Matthew Buechler received his PhD in the laboratory of Dr. Jessica Hamerman at the University of Washington. He performed his postdoctoral training with Dr. Shannon Turley at Genentech. Dr. Buechler started a laboratory at the University of Toronto in the Department of Immunology in 2021. His team studies how fibroblasts mediate inflammation and regeneration. He also serves as the Associate Chair for Wellness, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity and the Director of the Centre for Immune Analytics.

Dr. Nirosha Murugan is a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Tissue Biophysics. She began her academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology in Northern Ontario at Algoma University and has since joined Wilfrid Laurier University as a Laurier Distinguished Research Chair and Assistant Professor of Health Sciences. She earned her NSERC-funded Ph.D. in Biomolecular Sciences specializing in Cancer Biophysics and Neuroscience at Laurentian University, where she developed biophysical tools to non-invasively detect early cancer formation and reprogram malignant tissues by leveraging ion channel dynamics. As a postdoctoral fellow, she trained with Dr. Michael Levin and Dr. David Kaplan at Tufts University, where they developed a patented platform grounded in regenerative biology and biomedical engineering to stimulate latent developmental pathways to regenerate functional limbs in non-regenerative animals. Now spearheading her own lab, Dr. Murugan is supported by national and international funding agencies, including the Canada Research Chairs Program, NSERC, CFI, and NFRF. The overarching goal of her lab is to understand how biophysical signals can interact with diverse microenvironments to guide stem cell differentiation towards whole limb-regeneration and reprogram disease states, with the ultimate goal of translating these foundational discoveries into clinical applications.

Dr. Anthony Flamier is an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Montreal and a Principal Investigator at CHU Sainte-Justine. He earned his Ph.D. in neuroscience and later pursued postdoctoral training at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research in the laboratory of Dr. Rudolf Jaenisch. His research focuses on using stem cell models to study neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular interest in Rett syndrome and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). His lab employs genome editing techniques, single-cell sequencing, and RNA modifications to better understand disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Flamier’s work includes investigating primary cilia dysfunction in Rett syndrome and exploring gene editing approaches, such as prime editing, for rare genetic conditions. His research is highly collaborative, integrating fundamental biology with translational applications in close partnership with clinicians and other scientists. In addition to his research, Dr. Flamier is committed to mentoring students and fostering a collaborative scientific environment. He actively engages in national and international collaborations, aiming to contribute to the advancement of neuroscience and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Singh is a Senior Scientist in the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute and Krembil Research Institute, located with University Health Network (UHN) since 2020. He is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (LMP) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Prior to this, he was at McMaster University from 2012-2020 where he was a Scientist and Neural Program Lead at the Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, The David Braley Chair in Stem Cell Research, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University. His lab utilizes patient-derived neural 3D organoid/assembloid models, in combination with multi-omic approaches, to study neurodevelopmental and adult neurological and vision disorders. The long-term goal is to utilize these platforms to study disease etiology, and develop regenerative medicine approaches such as genetic therapies. He is funded by national and international funding from CIHR, NSERC, SCN, NFRF, ERARE, ERA-NET and the Ontario Brain Institute.

Dr. Mohsen Akbari is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, the Director of the Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME) at the University of Victoria, an Affiliated Associate Professor at the School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, adjunct professor at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Department of Bioengineering at University of California-Riverside. In addition to his professorship, he is a senior board member at the Canadian Biomaterials Society, board member at the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering, member of the Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC), investigator at International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Associate Member of Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at 4M Biotech, and Scientific Advisor at Apricell Biotech. Dr. Akbari obtained his Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University and received postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He is the recipient of several awards and recognitions, including the Keston Award, membership of the College of New Scholars at the Royal Society of Canada, Lifetime Fellow of International Association for Advanced Materials (IAAM), Scientist Medal from IAAM, Faculty of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Idea to Commercialization Award, NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, BC Innovation Council Research Award, Kaiser Foundation Award, and recognized as a Canadian Rising Star in Global Health by Grand Challenges Canada. Dr. Akbari is on the editorial board of Biofabrication, International Journal of Bioprinting, Micromachines and Gels. He is also member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Biomaterials Society. His research findings have been published in 140 peer-reviewed journal papers and book chapters with an h-index of 46 and over 9200 citations. His work has been featured on the cover of 12 Journals and reported in +70 media outlets such as CBC News, Time Colonist, BBC News, Google News, Science Daily, The Telegraph, Fortune, and NSERC website.

