Meet the team

Amy Wong, Chair, Scientist, The Hospital for Sick Children; Assistant Professor, University of Toronto

Dr. Amy Wong is a Scientist in the Program of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology at the Hospital for Sick Children and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto. She completed her undergraduate degree in the Life Sciences at the University of Toronto in 2001 and went on to receive graduate degrees at the University of Toronto: a MSc in Cardiovascular sciences in 2003 and a PhD in lung regeneration in 2008. She then joined the SickKids Research Institute in early 2009 as a post-doctoral fellow where she was the first to develop a method to generate airway epithelia that model airway Cystic Fibrosis (CF) lung disease in-vitro. Today she is internationally recognized as a pioneer in using human stem cells to model lung development and disease. Her lab has three main research focus 1) To identify novel genetic and molecular factors regulating lung development and disease; 2) to develop predictive human lung disease models for precision medicine; 3) To generate improved preclinical physiologically relevant lung mimetics for disease modeling using novel bioprinting and microfluidic platforms.
https://lab.research.sickkids.ca/wong/

Matthew Buechler, Co-Vice Chair, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto

Matthew Buechler received his Ph.D. 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 (DoI) in 2021. He serves as the DoI Associate Chair for Wellness, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity and the Director of the DoI Flow Cytometry Facility.

Alexander Baker, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University

Dr. Alexander Baker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Dalhousie University (July 2023). He pursued undergraduate studies (B.Sc.) as a combined Honors in Chemistry, Biochemistry at Dalhousie University, before proceeding to a PhD in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry with a Collaborative Specialization in Biomedical Engineering. The focus of his research involved click chemistry hydrogels and 3D in vitro drug screening models for cancer with Dr. Molly Shoichet at the University of Toronto. As a postdoctoral fellow Dr. Baker concentrated on the design of an intraocular hydrogel to treat retinal detachment in Dr. Shoichet’s lab. He later joined Dr. Keith Pardee’s synthetic biology research group (University of Toronto) as a postdoctoral fellow. Here research focus included developing a multiplexed diagnostic and expansion of the genetic code with non-canonical amino acids for therapeutic applications. The Baker research group specializes in soft functional biomaterials and developing regenerative medicine treatments for retinal disease. In addition to protein therapeutics developed via cell-free incorporation of non-natural amino acids.

Daniel Coutu, Scientist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Assistant Professor, University of Ottawa

I completed my B.Sc. in Biology at Université de Montréal. I then joined the Division of Experimental Medicine at McGill University for my graduate studies, under the supervision of Dr. Jacques Galipeau (Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital). My work focused on using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for gene and cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. I then pursued postdoctoral training at the Institute for Stem Cell Research (Helmholtz Center Munich, Germany) under the supervision of Dr. Timm Schroeder. There, I studied skeletal and hematopoietic stem cells using long term, continuous, single cell time-lapse microscopy and quantitative image analysis. The lab relocated to the Department of Biosystems Science & Engineering (ETH Zurich, Switzerland) where I developed highly multiplexed confocal imaging and computational image analysis techniques, specifically designed to study stem cells in whole mouse bones. In 2018, I joined the Regenerative Medicine program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, and the Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine at University of Ottawa. I am also the inaugural holder of the Research Chair in Regenerative Orthopedic Surgery (The Ottawa Hospital). My lab studies the fundamental biology of skeletal stem cells and their use in regenerative orthopedic surgery.
https://www.ohri.ca/profile/dlcoutu/

Anthony Flamier, Assistant Research Professor, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal

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.

Nirosha Murugan, Co-Vice Chair, Laurier Distinguished Research Chair, Assistant Professor, Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University 

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.

Samantha Payne, Assistant Professor, University of Guelph

Dr. Samantha Payne is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada in the department of Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Payne completed her BSc and MSc at the University of Guelph, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto, with a focus on developing cell transplantation strategies for brain repair after stroke. She then held a Postdoctoral Fellowship position at Tufts University studying the role of bioelectric signaling in breast cancer. The research goal of the Payne Lab is to understand how the peripheral nervous system controls important biological functions following tissue injury. The lab uses a variety of cell culture and animal models to investigate the interaction of peripheral nerves with fibroblasts, stem cells, and other cell types with the aim of developing therapeutic strategies to prevent scarring and promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. Dr. Payne’s research program is supported by NSERC, the Stem Cell Network, and CFI.

