Derek Mark McKay

Derek Mark McKay is a Professor at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and holds the Lloyd Sutherland Professorship in IBD/GI Research. He directs the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and is a full member of several academic networks, including the Inflammation Research Network and Gastrointestinal Research Group.

Educational Background:

• BSc in Zoology, Queen's University of Belfast (1987)
• PhD in Zoology, Queen's University of Belfast (1990)

His research focuses on intestinal physiology and immunity in health and disease, particularly: (1) the role of microbiota, immune mediators, and mitochondria in regulating epithelial barrier function, and (2) using helminth-rodent models to study immunomodulation pathways. His work is supported by major funders like CIHR, NSERC, Crohn’s Colitis Canada, and the Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Scientific Awards:

• Honorary Doctor of Medicine, Linkoping University, Sweden (2022)
• Crohn's and Colitis Canada's Finkelstein Award (2021)
• Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (2020)
• Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) (2006-2020)
• Fellow, American Association of Physiology (2020)
• C.P. Read Mentorship Award, American Society for Parasitology (2020)
• Fellow, Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (2016)
• Research Excellence Award, Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (2009)
• Stoll-Stunkard Memorial Lecture (2008)

McKay has supervised 38 undergraduate students, 12 M.Sc., 11 Ph.D., and 15 post-doctoral fellows, including current advisees like Vickie Li (PhD candidate) and Armaan Mohan (PhD student). His lab includes key members like Arthur Wang (Lab Manager).