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Pierre MattarView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurodevelopment
• Neurodegeneration
• Retinal Biology
• +6 more

Pierre Mattar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa and a Senior Scientist in the Regenerative Medicine program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI). He holds the Gladys and Lorna J. Wood Chair for Research in Vision. His research focuses on understanding how genome remodelling regulates neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, particularly in the retina and cerebral cortex. Key goals include identifying mechanisms to regenerate neural tissue and combat retinal degenerative diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. Dr. Mattar’s academic roles include teaching in graduate courses such as HMG8105 and NSC8103. His research employs advanced techniques in epigenetics, genomics, and model organisms. He collaborates with institutions like the University of Ottawa and OHRI, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address vision-related disorders. His work bridges basic science with translational medicine, aiming to translate discoveries into therapeutic strategies for blindness and neurodevelopmental disorders. Notable achievements include studies on chromatin remodelling factors (e.g., ADNP, Chd4) and their roles in neurodevelopmental disorders. His team investigates lamin A’s role in photoreceptor degeneration and employs mouse models to study Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome. Dr. Mattar’s research is supported by grants and affiliations with major institutions, positioning him as a leader in retinal neuroscience and regenerative medicine.

• Asthma research
• Airway inflammation
• Eosinophilia
• +6 more

Dr. Roma Sehmi is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences. Her research focuses on mechanisms of airway inflammation in asthma, with particular emphasis on hemopoietic processes in the development of airway eosinophilia and the role of innate lymphoid cells in driving asthma exacerbations. Dr. Sehmi received her PhD from the Royal Brompton National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College (London, UK) and completed post-doctoral fellowship training at Cambridge University, UK and McMaster University. Her educational background has provided a strong foundation for her research in respiratory immunology and inflammation. Dr. Sehmi's research interests center on understanding cellular mechanisms in asthma and allergic diseases. She has developed methodologies to enumerate and phenotype rare cells in cord blood, bone marrow, blood and airway secretions to understand cell migration during asthmatic responses. Her current work investigates alarmin and neuro-immune pathways regulating pathobiological interactions in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She examines sputum, blood and bone marrow aspirates to understand cross-compartmental effects following allergen exposure and the mechanistic effects of novel biologic therapies. Dr. Sehmi's work has received funding from national and provincial granting agencies, and she holds several investigator-initiated grants. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles with more than 6100 citations and an h-index of 42 according to Google Scholar. Her research shows a consistent focus on cellular immunology of asthma, with recent work expanding into biologic therapies, innate lymphoid cells, and connections between respiratory and skin manifestations of allergic disease. Ontario Lung Association award for research excellence Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) Inducted member of the Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Dr. Sehmi is an active mentor, training graduate and post-doctoral fellows while serving as an area coordinator in the Health Science Graduate program at McMaster University. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including "Pathophysiology of Lung Diseases - Asthma and COPD" and "Health Science Communication." As a member of the Clinical Investigator Collaborative, she accelerates testing of investigational medications through Phase IIa-IIb proof-of-concept studies in asthma. Her laboratory work focuses on cellular mechanisms of airway inflammation, with particular expertise in rare cell enumeration and phenotyping across multiple compartments (blood, bone marrow, airways). Her team investigates how cellular responses differ between various inflammatory phenotypes of respiratory disease.

Morgan FullertonView profile

Professor

• Immunometabolism
• Lipid homeostasis
• Atherosclerosis
• +7 more

Dr. Morgan Fullerton is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa 's Faculty of Medicine . As Director of the Flow Cytometry and Virometry Core and Director of the Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation (CI3) , their research program integrates systemic immunometabolism and cellular metabolic regulation in chronic disease contexts. Education: BSc (2004), PhD (2009) from University of Guelph Postdoctoral Fellowship: McMaster University (2009-2014) Research programs focus on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling in: Energy/nutrient sensing pathways in obesity and atherosclerosis Choline metabolism regulation of immune cell function Immunometabolic mapping in fatty liver disease progression Cell death mechanisms in diabetes pathogenesis Current work utilizes targeted knock-in mouse models and flow cytometry metabolic profiling of immune subsets in metabolic diseases. Collaborations with Dr. Andrew Pepper (University of Alberta), Dr. Erin Mulvihill (uOttawa), and Dr. Jenny Bruin (Carleton) investigate pancreatic cell death pathways. Contact: morgan.fullerton@uOttawa.ca

Harinad Babu MagantiView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology
• Epitranscriptomics
• Genetic Engineering
• +5 more

Dr. Harinad Babu Maganti serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine and holds dual roles as Research Scientist and Scientific Director of Cellular Therapies Research and Development at Canadian Blood Services in Ottawa, Ontario. His academic credentials include: Master of Science in Microbiology from McMaster University Doctor of Philosophy in Immunology and Stem Cell Biology from the University of Ottawa Postdoctoral training in Neuroscience at the Hospital for Sick Children Postdoctoral training in Hematology and Stem Cell Biology at Canadian Blood Services Dr. Maganti's research centers on hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology to develop curative cellular therapies for over 30 illnesses. His laboratory employs systems biology and omics data (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq) to construct gene-regulatory networks, validated through CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering. Key projects investigate epi-transcriptomic regulation of HSPCs and CRISPR-based correction of sickle cell disease mutations in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada, with emphasis on "off the shelf" immune cell therapies and GMP manufacturing. His publication trends (2022-2025) reveal consistent focus on HSC expansion mechanisms, cryopreservation optimization, transplantation outcomes through systematic reviews/meta-analyses, and translational applications of gene editing. The work bridges basic molecular discovery with clinical implementation across hematology, oncology, and regenerative medicine. Scientific recognition includes: American Society of Hematology Scholar Award (2024) Leading the Maganti Lab at Canadian Blood Services, he cultivates an inclusive research environment uniting biologists, engineers, and clinicians. The team leverages molecular biology, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics to pioneer novel HSC products, with current efforts targeting universal cellular therapies and precision oncology applications.

Habib RezanejadView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cell biology
• Cell therapy for diabetes
• Developmental biology
• +2 more

Habib Rezanejad is an Assistant Professor at MacEwan University's Department of Biological Sciences within the Faculty of Arts and Science. His research focuses on cell biology, developmental biology, and molecular genetics, particularly exploring gene therapy, β-cell regeneration, and biomaterials for therapeutic applications. He can be contacted at rezanejadh@macewan.ca. Research Interests: Habib's work spans β-cell regeneration for diabetes treatment Stem cell engineering and differentiation Pharmacogenetics and mutation analysis Biosensor development for viral detection Nanotechnology applications in drug delivery Article Trends: His publications highlight advancements in regenerative medicine, computational biology, and biomaterials. Key areas include cytochrome P450 mutation analysis, pancreatic ductal organoids, and nanocomposite hydrogels for drug monitoring. These studies reflect interdisciplinary approaches integrating molecular genetics with biomedical engineering.

• Innate Immunity
• Inflammation
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• +1 more

Ali Abdul-Sater is an Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science within the Faculty of Health at York University, Toronto, Canada. His research focuses on the intersection of immunology, inflammation, and exercise physiology, with particular emphasis on innate immune mechanisms in disease pathology and therapeutic interventions. His primary research areas include Innate Immunity, Inflammation, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Exercise Immunology. Dr. Abdul-Sater investigates adiponectin signaling pathways in mitigating inflammatory responses in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, alongside molecular mechanisms involving TRAF proteins and inflammasomes. His work also explores how moderate exercise modulates macrophage function through trained immunity, bridging exercise science with immunological adaptations. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) Development and application of adiponectin receptor agonists (e.g., ALY688) for treating inflammatory and muscular disorders, (2) Molecular dissection of TRAF1-mediated regulation in joint inflammation and gout, and (3) Innovation in bioassay development for monitoring adiponectin signaling. His work consistently integrates mouse models with human-relevant pathophysiology, spanning immunology, cardiology, and exercise science to address translational gaps in inflammatory disease treatment.

Lei XingView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neural Stem Cell Biology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Molecular Neuroscience
• +3 more

Lei Xing is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on understanding how placental factors regulate neural stem cell behavior during neocortex development, using multidisciplinary approaches combining bioinformatics, molecular techniques, and advanced imaging. He employs genetically modified mice and 3D organoids to study cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying human brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Xing Lab actively recruits motivated students and postdocs. Research Interests: Neural stem cell proliferation/differentiation Human neocortex evolution Neurodevelopmental disorder mechanisms Stem cell-derived organoid models Publications highlight investigations into metabolic pathways, neurotransmitter regulation, and evolutionary genetic factors impacting brain development. Collaborations involve cutting-edge tools like transcriptome analysis and proteomic profiling to address neurobiological questions.

Francisco CayabyabView profile

Professor

• Adenosine Receptor Signaling
• Stroke Neurodegeneration
• Parkinson's Disease Models
• +3 more

Francisco Cayabyab is a Professor in the Neuroscience Cluster within the Department of Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine. His research investigates adenosine receptor signaling in stroke, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and cancer biology. Current projects include stem cell therapies for Parkinson's, neuroprotection via caffeine-derived compounds, and HERG channel roles in breast cancer. Research techniques include confocal microscopy, electrophysiology, stroke/PD animal models, and cancer cell line analysis. Cayabyab leads a multidisciplinary team of 23+ trainees and collaborates internationally on mitochondrial biology, cholesterol transport, and neuroimmunology. Funding sources include the Heart and Stroke Foundation, NSERC, and Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation. Recent publications explore trace element dysregulation in stroke (2024), bifunctional neuroprotectants for α-synucleinopathies (2024), and HERG channel oncogenic mechanisms (2020).

