Erin M. McConnell is currently a research scientist in the Laboratory for Aptamer Discovery and Emerging Research (LADDER) at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Her research expertise lies at the intersection of DNA nanotechnology and building DNA-based tools to monitor and improve human health. She completed a B.Sc. in Neuroscience (minor in chemistry) and her Ph.D. in Chemistry, at Carleton University, under the supervision of Dean Maria C. DeRosa. She also trained as a postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Yingfu Li at McMaster University, and as a research associate in Prof. Vincent Tabard-Cossa’s lab at the University of Ottawa prior to returning to Carleton University. Additionally, Erin is passionate about science outreach and communication, and is honoured to bring these skills to the N1C.