Biography

Note: Dr. Forrester is not qualified to provide medical advice. If you suspect you have a parasitic infection, please see your local health care provider.

Under the microscope of Sean Forrester, PhD, is where some of Canada’s leading research on parasitic organisms takes place. A parasitologist and associate professor of Biology in the Faculty of Science at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), Dr. Forrester has been studying parasitic organisms for over a decade in search of new drug targets to combat tropical diseases.

He has always been interested in the living environment, and drawn to organisms and the discovery of what they did. During his undergraduate studies in biology, a fascinating fourth-year course in parasitology taught by an inspiring professor had such a profound impact, that it led him to pursue research in this field. He graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia, and in 1997 he earned his Master of Science in Biology and Parasitology at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. During his doctoral studies at McGill University’s Institute of Parasitology, Dr. Forrester completed five years of indepth research into parasitic organisms and frequently published his findings, realizing that he wanted to focus on a career in research and teaching. A two-year post-doctoral fellowship followed in the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Pennsylvania, which set him up for a career in academia.

Dr. Forrester began his teaching and research career at UOIT in 2004 as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Science. In 2007 he held the position of Graduate Program director of the Applied Bioscience Graduate Program, and in 2009 he was appointed associate professor and associate dean of Graduate Studies, a position he held until 2011. In 2012, he was named Undergraduate Program director of Biological Sciences at UOIT. Additionally, he currently serves as an adjunct professor at McGill University’s Institute of Parasitology.

Industry Expertise (3)

Laboratory Services

Research

Education/Learning

Areas of Expertise (6)

Parasitic Nematodes

Pharmacology

Parasitic Organisms

Antiparasitic Drug Targets

Molecular Biology

Neurochemistry

Accomplishments (2)

Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director, Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, UOIT (professional)

2009-01-01

Dr. Forrester led the development of a Master of Science and a Doctorate in Applied Bioscience at UOIT, and he has developed and taught biology and pharmacology undergraduate and graduate courses. Additionally, he has played an important role in the early careers of his graduates who are now conducting doctoral and post-doctoral research at the Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University and the University of Toronto.

Adjunct Professor, Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (professional)

2006-01-01

One of the oldest recognized centres of interdisciplinary research in Canada, the Institute of Parasitology focuses on parasitic organisms, the relationship with their host and the means to limit the impact of parasitic disease on health and wellbeing.

Education (3)

McGill University, Institute of Parasitology: PhD, Molecular Parasitology 2003

Lakehead University: Master of Science, Biology/Parasitology 1997

Cape Breton University: Bachelor of Science, Biology 1995

Affiliations (2)

• McGill University Institute of Parasitology
• Centre for Host-Parasite Interactions

Event Appearances (4)

Chemical biology approach to the study of nematode cys-loop GABA receptors as nematocidal drug targets

Centre for Host-Parasite Interactions Molecular Parasitology Symposium   Montreal, Quebec

2014-05-14

Cys-loop GABA receptors in Haemonchus contortus: structural and pharmacological analysis, Symposium on Membrane Ion channels in Helminth Parasites

Resistance and Sites of Action for Anthelmintics  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2011-12-01

Acetylcholine-gated chloride channel (ACC) genes in Haemonchus contortus

Symposium on Membrane Ion channels in Helminth Parasites, Resistance and Sites of Action for Anthelmintics  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2011-12-01

Characterization of a novel tyramine-gated chloride channel from Haemonchus contortus

International Congress of Parasitology  Melbourne, Australia

2010-08-15

Research Grants (1)

Inhibitory amine neurotransmission in parasitic nematodes

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) $135,000

2010-04-01

This research project focuses on investigating cys-loop receptors that are activated by biogenic amines such as dopamine, tyramine and serotonin.