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Guojun ChenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biomaterials
• Nanomedicine
• Tissue Engineering
• +5 more

Guojun Chen is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering and a member of the Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) at McGill University . His research focuses on engineering intelligent biomaterials for precision medicine , with emphasis on non-viral genome editing , cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy , and biomaterials-mediated immunotherapy . The lab operates in a multidisciplinary environment , integrating principles from materials science , chemistry , biology , and health sciences . Education : Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin-Madison (2017), Postdoc at UCLA (2020) Research Themes : Genome Editing Delivery : Designing non-viral vectors for efficient CRISPR/Cas9 delivery in vivo. CAP-mediated Immunotherapy : Developing portable cold plasma devices to synergize with immune checkpoint blockade and study CAP’s immunological mechanisms. Biomaterials-based Immunotherapy : Reprogramming tumor microenvironments using bioresponsive materials to enhance immune responses. Publication Trends : Recent work spans responsive nanomaterials , genomic editing systems , and plasma oncology , with a focus on cancer immunotherapy , diabetes diagnostics , and bioinspired medical devices . Scientific Awards : Canada Research Chair (2024, 2025) McGill's President's Prize for Emerging Researchers (2025) FRQS Chercheurs-boursiers (2022) Chinese Association for Biomaterials Young Investigator Award (2022) NSERC Discovery Grant (2021) Advising & Grants : Supervises 14 current graduate and undergraduate students. Secured $5M+ in funding from CIHR , NSERC , CCS , and CFI , including multi-institutional collaborations with Dr. Morag Park , Dr. Réjean Lapointe , and Dr. Ian Watson .

Jonathan LittleView profile

Professor

• Exercise Physiology
• Metabolism
• Inflammation
• +3 more

Jonathan Little is a Professor at the University of British Columbia Okanagan , affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Social Development and School of Health and Exercise Sciences . He leads the Exercise Metabolism and Inflammation Laboratory (EMIL) , focusing on the intersection of exercise physiology, nutrition, and metabolic disorders. Hons B. Kin – McMaster University, 2005 M.Sc. – University of Saskatchewan, 2007 Ph.D. – McMaster University, 2010 Postdoctoral Fellowship – UBC, 2010-2012 His research investigates how metabolic disruptions in type 2 diabetes affect cellular inflammation and how exercise/nutritional strategies can mitigate these effects. Key areas include high-intensity interval training (HIIT) , nutritional ketosis , and immunometabolic responses . EMIL combines human clinical trials with cellular/molecular experiments, utilizing advanced tools like flow cytometry and metabolic carts. His recent publications emphasize exercise snacks (short, frequent workouts), ketone supplements , and fasting protocols for managing diabetes and obesity. He has received prestigious awards like the Killam Accelerator Fellowship and CIHR New Investigator Award . Killam Accelerator Research Fellowship (2021-2023) Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Young Investigator Award (2020) UBC Killam Research Fellowship (2018) Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar (2018-2023) American College of Sports Medicine New Investigator Award (2016) CIHR New Investigator Salary Award (2015-2020) He supervises graduate students in HMKN 313 – Exercise Metabolism and mentors through the HMKN 499 Research Practicum . His lab (EMIL) collaborates with institutions like the BC Diabetes Research Network and serves as an Associate Editor for Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism .

Maxim V. BerezovskiView profile

Professor

• Analytical Chemistry
• Bioanalytical Chemistry
• Aptamers (Therapeutics and Diagnostics)
• +4 more

Maxim V. Berezovski is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Ottawa , Faculty of Science. His research focuses on bioanalytical chemistry , aptamer development , and biomarker discovery , particularly in cancer and immune cell biology. His lab specializes in Kinetic Capillary Electrophoresis (KCE) , aptamer-based biosensors, and single-cell analysis. Research interests include: Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of nucleic acid and peptide aptamers Biomarker identification for cancers (e.g., breast, glial tumors) Proteomic/metabolomic analyses of exosomes and extracellular vesicles Recent work emphasizes aptamer-driven innovations, such as: Fluorescence-guided brain tumor surgery Quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 proteins Molecular imaging of tumors using infrared-labeled aptamers Publications span aptamer engineering , cancer diagnostics , and environmental impacts on proteomics . Collaborations focus on interdisciplinary applications in medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science.

