Current Student Biographies

Abbasian, Aram

Supervisor: Dr. Graham Collingridge
Graduate unit: Department of Physiology 

Personal background
I grew up partially in Nova Scotia and completed my undergraduate and master's degrees, both in neuroscience, at Dalhousie University. While at Dalhousie, I became captivated by research on synaptic plasticity – the wiring and rewiring that takes place in the brain to store memories. A few years later in my first year of medical school here at the University of Toronto, I learned about the widespread implications for plasticity in my clinical interest of functional neurosurgery, ultimately deciding to pursue this line of work and transfer into the MD/PhD program as a result. Beyond research and medicine and in addition to time with family and friends, I try to make room for exercise and reading, as well as an on-again off-again relationship with meditation. 

Research interests
My research is aimed at uncovering the changes that occur at the connections between brain cells when a memory is formed. Using a combination of optical and electrophysiological techniques, I am trying to elucidate the role of several key mechanisms in this process, and determine which are impaired in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease when therapeutic intervention holds the most promise.  

Agbede, Oluwatobi

Personal backgroundI was born and raised in Nigeria through most of my teenage years. I immigrated to Canada in grade 12 and first fell in love with science when I learned about genetics/gene editing from my biology class. Previously, I had always been interested in tackling problems and answering questions that their answers were not always obvious. With my newly stimulated interest in biology and a continuous desire to help others, I got into medicine and research. I completed my undergraduate degree in biomedical science at York University, where I learned a lot about research methods in different fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and cell and molecular biology. Following my undergrad, I completed a master’s degree in cell and molecular biology at York University under the supervision of Dr. Chun Peng. This program served as an opportunity to hone my research skills and get a purview into the need to connect basic research and medicine to increase patient outcomes, which drove me to pursue the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto. Outside of research and pretending not to be a nerd, I enjoy reading romance fiction and science nonfiction, building things (Legos, furniture, and everything in between), listening to music, and engaging in controversial but trivial philosophical debates.

Research interests
My research interest centers on utilizing an omics approach combined with cellular and molecular validations to contribute to the development of more effective screening and therapeutic interventions for different cancers.

Aghazadeh Habashi, Yashar

Personal background
When I was a child, my father would often bring me to the lab as he completed his PhD. Hence, from a young age, I came to appreciate the commitment and dedication that goes towards pushing the frontier in hopes of finding new ways to prevent and mitigate health issues. During my time in high school and HBSc at McGill University, I have worked in the labs of Drs. Jared Barrott, John White, and Peter Siegel, with projects focusing on cancer pharmacology, autoimmunity, and cancer immunology, respectively. Together with my love for Toronto and a desire to venture further into translational research, I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue an MD/PhD at UofT. Aside from academics, I enjoy the piano, playing competitive tennis, experimenting with cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Research interests
With my current background, I am interested in further exploring the intricacies of the dynamic interplay between cancer and the immune system. This includes spatial mapping of tissue microenvironments and immune landscapes, as well as uncovering novel predictive biomarkers of response to immunotherapies.

Ahmed, Sara

Supervisor: Dr. Warren Chan
Graduate unit: BME

Personal Background
I was born in Egypt, grew up in the UAE, and immigrated to Canada when I was eight years old. Growing up, I was always the person asking 'why? why? why?'. Naturally, I found myself gravitating towards the sciences. This drive to learn more about how things work along with a few life experiences drew me to medicine and medical research. I pursued an undergraduate degree in life sciences, and specialized in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour at McMaster University. I was fortunate to gain incredible mentors during my undergraduate degree who supported me on my pursuit towards becoming a clinician-scientist. Through my experiences, I learned about the unique position of clinician-scientists. As a medical doctor you are poised in an optimal position to see patient problems first hand and the applications of available science to help address their issues. As a scientist, you can take these problems to the lab and use science to work towards a solution. I resonated with the position of a clinician-scientist. It provided an avenue for me to ask 'why?' about problems I find fascinating, and to use this curiosity to advocate for patients and find solutions for them. There is also immense privilege in taking your knowledge and ability, and using it to help others as they put their trust in you. When I came to this realization, I decided I wanted to become an MD/PhD. In the future, I hope to take my work internationally to benefit underprivileged populations.

