Dr. Guy Rousseau is a Full Professor at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. He serves as Associate Director of Basic Research at the Sacré-Coeur Hospital Research Center and is a member of the Quebec Research Network on Aging. His research focuses on intracellular signaling in cardiovascular pathologies, regulation of G protein-coupled receptors, and the cardioprotective effects of adenosine and omega-3 fatty acids. Key research themes include post-myocardial infarction depression, gut-brain axis interactions, and inflammation modulation via probiotics. His work spans molecular mechanisms in myocardial injury, neurobehavioral consequences of cardiovascular events, and microbiome-cardiovascular disease links. Recent publications highlight his exploration of probiotics in mood disorders, omega-3 fatty acid metabolites in cardioprotection, and uric acid's role in shock-related organ injury. Dr. Rousseau's contributions include grants from the Heart and Stroke Foundation and NSERC, along with editorial board service for Apoptosis . His leadership extends to the Quebec Society of Hypertension, where he served as President from 2018 to 2021, focusing on public education about hypertension management.
Marc S. Horwitz is a Professor at the University of British Columbia , affiliated with the Faculty of Science and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology . His research focuses on viral-induced immune dysregulation in chronic diseases like Type 1 Diabetes , Multiple Sclerosis , and Haemorrhagic Fevers . Department: Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory: Horwitz Lab Research Group: Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Chair: Sauder Chair of Pediatric Virology Horwitz investigates how viral infections trigger autoimmune responses through mechanisms like enterovirus-induced dysbiosis , age-associated B cell pathogenicity , and type I interferon signaling imbalances . His work on coxsackievirus and γHV68 models has revealed critical pathways linking viral latency to chronic inflammation. Key publication trends include studies on: Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis pathogenesis Dietary fiber interventions for Th1-mediated autoimmunity Age-associated B cells in latent viral infections Gene dosage effects on β-cell autoimmunity Toll-like receptor signaling in diabetogenic viruses His research has significant implications for understanding the role of environmental triggers in autoimmune disease progression.
David Armstrong is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University, specializing in gastroenterology and nutritional science. His research focuses on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) , Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) , Celiac Disease , and Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) . He has contributed to clinical guidelines and large-scale studies on digestive diseases. Key research themes include: Development of evidence-based guidelines for endoscopic and pharmacological interventions in gastroenterology Impact of nutrition on gastrointestinal health and disease management Quality improvement in healthcare delivery for chronic digestive conditions Health policy and workforce planning in gastroenterology Environmental sustainability in medical practices Recent publications highlight his work on antibiotic risks in chronic diseases, micronutrient deficiencies in gluten-free diets, and innovative therapies like teduglutide for short bowel syndrome. His studies often employ multicenter cohort analyses and meta-analytic techniques to address clinical and public health challenges. Armstrong actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and has advanced patient-centered approaches in nutrition therapy and gastrointestinal care.
Dr. Yvonne Lamers is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food, Nutrition, and Health at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Land and Food Systems, where she holds the Canada Research Chair in Human Nutrition and Vitamin Metabolism. She serves as an Investigator at the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Researcher at the Women's Health Research Institute, and Affiliated Investigator at both the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and Fraser Health Authority. Her research program centers on micronutrient adequacy, with particular emphasis on B-vitamins (folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6) and their kinetics and functions in human metabolism. Dr. Lamers has established the UBC Nutritional Biomarker Laboratory, which employs externally validated analytical methods to identify sensitive nutritional biomarkers for early diagnosis of micronutrient inadequacies. Using stable isotope tracer protocols, her team investigates metabolic consequences of nutritional inadequacies and micronutrient interactions across various population groups. Dr. Lamers' publication record demonstrates a consistent trajectory of high-impact research in nutritional biochemistry, with recent work focusing on vitamin metabolism, maternal and child nutrition, and epigenetic effects of B vitamins. Her studies frequently address health disparities, particularly among South Asian populations in Canada, where she has documented substantially lower vitamin B12 status in pregnant women compared to those of European ethnicity. She has received significant recognition as a Canada Research Chair and her work is funded by multiple prestigious organizations including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund, and Dairy Farmers of Canada. Dr. Lamers leads major collaborative initiatives such as DERiVE (DEvelopment of Riboflavin biomarkers) and EpiBrain (Epigenetic Effects of B Vitamins on Brain Health). Her teaching portfolio includes FNH 350: Fundamentals of Nutrition, FNH 351: Vitamins, Minerals, and Health, and graduate seminars in Human Nutrition. She actively supervises graduate students and maintains strong affiliations with multiple research centers including the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Women's Health Research Cluster, and The Social Exposome Cluster.
