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Derek O’Flaherty is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Guelph. He completed his Honours B.Sc. in Chemistry at Concordia University, where he also performed undergraduate research under the supervision of Professor Christopher Wilds. He pursued his PhD in Wilds lab, focusing on the preparation of DNA containing novel, site-specific chemical modifications that simulate biologically relevant DNA damage. After completing his PhD in 2016, Derek joined Jack Szostak’s research group at Massachusetts General Hospital – Harvard University as an FRQNT (and CIHR) Postdoctoral Fellow. His work involved developing strategies to improve non-enzymatic replication of genetic polymers, contributing to the understanding of the origins of life and the assembly of synthetic cells. In 2019, he transitioned to a role at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. as a Scientist in the high-throughput synthesis group. In 2020, he became an Assistant Professor at the University of Guelph, where his research interests intersect chemistry and biology, with a focus on nucleic acid biotechnology and the origins of life.
University of Guelph • Guelph, ON, Canada
Focus on developing nucleic acid biotechnology and assembling synthetic cells.
Department of Clinical Studies. Offers MSc by thesis (2 years) and MSc by coursework (1 year).