The Ogata Lab

Our Team

Our Team

Dr. Ogata’s passion for research education is paired with a devotion to training for purposeful diversity and active inclusion in the sciences. Details on group structure are found below.

Meet the Ogata Lab

Dr. Ogata’s passion for research education is paired with a devotion to training for purposeful diversity and active inclusion in the sciences. Details on group structure are found below.

The team is centered on core values of learning, accountability, and empathy.

01.

Dr. Alana Ogata

Dr. Alana Ogata joined the University of Toronto as an Assistant Professor in the summer of 2021 and is jointly appointed in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences.

Dr. Ogata obtained her B.Sc. from the College of William & Mary and completed her PhD under Dr. Reginald Penner at UC Irvine.

Click the button below to Learn More about Dr. Ogata’s career and research interests, and please consider following her on X/Twitter.

02.

Graduate Students

Melissa D’Amaral (she/her)

PhD

Melissa completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry and M.Sc. in Molecular Science from Toronto Metropolitan University, in 2020 and 2022, respectively. She completed her theses under the supervision of Prof. Marc J. Adler, where she investigated organosilanes as agents for stoichiometric and catalytic amide synthesis. Melissa is now working towards her Ph.D. in Chemistry in the Ogata Lab, specializing in analytic chemistry, where she will conduct single particle studies of enzyme/MOF composites. When not in the lab, Melissa loves spending time with friends and family, playing volleyball, traveling, or watching reality TV.

Ruben Castillo Barberi (he/him)

MSc

Ruben was born in Venezuela and moved to Canada at the age of 6. He began working at the Ogata Lab as an ROP student, fabricating electrochemical impedance bioresitors. Pursuing a fourth year thesis, he began researching the encapsulation of proteins in ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks. His Masters will now focus on fabricating a POC device using roll-to-roll technology for detection of cardiovascular markers in blood. Outside of the lab, Ruben enjoys being a Zumba instructor, watching comedy and trying new food.

Jared King (he/him)

PhD

Originally a native of Barbados, Jared King came to Canada to pursue his scientific passions by attending Trent University for his Bachelor’s in Chemistry and Forensic Science. A few years after graduating, he kept his pursuit alive by attending Fanshawe College to maximize networking potential and career building. He is now pursuing a Masters in Chemistry specializing in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Toronto. His passions outside of science include archery, singing/performing, cooking, and astronomy.

Theresa Okwuegbuna

MSc

Theresa finished her undergraduate degree at UTSC studying a double major in Human Biology and Neuroscience. She conducted her undergraduate thesis on the use of novel nanoparticles for sensitive detection of electro active amino acids. In her masters, she is working with the biosensors team to detect heavy metals in tampons under physiological conditions, and the SIMOA team to identify and quantify biological markers for early diagnosis of endometriosis. She loves 80s music and period dramas.

Abigail Richards (she/her)

MSc

Abigail completed her HBSc in 2024 from the University of Toronto, St. George, where she majored in Chemistry and minored in Environmental Chemistry and Mathematics. Now working towards her MSc in the Ogata Lab, Abigail is focused on developing a POC device using roll-to-roll technology to quantify the concentration of gastrointestinal inflammation biomarkers in urine. Outside the lab, she enjoys outdoor activities, crocheting, and creative projects like baking and paint-by-number art.

Kezia Suryoraharjo (she/her)

PhD

Kezia was born and raised in Indonesia, but moved to Canada to pursue her undergraduate studies in the University of Toronto St. George campus. She gained research experience from working with the Song group and the Wheeler group, then completing her HBSc in Chemistry in 2023. She is now working towards her PhD in the Ogata lab, studying ultrasensitive detection for gynecological disease diagnostics. Outside the lab, she tries to catch up with her family and friends (as well as catch up on sleep), practices calligraphy, and watches cooking videos on YouTube. 

Justin Van Houten (he/him)

PhD

Justin completed his HBSc in Chemistry and Biology at the University of Toronto in 2019. During his undergraduate studies Justin completed work under the supervision of Igor Lenherr where he investigated the transport and fate of mercury and methyl-mercury species in freshwater rivers. Justin completed his MSc in 2021 under the supervision of Ulrich Krull after developing a functional glucose sensor with UCNPs. Justin is now working toward his PhD in the Ogata lab where he studies structure function relationships in metal organic frameworks. Justin enjoys reading classic literature and spending time in nature.

