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	Office SSB 6114 Phone 778.782.3448 Email punrau@sfu.ca   Peter J. Unrau, Associate Professor Dept. of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University B.Sc., McMaster University, 1992, Ph.D., M.I.T., 1996, MSFHR Senior Scholar, CIHR New Investigator. Peter Unrau’s education includes a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics from McMaster University (1992) and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from MIT (1996). Following his graduation from MIT, Peter became interested in the emerging field of RNA catalysis and decided to join David Bartel’s laboratory as a postdoctoral fellow at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. His work there, which includes isolating the first RNA nucleotide synthase ribozyme, has been cited numerous times in the literature as a highly significant contribution to the RNA catalysis field. In 2001, Peter joined the faculty at Simon Fraser University where, with the help of his bright and energetic lab members, he runs an active research program in the area of RNA catalysis. He is currently Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Simon Fraser University, a Michael Smith Foundation Senior Scholar, and a member of the Faculty of 1000. In addition to his research work, Peter enjoys a wide range of other interests. He is a strong supporter of space exploration and has served on panels for both the Canadian Space Agency and NASA. His past and present hobbies include: glider pilot, sailing, wood and metal working, hiking, snowshoeing & traveling to sunny countries with warm beaches.