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Rebecca Hull-MeichleView profile

Professor

• Diabetes Research
• Pancreatic Islet Biology
• Islet Microenvironment
• +7 more

Rebecca Hull-Meichle is a Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, where she leads groundbreaking research on the islet microenvironment and its role in diabetes. Her laboratory is based at the Li Ka Shing Centre, and her work is supported by one of Canada’s most prestigious research awards. Research Interests: Her research program investigates how the microenvironment surrounding pancreatic β-cells influences insulin secretion and survival. She focuses on two major themes: (1) interactions between the exocrine and endocrine pancreas, particularly in cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD), and (2) the role of islet vasculature in health and diabetes. Her lab uses human donor tissues, stem cell models, and transgenic mice to explore how loss of CFTR in ductal cells affects β-cell function and how vascular destabilization contributes to diabetes progression. Publications and Research Trends: Her recent publications highlight a strong focus on pancreatic morphology, islet-vascular interactions, and molecular mechanisms in CFRD. The integration of single-nuclear RNAseq, ATACseq, and spatial transcriptomics indicates a shift toward comprehensive, systems-level analysis of the diseased pancreas. These studies aim to uncover novel therapeutic targets for preserving β-cell function. Scientific Awards: Canada Excellence Research Chair in the Islet Microenvironment Advising and Grants: As a Chairholder, Dr. Hull-Meichle oversees a large, well-funded research program with significant resources—$1 million per year for eight years—enabling extensive training opportunities for students and postdoctoral fellows. While specific advisees are not listed, her lab actively recruits trainees, indicating a strong mentoring component. Laboratory and Research Team: Her lab operates in the Li Ka Shing Centre at the University of Alberta, equipped for advanced cell biology, microscopy, and genomics. She collaborates with an international network of experts in diabetes, pancreatology, and vascular biology, as evidenced by her co-authorship on multi-institutional studies.

• Computational Biology
• Systems Biology
• Genomics
• +7 more

Gary Bader is a Professor at The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, specializing in Computational Biology and Systems Biology. His research focuses on integrating molecular interaction networks, pathway analysis, and 'omics data to understand disease mechanisms and develop clinical models. He leads the Bader Lab, which develops computational tools like Cytoscape and Pathway Commons, and explores single-cell genomics to study tissue function, cancer, and regenerative processes. Education: BSc Biochemistry (McGill University), PhD Biochemistry (University of Toronto), Postdoc at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Affiliations: Donnelly Centre, Department of Molecular Genetics, Department of Computer Science, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and CIFAR MacMillan Multiscale Program. Research interests include causal mechanistic modeling of disease (e.g., pediatric ependymoma therapies), ecosystem theories of tissue function, and open-source bioinformatics tools. Recent work emphasizes single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to map cellular heterogeneity in diseases like cancer, liver pathologies, and neurological disorders. Collaborations span computational methods, stem cell biology, and clinical translation.

Ali BashashatiView profile

Associate Professor

• Machine Learning
• Cancer Genomics
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Ali Bashashati is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), affiliated with the School of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. He leads the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM) Lab, focusing on advancing healthcare through AI-driven solutions in computational pathology and omics data integration. His research combines machine learning, signal processing, and software engineering to address challenges in cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly in breast, ovarian, and lymphoid cancers. Dr. Bashashati’s work emphasizes multi-modal data analysis, including histopathology imaging and genomics, to improve cancer subtyping and treatment stratification. He has pioneered frameworks like VOLTA for context-aware cell representation learning, enhancing AI models’ performance in histopathology analysis. His contributions to cancer genomics include studies on clonal evolution, tumor heterogeneity, and genomic instability mechanisms. He is the principal investigator of the NSERC CREATE MUSIC training program, a $1.65M initiative fostering next-generation biomedical engineers skilled in AI, biotechnology, and disease biology. This program integrates courses on medical imaging data analysis, applied machine learning, and multi-scale computing for healthcare innovation. Awarded the NSERC CREATE Grant, Dr. Bashashati’s lab collaborates with industry and academia to translate AI innovations into clinical practice, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals like Nature and Nature Genetics. His team’s work spans from fundamental research to applied tools for precision oncology.