03.

Undergraduate Students

Sophia Alonzi (she/her)

Undergraduate Researcher

Sophia is entering her third year majoring in Chemistry and Biology for Health Sciences. Previously, as a ROP student in the Nguyen Ba lab, she measured phenotypic mutation rates of yeast after removing or inactivating human oncogene orthologs. Her current UTEA project focuses on developing single molecule assays to detect biomarkers of human disease. Outside of the lab, she likes to read, garden, and crochet.

Arvin Azodi (he/him)

Undergraduate Researcher

Born in Iran, Arvin started in his undergraduate journey at the University of Toronto Mississauga, specializing in Biological Chemistry and majoring in Chemistry. His research project involves using roll-to-roll impedance bioresistors for detecting biomarkers using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Outside of the lab Arvin enjoys to play the piano, socialize, and play soccer.

Syrus Kenyon (he/they)

Undergraduate Researcher

Syrus was born and raised in Mississauga and is currently in his final year specialising in chemistry. His project revolves around the development of catalytically active nanomaterials. Outside of the lab, Syrus enjoys music, science fiction, and playing escape room board games.

Anthony Makwanda (he/him)

Undergraduate Researcher

Anthony was born and raised in Tanzania, moved to Canada pursuing his undergraduate studies. He is currently entering third year taking degree Specialist in Biotechnology. Outside the lab he enjoys sewing, reading and traveling.

Katinka Miklóssy (she/her)

Undergraduate Researcher

Katinka was born and raised in Hungary, moving to Canada in 2022 to complete her undergraduate studies in Chemistry and Mathematics. Within the lab, she will help to examine the catalytic activities of enzymes encapsulated by HRP/BSA-ZIF8 nanoparticles as an ROP student. Besides research, Katinka loves owls and is also passionate about fashion designing and make-up.

Leon Nitsch (he/him)

Undergraduate Researcher

Leon was born in Austria, but spent most of his life in Canada. He’s currently pursuing his undergraduate degree from UTM, majoring in Chemistry and Computer Sciences. His current research opportunity project is focused on designing python codes to analyze chemical data, as well as teaching the basics of computer science and python. Outside of the lab he likes attending his martial arts classes, spending time with friends, and listening to classical music.

04.

Honorary Member

Moose

Lab Dog!

05.

Alumni

Mujda Mirabi (she/her)

Undergraduate Researcher

Mujda continued as an ROP student in the Korzynski Bespoke Materials Laboratory.

Ayesha Dar (she/her)

Undergraduate Researcher

Shriya Gulati (she/her)

NSERC USRA summer student, ROP & CPS489 thesis student

Shriya went on to graduate school (MSc in Chemistry) in the Wheeler Lab at the University of Toronto.

Diego Estrada (he/him)

ROP & CPS489 thesis student

Diego went on to be Lab Assistant at the Ministry of Environment, Conservations and Parks of Ontario.

Advikaa Dosajh (she/her)

MSc Student

Advikaa started as a scientist at the Forensic Science Centre in Winter 2023.

Gurjap Bhullar (he/him)

Research Opportunity Program, CPS489 Thesis Student

Gurjap went on as a lab technician at UTM and then graduate school at University of Waterloo.

Shirley Liu (she/her)

BIO481 Thesis Student

Shirley started at Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Fall 2023.

Ruben Castillo Barberi (he/him)

Research Opportunity Program, CPS489 Thesis Student

Ruben started graduate school (MsC in Chemistry) at the University of Toronto in Fall 2023.

Ian Kenalty

CPS489 Thesis Student

Ian started graduate school (MsC in Chemistry) at the University of Toronto in Fall 2023.

Hannah Ruffo (she/her)

Undergraduate Researcher

Hannah started graduate school (PhD in Chemistry) at the University of California Irvine in Fall 2023.

Zaheer Khan (he/him)

Undergraduate Researcher

Christine Gaoiran (she/her)

Research Opportunity Program

Christine started went on as a research assistant, Nanonphotonics Lab at MIS Electronics, Inc.

06.

