Meet the team

Laura Stankiewicz, Vice-Chair, PhD candidate, University of British Columbia

Laura is a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columba. Her research focuses on learning how T cells develop within the human thymus and how we can use this information to make T cells in the lab that can be engineered to kill cancer cells. She joined the TCC because she is passionate about creating a common language between scientists and engineers to facilitate sharing of diverse skills and expertise. She believes training young researchers on how to effectively communicate their work is integral to the translation of cell therapies to the clinic, and she is excited to implement workshops for trainees that address these skill sets.

Nevicia Case, University of Alberta

Nevicia is a postdoctoral fellow in the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta under the supervision of Dr. Ubaka Ogbogu. Her research maps and analyzes regulatory policies and frameworks for the clinical translation and market authorization of regenerative medicine products and therapies. Nevicia is originally trained as a cognitive scientist and conducted her graduate research in neurology and psychiatry. She is passionate about the impact of medical science on patients and society. Additionally recognizing her involvement in several communities and initiatives beyond academia, Nevicia is a 2023 Top 30 Under 30 Award recipient from the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation. Her relaxation activities include weightlifting and playing the piano.

Fanny-Meï Cloarec-Ung, Université de Montréal

Fanny-Meï is a PhD student in molecular biology at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer at the Université de Montréal. Her research focuses on age-associated mutations in clonal hematopoiesis to understand the molecular and cellular trajectories potentially leading to myelodysplastic and leukemic syndromes. Outside of the lab, she enjoys travelling, hiking, photography and discovering new foods.

Amelinda Firdauzy, Simon Fraser University

Amelinda is a second year MSc student in biological sciences at Simon Fraser University. In the lab, they are currently studying a rare genetic disease named Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), specifically caused by the mutation of the tuberin (TSC2) protein gene, under the supervision of Dr. Lisa Julian. Amelinda’s research goal is to establish the first human cell model of cortical tubers, which is an example of TSC manifestation in the brain and the underlying cause of epilepsy in TSC. This model will help further understand the development and mechanisms of the aberrant stem-like giant cells population observed in epileptic brain lesions of TSC patients. Outside of research, you may find them wrestling plastic rocks at various bouldering gyms.

Jules Granet, PhD Student, McGill University

Jules is a PhD student in Natasha Chang’s Lab at McGill University. His project aims to understand how autophagy contributes to muscle stem cell fate determination regenerative functions in healthy conditions and in the context of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Outside the lab, he loves travelling to discover new places, eating, watch movies and spending time with friends.

Courtney Irwin, University of Toronto

Courtney is a MSc student at the University of Toronto’s Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology program working under the supervision of Dr. Karun Singh at the University Health Network. Courtney’s work aims to better understand the effect of Autism spectrum disorder risk genes on sensory nervous system development using 3D stem cell models. When she is not in the lab, you can usually find her thinking about the lab, attending a concert, attempting to bake, or hanging out with her cat, Wren.

Holly Jiogo, McGill University

Holly is a MSc student in human genetics, studying under the supervision of Dr. Colin Crist at McGill University. In her research, she aims to discover how RNA granule dynamics can contribute to the regenerative potential of muscle stem cells. Holly is also a huge advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM, and believes that a focus on inclusive science communication and outreach can help bridge the gap between traditionally scientific and non-scientific communities (for the benefit of everyone!). When she’s not analyzing samples under the microscope, you can find her reading, listening to podcasts or eating delicious food!

Ahmed Kabil, University of British Columbia

Ahmed Kabil is a PhD candidate working in the biomedical research centre at the University of British Columbia. He obtained a high honours BASc in applied science from the University of Toronto. Ahmed’s research focuses on understanding how the immune system is sculpted during development (particularly type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2)) and how perinatal microbial exposures result in lifelong alterations in immune response to disease. He is developing several elegant genetic tools that will allow us for the first time to monitor the emergence, development and history of ILCs throughout life and evaluate how they are involved in a variety of animal model diseases. Ahmed is a big believer in mentorship, outreach, and science communication. Beyond his research, he enjoys teaching and is passionate about providing mentorship. In his free time, Ahmed loves playing football.