Joanna Dionne is an Associate Professor in Medicine at McMaster University with a distinguished research career focused on critical care medicine, gastroenterology, and hepatology. Her work primarily addresses gastrointestinal complications in critically ill patients, with particular emphasis on stress ulcer prophylaxis, diarrhea management, and liver-related conditions in intensive care settings. Dr. Dionne's research interests span several key areas: Critical Care Medicine - particularly management of gastrointestinal complications in ICU patients Gastroenterology - with focus on diarrhea, Clostridioides difficile infection, and hepatic encephalopathy Hepatology - including liver transplantation and acute liver failure management End-of-life care in critical care settings Nutrition in critically ill patients Her scholarly work demonstrates a strong emphasis on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical practice guidelines, particularly in the areas of stress ulcer prophylaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding prevention, and management of liver conditions in critically ill patients. Dr. Dionne has been instrumental in developing guidelines for the Society of Critical Care Medicine and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Dr. Dionne has received significant recognition for her work, with numerous publications being blogged by multiple outlets, widely shared on social media platforms, and picked up by news outlets. Her research on the 3 Wishes Project highlights her commitment to humanistic aspects of critical care, focusing on spiritual care at the end of life. She maintains an active collaborative network with Deborah Cook, Bram Rochwerg, and Simon Oczkowski among her most frequent co-authors. Her work spans high-impact journals including Critical Care Medicine, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and the New England Journal of Medicine.
Masahito Oba is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta, affiliated with the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on ruminant nutrition, dairy production systems, and animal physiology, particularly investigating feed efficiency, rumen fermentation dynamics, and calf health. He teaches AN SC 472: Applied Dairy Production Science, emphasizing practical applications in dairy industry management. Key research interests include optimizing dairy cow nutrition, mitigating subacute ruminal acidosis, and understanding the impacts of dietary supplements (e.g., butyrate, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on ruminal health and milk production. His work also explores genetic traits like anogenital distance as potential indicators of reproductive and metabolic performance in livestock. Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding rumen microbial ecology, methane reduction strategies, and the physiological effects of dietary interventions. His studies often bridge basic science with applied agricultural practices to improve livestock productivity and sustainability. Oba has collaborated on projects addressing calf starter formulations, postpartum cow management, and the development of noninvasive health indicators for dairy herds. His research has implications for reducing environmental impacts (e.g., methane emissions) and enhancing animal welfare in modern dairy systems.
Ben Willing is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on the microbiology of nutrigenomics, exploring how symbiotic gut microbes interact with dietary components to influence host physiology and disease resistance in livestock and humans. He employs antibiotic and gnotobiotic animal models, metabolomics, and transcriptomics to study these interactions. Education: PhD in Animal and Poultry Science from the University of Saskatchewan Postdoc in Microbiology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Postdoc in Microbiology and Immunology at the Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia Research Interests: Microbial regulation of host metabolism and immune responses Impact of dietary interventions on gut microbiota composition Prevention of metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, obesity) through microbiome modulation Comparative analysis of microbiota between wild and domestic animals His work emphasizes translational applications in both human and animal health. Teaching: AFNS 528: Advances in Human Nutrition and the Intestinal Microbiome (Winter 2026) AFNS 575: Advanced Functional Genomics Technologies (Fall 2025) AN SC 311: Metabolic Physiology of Domestic Animals (Winter 2026) NU FS 428: Advances in Human Nutrition and the Intestinal Microbiome (Winter 2026) Courses integrate cutting-edge methodologies in microbiome research and functional genomics. Research Trends: Recent work highlights the role of dietary components like protein, fiber, and probiotics in shaping gut microbiota and metabolic health. Studies utilize swine, mice, and poultry models to investigate mechanisms linking microbiota to inflammation, insulin resistance, and immune function. Kefir and microbial transplantation are key areas for exploring interventions to mitigate chronic diseases. Advising & Grants: Dr. Willing offers graduate and undergraduate training opportunities in microbiome research and nutrition. Specific grants are not detailed, but his research aligns with funding priorities in agricultural and biomedical microbiology. No formal advisee names are listed in the provided texts. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with research groups within the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, focusing on microbiome-host interactions, metabolic physiology, and translational nutrition science. Active in interdisciplinary projects involving metabolomics and genomics technologies.