Outside of my career and academic aspirations, I love to travel and meet locals, as well as exploring their languages, cultures, and foods! Social injustice, inequity, and education make me tick, therefore, my extracurriculars tend to revolve around these themes.

Research
I am interested in learning how to apply current technologies to medical problems. I am pursuing a PhD at the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering. My project aims to apply nanotechnology principles to problems in oncology.

Asadi-Lari, Mohammad (in memoriam)

The newly launched Mohammad and Zeynab Asadi-Lari Award recognizes a MD/PhD student who has demonstrated excellence in innovation and brought about positive change. This award is named in memory of Mohammad Asadi-Lari and his sister Zeynab Asadi-Lari. Mohammad and Zeynab were both highly accomplished young students who were passionate about science. Mohammad focused on empowering youth to be changemakers and innovators. He believed you could achieve global effects by acting locally. This award reminds us that even if we start small, we can all play a role in building a better world.

Personal Background
I was born in Iran, spent my childhood in the UK, my teens in Iran and then moved to Vancouver for my last year of high school. After completing my undergrad in honours cellular, anatomical and physiological sciences (CAPS) at UBC, I couldn’t be more thrilled to enter the MD/PhD program in a global institution like U of T. I often find myself having trouble bringing together my interests in health, science, innovation, education, youth civic engagement and public policy. However, Toronto is a phenomenal place (arguable one of the best) for those interests to converge - it's literally a place where economic, academic and political centres come together. As a big believer in the importance of communities and ecosystems, I am currently working on establishing a Pan-Canadian physician innovator/entrepreneur organization, and I’m also part of the Global Shapers Hub in Toronto, which is an initiative by the World Economic Forum (WEF). In my spare time, I love to spend time with my loved ones and friends, as well as travel, hit the gym, play ball and binge-stream. 

Research Interests
After previous research experiences in organic chemistry, nano chemistry, cancer immunology, clinical neurosurgery and neuroscience, I’m currently exploring potential avenues in the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) or in the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluations (IHPME) to find a balance between my interests, and a good combination of supervisor, group and project. Aside from being applicable to my likely clinical interests in surgery, I’m hoping that my PhD will help ground me in an area of research/innovation that can then translate into productive avenues in entrepreneurship, policy, consulting and global impact delivery. 

Behrouzi, Bahar

Supervisor: Dr. Jacob A. Udell & Dr. Douglas Lee
Graduate Unit: Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation

Personal Background
My foray into research began as an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, pursuing a BSc (Hons) degree and specializing in Biochemistry. I spent four years profiling andrology and ovarian biology biomarkers under Drs. Kenigsberg and Librach to research metabolic reproductive disorders in a commercial clinical setting. Here, I was also exposed first-hand to the nuanced dynamics of health technology, socioeconomic status, gender, and policy that shape access to health services, thus inspiring me to pursue an MSc in Global Health Management at McMaster University. At Mac, I was introduced to innovative clinical trial designs, particularly pragmatic trials and adaptive licensing, and global advances for using big data in clinical trials (e.g., registries, health administrative data, etc.) to answer important questions on the effectiveness (versus efficacy) and value (versus cost) of real-world interventions. This has led me to my current position at UofT, where I am pursuing projects that will equip me to serve as a physician and clinical trial methodologist by the end of the dual MD/PhD degree. Away from my computer, I enjoy book clubs, music, water sports, and practicing Dutch Kickboxing.

Research Interests
Through the doctoral program in Clinical Epidemiology, offered by the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, I am working with Drs. Udell and Lee in applying novel epidemiological methods to investigate the intersection between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and viral respiratory illnesses in patients with varying degrees of CVD, using provincial health administrative data and global pragmatic trial data.

Bennett, Falan

Personal Background
I grew up in Toronto and Brampton, and completed my undergraduate studies at York University where I earned two BSc (Hons) degrees in biology and psychology. A deep interest in the fundamental causatives of health disparities pushed me to pursue a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Toronto. As a master’s student, I learned the basis of interrogating health inequities through quantitative approaches underpinned by social theory. I am pursuing an MD- PhD to address the chasms in structural determinants of health affecting Black populations- particularly Black women. The joint program provides the unique opportunity for me to bridge population level health determinants and clinical practice. Outside of scholarly pursuits, I enjoy cooking and spending as much time as possible in Jamaica.

