My postdoctoral research explores the role of metabolism in shaping serious bacterial infections, ranging from urinary tract infections to Cystic Fibrosis infections. Using my expertise in analytical chemistry, with experience in cell culturing techniques, I am developing new tools and platforms to help us elucidate the metabolic mechanisms behind the emergence and clinical trajectory of these bacterial infections. With the knowledge gained from these metabolomics studies, we can suggest new biomarkers and drug targets to help accurately detect bacterial infections faster and develop novel treatments for infections.My doctoral research explored the effects of different environments and ecosystems on cyanobacteria growth and metabolism, with a focus on lake systems in Canada and other parts of the world. Cyanobacteria produce many metabolites, including the non-protein amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) which is implicated in neurodegenerative disease. I used analytical techniques to quantify levels of BMAA in cyanobacteria and other organisms and I develop and validate methods for detecting BMAA. Data obtained from improved analytical techniques to quantify trace amounts of environmental toxins may help inform health and environmental policies and reduce the risk of disease in areas affected by cyanobacterial blooms.