Co-supervisor: Mike Wilkie, Wilfrid Laurier University
Research Interests
Dejana is a Ph.D. candidate investigating the physiological effects and mechanisms of TFM and niclosamide toxicity on lamprey and non-target fishes like sturgeon, trout and bluegill. Using toxicology, analytical chemistry, molecular biology and biochemical analysis to learn about how the addition of niclosamide to TFM affects its toxicity, tease out the exact mixture interactions and underlying mechanisms. Using similar techniques already mentioned, Dejana addresses the effects of water temperature on TFM toxicity in lamprey and TFM sensitive juvenile lake sturgeon, an important gap in the current knowledge.
Dejana completed her Master's in Biology in Dr. Perry's lab with Ottawa University, focusing on hypoxia and temperature effects on goldfish gills, changes in the gill's surface area, and the mitochondria-rich cells' size, number and function levels. Dejana completed her Honours Bachelor of Science at Wilfrid Laurier University with Dr. Wilkie and Dr. Smith with a project focused on the NMDA receptors in the brains of goldfish and the effects of anoxia on their action.
Dejana has many interests and expertise outside her previous projects that encompass everything from cell lines to whole animal physiology; she is also eager to grow her field-based and applied environmental research skills. Teaching and mentoring students is also an important aspect of Dejana's doctoral journey.
Publications
A full list of Dejana's publications can be found on her Google Scholar.