Principal Investigator

Originally from the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia, Cullen received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Professor John Honek. He then completed postdoctoral training with Professor Eric Brown at McMaster University, before working in antibacterial drug discovery and development of β-lactamase and cell wall synthesis inhibitors in the biotech sector (Venatorx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, PA, USA). Cullen joined the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph as an assistant professor in the summer of 2024. His research continues to delve into the complexities of the bacterial cell wall, integrating biochemical, structural, molecular and genetic approaches to examine poorly understood aspects of cell wall synthesis and maintenance.

MSc Student

Julien has called the University of Guelph home since 2018. During his undergraduate studies, he developed an interest in antimicrobial resistance and bacterial virulence, which led him to pursue an undergraduate research project in Professor Matthew Kimber’s laboratory focused on characterizing inhibitors of bacterial virulence-promoting enzymes at the structural level. After completing his BSc in biochemistry, Julien began his graduate studies in the Myers lab in the Fall of 2024, investigating biochemical mechanisms of wall teichoic acid remodelling in Bacillus subtilis.

MSc Student

Travis has had a passion for science from a young age and completed his undergraduate degree in biochemistry at the University of Guelph in 2024. During his studies, he worked in Dr. Ryan Prosser’s laboratory, studying the ecotoxicological effects of various chemicals on aquatic systems. Travis joined the Myers Lab in January 2025 and his research aims to better understand the physiological roles of wall teichoic acid remodelling in gram-positive bacteria.

Undergraduate project student

Hashir is a Biomedical Sciences Major at the University of Guelph, conducting a 4th year undergraduate research project in the Myers Lab. His work involves employing biochemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology techniques to develop tools to study the effects wall teichoic acid-degrading enzymes on bacterial cells. Outside of academics, Hashir enjoys travelling, cooking, watching movies and playing basketball.

Undergraduate research assistant

Kylie is a second-year student in Molecular Biology and Genetics. She is currently studying peptidoglycan hydrolase function in Bacillus subtilis cell wall homeostasis. She hopes to pursue a career in biotechnology or education. In her free time, Kylie enjoys playing card games, swimming, and watching movies.

Undergraduate student volunteer

Hayley is a third-year undergraduate student in the Biomedical Sciences program with a minor in microbiology. She is interested in career in research and plans to further her education in microbiology. 

Research Technician