Dr. Kesen Ma

Associate Professor

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Biography

Kesen Ma conducts research in physiology, focusing on enzymology and hyperthermophiles, which are microorganisms thriving at extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 90°C. His work explores the metabolic processes involved in the conversion of biomass into biofuels and bioproducts at elevated temperatures. Notably, he identifies and characterizes novel thermostable enzymes that play essential roles in these metabolic processes. Ma's research aims to advance our understanding of protein thermostability mechanisms and the unique metabolic pathways associated with biocatalysis at high temperatures, including the potential applications of these biocatalysts in pharmaceutical and industrial processes. His investigations raise significant biochemical questions regarding the stabilization of biomolecules, the existence of new metabolic pathways, and the evolutionary adaptations of enzymes to function under extreme conditions. His specific interests include the characterization of new types of acetaldehyde-producing enzymes in hyperthermophiles and the development of efficient systems for alcohol fermentation at high temperatures, which could have vast implications for industrial biotechnology.

Research Interests

Awards

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Research Fellow

1985-01-01
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Graduate Scholarship

1982-01-01

Patents

A Thermotable Biocatalyst for the Production of Ethanol and Stereo-specific Compounds

61/136,714 2008-01-01

Provisional patent application related to biocatalysis.

Thermostable Alcohol Dehydrogenase Derived from Thermococcus Guaymasensis

WO/2010/034115 2010-03-26

Patent for an enzyme with applications in high-temperature fermentation.

Requirements for University of Waterloo

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:90
Prerequisites
Honours Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Strong background in Statistics
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • 3 Academic References
  • Statement of Interest
  • Supplementary Information Form
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Includes fields like Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology.