Dr. Ralf Schirrmacher 

Travis obtained his BSc (hon) in Physiology from the University of Alberta in 2021, during which time he spent four summer research studentships in Dr. Ralf Schirrmacher’s group through the Department of Oncology. He began his graduate studies in the Department of Chemistry in September 2021 and is currently a Chemical Biology PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Ralf Schirrmacher. His work primarily focuses on the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals for positron-emission tomography imaging and therapy of cancer. Travis is a passionate educator and deeply enjoys teaching undergraduate chemistry students and tutoring through various non-profit organizations. When he is not busy pestering Ms. Yinglan Pu in the lab, he enjoys running, hiking, and playing chess.

Lexi studied at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia from 2016-2020 where she obtained a Joint BSc (hon) in Chemistry and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. She completed her previous research under the supervision of Dr. Caterina Ramogida where she worked on developing macrocyclic chelators for Hg-197, a theranostic nuclide. She joined the Schirrmacher group at the University of Alberta in Sept. 2020 as a new graduate student where she is currently working on developing bimodal imaging and therapeutic radioligands.

Palwasha obtained her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Biology at the University of Alberta in 2024. During her last year, she completed a summer research studentship in Dr. Ralf Schirrmacher’s group focusing on radiohybrid model compounds for novel theranostic radiotracer development. In September of 2024, she began her Master of Science (MSc) studies in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Alberta with the Schirrmacher group, continuing her work on developing novel radiotheranostics and radiotracers for PET imaging.

Bethany studied at the University of Manitoba from 2020-2025 where she received her BSc (hons) in Chemistry. During this time she completed research under the supervision of Dr. Kathleen Gough, developing methods to control the crystallinity and monitor the biodegradation rate of polylactic acid using FTIR microscopy and two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy (2D-COS IR). She joined Dr. Ralf Schirrmacher's research group at the University of Alberta as a graduate student in January 2026 and is currently developing novel radiotracers for PET imaging.

Regan joined the group in the spring of 2025 as a research assistant after completing a BSc with a Specialization in Integrative Physiology at the University of Alberta.  She spent a summer in Dr. Ralf Schirrmacher’s group as an oncology summer student, and is continuing to assist graduate students with development and radiolabeling of PET imaging tracers. 

Erica received a B.A. double majoring in Chemistry and Philosophy, and a B.Sc in Biology, from Manhattanville University in 2023, where she also played NCAA Div III ice hockey. During her undergraduate studies she researched the antibacterial properties of terpenes on cariogenic oral bacteria. Her current research focuses on the development of theranostic nanoparticle drug delivery systems with radiolabeling for PET imaging. Outside of the lab, she continues to play hockey and loves to read.

Angelina Torres joined the Schirrmacher group as a Research Assistant in February 2020 providing essential administrative support. She helps with the development of lectures, presentations and courses and supports the group with her valuable experience as an administrator and group coordinator. She further facilitates group meetings and functions as a contact for new students who are interested in joining the Schirrmacher group.