Masters Students 2022-25

 

Samuel Nunn

Hey everyone! My name is Sam and I finished my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Acadia in May, 2021. My focus in biology the last four years has been in genetics. My master’s research under the supervision of Dr. Easy is going to involve analyzing the effects of environmental contaminants on genes involved in maintaining the health of striped bass. We are going to look at both organic (some herbicides, pesticides, etc.) and inorganic (toxic metals) contaminants. We will also be looking at the effects of climate change, and how this plays a role in exacerbating the role of the contaminants on the striped bass. We want to determine if there are changes in the target genes of striped bass in different locations due to various contaminants present as well as climate change. I am very excited to be working on this project as we look to quantify the effects of contaminants and climate change on the health of striped bass, and help bring to light the importance of protecting striped bass. Success of this project will result in biomarkers for future studies as well as some answers as to what is causing the declining health of striped bass.

 

Honours Students 2025-26 

Hi! My name is Cali Breen, and I am in my fourth year of a BScH in Biology. I am currently completing my honours, and my research is being supervised by Dr. Russell Easy. My research involves creating a model of multiple sclerosis in zebrafish and studying the inflammatory response following demyelination. The goal of this research is to identify biomarkers of stress that may be elevated in zebrafish following demyelination in order to better understand the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases such as MS.  I'm so excited to be a part of the Easy Lab Stress Response Team this year and can't wait to perform this research!

 

Grace Bulger

Hello! My name is Grace Bulger, and I am entering the final year of my Bachelor of Science in Biology (Honours). My research focuses on transmissible cancers in marine invertebrates, particularly bivalve molluscs—one of only three animal groups known to experience this rare phenomenon. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, I will conduct a comparative survey of tumour suppressor proteins across marine invertebrate species along the coast of Nova Scotia. I am thrilled to join the Easy Lab Stress Response Team and excited to see where this research leads!

Morgan Trombley

Hi everyone!! My name is Morgan Trombley, and I am in my fourth year of a BScH in Biology with a 2nd major in Psychology. I am currently part of the Easy Lab for my honours, where my research is being supervised by Dr. Russell Easy. My research has a focus on the process of demyelination in multiple sclerosis - specifically the expression of target genes within these pathways. This research will provide insight into the role of key genes in this response. I’m so excited to be a part of this wonderful lab this year!!