Dr. Claudia Sheedy: A Colleague, A Collaborator And A Friend

Dr. Claudia Sheedy joined the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre in 2005 with all her
enthusiasm shortly after completion of her PhD. One of her many tools in her arsenal was
utilization of antibodies to identify and quantify molecules and organisms. A common interest
soon arose about detection of urediniospores from Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici (Pst). In the fall
of 2007, a presentation was made about development and production of rabbit polyclonal
antibodies Pst. Making profit of the availability of the polyclonal antibody, studies on detection of
stripe rust urediniospores using real time immuno-PCR (RT-iPCR) demonstrated the feasibility for
quantitative detection of the Pst spores. The challenge of breaking open the spores in a
quantitative manner to release their DNA for standard PCR detection was a huge factor toward
developing an immunological detection and quantification of the Pst spores. Funding was obtained
from the Industry in covering the period between March 1, 2019 and February 28, 2022. The
project included production of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and novel technologies to
accelerate the detection of Pst and other fungal wheat pathogens spores. There were a few events
during that period but at the end the graduate student associated with this project, Ilakkiya
Thirugnanasambandam, completed her degree in June 2023 on quantitative detection of airborne
spores from pathogens of wheat. Data on key steps of this interaction will be presented and
discussed.
The energy and enthusiasm of Claudia for life extended to her “off-work” activities. She loves the
outdoor and was highly active all around the year. Some but not all her activities such as downhill
and backcountry skiing, white water kayaking, mountain biking in the coulees and in the
countryside, hiking and music led to a solid friendship in addition to the collaborating work. It was
excellent interaction after the working hours.