Fiona Brinkman

Simon Fraser University

CV Highlights

• Assistant Professor, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

• Research Director, Bioinformatics, Genome Canada Pathogenomics Project

• Awards: Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator (2005 - 2010), Canadian Who's Who (2005), Canada's Top 40 Under 40 (2003), Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar (2001)

• Research Interests: Genomic and bioinformatic analyses of pathogen evolution and host innate immunity, improving the computational prediction of pathogen cell surface proteins (drug/vaccine/diagnostic targets) and virulence factors

Body vs. Environment

Every day, an unconscious battle takes place between our bodies and our surroundings. A daily barrage of tens of thousands of potentially infectious microbes infiltrates our air, food, water, and our interactions with other people and animals. Our immune system is constantly on duty to protect us. But sometimes our systems can become over-stimulated, leading to inflammation of tissue and even sepsis - a deadly infection of blood or tissue.

Fiona Brinkman is leading a search for answers about what controls this inherent biological system of ours. Her contributions to the Genome Canada Pathogenomics Project will provide the basis for developing new methods of fighting infection in both humans and animals. Her team is developing a detailed database that not only provides a comprehensive view of the immune system, but also permits researchers to focus on key system pathways and

genes that could be primary drug targets.

Large archive systems and guaranteed rapid access to that stored data are essential to Brinkman's work. WestGrid's dynamic archive resources enable Brinkman to capitalize on the data-rich results she and her research team are gathering through their collaborations, experiments, and ongoing analysis.