Research Interests
During my PhD, I am interested in examining the nexus between the structural determinants of health, social policy, and Black Canadian women’s reproductive and maternal health outcomes through a social epidemiological lens.

Borenstein, Adina

Personal Background
I grew up in Toronto, Ontario, and attended the University of Guelph for my undergrad in the biomedical science program. My interest in science and medicine began after seeing a sample brain scan to ease my fears about an MRI while in elementary school. This eventually led to learning research techniques at the Helix Summer Science Institute at York University, which I absolutely loved. The following year I was a summer volunteer in the Schimmer Lab at Princess Margaret, researching acute myeloid leukaemia under Dr. Aaron Schimmer. I worked alongside clinician-scientists and MD/PhD students and realized this was a career path that really excited me, and that I couldn’t see a career in research without one in medicine, and vice versa. Once in university, combining my interests in cancer research and neuroscience, I researched novel therapeutics for glioblastoma multiforme under Dr. Jasmin Lalonde. These experiences and supportive mentors have solidified that I want to pursue a career as a clinician-scientist. I am excited to be starting the MD/PhD program at UofT and for the opportunity to serve the community I grew up in. Outside of academics, I am a synchronized swimmer and love to swim in any body of water I can find!

Research Interests
My previous research experiences have led me to form an interest in understanding the pathophysiology of cancers that do not respond to conventional treatments, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and others. I ultimately hope to contribute to the development and characterization of novel therapeutics for these cancers by pursuing oncology research during my PhD.

Botts, Steven

Supervisors: Dr. Kathryn Howe (Division of Vascular Surgery, University Health Network) and Dr. Jason Fish (Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network)
Graduate unit: Institute of Medical Science

Personal Background
I completed my HBSc in Biology and Psychology and MSc in Biology at McMaster University, where I investigated water pathogens and microbial signatures for water pollution in the Niagara Region. My interest in microbiology and public health led me to The Hospital for Sick Children in 2016, where I used omics-based methods to characterize the gut microbiome during the onset and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and examined the impact of diet on intestinal health. During this time, I worked closely with physician-scientists who underscored the importance of translational medicine and inspired me to follow in their wake. I was drawn to the University of Toronto because it is at the forefront of translational research and excellence in medical training. Outside of research, I enjoy competitive powerlifting, cooking, and podcasts discussing fitness, philosophy, and everything in between.

Research Interests
I am currently interested in the endothelial cell dysfunction underlying aortic aneurysm pathogenesis, with a specific focus on extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. I am enthusiastic about leveraging these findings within the areas of screening, risk assessment, and intervention to develop innovative strategies for improving health outcomes.

Publications

Chin, Allysia

Personal Background
Hailing from Scarborough North, Allysia is a first-year MD/PhD student at the University of Toronto. After obtaining her BSc in Chemical Biology from McMaster University, she returned to Toronto to work as a research technician in the lab of Prof. Molly Shoichet. Here, she flexed her chemistry muscles to engineer biomaterials for disease modelling by leveraging click-chemistry to solve biological problems. She also had a quick stint in industry, where she worked as a science intern at a biotechnology company, AmacaThera, where she formulated and analyzed drug delivery vehicles. 

Outside of liking organic chemistry way too much, Allysia takes pride in being multifaceted - just like her hometown of Scarborough. She champions equity outreach, mentorship, curly hair routines, gnarly ear piercings, chicken nuggets, and breaking glass ceilings. 

Research Interests
Allysia is looking forward to beginning the PhD phase of the program. Her research interests include tissue engineering, synthetic biomaterials for cancer modelling/drug delivery, and elucidating the mechanisms of cancer stem-like cells in propagating aggressive tumours. 

D'Cruz, Robert

Supervisor: Dr. Norman Rosenblum
Graduate Unit: LMP

Personal Background
I completed my undergraduate degree in biology at a small school in the United States called St. Bonaventure University, where I attended on a soccer scholarship and competed as an NCAA Division 1 student-athlete. In my later years of my undergraduate degree, I began to get involved and interested in research through working with some of my professors. After graduating in 2014, I came back home to Canada. I elected to continue doing research at the University of Toronto, where I completed a Master’s degree with the Institute of Medical Science. Working and learning from clinician-scientists throughout my Master’s experience drove me to pursue the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto.