Dr. Lorena Braid is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and the Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease at Simon Fraser University (BC, Canada) and Founder and CSO of Aurora BioSolutions. Following a Ph.D. in developmental genetics and cell signaling, Dr. Braid completed a postdoctoral NSERC Visiting Fellowship at Defence Research and Development Canada where she explored the usefulness of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for military medicine. Dr. Braid subsequently founded Aurora BioSolutions Inc. where she leads a research team to develop ruggedized MSC-based treatments that are useful outside clinical settings for combat and mass casualty critical care. In recognition of her contributions to the advancement of MSC therapies, in 2021 Dr. Braid was awarded a Canada Research Chair in MSC Biology. She was recruited to SFU in September 2020, where she established the MSC Discovery and Innovation Lab. Here, Dr. Braid is building a multidisciplinary team to study the roles of endogenous MSCs in physiology, idiopathic diseases and aging and to develop new biomaterials and high-fidelity 3D tissue models. Her combined research efforts aim to achieve practical and cost-effective health solutions derived from MSCs, or that target MSCs in situ.

Dr. Golnaz Karoubi is a Scientist and Principal Investigator at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI, University Health Network). She is an Assistant Professor in the department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and is cross appointed in the department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto. Dr. Karoubi received her Ph.D. in Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto in 2006 and joined the Lung Regenerative Medicine Program in the Department of Clinical Research in Berne University, Switzerland for a post-doctoral research fellowship. She stayed on as a Group Leader in 2008 to direct the basic and transitional science as related to Lung Regenerative Medicine until 2012. In late 2012, she joined the team of Dr. Tom Waddell at the TGHRI as a Senior Scientific Associate, was appointed to Assistant Scientist at the TGHRI in November 2019 and to Assistant Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology in July 2020. She received her Scientist appointment TGHRI in April 2023. Her research interests include development of practical approaches for treatment of lung and airway disease. Studies focus on: (1) Airway regeneration; (2) Use of stem cell-derived airway cells for tissue engineering applications; and (3) Cell-based therapy for end-stage lung disease.

Dr. Shirley Mei is an Investigator in the Regenerative Medicine Program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) and the former Chief Operating Officer of the Northern Therapeutic Inc. With over 20 years of experience in academia and industry, she specializes in the discovery of novel cell and gene therapy candidates, the design and execution of regulatory-enabling nonclinical, toxicology, and biodistribution studies, and the development of CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, and controls) programs for clinical translation. The team led by Dr. Mei is skilled in stem cell manufacturing process scale-up and optimization, technology transfer, stability programs, safety testing, and potency assay development. Dr. Mei spearheaded the advancement of several mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies from bench to bedside, including the world’s first genetically engineered MSC product to enter a Phase 1 clinical trial for septic shock patients (NCT04961658). Her lab at OHRI investigates how MSCs modulate immune cells in diseases such as sepsis, ARDS, and H1N1, via multi-omics approaches, aiming to develop next-generation cell and gene therapies. Prior to 2016, Dr. Mei served as Program Director for two Ontario Research Fund programs and the CIHR-funded Vascular Network, where she led strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, training programs/funding initiatives, and program operations.

Kevin Robb is a Scientist in Research & Development at STEMCELL Technologies in Vancouver, Canada. In this role, he develops products and workflows that support research in the mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) field. Prior to joining STEMCELL, Kevin completed a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto and University Health Network. His doctoral research focused on improving MSC therapies for knee osteoarthritis, yielding multiple publications and patent applications. Kevin holds a MESc from Western University and a BSc Hon. Physiology from McGill University. Outside the lab, Kevin writes about professional development and cell therapies as a blogger for the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) in Toronto.

Dylan is a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Aaron Wheeler’s lab at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on understanding early placenta formation and developing prenatal diagnostics for congenital and placental disorders. Dylan is passionate about scientific communications, having participated in numerous outreach events including Stem Cell Talks and Science Rendezvous. When not in the lab, Dylan enjoys rollerblading, running, and playing dungeons and dragons.