Anand KrishnanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nerve-tumor interface
• Nerve regeneration
• Cancer biology
• +5 more

Dr. Anand Krishnan serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine, where he leads research on nerve-tumor interfaces and neural macrophage biology. His work bridges neuroscience and oncology to identify therapeutic targets for cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Neurology, University of Alberta, Canada Postdoctoral Fellow, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Canada PhD in Biotechnology (Cancer Biology), Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, India Master of Pharmacy (Pharmacology), Manipal University, India Pharma R&D Experience: Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited; Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited Dr. Krishnan's research program investigates two core areas: molecular mapping of tumor-nerve interfaces to uncover novel therapeutic targets, and defining the roles of self-renewing resident macrophages in nervous system homeostasis and disease. His lab employs proteomics, murine models, and in vitro neuronal cultures to explore how tumors and nerves mutually support growth through neural invasion and autonomic signaling. Analysis of his 2020-2024 publications reveals consistent focus on neuro-oncology mechanisms, particularly peripheral nerve regeneration pathways (Myc interactome, growth-primed DRG), tumor-nerve crosstalk (sympathetic signaling in prostate cancer), and neurodegenerative targets (MANF). Key methodologies include comparative proteomics, molecular mapping, and drug repurposing screens. Research Funding: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Cancer Research Society (CRS) CIHR Institute of Cancer Research Breast Cancer Society of Canada (BCSC) Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation (PCFF) & Ride for Dad Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) College of Medicine Research Award (CoMRAD) CoMBRIDGE Fund Start-up Research Fund Based at Saskatoon City Hospital within the Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre, the Krishnan Lab trains students supported by NSERC USRA, Dean's project fellowships, OVDR Biomedical research fellowships, and Mitacs awards. The lab's strategic location adjacent to the Meewasin Valley provides collaborative opportunities for translational neuroscience research focused on nerve regeneration and cancer therapeutics.

John HanrahanView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Cystic Fibrosis Research
• +3 more

John Hanrahan is a Professor in the Department of Physiology at McGill University, leading the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Function Laboratory. His research focuses on understanding epithelial chloride transport mechanisms, particularly the CFTR protein’s role in cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He employs electrophysiology, imaging, and molecular biology techniques to study CFTR structure-function relationships and develop therapeutic correctors for CFTR mutations. Education: BSc(Hon) from Dalhousie University, PhD from University of British Columbia, and postdoctoral training at Yale University. Research emphasizes: 1) CFTR clustering dynamics and lipid membrane interactions, 2) CFTR corrector drug development (e.g., MCG1516A, LAU-7b), 3) CFTR’s role in mucus production and host defense, and 4) pharmacological modulation of cyclic nucleotide pathways. Recent work explores combinations of CFTR modulators and lipid metabolism interventions to address CF pathophysiology. Key findings include demonstrating lipid-driven CFTR clustering defects in CF and identifying novel compounds that restore CFTR trafficking. His studies also reveal CFTR’s interplay with bitter taste receptors (T2R14) and PDE enzymes in immune responses.

• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• RNA Bioinformatics
• +4 more