Oreoluwa Kolade, University of Toronto

Oreoluwa is a PhD student with a passion for regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and machine learning. His current research focuses on the use of mesenchymal stromal cells for therapeutic purposes, with a particular interest in the challenges related to cell manufacturing. In addition to his research, Oreoluwa is dedicated to fostering connections between academia and industry and is interested in developing workshops for graduate students to help bridge the gap between the two worlds. Beyond academia, Oreoluwa is an avid sports enthusiast with interests in boxing, MMA, and Formula One. His dedication to both academic pursuits and personal interests has helped him develop a well-rounded perspective and a drive for success.

Coulter Montague Szakaly, MSc Student, University Health Network

Coulter is a second year MSc student in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, studying under the supervision of Dr. Michael Laflamme at the University Health Network. In his research, Coulter aims to establish a novel bioreactor architecture for the large-scale production and maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Outside of the lab, he loves reading, scuba diving, snowboarding, playing hockey, and he’s always looking for new ways to promote scientific communication to researchers at every level.

Haochen Sun, University of Calgary

Haochen completed his Bachelor of Science in human biology and immunology at the University of Toronto. He decided to continue his master’s degree by studying biomedical engineering in the Krawetz lab at the University of Calgary. His project aims to use human dermal mesenchymal stem cells to treat cartilage damage in mice. Haochen’s goal is to determine whether stem cells generated from bioreactors versus static tissue culture flasks can both aid in cartilage repair. Outside of his work in the lab, he enjoys playing sports, listening to music and learning new languages.

Parisa Varshosaz, Laurentian University

Parisa is a PhD candidate in the biomolecular sciences program working under the supervision of Dr. Alexander Moise in the Medical Sciences Division at Northern Ontario School of Medicine University and Laurentian University. Her research focuses on exploring the role and regulation of retinoic acid (RA)-signaling during cranial development. Parisa’s work, in collaboration with Dr. Maureen Kane (U. Maryland), Paul Trainor (Stowers Institute), and Andrew Wilkie (Oxford University), has revealed that retinoic acid is required for the differentiation of cranial mesenchymal cells towards a calvarial osteoblast fate. Moreover, mutations that affect retinoic acid levels, contribute to the pathogenesis of a group of congenital disorders known as craniosynostosis. Her thesis work is currently focused on the self-regulatory pathways that shape retinoic acid signaling via feedback regulation and in response to Yes-associated Protein (YAP) signaling. Parisa’s studies employ a wide range of molecular biology and gene-editing techniques to uncover the critical role of RA-signaling in the differentiation of progenitor cells towards osteoblasts and osteocytes. She is excited to be a member of SCN’s Trainee Communications Committee, not only to learn from leaders in the stem cell field, but also to help young scientists effectively improve their skills and pursue rewarding scientific careers.

Tyler Wenzel, Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Saskatchewan

Tyler is a postdoctoral fellow setting up a stem cell and regenerative medicine facility for the University of Saskatchewan. Their research, which is overseen by Drs. Darrell Mousseau and Jane Alcorn, is very multidisciplinary, covering topics such as brain homeostasis, central nervous system tissue regeneration, brain and intestinal disease etiology, pharmacokinetics and the gut-brain axis. The ultimate goal of their research is to create better treatments for neurodegenerative and inflammatory bowel diseases. Tyler is particularly passionate about developing better models of these human diseases and unlocking the therapeutic and pharmacological potential of organoids as well as the stem cells they are derived from. Prior to their career as a scientist, Tyler was a high school science and mathematics teacher, and they are excited to bring their experience and passion for teaching to the Trainee Communications Committee. I strongly believe stem cells are key to improving the quality of life for many people around the world, and they are thrilled to be part of developing this technology. In their spare time, you can find Tyler hiking, downhill skiing, going to concerts, taking photographs, podcasting, or making sci-comm videos.

Fereshteh Sadat Younesi, PhD Student, University of Toronto

Fereshteh is a PhD student in biomedical sciences at faculty of dentistry at University of Toronto. She is working under the supervision of an amazing scientific leader, Dr. Boris Hinz at St. Michael hospital. Her research focuses on developing the strategies to boost (maintain) the regenerative potential of Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) through manipulation of MSc mechanical response and memory. Particularly, she is studying how epigenetic patterns change the behaviour of MSCs in response to plastic-stiff environment, which is widely used for pivotal expansion of MSCs after isolation from donors. Outside the lab, she enjoys thinking about scientific challenges, exploring new places, hiking, listening to Persian music and reading Persian poetry. Recently, she has challenged herself to learn musical instruments, called Setar.
She is excited to be part of the TCC and to help graduate students to improve their skills for their career goals while she is learning new skills.