Research in the Sheldon Lab broadly encompasses molecular genetics, microbial pathogenesis, and nutritional immunity, with a focus on Gram-negative, multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens. My group investigates the factors contributing to the survival and virulence specifically of emerging pathogens, and we are particularly interested in the role of histamine and essential nutrient metals at the host-pathogen interface.

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I am a classically trained microbiologist and molecular geneticist, having conducted my HBSc and MSc in Applied and Environmental Microbiology at Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario), and my PhD at the University of Western Ontario in Microbiology and Immunology (London, Ontario). At Western, I studied mechanisms of iron acquisition in Staphylococcus aureus with Dr. David Heinrichs and characterized the role of citrate synthases in iron uptake, survival, and pathogenesis of this formidable pathogen. For my postdoctoral studies, conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, Tennessee) with Dr. Eric Skaar, I switched to studying the emerging, MDR pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. A. baumannii was recently identified by the World Health Organization as being a “Priority Critical” pathogen requiring research into and development of new therapeutic strategies. Iron uptake systems are particularly attractive targets for drug and vaccine development, as this metal is essential to the survival and replication of almost all bacteria. Since starting my research program at the University of Saskatchewan in 2022, the lab has also expanded to investigate the role of histamine and nutrient metals in the biology and pathophysiology of another emerging MDR pathogen, Morganella morganii.

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When I am not in lab, I enjoy trail running (slowly, and weather permitting), baking/cooking, travelling, attending conferences and meeting up with friends/colleagues, and finding “hidden gems” of restaurants and cafés in the places I end up – including in Saskatoon. I consider travelling to connect with other scientists and experience different cultures to be one of the greatest perks of working in academia.

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Bioo

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My name is Vedika Patil. I am an Indian citizen who came to Canada in the year 2022 on PR with my parents. I am currently studying in grade 12 in Walter Murray Collegiate. I have previously volunteered in the Royal University Hospital as a wayfinder to help people and patients find their way around the hospital. I am extremely grateful and happy to work in the lab as I am hoping to learn more facts about the multidrug resistant bacteria which is mainly the research interest of the lab. It's because since I was introduced to biology in highschool I got curious about antibiotic resistance and what mechanisms are used by the bacteria to become resistant to the drug. I want to learn in depth about antibiotic resistance, its mechanisms, the current research focus on the gram negative bacteria 'A. baumannii' and other interesting facts about pathogens researched in the lab to build my knowledge and prepare me for my upcoming studies.