Hosna Jabbari serves as Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering and cross-appointed in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering, directing the Computational Biology Research and Analytics Laboratory (COBRA Lab) focused on RNA-centric diagnostics and therapeutics development. Education: BSc in Computer Science, University of Victoria MSc in Computer Science - Bioinformatics, University of British Columbia PhD in Computer Science - Bioinformatics, University of British Columbia Research Focus: Dr. Jabbari pioneers RNA structure-function characterization through computational biology to decode disease mechanisms. Her work integrates transcriptomics , RNA-RNA/protein interaction analysis , and aging research with advanced machine learning and quantum computing approaches, emphasizing explainable AI for medical applications in RNA therapy development. Publication Trends: Recent work (2018-2024) demonstrates sustained innovation in RNA pseudoknot prediction algorithms applied to viral pathogenesis (notably SARS-CoV-2) and therapeutic design, with increasing integration of quantum computing and AI methodologies reflecting her interdisciplinary trajectory in computational genomics. Advising & Grants: Actively recruiting undergraduate researchers for funded projects including non-DNA life research, AI-driven vaccine development (comparative analysis and self-amplifying RNA platforms), and aging studies. She instructs BME 415/615 (Bioinformatics Algorithms) and MED 621 (Grant Writing), providing hands-on research training and grant preparation mentorship. Laboratory: As COBRA Lab Director, she leads a globally connected research network advancing RNA bioinformatics through algorithm development, fostering collaborations across virology, aging research, and therapeutic design domains.

Kevin TruongView profile

Associate Professor

• Protein Engineering
• Biosensors
• Cellular Signaling
• +3 more

Kevin Truong serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto within the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, holding dual appointments at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. His academic credentials include: BASc in Electrical and Computer Engineering (University of Toronto, 1999) PhD in Medical Biophysics (University of Toronto, 2003) Dr. Truong's research pioneers protein-based biosensor engineering for real-time spatiotemporal imaging of apoptosis and calcium signaling pathways in living systems. His lab develops light- and calcium-modulated protein switches to reprogram cellular functions, bridging synthetic biology, optogenetics, and biomedical engineering. This work enables precise control of biological processes through engineered molecular tools. His scientific recognition includes: Early Researcher Award from Ministry of Research and Innovation (Ontario) Research funding is secured through major grants from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council and Canadian Foundation for Innovation. Dr. Truong leads the Advanced Protein Engineering Laboratory (APeL), where his team develops next-generation protein tools for cellular interrogation and manipulation, with applications spanning fundamental cell biology to therapeutic development.

Kristen ConnView profile

Assistant Professor

• Virology
• Molecular Virology
• Virus-Cell Interactions
• +3 more

Kristen Conn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on understanding how chromatin regulatory proteins mediate cellular antiviral defenses against herpesviruses. She earned a B.Sc. (Hon) in Biochemistry from the University of Saskatchewan and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Alberta. During her postdoctoral training at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, she investigated SUMO proteins' roles in antiviral immunity. Dr. Conn's lab studies the interplay between viral transcription and host chromatin dynamics, particularly how cellular factors like histones and SUMOylation pathways restrict viral replication. Her work uses herpesviruses as models to explore how viruses counteract transcriptional silencing mechanisms. Key research areas include PML nuclear bodies, histone variant mobilization, and epigenetic regulation during viral infection. Her publications highlight contributions to understanding HSV-1's manipulation of chromatin, Epstein-Barr virus latency mechanisms, and the role of PIAS proteins in antiviral immunity. While no specific awards are listed, her work demonstrates sustained contributions to virology since 2008. Students interested in graduate studies are encouraged to contact her directly.

• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Cell Therapy
• Synthetic Biology
• +6 more

Jonathan Bramson is a Professor and Vice Dean, Research at the Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University , holding the John Bienenstock Chair in Molecular Medicine . His work focuses on cell-based therapies for cancer , leveraging genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and chemical biology to enhance anti-tumor activity of white blood cells. Key Research Themes: Cancer immunotherapy, T cell engineering, oncolytic viruses, and tumor immunology. Pioneering Work: Development of TAC (T Cell Antigen Coupler) receptors for targeted cancer therapies, transitioning from lab to clinical trials in Canada and the USA. Scientific Awards: John Bienenstock Chair in Molecular Medicine Collaborative Impact: Co-founded a McMaster biotech start-up advancing immunotherapy for solid cancers. Led clinical trials like CYTOSHRINK for metastatic kidney cancer and explored metabolic modulators (e.g., canagliflozin) to improve radiotherapy outcomes.