Ohanes is a Ph.D. Candidate at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, affiliated with the University of Ottawa. Under the supervision of Dr. Michael Rudnicki at the Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, I am studying the role of non-coding RNAs in muscle stem cell quiescence. Specifically, he is making use of cutting-edge next-generation sequencing library preparation methods to map the complete transcriptome of muscle stem cells, which includes a variety of RNA types, some having protein-coding, and others regulatory functions. His work involves a blend of experimental and computational methods to identify and characterize the functional role of candidate non-coding RNAs in muscle stem cell maintenance and regeneration. He is passionate about empowering fellow students for a successful career in Academia and/or Industry. Considering the diverse set of skills required in life sciences-related careers, he believes that mentorship and constant skill-building initiatives are essential for trainees. Out of science, he is a violinist who plays gigs and teaches. In addition, he is passionate about sports (Football & Basketball), and Formula 1.

Shahnaz is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Calgary specializing in pluripotent stem cells. With over two years of postdoctoral experience in Alberta, her research focuses on gene editing techniques, stem cell differentiation, and high-throughput screening for therapeutic applications. She has worked extensively on retinal organoid development and is dedicated to advancing tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. Her goal is to explore the integration of stem cell-based solutions in clinical applications to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Haider is a MSc student at Simon Fraser University, where he also completed his BSc with Honours in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. He is currently researching mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and neurodegenerative diseases, under the supervision of Dr. Lorena Braid. Having been pursing research for the past four years he is passionate about promoting regenerative medicine and cultivating an environment where trainees can advance their skills and confidence. Outside of the lab you can find Haider relaxing at home with his two cats, or if the sun is shining, hiking with his friends.

Nerea is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Andrew Pepper and Greg Korbutt’s lab at the University of Alberta. Her research focuses on the use of mesenchymal stromal cells for tissue vascularization and islet transplantation for the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. Nerea is deeply committed to promoting equity and diversity within the stem cell research community. Recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in driving innovation, she is dedicated to advocating for inclusive practices that empower individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to thrive in STEM fields. Nerea believes that fostering a diverse and inclusive environment not only enriches scientific discourse but also strengthens the ethical foundations of our research endeavors. Outside of the lab, she loves travelling around the world, skiing and spending time with her dog, family, and friends.

Pauline is a postdoctoral researcher currently working in Nicolas Dumont’s laboratory in CHU Sainte-Justine in Montréal, Canada. She discovered muscle stem cells (MuSCs) during her time in Jérôme Feige’s lab in Switzerland and pursued a Ph.D. in this field, working with Fabien Le Grand in Lyon, France, for four years focusing on MuSCs during skeletal muscle regeneration. Now, during her postdoc, her goal is to understand MuSC defects in context of DM1. She likes interacting with people, running, and go outside the lab with her labmate.

Sarah Benedict is a lifelong resident of Ottawa, where she lives with her husband and two children.  She is a former Dental Hygienist who is now an active member of her community, managing many of her kids sports teams, and is involved with several committees at the kids schools. When not at the soccer field or hockey rink, Sarah also enjoys travelling.

In Early 2015 Sarah was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder, and underwent an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant later that year under the care of Dr. Harold Atkins at the Ottawa Hospital.

Hello I’m Kevin Bolusi, I was electrocuted in 2015 resulting in third degree burns over 75% of my body and an above knee amputation of my left leg. I was placed into a coma and my parents consented to my participation in an SCN- funded clinical trial led by Dr. Véronique Moulin. The research was testing an autologous tissue-engineered skin substitute. The treatment is faster than skin grafting, and the risk of rejection is much lower due to the use of personalized skin cells. My recovery has been remarkable. I graduated from Concordia in aerospace engineering and now work as a mechanical designer. In my free time, I’m a paraclimber and paraskier.

Charmain Brown is a dedicated educator with the York Region District School Board with extensive leadership in curriculum, instruction, equity and inclusion.  She is also an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Education at Tyndale University.  Her two young adult children underwent successful gene therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa after several years of community and political advocacy for the vision community.  Charmain resides in Pickering, Ontario with her partner and two children.

Karen Peat is a devoted mother, wife, community member and type 1 diabetic. Karen was diagnosed with diabetes at age 11 and was faced with the lifelong challenges of managing the disease. During her third pregnancy, Karen fell into a coma while napping. Although both her and her baby survived the episode, Karen’s healing took years. In 2004, Karen successfully underwent a groundbreaking stem cell transplant, coined the Edmonton Protocol, developed by Dr. James Shapiro and colleagues at the University of Alberta. Today, Karen resides in the breathtaking landscapes of Vancouver, British Columbia, cherishing each moment and embracing all that life has to offer.