Affinité commercializes a unique benchtop analytical platform delivering real-time, label-free biosensing with unparallel simplicity. Our analytical device help researchers working in academic and pharma R&D who want to validate protein interactions by avoiding laborious lab methods and getting results at their bench quickly.

Supported the design and development of provincial programs to foster R&D and innovation in Ontario including: the $20 million Colleges Applied Research and Development Fund (delivered by Ontario Centres of Excellence) and the $35 million Advanced Manufacturing Consortium – a collaboration between three universities to develop long-term industrial innovation projects, strengthen global competitiveness and create high-value jobs across Ontario. In this role I frequently liaised with industry representatives and stakeholder associations to ensure that programs were comprehensive and responsive to business needs.

Provided analysis and support to a team of Senior Advisors responsible for overseeing the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs – the provincial network of programs and services to support start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses across the Ontario. Developed briefing materials and notes to support decision-making and Ministry direction.

Identified and developed business opportunities with potential academic and industrial clients, along the Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City corridor.Addressed potential clients’ inquiries, coordinated meetings and instrument demonstration researchers in academic and industrial settings. Created online marketing material such as a website, a technical brochure and a company logo to provide international visibility.

Worked toward improving the analytical performances (i.e. linearity, LOD/LOQ, repeatability, accuracy, etc) of their nucleic acid based assay to comply with clinical requirements. Decreased the data processing time from hours to minutes and standardized data reporting by developing and implementing an automated Excel-based program. Collaborated with Engineering and Manufacturing Departments to meet R&D requirements for instrument/process developments.

Investigated the possibility to adapt a nucleic acid sensing test to protein detection (cancer, inflammation, cells).Mentored 10+ graduate students in analytical techniques and scientific methods.

Fabricated thin Au films with microscopic patterns, characterized their intrinsic optical properties and proved their greater analytical performances as biosensors compared to existing substrates. Co-inventor of a patented light-based biosensing platform (US8860943) and wrote 10+ scientific articles on the topic including 4 as first author. Managed multiple projects, collaborated with international scientists, and trained 20+ students on innovative instrumental and analytical methods.Shared scientific advances by writing scientific articles, proceedings, reports, protocols and reviews and by presenting, orally and posters, at national and international conferences. Teaching Assistant in 3rd year analytical chemistry. Recipient of 2 departmental grants based on outstanding academic performance (Charron-Lam 2010, FESP 2010) .

Conceptualized and built a time-resolved fluorometer. Sourced vendors and maintained performances of optical components (detector, lens, laser, etc.).Member of the organizing committee of 10e (Career development day) Journée Carrière Chimie.