Research Interests
My past research focused on the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy. Moving forward, I am interested in understanding cellular signaling networks involved in renal development. As I continue in my academic and medical training, I look forward to working in the University of Toronto network. I am confident that the MD/PhD program here will nurture my interests and help prepare me as I move forward in my career.

Publications

De Snoo, Mitch

Supervisor: Dr. Paul Frankland
Graduate Unit: Institute of Medical Science

Personal Background
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA and my Master of Science in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto. My MSc was in the lab of Dr. Suneil Kalia where I studied the role of co-chaperone proteins in the regulation of a mitochondrial quality pathway that is known to be dysfunctional in familial, early-onset forms of Parkinson’s disease. Studying under Dr. Kalia, a clinician-scientist, exposed me to the possibility of practicing clinical medicine while also researching fundamental disease processes and potential future treatments which inspired me to pursue the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto. Outside of research I play lacrosse professionally for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League.

Research Interests
My research interests are in neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease. I will be pursuing my PhD with Dr. Paul Frankland where I will investigate the biological mechanisms underpinning memory formation, maintenance, retrieval, and transience.

Dhaliwal, Alex

Supervisor: Dr. Gang Zheng
Graduate unit: Department of Medical Biophysics

Personal Background
I was raised in St. Catharines and completed by undergraduate degree at McMaster University in Integrated Sciences. Over the course of this training, I developed an active interest in research, working in labs dedicated to basic neuroscience and biophysics. I completed my degree with a triple minor in Biochemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. I chose the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto as it provides me with an opportunity to work at the interface of medicine and research at an institution that prioritizes rigourous science and medical innovation.

Research Interests
The majority of my past research focused on elucidating membrane-mediated drug interactions using X-ray diffraction and Molecular Dynamics simulations. My current research extends these principles of using physical modalities as a probe for drug design and development – I am working to overcome obstacles in cancer nanomedicine delivery using an in situ ultrasound-triggered microbubble-to-nanoparticle conversion platform. I am passionate about developing novel techniques to better understand and tackle problems at the frontier of oncology, and I am confident that the MD/PhD program will help me cultivate my interests and contextualize my work.

Drupals, Megan

Supervisor: Dr. Michael Salter
Graduate Unit: Department of Physiology

Personal Background
I completed my BSc in Biology at the University of British Columbia, a few (thousand) kilometers away from my hometown of Montreal. Through the co-operative education program at UBC, I discovered a love for exploring pain pathways using molecular and genetic approaches. The MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto seemed like an ideal fit for my goal of strengthening our understanding of pain and translating these scientific discoveries into improved therapeutics for people suffering from chronic pain. Outside the lab, I love making time to bury my nose in a good book and spending time with friends and family.

Research Interests
My research focuses on understanding the physiological impact that early-life pain exposure has on infants. Using a combination of genetic, molecular and electrophysiological tools, we are attempting to unearth where the “memory” of this pain is being stored, and how that may be changing future pain responses and affecting nervous system development.

Erickson, Anders

Supervisor: Dr. Michael Taylor
Graduate Unit: LMP

Personal Background
I grew up in Boston and Sydney and came to Canada for my undergraduate degree in biochemistry at McGill University. In my free time I'm a wannabe powerlifter and polyglot. Choosing medicine was a bit of a no-brainer for me: I was absolutely fascinated by what I was learning in my undergrad physiology courses, and I knew from pumping gas in high school that the gratification I got from service to others (even if it was just pumping gas) was worth pursuing through medicine. Choosing science was probably in the cards for me from early on, too. My mum likes to remind me of a time when I was playing in the bath as a kid where I inverted, then submerged, a plastic cup and said "Look, mum! Pressure!" which I was probably reciting from Bill Nye. That I wanted to pursue a career as a clinician-scientist was a more recent discovery. I've had some excellent mentors as a medical student at UofT who've inspired me immensely. In working with them, I've found a hunger to investigate clinical questions that has led me to happily burn the candle. I feel immensely lucky to have been given the opportunity to transfer into the MD/PhD program and pursue a life as a clinician-scientist.

Research Interests
I've loved conducting epidemiologic research in neuro-oncology: it's how I learned I wanted to be a clinician-scientist. I'm excited to dive further into neuro-oncology during my PhD and into the realms of basic science and bioinformatics.