Geoffrey SchiebingerView profile

Associate Professor

• Mathematics
• Optimal Transport
• Probability
• +7 more

Geoffrey Schiebinger is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of British Columbia. His work bridges theoretical mathematics and experimental biology, focusing on optimal transport theory applied to high-dimensional gene expression data. He leads a research group developing mathematical tools for analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial omics data. Education: PhD in Statistics, UC Berkeley (2016), advised by Benjamin Recht M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Stanford University (2011) B.S. in Mathematics (minor in Physics), Stanford University Research interests center on understanding cellular differentiation processes, such as how stem cells transform into specialized cell types. His group applies optimal transport theory to model transcriptional landscapes and lineage trajectories, with applications in immunology, developmental biology, and cancer research. Key projects include the Waddington-OT framework for trajectory inference and DNA-GPS spatial genomics methodology. Notable awards include the 2022 Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Award and 2021 Maud Menten Prize. His grants include top rankings in Canadian genomics funding (CIHR Project Grant 1st place, 2021) and support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Advising: Supervises postdocs (Matthieu Heitz, Andrew Warren) and graduate students (e.g., Cole Boyle). Alumni include faculty at Wake Forest and Chinese University of Hong Kong. Active hiring: Postdoctoral and graduate positions available in mathematical biology and statistical genomics. Labs/Teams: Leads the Schiebinger Lab at UBC, collaborating with Philippe Rigollet (MIT) on Human Cell Atlas projects. Active in developing open-source tools for single-cell analysis.

Tongzhe LiView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Economics
• Experimental Economics
• Agricultural Economics
• +7 more

Prof. Tongzhe Li is a Professor and Arrell Family Chair in Behavioural and Experimental Economics at the University of Guelph's Department of Food Agricultural and Resource Economics, leading the FARE Laboratory. She holds a Ph.D. from Washington State University and prior roles include Assistant Professor at University of Windsor and Associate Professor at University of Guelph. Her research integrates economic theory with behavioral experiments to address agri-food-environment challenges, focusing on innovation adoption, consumer behavior, social comparison, and discrimination. Key contributions include studies on recycled water products, public goods provision, and environmental policy design. Current projects explore green ammonia adoption and the impact of framing in economic decisions. Her work has been published in journals like Economic Inquiry , Nature Reviews Clean Technology , and Environmental and Resource Economics . Education: Ph.D. Economics (Washington State University, 2011–2015); M.Sc. Agricultural Economics (A.E. Electrical Engineering). Previous positions include postdoctoral research at the University of Delaware and assistant professorships at the University of Windsor and University of Guelph. Research Interests: Behavioral economics, experimental methods applied to agricultural and environmental policy, consumer behavior in agri-food systems, public goods provision mechanisms, and the role of social comparisons in decision-making. Her lab, FARE, specializes in field and laboratory experiments to inform policy and practice. Labs/Initiatives: Founding Director of the FARE Laboratory for Experimental and Applied Economics. Active in collaborative projects on sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and climate-smart technologies.

• Genetics
• Neuroscience
• Biostatistics
• +3 more

Bernard Ng is a Researcher at the University of British Columbia’s Department of Statistics within the Faculty of Science. His work bridges advanced statistical methodologies with biomedical research, focusing on genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying neurological and immunological conditions. He is affiliated with the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, emphasizing translational research. Ng’s research interests span neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s, leveraging spatial transcriptomics and omics integration to elucidate disease pathways. He applies machine learning to analyze immune profiles in graft-versus-host disease and develops predictive models for gene expression and clinical outcomes. His computational expertise includes network analysis, clustering algorithms, and multimodal data integration. Key contributions include identifying genetic variants linked to Alzheimer’s pathology, uncovering molecular correlates of brain connectivity, and establishing diagnostic classifiers for chronic GVHD. His work frequently involves large-scale genomic studies and interdisciplinary collaborations, integrating statistics, bioinformatics, and clinical data. Ng’s lab focuses on translational applications of statistical models in healthcare, with a particular emphasis on pediatric immunology and neurodegenerative biomarkers. His methodologies address challenges in personalized medicine, such as predicting disease trajectories and optimizing treatment strategies through data-driven approaches.