Karun K. Singh, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network (UHN)
Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

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.

Ly Vu, Scientist, BC Cancer; Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia

Dr. Vu is a Scientist at the Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Center (BC Cancer) and an Assistant Professor at Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at University of British Columbia (UBC). Dr. Vu is originally from Vietnam with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Vietnam National University. Dr. Vu completed both her Ph.D. and post-doctoral training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NYC, US, where she uncovered the critical roles of RNA binding proteins and RNA methylation in pathogenesis of myeloid leukemia. At BC Cancer, Dr. Vu’s laboratory aims to understand molecular mechanisms underlying control of stem cells and pathogenesis of hematological malignancies with a focus on post-transcriptional and translational gene regulation pathways. The ultimate goal is to develop innovative therapeutic approaches for treatment of leukemia and other cancers. Dr. Vu is the recipient of numerous awards including the prestigious Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Postdoctoral Fellowship, the Special Fellow award from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Scholar Award and the Terry Fox New Investigator Award.
https://www.bccrc.ca/dept/tfl/people/ly-vu

Tyler Wenzel, Assistant Professor; University of Saskatchewan, Department of Psychiatry

Dr. Wenzel (Ph.D., B.Ed.) is an Assistant Professor, licensed Canadian schoolteacher, and healthcare advocate. Dr. Wenzel’s laboratory is located at the University of Saskatchewan in the clinical Department of Psychiatry. A pillar of their research focuses on replacing the immune cells of the brain to treat different pediatric and adult diseases. Dr. Wenzel works alongside the adult and pediatric neurosurgeons, psychiatrists and neurodevelopmental pediatricians to facilitate the development of these cell therapies and ensure clinical relevance. In addition, Dr. Wenzel works alongside patient partners across North America to better understand ways to improve the care they receive.

Before research, Dr. Wenzel was a schoolteacher and head of a special education department in British Columbia. In this role, Dr. Wenzel taught high school students with a diverse array of learning barriers, and created accessible lesson plans that encouraged school attendance and engagement. Dr. Wenzel received their doctoral degree from the University of British Columbia, and completed their postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Saskatchewan whereby they setup the first stem cell facility at the institution. As a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Wenzel developed brain and intestinal organoid models of diseases, including Crohn’s and Alzheimer’s disease, to better understand mechanisms underpinning these diseases.

Andrew Pepper, Chair, Assistant Professor, University of Alberta

In 2018, Dr. Pepper was recruited to the Department of Surgery, in the Division of Surgical Research at the University of Alberta as an Assistant Professor. His laboratory in the Alberta Diabetes Institute, examines the underlying mechanisms that govern pancreatic beta cell survival and function, with the ultimate goal of developing and refining cell-based therapies that could become a universal treatment for a broader range of people living with type 1 diabetes. Dr. Pepper has published >40 manuscripts and 4 book chapters related to islet biology, immunology and beta cell transplantation. He is currently a Canadian Research Chair in Cell Therapies for Diabetes and has received funding from the Stem Cell Network, JDRF, MITACS, CIHR, CFI-JELF, Alberta Innovates, New Frontiers in Research Fund, Alberta Diabetes Foundation, University Hospital Foundation and the Canadian National Transplant Research Program.

Mohsen Akbari, PhD., P.Eng., FIAAM, MCBS, MCSME, MRSC
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria

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.

Lorena Braid, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University; Founder and CSO, Aurora BioSolutions Inc.

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.

