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 by email. I am recruiting two thesis students for Fall 2019.

I am currently recruiting for an M.Sc. student to start in May or September 2019. 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.

• Tward CE, Singh J, Cygelfarb W, McDonald AE. In press. Identification of the alternative oxidase gene and its expression in the copepod Tigriopus californicus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2018.11.003.

• McDonald AE, Gospodaryov DV. In press. Alternative NAD(P)H dehydrogenase and alternative oxidase: Proposed physiological roles in animals. Mitochondrion. Doi.org/10.1016/j.mito.2018.01.009

• McDonald AE, Pichaud N, Darveau CA. 2018. “Alternative” fuels contributing to mitochondrial electron transport: Importance of non-classical pathways in the diversity of animal metabolism. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 224: 185-194. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2017.11.006.

• Del-Saz NF, Ribas-Carbo M, McDonald AE, Lambers H, Fernie AR, Florez-Sarasa I. 2018. An In Vivo Perspective of the Role(s) of the Alternative Oxidase Pathway. Trends in Plant Science. 23: 206-219. Doi:10.1016/j.tplants.2017.11.006

• Roberston A, Schaltz K, Neimanis K, Staples JF, McDonald AE. 2016. Heterologous expression of the Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oyster) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes. 48:509-520.

• Costa JH, McDonald AE, Arnholdt-Schmitt B, Fernandes de Melo D. 2014. A classification scheme for alternative oxidases reveals the taxonomic distribution and evolutionary history of the enzyme in angiosperms. Mitochondrion. 19: 172-183.
• 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.

Fall 2018 BI401 Origin of Life on Earth and Endosymbiotic Theory

Winter 2019 BI496C Science Communication

• 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.