François-Xavier Campbell-ValoisView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Protein-Protein Interactions
• +4 more

Dr. François-Xavier Campbell-Valois is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on understanding host-microbe interactions, particularly the virulence mechanisms of Shigella flexneri , an enteropathogen that employs the Type Three Secretion Apparatus (T3SA) to infect human intestinal cells. His work investigates T3SA regulation, bacterial strategies to hijack host processes, and host-pathogen adaptive dynamics, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets for infectious diseases. The Host-Microbe Interactions Laboratory led by Dr. Campbell-Valois employs advanced microscopy, genetic tools, and proteomic approaches to study bacterial effectors and host responses. Key projects include developing fluorescent reporters for live imaging, analyzing T3SA substrates, and exploring Shigella’s oxygen-dependent colonization strategies. His interdisciplinary research bridges microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology, with applications in antimicrobial development and understanding infection pathogenesis. Education: PhD in Biochemistry (specific details unspecified) Research interests span protein-protein interactions, bacterial secretion systems, and host-pathogen co-evolution. His laboratory’s innovations include concise plasmid systems (pUdOs) for bacterial and mammalian cells, and anaerobic fluorescent reporters for Pseudomonas aeruginosa imaging. Ongoing work emphasizes translational research to translate mechanistic insights into clinical interventions for infectious diseases.

Jun DingView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Machine Learning
• Single-Cell Analysis
• +6 more

Jun Ding is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Medicine , McGill University School of Medicine , where he leads the Ding Lab at the Meakins-Christie Laboratories . His research focuses on decoding cell dynamics in diseases using single-cell technologies and machine learning , particularly probabilistic graphical models to integrate longitudinal and spatial omics data . MSc in Electrical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China (2010) PhD in Computer Science, University of Central Florida (2016) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University (2020) Ding's work addresses cellular heterogeneity in developmental disorders, cancers, and pulmonary diseases by developing computational tools like DOLPHIN , UNAGI , and scCross , which enable exon-level transcriptomic analysis , in silico drug discovery , and cross-modal single-cell integration . His 2025 publications highlight applications in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis , osteoporosis , and arsenic-induced atherosclerosis . He received the FRQS Salary Award (2025-2026) for his methodological innovations. The Ding Lab actively engages in collaborative projects , including partnerships with Nature and CIHR-funded initiatives , while fostering a dynamic research environment through team-building activities and interdisciplinary training .

• Computational Biology
• Single-cell RNA Sequencing
• Spatial Transcriptomics
• +7 more

Dr. Tallulah Andrews is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Western Ontario. She leads the Andrews Computational Biology Lab, focusing on the integration of biological imaging and multiple -omics technologies to understand the structure of diseased tissues. Her laboratory develops computational tools and pipelines required to analyze and interpret data generated by single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies. Dr. Andrews earned her Ph.D. from the University of Oxford, UK, where she used systems biology approaches to identify biological pathways underlying rare genetic diseases. She completed post-doctoral training at University Health Network Research in Toronto and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the UK. She is a long-term member of the Human Cell Atlas initiative. Her research focuses on developing computational approaches for single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data analysis. Key areas include: Developing methods to distinguish differences between single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing Creating tools for ambient RNA removal to improve data quality Inferring cell-cell interactions from high-throughput data Developing machine learning tools for joint analysis of molecular and imaging data Dr. Andrews' lab has active collaborations on several disease applications including Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Biliary Atresia, Atherosclerosis, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, and Alzheimer's disease. Her work bridges computational biology with clinical applications to better understand disease mechanisms. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on methodological development for single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data analysis. She has contributed significantly to the field through both tool development (EmptyDrops, M3Drop) and comprehensive tutorials that guide researchers in proper computational analysis of these complex datasets. She currently mentors several students: Boris Tchatchoua Ngassam (PhD student in Machine Learning) Sunny Pang (MSc Biochemistry) Siraj Elzagallaai (MSc Bioinformatics) Jack Peplinski (4th year Software Engineering/Business) Bryan Lung (4th year HSP Medical Cell Biology) Her laboratory maintains active collaborations with several research groups including the MacParland Lab at UHN, the Taylor group at Northwestern University, the Boffa group at the Robarts Research Institute, and the Prado group at the Robarts Research Institute.

