Brendan Daisley found science in a particularly unique way: a dose of methylmercury poisoning and the subsequent road to recovery led to an unquenching curiosity for science—specifically, how environmental toxins can affect human physiology.

He is currently completing the third year of his PhD in microbiology and immunology at Western University in London, Ontario, working in the lab of Dr. Gregor Reid, Seed’s Chief Scientist. Alongside Dr. Reid, Brendan has pioneered extensive research and development in the application of probiotics to counter colony-collapse disorder and revive honey bee populations, one of the first projects that address ecological health through SeedLabs. Through his work, he aims to elucidate the direct and indirect mechanisms by which beneficial microbes can mitigate the effects of environmental toxins in humans, wildlife, and the environment.

Brendan is the recipient of numerous scholarships and grants, and his work has been recognized by the international scientific community as well as CTV News London, TIME Magazine, and Science Daily.