Mila Freire Gonzalez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Université de Montréal. Her work focuses on chronic pain management in small animals , neurobiological markers of pain , and feline degenerative joint disease . She holds a PhD in Neurobiology of Pain from the University of North Carolina (2014) and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (2013). Research Interests: Her expertise spans veterinary surgery, feline medicine, and neurobiology. Current projects investigate molecular mechanisms of pain in cats with degenerative joint disease and comparative pain assessment techniques between normal and chronically painful dogs. Publication Trends: Recent works emphasize translational pain research using feline and canine models, with specific attention to therapeutic interventions (e.g., anti-NGF antibodies) and diagnostic challenges in exotic species like ferrets. 2013 - Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Krystina Lewis, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, and a Certified Cardiovascular Nurse (CSIC(C)). She leads patient decision aid research at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, focusing on shared decision-making frameworks for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and knowledge translation in cardiovascular care. University of Ottawa (2018) - Ph.D. University of Victoria (2013) - M.Sc. in Nursing Queen's University (2007) - B.Sc. in Nursing Her research prioritizes patient and public engagement in healthcare decisions, particularly cardiovascular device management. She examines value clarification methods, decision aid usability, and implementation science strategies to improve healthcare outcomes through interprofessional collaboration. Key publication trends include systematic reviews on ICD decision-making, mixed-methods studies for patient-centered care, and validation of decision support frameworks. Her work spans clinical trials, meta-analyses, and translational studies in cardiology and nursing practice. Scientific contributions recognized by Governor General's Gold Medal (2019) and multiple best student awards (2011-2015). She contributes to international standards through the International Patient Decision Aid Standards collaborative network.
Mazen Saleh serves as a Full Professor in the Department of Biology within Laurentian University's School of Natural Sciences, with a cross appointment at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). His academic career spans over 15 years since joining Laurentian in 2004, during which he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in microbiology, cell biology, and infectious diseases while maintaining an active research program in molecular biophysics and bacterial pathogenesis. His educational foundation includes a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the University of Waterloo, followed by a Ph.D. in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto under Professor Jean Gariepy, where he investigated microbial protein toxin biophysics. Postdoctoral training at UCLA and Colorado State University preceded his faculty appointment. His research focuses on bacterial protein secretion mechanisms across pathogenic and non-pathogenic species, employing bioinformatics, molecular biology, and proteomics to study mRNA roles in protein targeting, RNA-binding proteins in secretion, and virulence factor characterization in Streptomyces and Mycobacteria. Analysis of his 13 most recent publications (2009-2020) reveals consistent contributions to understanding bacterial secretion systems, toxin biology, and extremophile adaptations. His work bridges molecular mechanisms (e.g., mRNA-directed secretion) with clinical implications (e.g., sepsis pathogenesis), demonstrating interdisciplinary impact across microbiology, infectious diseases, and environmental science. Key themes include structural determinants of protein translocation, host-pathogen interactions in actinomycetes, and innovative approaches to studying secretion in diverse bacterial contexts. Dr. Saleh currently mentors graduate students, including one investigating mRNA involvement in protein secretion targeting. His laboratory collaborates with national and international researchers as evidenced by co-authorship with institutions including NOSM and Colorado State University. While specific grant details aren't provided, his sustained research output indicates successful funding acquisition for projects examining bacterial pathogenesis mechanisms and environmental adaptations.
Dawit Wolday is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University. His research focuses on chronic immune activation , pathogen genomic epidemiology , immunogenetics , and infectious diseases , with specific interests in point-of-care diagnostics , global health , and artificial intelligence for health . He has made significant contributions to HIV, tuberculosis, and leishmaniasis research in Ethiopia. Immunogenetics (including genetic immunology) Immunological and bioassay methods Immunology Infectious diseases Global health Dr. Wolday has published extensively on topics such as visceral leishmaniasis , COVID-19 , and HIV-1 in Ethiopian populations. His recent work includes genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater , proteomic signatures of long-term sequelae , and antimicrobial discovery from soil bacteria . He has also contributed to diagnostic test validation and epidemiological studies of co-infections. He teaches courses such as Scientific Communication (BIOCHEM 720B/720A) and Immunological Principles in Practice (HTHSCI 4J03/BIOCHEM 4J03) . Dr. Wolday's research integrates clinical immunology , molecular diagnostics , and public health interventions to address disease burdens in resource-limited settings.
Dr. Nikhil Pai is an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at McMaster University and a Staff Physician in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at McMaster Children’s Hospital. He serves as Medical Lead of the Complex Pediatric Nutrition Service and Pediatric Intestinal Failure program. From July 2024, he will join the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Staff Physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia while maintaining a part-time Assistant Professor appointment at McMaster. Education: B.Sc, University of Western Ontario (2001–2004) M.D, McMaster University (2004–2007) Pediatrics Residency, Hospital for Sick Children/University of Toronto (2007–2011) Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School (2011–2014) Postdoctoral Research: Intestinal Microbiome, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard University (2012–2014) Research Focus: Dr. Pai specializes in pediatric gastroenterology with emphasis on nutritional science, microbial therapeutics, and host-microbiome interactions. His work includes pioneering clinical trials on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and leadership of multicenter studies (PediFeTCh, PediCRaFT, FIND trials) examining microbial/nutritional interventions in ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and fatty liver disease. His research bridges basic science and clinical applications in gut microbiome modulation. Publication Trends: His 15 most recent articles (2021–2025) focus on FMT clinical outcomes, urine metabolomics for IBD diagnosis, therapeutic nutrition, gut-brain axis disorders, and pediatric liver disease management, reflecting translational research bridging microbiome science and clinical gastroenterology. Awards: 2023 ASPEN Stanley J. Dudrick Research Award 2024 Canadian Nutrition Society Young Investigator Award Ontario Innovation Award Academic Activities: Dr. Pai mentors medical students, residents, and fellows, and has secured >$3.98M in research funding (CIHR/non-profit grants). He leads the Pai Lab and is Associate Member of McMaster's Farncombe Institute and MODR Centre. Administrative roles include co-chairing hospital nutrition committees and advising Health Canada on FMT therapeutics.
