Linda Ha

Affiliation

Honours student
Biology Program
Email: lha060@uottawa.ca

Research interests

Mercury
Microorganisms
Human Health Risk Assessment
Biogeochemistry
Toxicology

Bio

My interest in the toxicology of biological species around us stems from several undergraduate environmental and microbiological courses offered at the University of Ottawa.  My focus is on microbes and chemical species such as MeHg that become inherently introduced into our bodies, especially when seafood is consumed. MeHg is a well-known neurotoxin, and its effects on glial cells have been studied in the past with implications on neurodegenerative diseases.  However, in the Chan lab, I hope to learn more about the initial entry of MeHg at the intestine. Presently, I am studying how chronic exposure of dietary MeHg in the gut affects the onset of intestinal disorders. By extension, I would like to investigate how this plays a role in subsequent MeHg absorption into the bloodstream.

When not in the lab, I enjoy reproducing what catches my eye through sketching and painting.

I am currently involved in three publications associated with OHRI, Health Canada and the University of Ottawa.

Research project

Title: Methyl-mercury bioaccessibility and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation of Caco-2 cells

Description: This project aims to understand the relationship between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and MeHg absorption at the gastrointestinal lining.