We are thrilled to announce Dr. Kathryn Deuchars as the new Chair of the TMIC Board of Directors. Dr. Deuchars brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this pivotal role, with over twenty-five years in biotechnology innovation and venture financing. Her background also includes significant experience in health technology commercialization. Her impressive career includes senior positions with Ontario Genomics and the Ontario Personalized Medicine Network. She has also held leadership roles at Light Matter Interaction and University Medical Discoveries. Dr. Deuchars also has a rich background as a research scientist at NPS Allelix Inc.
Dr. Deuchars earned her Master’s and PhD degrees from the University of Toronto, following an Hon. B.Sc. from Western University. Her diverse experience and commitment to the field uniquely positions her to lead TMIC into its next phase of growth and impact.
A Conversation with Dr. Kathryn Deuchars
Tell us about your background and what you’re most excited in your new role as board chair?
I am a long-term addict of the wonders of biotechnology. Intrigued by the power of the Punnett Square in high school, I studied Genetics at Western University. I then focused on the molecular biology of cancer chemotherapy resistance at the University of Toronto for my PhD. My departure from the academic realm led me to work at one of Canada’s first biotech companies, Allelix Biopharmaceuticals. There, I helped develop a high-throughput drug discovery program. I moved to biotech start-ups, working in early-stage venture capital at Lumira Capital and leading a medical laser company. Returning to the academic world, I took on a role at Ontario Genomics. I worked with researchers and colleagues across Canada on large-scale “omics” applied research projects, primarily in precision medicine. Currently, I am consulting for the “omics” community to develop grant and business opportunities.
The opportunity to work with TMIC allows me the joy of collaborating with smart people doing amazing “omics” things, specifically in metabolomics. I see TMIC as a quiet powerhouse with a comprehensive array of technologies, tools, services, and training. TMIC’s ability to secure a second round of financing from Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Major Science Initiatives (MSI) program highlights its success and future potential. As board chair, I am excited to help TMIC maximize its impact within the academic community, industry, and society by leveraging the breadth of expertise amongst the board members. I particularly see great scope to increase the business opportunities for TMIC.
Why did you decide to become involved with this organization, and what motivates you personally about its mission?
I have been involved in several boards, both within the biotech community and local community boards and committees. I appreciate the opportunity to give back to communities that have been important to me throughout my career and life. These groups inspired me by the power of collaborations between people of diverse background and abilities to achieve a common vision. TMIC intrigues me with the breadth of its technologies and corresponding opportunities in many diverse fields. Despite its proven impact to date (for example, as demonstrated by the fact that over half of metabolomics papers cite databases and tools produced by TMIC, like MetaboAnalyst and the HMDB) it may not have the same visibility as other large-scale ‘omic technologies. Metabolomics is one tool amongst the complementary technologies of proteomics, genomics, bioinformatics and AI and TMIC is well-positioned to grow these collaborative opportunities.
It was great seeing you at CanMetCon 2024 – as a leader in the genomics field! Are there any highlights that struck you about the future of multi-omics and what metabolomics can bring to the table?
CanMetCon 2024 was the first in-person conference for several years and all were delighted to reconnect in person. I enjoyed hearing about the astonishing range of applications of metabolomics. Metabolomics, often along with other ‘omic’ technologies, were used, for example, to measure the impact of PFAS “forever chemical” in turtle hatchlings analyses and unveil the biological reason for deformities in these turtles. As well as, to develop a more accurate drug surveillance test for incoming psychiatric patients for better care, and detailed analyses of bioreactor efficiency in producing monoclonal therapeutics using bacteria.
Fiona Brinkman’s keynote presentation on the CHILD Cohort Study showed the power of 67 million multi-omics analysis data points, including metabolomics, to reveal early-life origins of asthma. A novel presentation was about using metabolomics to examine wildfire smoke effects on BC interior wines – showcasing the powerful technology’s potential. It is also notable that there is a vibrant coterie of emerging scientists working within TMIC. These individuals will be well positioned to facilitate the continued growth of TMIC and the field of metabolomics.
What are your priorities and goals for your tenure as board chair?
From our initial discussions throughout the first year of the tenure of this new board, several themes have arisen. These include the need to improve infrastructure funding to levels more competitive with other international jurisdictions and enhancing visibility within Canada and abroad. Additionally, there is a need to accelerate translation of TMIC discoveries, to expand business development, and to integrate with other ‘omic technologies. The board’s expertise in academia, fee for service work, and commercialization will benefit TMIC members as we address these challenges. However, they all speak to the potential for growth of TMIC.
Any additional comments which you would like to ass about TMIC and Metabolomics in general?
Like many Canadian researchers, TMIC has learned to do much with their resources and has become an international leader – this bodes well for the future of TMIC
We look forward to Dr. Kathryn Deuchars’ innovative leadership and the new opportunities and growth for TMIC under her guidance.
