Peter J. Unrau

Professor

Professor Unrau’s obtained a BSc in Physics and Mathematics from McMaster University (1992) and a PhD in Theoretical Physics from MIT (1996). Following graduation from MIT, Peter became interested in origins of life related research and was a MRC postdoctoral fellow in David Bartel’s laboratory at the Whitehead Institute. His laboratories work on RNA-mediated nucleotide synthesis and RNA-mediated RNA polymerization, has helped revolutionize our understanding of the RNA World theory of early evolution.

He is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at SFU and has held CIHR and Michael Smith Foundation Senior Scholar fellowships. He has served as a F1000 Faculty member and is on a broad range of federal and international grant review panels. He is a strong supporter of space exploration and has served on grant review panels for both the Canadian Space Agency and NASA’s exobiology program.

In addition to origin of life research Dr. Unrau is excited to develop RNA tools to study RNA in a cellular biology context. Recently the laboratory has developed fluorogenic aptamers (RNA Mango and Peach) that enable single cell imaging of RNA within living cells. This work in partnership with a broad set of international collaborators has demonstrated the power of such innovations in biological research.

In addition to his research work, Dr. Unrau enjoys a broad range of other interests. His past and present hobbies include: glider pilot, sailing, wood and metal working, hiking, snowshoeing and traveling to sunny countries with warm beaches.

Dept. of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry,
Simon Fraser University

BSc, McMaster University, 1992
PhD, M.I.T., 1996
MSFHR Senior Scholar