May Griffith, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre

May holds the Canada Research Chair in Biomaterials and Stem Cells in Ophthalmology and Caroline Durand Foundation Research Chair in Cellular Therapy of the Eye. She is currently Director of the Cornea and Anterior Segment Axis of the Quebec Vision Health Research Network. MG is known for her bench-to-bedside pioneering work in translational regenerative medicine and in situ tissue regeneration. She led a multi-national, interdisciplinary team through the development and successful clinical testing of the world’s first biosynthetic corneal implants that promoted human corneal tissue and nerve regeneration in a clinical trial in Sweden. The cell-free implants stimulated the patients’ own cells to migrate into the matrix, proliferate and differentiate into neo-corneas. The team subsequently completed a second clinical trial with biosynthetic corneal implants containing an inflammation-suppressing polymer network on high-risk patients. Most recently, MG and her team developed a synthetic, biocompatible and adhesive liquid hydrogel (LiQD Cornea) for repairing corneal perforations in place of toxic cyanoacrylate glue. LiQD Cornea is applied as a liquid, but quickly adheres and gels within corneal tissue defects. Then its similarity at a molecular level to a natural tissue framework promotes tissue regeneration, treating corneal perforations effectively without the need for transplantation. MG continues her biomaterials-based research for cornea and retina regeneration, and angiogenesis in collaboration with other researchers.

Golnaz Karoubi, Scientist and Principal Investigator, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute; Assistant Professor, University of Toronto

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.

Shirley Mei, Investigator, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

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, Scientist, STEMCELL Technologies

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.

Terry Sachlos, Director, Stem Cell Engineering Lab, York University; Assistant Professor, York University

Dr. Terry Sachlos is Director of the Stem Cell Engineering Lab at York University and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering at York University in Toronto. He is also the Associate Director of the Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology program and a member of the Department of Biology Graduate Program at YorkU. His research interests lie in regenerative medicine with a specific focus on elucidating stem cell-extracellular matrix interactions of the hematopoietic & leukemic stem cell niche to regulate stem cell fate decisions and 3D printing of vascularized bone marrow for cell therapy and drug screening applications. Prior to joining YorkU, he received his doctorate from the University of Oxford and conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard, MIT and McMaster. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles, including a publication in the top-tier journal Cell, which have collectively garnered over 3,000 citations. Terry is a serial entrepreneur, having filed 8 patent applications, and co-founded several start-up companies to commercialize his research. His research findings have also been translated into a clinical trial to repurpose thioridazine, an established anti-psychotic drug, as a novel anti-leukemia drug. His research is currently supported by NSERC and CIHR.

Holly Jiogo, Chair, Ph.D. Student, McGill University

Holly is a Ph.D. 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!

Dylan Siriwardena, Vice-Chair, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of 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 Ashekyan, Ph.D. Candidate, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa

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 Babaei Abraki, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Calgary

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 Bilal, MSc Student, Simon Fraser University

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.

Alex Cho, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Toronto

Alex is a Ph.D. Candidate affiliated with the Department of Physiology at the University of Toronto working under the supervision of Dr. Cristina Nostro at the McEwen Stem Cell Institute. In his research, Alex aims to explore the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic cell fates for applications in studying pancreatic development and the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. Alex is passionate about science communication, graduate professional development, and fostering the growth of diverse and inclusive scientific networks. When not feeding cells, you will find Alex reading, listening to music, baking, taking pictures of his dog, or working on his next artistic project.

Fanny-Meï Cloarec-Ung, Ph.D. Student, Université de Montréal

Fanny-Meï is a Ph.D. 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.

Nerea Cuesta-Gomez, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Alberta

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 Garcia, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Université de Montréal

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.

Courtney Irwin, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Toronto

Courtney is a Ph.D. Candidate in 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 two rescue cats, Wren and Finn.

Oreoluwa Kolade, Ph.D. Student, University of Toronto

Oreoluwa is a Ph.D. 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.

Parisa Varshosaz, Ph.D., Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Parisa completed her Ph.D. in Biomolecular Sciences at NOSM and Laurentian Universities, where she focused on advancing our understanding of molecular mechanisms in vitamin A metabolism and the prevention of embryonic birth defects. She has recently begun an exciting new role as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. In this position, she is contributing to innovative research to identify cancer drivers within the non-coding regions of the cancer genome. Her research is focused on enhancing the efficiency of epigenetic therapies and developing strategies to prevent cancer development and progression. Passionate about translating cutting-edge research into real-world applications, she is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.

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.

Joshua Robertson is a university student advisor, trivia aficionado, father of two and a Type 1 Diabetic.  He brings lived experience to the committee as a participant in a multi-year, first-in-human, Type 1 Diabetes stem cell trial (see the documentary “The Human Trial“).  Given his first-hand experience with the incredible potential of stem cell-based therapeutics, he hopes to lend his voice and perspective to promote their further exploration.