Stephanie WillerthView profile

Professor

• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Stephanie Willerth is a Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria, Canada. Her research focuses on developing bioengineered solutions for regenerative medicine, particularly in neural tissue engineering. She leads the Willerth Lab, which explores stem cell differentiation using bioactive scaffolds and next-generation sequencing. Education: SB from MIT, MS and PhD from Washington University in St. Louis. Research Interests: Engineering neural tissues from pluripotent stem cells, developing drug delivery systems for controlled growth factor release, and creating biomimetic models for disease modeling. Key areas include spinal cord regeneration, Parkinson's disease treatment, and 3D bioprinting of neural tissues. Publications: Over 700+ citations, with recent work emphasizing 3D bioprinting applications, microsphere-based drug delivery, and novel bioink development. Notable contributions include fibrin-based bioinks for neural tissues and glioblastoma tumor models. Awards: Recognized as a 'Star in Global Health' for her contributions to regenerative medicine. Her lab collaborates with industry partners to translate research into clinical applications. Grants and Funding: Active grants support projects on biomaterials, stem cell differentiation, and bioprinting technologies. The lab also engages in educational outreach, adapting biomedical engineering courses for online delivery during the pandemic. Labs/Teams: Willerth Lab at UVic, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to tissue engineering and drug screening models. Contributions to initiatives like the Island Medical Program and Neuroscience Graduate Program highlight her academic integration.

Sirinart AnanvoranichView profile

Associate Professor

• Parasitology
• Molecular Biology
• RNA Regulation
• +3 more

Dr. Sirinart Ananvoranich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Science. She holds a Ph.D. from Concordia University and leads research on the biochemical mechanisms of Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular parasite responsible for congenital toxoplasmosis and toxoplasmic encephalitis. Her work focuses on RNA regulation, mRNP granules, and non-coding RNAs' roles in parasite pathogenicity. Dr. Ananvoranich's lab employs CRISPR-Cas9 editing and RNA-protein tethering assays to study post-transcriptional processes during T. gondii differentiation. She teaches courses in biochemistry, pharmacology, and drug design. Education: Ph.D., Concordia University Research Interests: Toxoplasma gondii pathogenesis, RNA regulation, host-parasite interactions, proteomics Her research highlights include the discovery of natural antisense transcripts regulating ubiquitin-like proteases and the role of stress granules in mRNA maintenance. Dr. Ananvoranich has supervised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, contributing to the training of future scientists in parasitology and molecular biology. Her articles explore topics such as Toxoplasma's stress responses, mRNP granule formation, and antiparasitic drug candidates. While no specific awards are listed, her extensive publication record reflects recognition in the field. She collaborates with teams to advance understanding of T. gondii's life cycle and develops tools for studying RNA-protein interactions.

Chris AndersonView profile

Professor

• Neurodegeneration
• Neurovascular Coupling
• Blood-Brain Barrier
• +3 more

Dr. Chris Anderson is a Professor and Department Head of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. He also serves as Director of the Neuroscience Research Program at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg. His research focuses on neurovascular interactions in brain disorders, particularly neurodegeneration, glioblastoma biology, and blood-brain barrier dynamics. Dr. Anderson holds a PhD from the University of Manitoba (1998) and a BSc from Simon Fraser University (1993). He leads the Manitoba Neuroscience Network and has secured over $7M in funding from organizations like CIHR and CFI. Research Interests: Dr. Anderson’s work explores how astrocytes and endothelial cells mediate neurovascular communication. His lab investigates mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease, glioblastoma progression, and how brain energy metabolism impacts neurological function. Recent studies highlight mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming in cancer and neurodegenerative contexts. Key tools include in vivo imaging, mouse models, and bioenergetic assays. Awarded Manitoba Research Chair in Neurodegeneration (2013-2018) Recipient of Heart and Stroke Foundation New Investigator Award (2005-2010) 2017 Canadian Association for Neuroscience Outreach Award Advising & Grants: Actively mentors graduate students in Pharmacology and Physiology programs. Current grants include CIHR project grants exploring neurovascular coupling in stroke and CFI funding for advanced imaging equipment. Collaborates with clinicians at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg to translate basic research into clinical applications. Labs/Teams: Leads the Anderson Lab within the Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, specializing in neurovascular biology. Hosts weekly journal clubs and organizes the Manitoba Neuro Conference series to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Jody HaighView profile

