U of A Researcher Spotlight Series
About this series
Curious about the groundbreaking innovations coming out of the University of Alberta? Join us over the lunch hour for the U of A Researcher Spotlight Series. This monthly webinar series shines a light on our remarkable faculty and their cutting-edge research. Tune in at noon to explore the latest discoveries and exciting breakthroughs happening right here at your alma mater. It’s your chance to delve into new ideas and expand your horizons — don’t miss out!
Upcoming Events
October 29, 2026 12 - 1 PM MT
Researcher Spotlight Series with Matthew Macauley: SCIENCE TALKS
More Than Food: The Hidden Language of Carbohydrates
When you hear the word “carbohydrates,” you might think of bread, pasta or energy. But carbohydrates do much more than fuel our bodies. They decorate the surface of every cell on Earth, helping them communicate and allowing our immune system to distinguish friend from foe.
Join Dr. Matthew Macauley for this special Science Talks episode of the Researcher Spotlight Series to explore how immune cells use specialized receptors to recognize carbohydrates on the surface of other cells. This cellular “handshake” helps the immune system determine what belongs in the body and what doesn’t. When this recognition system goes awry, it can contribute to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Discover how studying these tiny molecular interactions could lead to a better understanding of some of today’s most challenging diseases.
Speaker
Dr. Matthew Macauley obtained his PhD at Simon Fraser University and conducted Postdoctoral training at The Scripps Research Institute. In 2017, Dr. Macauley joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Alberta. Currently, Dr. Macauley is the R.U. Lemieux Professor of Carbohydrate Chemistry and holds a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Chemical Glycoimmunology.
Upcoming Speakers
November 5, 2026
Daniel Fried, Faculty of Arts - Rethinking How We Engage with Generative AI
November 18, 2026
Alireza Bayat, Faculty of Engineering
December 10, 2026
Josephine Godwyll, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation - Making Space for Everyone: Rethinking Accessibility
January 15, 2027
Afsaneh Lavasanifar, Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences - Nanotechnology and Cancer Treatment