RESEARCH PROJECTS
With a devoted interest in the interactions between humans and the plants they use, the Harris lab integrates methods in ethnobotany, analytical chemistry, and pre-clinical pharmacology/ toxicology to investigate how the chemical complexity and variability of different plants relate to their bioactivity. On the plant side, we are interested in why bioactive phytochemicals evolve, and what are their physiological and ecological functions. On the human side, we are interested in how people have interacted with plants in the past and present to help improve human and environmental health in the future.
MAPPING THE DISTRIBUTION, DIVERSITY, AND BIOACTIVITY OF ALKYLAMIDES AND PHENOLICS AMONG ASTERACEAE
PHYTOCANNABINOIDS
TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS FOODS AND MEDICINES FOR SUPPORTING METABOLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SECURITY
SUPPORTING THE SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF COMMERCIAL NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS (NHPS)
FACILITIES
The Harris Lab operates out of the Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics (CAREG) on the main campus of the University of Ottawa. CAREG is a state-of-the-art research facility with access to cutting edge analytical and molecular technologies to facilitate our research.
We are fully equipped with a range of processing, extraction, and analytical instruments for phytochemical analysis, isolation and characterization, as well as cell culture, imaging, and high-throughput in vitro assays for pre-clinical research. We have also been licensed for cannabis research since 2017.
Core facilities and local partnerships expand our analytical (e.g. high-resolution mass spectrometry, NMR) and experimental (e.g. molecular bio, in vivo modles) capacity. CAREG also is equipped with a full greenhouse system for growing and maintaining live plants.