Zach Miller

Zach first joined the Servos Lab in January 2022 as a co-op student before returning following the completion of his BSc in Biochemistry to work full-time as a technician from May 2023 to August 2024. In this role, he worked on wastewater-based surveillance for COVID-19, carrying out the full workflow from sample collection and processing through to RNA extraction, qPCR analysis, and data interpretation.

His work included supporting diagnostic and surveillance workflows through sample analysis, qPCR interpretation, and quality control of laboratory data. He also assisted in preparing and reporting results to public health units and municipal partners, helping ensure timely and accurate communication of findings. In addition, he contributed to maintaining data integrity across ongoing monitoring programs and assisted with troubleshooting technical and workflow issues as they arose.

Beyond analytical responsibilities, Zach played a key role in training and onboarding new co-op students and staff, helping standardize laboratory procedures and ensuring consistency in sample handling and processing. He also supported routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, contributing to overall lab reliability and operational continuity during high-throughput periods.

Zach’s research interests included human genetics, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders. He is currently pursuing an MSc at the University of Ottawa.