Mario JolicoeurView profile

Professor

• Biochemical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Metabolic Engineering
• +3 more

Mario Jolicoeur is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal. His research focuses on metabolic engineering, biomedical applications, and bioreactor design. He is affiliated with Spheroid AI Inc. (Co-founder, Scientific Director), Viridios (Collaborating Researcher), and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (Member). Education: B.Sc.A., M.Sc.A., Ph.D. (Polytechnique Montréal and Paul-Sabatier University, Toulouse), Visiting Engineer (MIT) Jolicoeur develops metabolic engineering tools for cancer therapies and therapeutic agent production, designs mathematical models for cellular metabolism regulation, and creates aseptic culture equipment for diverse cells. His work spans CHO cells , microalgae , and tissue engineering . Recent publications highlight metabolic therapies for ovarian cancer, dynamic modeling of CHO cultures, and lipid production in Chlorella. Trends include cancer metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, and bioreactor optimization. Supervision: He has mentored 43 graduate students since 1990, including those working on metabolic models, bioreactors, and biotherapies. Notable projects involve methylene blue in cancer treatment, ABE fermentation, and chondrocyte culture systems. Labs & Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary groups in biomedical engineering and chemical engineering, utilizing advanced bioreactor platforms and computational models.

Elizabeth FixmanView profile

Associate Professor

• Immunology
• Respiratory Diseases
• Type 2 Inflammation
• +4 more

Elizabeth Fixman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and a Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Glen site. She leads the Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Centre for Translational Biology, conducting research at the Meakins-Christie Laboratories. Education BSc in Chemistry/Biochemistry from Colorado State University (1986) PhD in Pharmacology from Johns Hopkins University (1992) Research Focus Dr. Fixman's research employs murine models to investigate innate and adaptive immune coordination in type 2 inflammation within allergic airways disease. Key areas include: IL-33 and RSV activation of lung innate cells, STAT6 pathways in eosinophils, immunomodulatory peptide development (STAT6-IP), and sex hormone influences on inflammatory responses. Her work bridges immunology, respiratory pathophysiology, and therapeutic innovation. Publication Trends Her recent publications (2013-2024) demonstrate consistent focus on STAT6 signaling pathways, sex-based differences in immune responses, dendritic cell migration mechanisms, and novel peptide therapeutics. Research utilizes murine models to explore neonatal immunity, viral reinfection outcomes, and cellular metabolism in immune regulation, with translational applications for asthma and allergic diseases. Teaching and Laboratory She teaches 'Advanced Topics in Respiration' (EXMD 508) and leads a laboratory at the RI-MUHC Glen site investigating immunological mechanisms in respiratory diseases.

Sung KimView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenetic regulation of immune responses
• Macrophage biology
• Innate immunity
• +3 more

Sung Kim is an Associate Professor at The University of Western Ontario, where he leads the Kim Lab (http://www.kimlab-uwo.com/). He holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia and completed his postdoctoral training at The Scripps Research Institute in San Diego. His research focuses on understanding epigenetic and signaling mechanisms governing macrophage responses to microbes, tissue injury, and cancer. His work investigates how macrophages adapt to environmental cues through epigenetic reprogramming, particularly in contexts of immune tolerance (e.g., to commensal bacteria) and immune dysregulation (e.g., in tumors). Key areas include histone acetylation-mediated tolerance to bacterial components like lipopolysaccharides, and transcription factor roles in tumor-associated macrophage behavior. Publications highlight contributions to understanding anthrax toxin pathogenesis, probiotic immunomodulation (via Lactobacillus rhamnosus), and mechanisms of cytokine regulation (e.g., IL-1β, G-CSF). His lab employs genetic, biochemical, and cellular approaches to dissect signaling pathways in macrophage plasticity. Notable research tools include quasi-haploid RAW 264.7 cell mutagenesis systems and in vivo models of colitis and probiotic efficacy. Current projects aim to translate epigenetic insights into therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases and cancer immunotherapy.

