Chris Leichthammer

Chris is a first-year law summer student at Aitken Klee LLP and a law degree candidate at Queen’s University.

Before his legal studies, Chris obtained his MSc from Western University and worked as a private-sector researcher. His area of expertise is synthetic biology, with experience in bioinformatics, genetic engineering, cell-free protein synthesis, and protein purification.

In addition to his scientific background, Chris has experience writing marketing material for tech start-ups. He also serves as an editor for the Queen’s Law Journal.

Education

• Juris Doctor, Queen’s University (Expected 2026)
• Master of Science (Biochemistry), Western University (2021)
• Bachelor of Science, Honours Specialization in Genetics and Biochemistry, Western University (2017)

Publications

• Foo, Leichthammer, et al.  “Intein-based thermoregulated meganucleases for biocontainment of genetic material.” (2023). bioRxiv [Preprint].
• Gordon, Soltysiak, Leichthammer, et al. “Development of a transformation method for Metschnikowia borealis and other CUG-serine yeasts.” (2019) Genes, 10(2), 78.