Fallahi, Armaan

Personal Background
I grew up in Richmond Hill, Ontario, with a diverse background influenced by my Iranian and Kenyan heritage. From an early age, I had a deep curiosity for learning, from the captivating world of dinosaurs and sharks to the mysteries of the brain. This passion led me to pursue a B.Sc. in neuroscience at McGill University, graduating in 2021. During my time at McGill, I had the privilege of engaging in research experiences at the Douglas Mental Health Institute and the Montreal Neurological Institute, under the guidance of Drs. Gustavo Turecki, Cecilia Flores, and Edward Fon. These experiences provided me with a comprehensive understanding of molecular, cellular, and behavioral neuroscience across various models. In 2020, I took an exchange term at University College London where I gained computational skills in the Machine Learning and Neuroimaging laboratory. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am deeply committed to advocating for mental health, a cause that holds great importance to me.

During my free time, I indulge in my passions for electronic music, weightlifting, running, calisthenics, engaging in philosophical discussions, tweeting, and savoring halal cuisine.

Research Interests
My research interests lie in unraveling the mechanistic complexities of neuropsychiatric diseases, ranging from the molecular to circuit level, and their relationship to behavior in pre-clinical models. For my PhD, I am eager to utilize advanced systems neuroscience techniques, including genetic engineering, opto/chemogenetics, calcium imaging, and molecular biology, to explore the underlying processes of health and disease processes and their parallels in humans. In the summer of 2023, I am pursuing research in the laboratory of Dr. Sheena Josselyn investigating early-life stress and its relationship with amygdalar circuits related to fear, anxiety, and persistent memory.

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Florescu, Alex

Supervisor: Dr. Jennifer Gommerman
Graduate Unit: Immunology

Personal Background
Alex spends most of her time asking to pet other people's dogs and breaking her pinky finger playing basketball. Otherwise, you can find her in the lab talking about her favourite cells, B cells. Alex first fell in love with immunology during her Bachelor of Health Sciences at McMaster University, during which time she studied the role of germinal centres in the generation of immune memory to peanut allergens.

Research Interests
For her PhD, Alex will be studying the role of gut-derived IgA plasma cells in neuroinflammation, with a particular interest in looking at immune populations in the meninges of the brain.

Friesen, Erik

Supervisor: Paul Kurdyak (CAMH)
Graduate Unit: Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation

Personal Background
I was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB before moving to Toronto to pursue a BSc in Neuroscience (’16) and MSc in Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology (’18) at the University of Toronto. Throughout my time in Toronto I have had the privilege of working with a number of physician-scientists who have facilitated my exploration of a broad range of research topics and methodologies, ranging from epidemiological research in the realm of heart transplantation to basic laboratory research on the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. These experiences, and the excellent mentorship I received within them, allowed me to realize the value of combining medical research with clinical practice and ultimately inspired me to join the MD/PhD program. Outside of school and research I enjoy travelling, hanging out in parks with my dog and experiencing remote parts of Canada through canoeing and cycling.

Research Interests
For my PhD research I am transitioning into a project that focuses on the spatial epidemiology of addiction across urban, rural and remote Ontario, with a particular focus on the harms associated with alcohol use disorder. While this is a new field of research for me, it combines my long-standing interest in neuroscience and psychiatry with a more recent interest in understanding the barriers that rural Canadians face when trying to access addictions and mental health services. Through this research, I hope to uncover the factors that predispose rural and remote communities to an increased incidence of substance-use-related morbidity and mortality with the ultimate goal of informing public health measures to reduce this burden.

Garrido, Nicholas

Personal Background
I was born and raised in Toronto. I completed an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and a Master of Science degree at the University of Toronto. I developed a passion for molecular biology under the supervision of Dr. Dan Riggs in my undergraduate studies. In my master’s, I was exposed to various high-throughput technologies that were being used to identify susceptibility factors of psoriatic disease in Dr. Dafna Gladman’s lab. Outside of academics, I spend a lot of time coaching and playing soccer! I also hike, fish, listen to Latin American music and try playing it on my accordion. 

Research Background
In my PhD, I hope to get exposure to as many molecular biology techniques as possible. I’d like to become competent in many types of CRISPR applications and build a strong foundation to tackle important biological questions in the realm of rare pediatric diseases.  