Hugh ClarkeView profile

Professor

• Reproductive Biology
• Infertility
• Oocyte Development
• +3 more

Hugh Clarke, PhD is a Senior Scientist at the RI-MUHC, Glen site and a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at McGill University 's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. His research focuses on oocyte development within ovarian follicles. Research Interests: Oocyte growth and maternal molecule storage Germ cell-somatic cell communication Environmental toxin effects on oocyte quality Intercellular signaling mechanisms mRNA regulation during maturation Chromatin remodeling at fertilization Publications (2015-2024) reveal expertise in reproductive biology, with key projects examining: EGFR signaling in follicular decoupling mTOR pathway in follicle communication CNOT6-mediated mRNA deadenylation Transzonal projection architecture Epigenetic inheritance patterns Actin's role in meiotic processes Location: Lab F3-50, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1

Eva KaufmannView profile

Assistant Professor

• Trained Immunity
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• +7 more

Dr. Eva Kaufmann is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen's University, cross-appointed to the Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME). Her research focuses on trained immunity mechanisms in infection, vaccination, and asthma, with additional interests in public health and hospital infection control. Education: DVM (2006-2012), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany PhD in Immunology (2012-2016), Paul Ehrlich Institute & Justus-Liebig-University Giessen Postdoctoral Fellowship (2016-2022), McGill University Research Interests: Trained immunity in infection and vaccination Host-pathogen interactions in tuberculosis BCG vaccination cross-protection Immune tolerance mechanisms Inflammatory responses in chronic diseases Public health systems improvement Key Research Trends: Her work bridges basic immunology with clinical applications, emphasizing how innate immune training shapes resistance to pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and influenza. Recent studies highlight vaccination-induced protective memory and metabolic pathways governing disease tolerance. Work on SARS-CoV-2 revealed limitations of BCG cross-protection but identified obesity's role in impaired antiviral defense. Lab Team: Supervises six researchers including Gabriella Stefan, Vidthiya Jeyanathan, and Conrad Pietrzak. Collaborates on Duchenne muscular dystrophy immunology and diaphragm macrophage dynamics.

• Retinal Biology
• Angiogenesis
• Central Nervous System Aging
• +7 more

Przemyslaw (Mike) Sapieha is a Full Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, and also holds an accredited professorship in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. He serves as the Canada Research Chair in Retinal Cell Biology (Tier 1) and is the Scientific Director of SemaThera Inc in Montreal and Chief Scientific Officer of UNITY Biotechnology in San Francisco. His research is conducted primarily through the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, where he leads a team focused on vision health research. Dr. Sapieha completed his PhD at the University of Montreal in 2006, followed by postdoctoral training at McGill University and Harvard Medical School. His research expertise spans retinal biology, angiogenesis, central nervous system aging, and the molecular mechanisms linking obesity, infections, and eye diseases. His laboratory investigates the role of beneficial and destructive inflammation during aging and develops novel therapeutic approaches for age-related eye diseases. Analysis of Dr. Sapieha's recent publications reveals a strong focus on cellular senescence, neuroinflammation, and the immune-metabolic crosstalk in retinal diseases. His work has increasingly examined how early-life events like infections and obesity can reprogram the immune system and impact eye health later in life. His research bridges fundamental cell biology with translational applications, with several findings moving toward clinical trials. Effervescence Star Award (2024) William W. Dawson Memorial Keynote Lecture (2024) Canada Research Chair in Retinal Cell Biology (Tier 1) (2021) Elected member of the College of the Royal Society of Canada (2018) Cogan Award from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (2019) Dr. Sapieha actively supervises graduate students and has secured substantial research funding from multiple sources including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, BrightFocus Foundation, and Diabetes Canada. His laboratory is part of the Vision Health Research Network and the Vision Science Research Group. The Sapieha lab maintains strong industry collaborations, particularly through his leadership roles at SemaThera and UNITY Biotechnology, facilitating the translation of basic research findings into potential therapeutics for retinal diseases.