Professor

• Leukemia Research
• Epigenetic Therapy
• Cellular Plasticity
• +7 more

Dr. Jody Haigh is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. He leads a research group at the Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology (RIOH), focusing on leukemia and cellular plasticity. His work involves investigating ZEB/SNAI transcription factors in blood cell development, identifying novel therapies for aggressive blood cancers, and exploring regenerative medicine applications. Education: BSc (Honours) in Life Sciences (Queen’s University, 1992), MSc in Biochemistry (Queen’s Cancer Research Institute, 1995), PhD in Biochemistry (IMP/University of Vienna, 2000). Postdoctoral training at Mount Sinai Hospital (2000–2004). Prior academic roles include positions at Ghent University (Belgium) and Monash University (Australia). Research Themes: Cellular plasticity in cancer and regeneration Leukemia biology and therapeutic targeting Epigenetic modulation in hematopoietic systems Generation of transgenic mouse models Publications: Over 90 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Blood , Nature , and Nature Communications , with >7,000 citations. Recent work emphasizes ZEB2’s role in leukemia progression and novel combination therapies. Awards: Larkins Fellowship (Monash University), Terry Fox Postdoctoral Fellowship, and Vienna Biocentre PhD Studentship. His research is supported by grants from CancerCare Manitoba and the University of Manitoba. Labs/Teams: Leads the Haigh Lab at RIOH, collaborating with the Manitoba Epigenetics Network. Actively mentors students in PhD and Master’s programs, focusing on hematological malignancies and regenerative strategies.

• Neuroscience
• Auditory System Development
• Visual Cortex Plasticity
• +4 more

Deda Gillespie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University. Her research focuses on the development and function of neural circuits, with particular emphasis on the auditory system and visual cortex. Dr. Gillespie's research spans several key areas in neuroscience: Development of inhibitory circuits in the auditory brainstem Glutamatergic transmission in developing inhibitory synapses Sound localization circuitry and refinement Visual cortex development and plasticity Neurotransmitter co-release mechanisms Molecular mechanisms of neural development Her publication record shows a strong focus on the developmental aspects of neural circuitry, particularly in the auditory system. Over the past two decades, her work has traced the maturation of inhibitory sound-localization circuits, with a specific interest in how glutamate signaling functions in developing inhibitory pathways. More recently, her research has expanded to include neurodegenerative disease models and cellular reprogramming approaches. Dr. Gillespie teaches a range of neuroscience courses at McMaster University, including Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience (BIOLOGY 4T03 and 6T03), Audition (PSYCH 3A03), Neural Circuits (NEUROSCI 3SN3), and various seminar and field courses. Her teaching spans undergraduate and graduate levels, reflecting her commitment to neuroscience education. Her laboratory appears to utilize a variety of techniques including electrophysiology, microscopy, molecular biology, and animal models to investigate neural development and function. The progression of her research from fundamental developmental questions to potential therapeutic applications demonstrates an evolving research program with both basic and translational neuroscience components.

• Developmental Neurobiology
• Synaptic Development
• Cannabinoid Neurobiology
• +4 more

Declan Ali serves as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta. His dual role combines administrative leadership with active research in developmental neurobiology. Contact details include two email addresses and phone numbers associated with his administrative and academic positions. Research focuses on synaptic development mechanisms, particularly presynaptic and postsynaptic receptor modulation during synapse formation. Key models include zebrafish embryology to study cannabinoid impacts on neurodevelopment and cancer signaling pathways like Wnt/β-catenin. Recent work examines cannabinoid teratogenicity, TRP channel roles in carcinogenesis, and autophagy regulatory networks. Publications (2023-2025) highlight intergenerational THC effects, miRNA regulation in lung cancer, and autophagy-lysosomal pathway modulation. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned, though research contributions are substantial. Advising details and grants remain unspecified. Laboratory work emphasizes in vivo zebrafish models and molecular oncology approaches.

Adam RunionsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant Development Modeling
• Computational Morphodynamics
• Computer Graphics
• +3 more

Adam Runions is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary, within the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on computational modeling of plant development, integrating principles from computer graphics, computational morphodynamics, and procedural modeling. He holds a PhD and MSc in Computer Science from the University of Calgary. His work explores how genetic and mechanical factors influence leaf shape diversification, with a particular emphasis on growth dynamics, tissue patterning, and the interplay between auxin signaling and developmental processes. He develops computational tools like MorphoGraphX to analyze biological images and simulate morphogenetic processes. Runions teaches courses on computer animation and computational morphodynamics (CPSC 587, CPSC 601.10, CPSC 687). His research spans topics such as auxin-driven patterning, biomechanical forces in cell shape formation, and evolutionary mechanisms underlying plant form. His contributions bridge computational methods and biological systems, advancing understanding of developmental biology and plant morphology.