Thesis title: Novel approaches for the inexpensive and scalable purification of biopharmaceuticals from transgenic plants Principal Supervisor: Prof. Peter Waterhouse Associate Supervisor/s: Dr. Zacharie LeBlanc Expected final thesis submission date: Before 1 July 2027 CAB Research program: Genetics and Molecular Biology
Julia Solonenka is a PhD student in the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, working under the supervision of Prof. Peter Waterhouse and Dr. Zacharie LeBlanc. She received her MSc from the University of British Colombia studying cyanobacterial neurotoxins after completing a BSc in medicinal chemistry at the University of Waterloo.
Previously, Julia completed a co-op placement at PlantForm Corp. in Guelph, Canada, where she learned how transgenic plants can be engineered to produce protein-based therapeutics. When an opportunity arose to continue study in this field at QUT, she leaped for the opportunity.
Currently, Julia’s PhD research focuses on developing novel scalable methods for plant-based protein purification, with the aim being to streamline purification by avoiding the use of specialized laboratory equipment.