Марія

Mariia Liulchak
M.Sc. Candidate in Biochemistry
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
Phone: [відкрити контакти](див. вище в блоці «контактна інформація») | Email: [відкрити контакти](див. вище в блоці «контактна інформація») | LinkedIn

EDUCATION
M.Sc. in Biochemistry 2025–present
University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
Field of Study: Candida albicans, Antifungal Research, Chitosan-Based Biomaterials
B.Sc. in Biotechnology and Bioengineering 2021–2025
Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Kyiv, Ukraine
Field of Study: Industrial Biotechnology and Biopharmacy | Thesis: Technology of
Chitosan as a Basis for a Wound-Healing Gel with Fermenter Design

WORK EXPERIENCE
Teaching Assistant Jan 2026–present
University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
- Assisted with undergraduate laboratory teaching in General Chemistry and Biochemistry
courses
- Graded laboratory reports and assignments and provided student feedback
- Assisted with midterm and final examination invigilation
Senior Laboratory Technician Sep 2024–May 2025
BioSoft Veterinary Clinic, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Performed biochemical and clinical analyses of blood, urine, feces, and effusion
samples using manual and automated methods
- Conducted ELISA, hormone assays, microscopy, and identification of fungal pathogens
- Maintained and calibrated laboratory equipment and performed quality control
procedures
- Managed laboratory inventory, procurement, and staff scheduling
- Trained and supervised new staff and implemented new diagnostic test
Laboratory Technician Jun 2023–May 2024
Zoolux Veterinary Clinic, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Performed CBC, biochemical blood analysis, urinalysis, coagulation, and compatibility
testing using manual and automated methods
- Conducted microscopy and cytological analysis of blood and effusion
- Analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples
- Performed real-time PCR and rapid diagnostic testing
Laboratory Technician (Seasonal) Feb 2023–May 2023
BioNorma, Biotechnology Production, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Participated in industrial-scale cultivation of Bradyrhizobium japonicum to produce
microbial fertilizers for legume crops
- Performed sampling and quality control testing to ensure products met established
standards
- Investigated the effects of B. japonicum on nitrogen fixation and the growth of
leguminous plants, including soybean
- Cultured and maintained B. japonicum strains

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Graduate Research Student 2025–present
University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
Supervisor: Dr. Tanya Dahms | Project: Polysaccharide-Based Antifungal Coatings for
Medical Catheters
- Fabricated and characterized chitosan-based biomaterials for urinary and venous
catheter applications
- Modified chitosan using crosslinking, grafting, quaternization, and nanocomposite
formation techniques
- Performed antifungal assays, including MIC, adhesion, biofilm, germ-tube, and hyphal
formation assays
- Cultured and maintained laboratory and clinical Candida albicans and Escherichia coli
strains
- Utilized AFM, confocal, epifluorescence, and optical microscopy, and microplate readers
for biomaterial and microbial characterization
- Supervised and trained an undergraduate summer research student
Mitacs Globalink Research intern Jun–Aug 2024
University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
Supervisor: Dr. Tanya Dahms | Project: Can Essential Oils Prevent Fungal Infections?
- Performed MIC assays and evaluated the antifungal activity of essential oils (eugenol,
carvacrol, and clove oil), fatty acids (lauric and oleic acids), and Aloe vera against
Candida albicans
- Fabricated chitosan films incorporated with essential oils, fatty acids, and Aloe vera
- Characterized chitosan-based formulations and investigated their effects on Candida
albicans
- Analyzed experimental data and presented findings at research group meetings

TECHNICAL SKILLS
Microbiology: microbial cultivation and maintenance of Candida albicans, Escherichia
coli, and Bradyrhizobium japonicum; aseptic techniques; autoclave operation; culture
media preparation; MIC, adhesion, biofilm, germ-tube assays
Biopolymers: chitosan, alginate, cellulose derivatives (CMC, CNF); film fabrication;
solution casting; crosslinking; nanocomposite formation
Microscopy & Instrumentation: AFM, confocal, epifluorescence, optical and
stereomicroscopy, microplate reader
Molecular Methods: PCR/real-time PCR; ELISA
Software & Data Analysis: Microsoft Office Suite, ImageJ/Fiji, JPK SPM Data
Processing, AutoCAD

CONFERENCES
Liulchak, M. et al. (2026). Polysaccharide-Based Antifungal Catheter Coatings. INSPIRE
Interdisciplinary Research Symposium, Regina, Canada
Liulchak, M. et al. (2025). System-Based Analysis of Pseudomonas spp. for
Biotechnological and Ecological Applications. XIX International Scientific and Practical
Conference “Biotechnology of the XXI Century”, Kyiv, Ukraine
Liulchak, M. et al. (2024). Antifungal Potential of Chitosan-Based Films Doped with
Antimicrobial Agents. 5th Scientific Conference of Young Researchers, Kyiv, Ukraine

HONOURS & AWARDS
Women in STEM Entrance Scholarship | University of Regina, 2026–2027 $10,000
Mitacs Globalink Research Internship Award | Mitacs, 2024 $8,500
University of Regina Research Award | University of Regina, 2026 $2,000
University of Regina Graduate Scholarship | University of Regina, 2026 $1,155
Thesis Only Scholarship | University of Regina, 2026 $855
Department Top-Up Award | University of Regina, 2026 $500
State Academic Scholarship | Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, 2022–2025

VOLUNTEERING & ACTIVITIES
Mentor | University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada Jul 2026
EYES All-Girls Program
Judge | University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada Mar 2026
Regina Regional Science Fair
Selected Participant | NTNU, Trondheim, Norway Mar 2025
ISFiT25 – International Student Festival in Trondheim
Team Lead | KPI, Kyiv, Ukraine Nov 2024
Global Greenchem Hackathon

LANGUAGES
Ukrainian – Native | English – C1 | Russian – C1 | Spanish – B1