Maria Pinto-Sanchez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences. She serves as an active medical staff member at the Gastroenterology Division of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, providing specialized consultation services in gastroenterology and nutrition. Dr. Pinto-Sanchez directs the Celiac Clinic at McMaster University and provides nutrition support for the Home Parenteral Nutrition program and Intestinal Failure Clinic. Dr. Pinto-Sanchez earned her M.D. from Universidad Nacional de Cordoba (UNC) in 2002, completed her specialization in Gastroenterology through Sociedad Argentina de Gastroenterologia and Universidad de Buenos Aires from 2003-2008, and obtained her M.Sc. from McMaster University in 2014. She is a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC), a credential she earned in 2017. Her research focuses extensively on celiac disease and gluten-related disorders, with particular emphasis on diagnosis, treatment, and nutritional management. She investigates connections between celiac disease and other gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Her work examines how dietary interventions, particularly gluten-free diets, affect patient outcomes, symptoms, and quality of life. She has made significant contributions to understanding micronutrient deficiencies associated with gluten-free diets and the psychological aspects of gastrointestinal disorders. Analysis of Dr. Pinto-Sanchez's recent publications reveals a strong focus on celiac disease diagnostics, treatment alternatives, and nutritional management. Her work spans clinical trials, systematic reviews, and mechanistic studies examining gluten sensitivity, gut microbiota, and diet-gut interactions. A significant portion addresses practical clinical questions about gluten-free diet compliance, nutritional deficiencies, and standardized approaches to celiac disease research and management. Dr. Pinto-Sanchez's scholarly work has been widely disseminated through publications in high-impact gastroenterology journals and has received substantial attention across academic and social media platforms, though specific major awards are not prominently highlighted in the available information. While specific details about her advising activities are limited in the provided information, Dr. Pinto-Sanchez appears to be actively involved in research mentorship given her extensive publication record and leadership roles. Her research has likely been supported by various grants focused on gastrointestinal disorders, nutrition, and celiac disease. Dr. Pinto-Sanchez leads the Celiac Clinic at McMaster University, which serves as the focal point for her clinical and research activities. Her work connects with the Farncombe Research Institute, as indicated by the link from the institute to the celiac clinic. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams focused on gastrointestinal disorders, nutrition support, and the intersection of mental health and digestive conditions.
Dr. Valérie Marchand is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Medicine , affiliated with the Department of Pediatrics . She practices at CHU Sainte-Justine , where she leads the Intestinal Failure Program and works as a pediatric gastroenterologist. Medical Degree: University of Sherbrooke Pediatrics Residency: University of Montreal Pediatric Gastroenterology Residency: University of Montreal Nutrition Fellowship: Medical University of South Carolina Her research focuses on pediatric nutrition , particularly addressing feeding difficulties , short bowel syndrome , and neurological deficit-associated nutritional challenges . Current projects examine appetite stimulant efficacy and quality of life outcomes after gastrostomy procedures. Notable awards include the Best Doctors Award (2008) and Clinical Excellence Award (2016) . She serves on key medical boards including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and previously held leadership roles in the Canadian Nutrition Society and Canadian Paediatric Society .
Vincent Pichette serves as a Full Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal, holding dual appointments in the Department of Medicine and Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. His research is anchored at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center (CRHMR), where he investigates critical intersections between renal pathology and metabolic pharmacology. His research program systematically examines how chronic kidney disease disrupts intestinal drug metabolism, with particular emphasis on cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibition mechanisms. Clinical investigations span osteoporosis prevalence and treatment in renal transplant recipients, predialysis clinic efficacy, and anemia management in kidney failure. Basic science components integrate drug pharmacokinetics modeling, renal failure metabolism studies, and cell culture methodologies to elucidate molecular pathways. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. Information regarding graduate student supervision and research grant funding remains unspecified in available records. Dr. Pichette maintains active research operations at the CRHMR, leveraging hospital-university synergies to advance translational understanding of drug metabolism alterations in chronic renal conditions through both clinical cohorts and in vitro models.
