemistry) at the University of California Irvine in Fall 2023
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Zaheer Khan (he/him)
Undergraduate Researcher
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Christine Gaoiran (she/her)
Research Opportunity Program
Currently working as a research assistant, Nanonphotonics Lab at MIS Electronics, Inc.
Want to join the Ogata Lab?
Due to the high volume of email inquiries, Alana is unable to respond to all emails. There are currently 1-3 open graduate student positions for Fall 2023 (masters/PhD), and all interested students must apply to the Department of Chemistry.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Admitted graduate students to the University of Toronto should directly email Alana. Prospective graduate students should apply to the University of Toronto, Department of Chemistry before directly contacting Alana. Specific projects that a student is interested in can be discussed upon admittance. The Ogata lab values team work, creating a supportive environment, leadership, and learning - students should highlight their scientific excellence, leadership, mentorship, and problem-solving skills in their applications.
POST DOCTORAL FELLOWS
Currently recruiting a post doctoral fellow to lead a project on the ultrasensitive single-molecule arrays for protein biomarker detection for gynecological diseases.
Prospective postdoctoral scholars should email Alana with a 1-page cover letter, CV, and a 5-slide presentation that summarizes your previous research accomplishments. Also, include potential projects or proposed ideas that you can contribute to and contact information for three references.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
In the subject line of the email, include “[Full postdoc application for U of T Ogata Lab]”
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Alana is a big advocate for undergraduate research. Undergraduate students at the University of Toronto seeking research should email Alana with a statement of interest and CV. We encourage 2nd and 3rd year students to apply to an NSERC USRA for the summer, and the Ogata lab typically posts 1-3 ROP positions in the summers. Students entering their 4th year and interested in a thesis project should email Alana in the preceding summer. Currently there are no research volunteer positions open.
As part of the Chemical and Physical Sciences Department, all Ogata lab members operate under the following core values.
This department operates under three core values: Safety, Respect and Professionalism. Each of us commits to upholding and championing these values, and to supporting other members of our community in upholding them as well.
Safety
Maintain an environment free from all forms of bullying and discrimination, including microaggressions Maintain an environment free from sexual violence and sexual harassment Respect the privacy and personal boundaries of others Complete and continually update all laboratory and field safety training Adhere to safe practices in the field and laboratoryRespect
Create a safe space that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. Actively identify and remove barriers to accessibility Respect names and pronouns Treat all community members with the same level of courtesy, politeness, kindness, professionalism, and respect, regardless of their role or level of seniority Be respectful and kind when giving feedback, and thoughtful and open in receiving it Support a respectful space for individuals to participate in challenging, constructive, and critical dialogue and scientific debateProfessionalism
Communicate openly, regularly, and collaboratively about mutual expectations for performance, responsibilities, and behavior in the laboratory and broader community Ensure community members receive equal support and access to opportunitiesAccept responsibility for mistakes and make changes to address them Respect community members’ time by being punctual and prepared Care for communal spaces by keeping them organized and clean Respect the principles of research integrity, confidentiality, and intellectual property Adhere to best practices in responsible data managementStrive for open access science when disseminating research