I received my PhD in Cell and Systems Biology from the University of Toronto Scarborough in 2007 and my MSc in Biology from Queen’s University in 2000.

Prior to joining Laurier, I was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Biology at Western University (2008-2010).

My lab focuses on the electron transport systems of photosynthesis and respiration. Our particular interest is alternative proteins involved in putting electrons into or taking electrons out of these systems. Current research projects focus on the alternative oxidase, plastoquinol terminal oxidase, and alternative NAD(P)H dehydrogenases of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. We use various techniques to study the molecular, regulatory and functional properties of these enzymes. I also have a strong interest in scholarship about women in science and the professional development of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Post-doctoral Fellowship (2008-2010).
• John R. Evans Leaders Fund, Canada Foundation for Innovation (2014).

Undergraduate students interested in volunteer opportunities or conducting an undergraduate research thesis (Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, or Health Sciences) should contact me directly. I am currently recruiting for a graduate student to start in May or September 2015. Please submit an unofficial copy of your transcripts, a one-page description of why you wish to work in the McDonald lab, and a CV or resume via email to amcdonald@wlu.ca.

• Costa JH, McDonald AE, Arnholdt-Schmitt B, Fernandes de Melo D. “A classification scheme for alternative oxidases reveals the taxonomic distribution and evolutionary history of the enzyme in angiosperms”. Mitochondrion. (in press).
• Neimanis K, Staples JF, Huner NP, McDonald AE. 2013. “Identification, expression, and taxonomic distribution of alternative oxidases in non-angiosperm plants”. Gene. 526: 275-286.
• McDonald AE, Ivanov A, Bode R, Maxwell D, Rodermel S, and Hüner N. 2011. “Flexibility in Photosynthetic Electron Transport: The Physiological Role of Plastoquinol Terminal Oxidase (PTOX)”. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta- Bioenergetics. 1807: 954-967.
• McDonald AE. 2009. “Alternative oxidase: what information can protein sequence comparisons give us?” Physiologia Plantarum. 137: 328-341.
• Frederico A, Zavattieri M, Campos M, Cardoso H, McDonald AE, and Arnholdt-Schmitt B. “The gymnosperm Pinus pinea L. contains both AOX gene subfamilies, AOX1 and AOX2”. Physiologia Plantarum. 137: 566-577.
• McDonald AE, Vanlerberghe GC, and Staples JF. 2009. “Alternative Oxidase in Animals: Unique Characteristics and Taxonomic Distribution”. Journal of Experimental Biology. 212: 2627-2534.
• McDonald AE. 2008. “Alternative oxidase: an inter-kingdom perspective on the function and regulation of this broadly distributed ‘cyanide-resistant’ terminal oxidase”. Functional Plant Biology. 35: 535-552.

• Laurier researchers receive $1.8 million in funding from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
• Laurier faculty engage in events and projects to address International Women’s Day issues.
• Laurier opens new rooftop research greenhouse as part of open doors 2015 event.