Group Structure

#1

Group Meetings

The Ogata Lab has group meetings once a week, where one graduate student presents a research update, literature review, lesson on an analytical technique, or literature on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

#2

Weekly One-on-one Meetings

Students meet with Professor Ogata once a week to discuss experimental progress, professional development, and feedback.

#3

Electronic Lab Notebooks

Student’s must maintain a onenote lab notebook, template provided by upon entry to the group. Everyone’s notebook and protocols are open for ease of access. Students log their daily experiments and prepare pre-meeting notes. Keeping clear and detailed lab notes is an important skill that translates to all future careers in research.

#4

Lab Responsibilities

Each graduate student is assigned a leadership role in the lab and is responsible for performing the tasks for that role. Example of leaderships roles include safety officer, purchasing manager, and social chair.

07.

Mentorship

#1

Individual Development Plans

Each student will create individual development plans and meet with Prof. Ogata to discuss their unique career goals, challenges, and strategic planning of 4-month goals. These meetings are also used to assess student progress and strategize for continued student growth.

#2

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

To educate ourselves and foster discussion skills, all students are required to present on an article focused on equity, diversity, inclusion topics at group meeting at least once a semester.

#3

Equitable Mentorship

Each student will meet with Prof. Ogata at weekly one-on-one meetings. Prof. Ogata’s mentorship style is to provide students the opportunity to receive feedback weekly while requiring students to be proactive in executing experiments on a day-to-day basis; with the goal of fostering independence and critical thinking skills in students.

08.

Join the Ogata Lab

Due to the high volume of email inquiries, Alana is unable to respond to all emails. There are currently 1-3 open graduate student positions for Fall 2023 (masters/PhD), and all interested students must apply to the Department of Chemistry.

Post-doctoral Fellows

Currently recruiting a post doctoral fellow to lead a project on the ultrasensitive single-molecule arrays for protein biomarker detection for gynecological diseases.

Prospective postdoctoral scholars should email Alana with a 1-page cover letter, CV, and a 5-slide presentation that summarizes your previous research accomplishments. Also, include potential projects or proposed ideas that you can contribute to and contact information for three references.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. In the subject line of the email, include “[Full postdoc application for U of T Ogata Lab]”

Graduate Students

Admitted graduate students to the University of Toronto should directly email Alana. Prospective graduate students should apply to the University of Toronto, Department of Chemistry before directly contacting Alana. Specific projects that a student is interested in can be discussed upon admittance.

The Ogata lab values team work, creating a supportive environment, leadership, and learning – students should highlight their scientific excellence, leadership, mentorship, and problem-solving skills in their applications.

Undergraduate Students

Alana is a big advocate for undergraduate research. Undergraduate students at the University of Toronto seeking research should email Alana with a statement of interest and CV.

We encourage 2nd and 3rd year students to apply to an NSERC USRA for the summer, and the Ogata lab typically posts 1-3 ROP positions in the summers.

Students entering their 4th year and interested in a thesis project should email Alana in the preceding summer. Currently there are no research volunteer positions open.

09.

Core Values

Safety

  • Maintain an environment free from all forms of bullying and discrimination, including microaggressions.
  • Maintain an environment free from all forms of bullying and discrimination, including microaggressions.
  • Maintain an environment free from sexual violence and sexual harassment.
  • Respect the privacy and personal boundaries of others.
  • Complete and continually update all laboratory and field safety training.
  • Adhere to safe practices in the field and laboratory

Respect

  • Create a safe space that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities.
  • Actively identify and remove barriers to accessibility.
  • Respect names and pronouns.
  • Treat all community members with the same level of courtesy, politeness, kindness, professionalism, and respect, regardless of their role or level of seniority.
  • Be respectful and kind when giving feedback, and thoughtful and open in receiving it.
  • Support a respectful space for individuals to participate in challenging, constructive, and critical dialogue and scientific debate.

Professionalism

  • Communicate openly, regularly, and collaboratively about mutual expectations for performance, responsibilities, and behavior in the laboratory and broader community.
  • Ensure community members receive equal support and access to opportunities.
  • Accept responsibility for mistakes and make changes to address them.
  • Respect community members’ time by being punctual and prepared.
  • Care for communal spaces by keeping them organized and clean.
  • Respect the principles of research integrity, confidentiality, and intellectual property.
  • Adhere to best practices in responsible data management.
  • Strive for open access science when disseminating research.