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).









