David Sychantha
Biography
Dr. David Sychantha earned his PhD from the University of Guelph under the supervision of Dr. Anthony Clarke. His thesis research focused on investigating bacterial polysaccharide O-acetylation in Gram-positive bacteria. He then underwent postdoctoral training in Dr. Gerry Wright's laboratory at McMaster University, during which he characterized the modes of action of several antibiotics, antibiotic adjuvants, and anti-virulence agents.
The Sychantha Lab employs structural biology, enzymology, and chemical biology approaches to study how pathogenic bacteria maintain and modify their cell surfaces to resist antibiotics and evade the human immune system. Specifically, the lab is interested in the biochemical pathways bacteria use to regulate enzymes involved in remodelling the cell wall and controlling cell shape/structure. The long-term goal of the lab is to define the mechanisms of cell wall homeostasis to inform chemotherapeutic strategies to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The Sychantha Lab employs structural biology, enzymology, and chemical biology approaches to study how pathogenic bacteria maintain and modify their cell surfaces to resist antibiotics and evade the human immune system. Specifically, the lab is interested in the biochemical pathways bacteria use to regulate enzymes involved in remodelling the cell wall and controlling cell shape/structure. The long-term goal of the lab is to define the mechanisms of cell wall homeostasis to inform chemotherapeutic strategies to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Research Interests
- Microbiology & Immunology
- Antibiotics & Resistance
- Structural enzymology
- Glycobiology
Education
- 2023, CIHR Fellow, McMaster University, Canada
- 2018, PhD, Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Canada
- 2013, MSc, Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Canada
- 2011, BSc, Microbiology, University of Guelph, Canada
Awards
- 2020-2023, CIHR Fellowship Award
- 2018-2019, Michael G. DeGroote Fellowship Award
Graduate studies
- Currently considering applications from graduate students. A completed online application is required for admission; start the application process now.