Michael DrydenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Microfluidics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Neurobiology
• +3 more

Michael Dryden is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto (Downtown Toronto Campus). His research focuses on developing microfluidic systems for single-cell analysis, electrochemical sensing, and biomedical applications. Key areas include astrocyte responses to stroke, digital microfluidic devices for immunoassays, and integration of nanotechnology in analytical platforms. Research interests span Neurobiology, Analytical Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering with a strong emphasis on lab-on-a-chip technologies. Notable contributions include open-source hardware for analytical instruments and novel methods for dopamine uptake measurements in neurons. His work bridges fundamental science and practical applications, addressing challenges in medical diagnostics and neuroscience. No scientific awards have been listed in available data.

Zachary LaksmanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cardiovascular Genetics
• Stem Cell Disease Modeling
• Drug Screening
• +3 more

Dr. Zachary Laksman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiology and School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia. He holds cross-appointments at the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation and serves as Director of the Atrial Fibrillation Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital and the British Columbia Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic. His research focuses on translational approaches to inherited heart rhythm and heart muscle disorders, employing stem cell disease modeling, drug screening, and next-generation sequencing to enable personalized medicine. Dr. Laksman has received numerous scientific awards including Canada's Top 40 under 40 (2019), the Canadian Cardiovascular Society's Young Investigator Award (2020), and the Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Basic Science Research (2022). His research is supported by grants from CIHR, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, and the Stem Cell Network. He leads the Laksman Lab where he mentors graduate students and research associates. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on cardiac genetics, arrhythmia mechanisms, and innovative applications of AI and transcriptomics in cardiology.

Jennifer JeffreyView profile

Lecturer

• Fish Physiology
• Environmental Science
• Aquatic Ecology
• +3 more

Jennifer Jeffrey is an Instructor at the Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex, University of Winnipeg. Her research focuses on fish physiology, environmental impacts on aquatic species, and transcriptomic responses to stressors like toxins and climate change. She has contributed to studies on species such as brook charr, walleye, and lamprey, examining genetic adaptation, detoxification mechanisms, and acclimation limits. Her work bridges basic science with applied conservation strategies, addressing topics like fisheries management and the effects of anthropogenic stressors on aquatic ecosystems. Key research interests include: (1) molecular and physiological responses to environmental changes, (2) transcriptomic profiling of stress and adaptation, (3) conservation genetics of freshwater fish populations, and (4) impacts of pollutants and climate variables on fish health. Her recent studies emphasize the use of genomic tools to inform fisheries management and species preservation. Jennifer’s articles highlight trends in understanding how aquatic organisms respond to challenges such as elevated CO₂, pesticides, and temperature shifts. She has explored behavioral and genetic drivers of stress tolerance, linking molecular data to ecological outcomes. Her work often collaborates with field-based research to ensure practical applications. In advising and grants, while specific details are not listed, her research portfolio suggests involvement in student mentorship and grant-funded projects related to aquatic biology and conservation. She is part of the Biology department’s academic community at the University of Winnipeg, contributing to undergraduate and graduate programs in environmental science and biology.

Stephen LougheedView profile

Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Genomics
• Ecology
• +5 more

Stephen C. Lougheed is a Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at Queen’s University, holding cross-appointments in the School of Environmental Studies and the Beaty Water Research Centre. He is the Baillie Family Chair in Conservation Biology and Director of the Queen’s University Biological Station. His research integrates genomics, spatial ecology, and environmental DNA (eDNA) to study vertebrate biodiversity, human impacts on species, and conservation strategies. He leads large-scale projects funded by Genome Canada and the New Frontiers in Research Fund, focusing on genomic solutions with Indigenous communities and eDNA tools for aquatic monitoring. He has taught globally, published over 130 works, and won teaching awards. Education & Roles: Baillie Family Chair in Conservation Biology Director, Queen’s University Biological Station Professor, Department of Biology & School of Environmental Studies Research Interests: Origins of biodiversity across scales, conservation genomics, eDNA applications, climate change impacts, and Indigenous partnerships. Specific foci include vertebrate species (frogs, snakes, birds) and Arctic ecosystems. Methodologies include genomics, eDNA surveys, niche modeling, and experimental ecology. Advising & Grants: Current Postdoctoral Fellow: Orianne Tournayre Key grants: Genome Canada, NFRF Innovation, and collaborations with Inuit communities Labs & Facilities: Lougheed Lab (specializing in eDNA and genomics) and the Queen’s University Biological Station (field research hub).

Bruce McNaughtonView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Memory Systems
• +6 more

Dr. Bruce McNaughton is a Professor at the University of Lethbridge affiliated with the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN), where he directs the Polaris Brain Dynamics research group. His work pioneers advanced neural recording technologies and computational approaches to decode cognitive processes. His academic credentials include: PhD (Cum Laude) in Psychology from Dalhousie University MSc in Biology from Carleton University BSc (Honours, First Class) in Biology from Carleton University McNaughton's research centers on the neural basis of cognition, with emphasis on memory systems, spatial navigation, and synaptic plasticity. He investigates hippocampal-cortical interactions during memory consolidation, neural mechanisms of spatial orientation (including grid/place/head-direction cells), and memory disorders in Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. His lab pioneers high-density electrophysiology and optical imaging at cellular resolution to study network dynamics in behaving animals. Analysis of his 2005-2008 publications reveals three dominant themes: (1) memory trace reactivation during rest/sleep and its role in consolidation, (2) spatial coding mechanisms in hippocampal-entorhinal networks, and (3) methodological innovations in neural recording/data analysis. His work consistently bridges computational theory with experimental neuroscience to explain cognitive phenomena at the circuit level. Key recognitions include: Polaris Award ($20M/10 year) Personnel awards from Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions He actively mentors 14 trainees (6 postdocs, 8 graduate students) and has guided over 30 successful researchers throughout his career. Major funding sources include NSERC, the European Commission, and the $20M Polaris Award supporting his preclinical Alzheimer's research and neural technology development. The Polaris Brain Dynamics group within CCBN focuses on scaling advanced neural imaging techniques, developing animal models of sporadic Alzheimer's, and creating early seizure detection systems for temporal lobe epilepsy, aiming to expand collaborative neuroscience through open technology platforms.

Mark CembrowskiView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Molecular Biology
• +4 more

Mark S. Cembrowski is an Associate Professor (with tenure) in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Faculty of Medicine. He is an Investigator at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, an Associate Member of UBC's School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Mathematics, and a Next Generation Leader at the Allen Institute for Brain Science. His research focuses on understanding memory and cognition through multidisciplinary approaches, combining experimental and computational techniques. Education: BSc in Mathematics (UBC, 2007), MS and PhD in Applied Mathematics (Northwestern University, 2008–2011). Postdoc at Janelia Research Campus (Howard Hughes Medical Institute) under Nelson Spruston. Promoted to Associate Professor in 2024. Research Interests: Memory mechanisms, neurobiological rules of memory formation, anxiety disorders, PTSD, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Techniques: Single-cell RNA-seq, electrophysiology, optogenetics, calcium imaging, spatial transcriptomics. Awards: Canadian Association for Neuroscience New Investigator Award (2025), Alzheimer Society of Canada grants, Brain Canada Momentum Grant, and Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar. Grants: ~$5M UBC team grant for single-cell transcriptomics and functional imaging. Lab leadership includes roles as Associate Director of the Neuroscience Graduate Program and co-PI on New Frontiers in Research Fund grants. Labs/Teams: Cembrowski Lab (founded 2019) studies memory across molecular, cellular, and behavioral scales. Collaborates with clinical and engineering teams on brain injury and disease mechanisms.