Gascon, Bryan

Personal Background
I was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada when I was four years old, where I was raised in a small and diverse neighborhood in Scarborough. I attended local public schools and went on to earn both an undergraduate degree in global health and a Master of Science degree in cancer psychiatry research at the University of Toronto. It was during these degrees where I was privileged enough to be mentored by several physician-scientists, both locally and internationally, through a wide array of human-centred research projects.  

The pursuit of my research endeavours across the fields of infectious diseases to psychiatry thus far have all been inspired, in a cyclical way, by personal life experiences that have been tightly bound to who I am, where I come from, and the communities that I find special. This cyclical research inspiration, which embodies the very essence of what a physician-scientist does, is what ultimately drew me to the MD-PhD program. By developing a dual medical and research expertise, I aspire to advance patient care, specifically by bringing the research bench closer to the bedside. 

When I’m not doing medicine or research, I’m probably thinking about pandas, playing beach volleyball, working out, or finding an excuse to make cheesy Doritos nachos.  

Research Interests
For my PhD, I am interested in learning how to generate robust evidence related to implementation of health interventions in low- and middle-income settings – settings that are too often unheard and deprioritized in research. I plan to leverage qualitative and quantitative methods to identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of healthcare interventions and evaluate its clinical and implementation effectiveness on a global scale.

Gilmore, Julian

Personal Background
Born and raised in Toronto, I completed my Bachelor’s of Science at McMaster University, studying chemical biology. During my time at McMaster,  I developed an interest in infectious disease research, a subject which I pursued further in my MSc in U of T, investigating the safety of antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy. Throughout my MSc, I longed to connect my work in the lab to improvements at the bedside—a desire which ultimately led me to the MD/PhD program, where I hope to develop skills to improve chronic infectious disease prevention and management. I am also passionate about approaching research questions through a lens of health equity, and hope in the future to contribute to equitable distribution of vaccines, therapeutics, and other health resources to communities where they are most needed.

Outside of academics, you can find me exploring the world on my bike and patiently waiting for the Raptors to win another championship!

Research interests
I’m interested in understanding the pathophysiology of HIV and other chronic infections, and ultimately hope to contribute to the development and characterization of therapeutics and vaccines for the management of chronic infectious disease. 

Giovino, Camillia

Supervisors: Dr. David Malkin and Dr. Ran Kafri
Graduate Unit: Department of Medical Biophysics

Personal Background
I completed my undergraduate degree in Life Sciences at the University of Toronto. I became involved in research following my second year of undergraduate studies where I studied chemoresistance in head and neck cancer in the laboratory of Dr. Fei-Fei Liu for two years through summer and course-based thesis projects. Upon completion of my undergraduate studies, I pursued Masters studies in the Department of Medical Biophysics at U of T where I worked under the supervision of Drs. David Malkin and Ran Kafri, investigating the role of the tumour microenvironment in cancer onset in the context of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), a devastating and highly penetrant hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome. With a keen interest in both science and medicine, I decided to pursue MD/PhD training at U of T after completion of my Master’s degree.

Research Interests
My research interests are in the areas of molecular and cellular biology of cancer, and more recently, cancer immunology. For my PhD studies, I continued to work under the supervision of Drs. David Malkin and Ran Kafri on a related project where I investigated the anti-tumour immune response in a mouse model of LFS. I further investigated blood-based predictive cancer biomarkers in this LFS mouse model, monitoring longitudinal, cancer-associated changes in plasma cytokine expression profiles. I further investigated the use of a phenotypic assay using skin biopsy-derived dermal fibroblasts from LFS mice, as well as humans with LFS, to make cancer risk predictions in these individuals. Overall, this work advances our understanding of tumourigenesis in LFS and highlights the importance of immune profiling, as well as assessment of blood-based biomarkers and skin fibroblast phenotypes in improving cancer prediction and, eventually, personalized clinical management.

Grabke, Emerson

Supervisors: Dr. Masoom Haider & Dr. Babak Taati
Academic Unit: BME

Personal Background
I grew up in Toronto with strong interests in both helping people and building things. I pursued a BASc in Engineering Science at the University of Toronto with focus on Robotics Engineering to unite these desires. During a summer research placement at Osaka University I witnessed how engineered devices can benefit medicine and the point of care. Upon returning to Toronto I pursued a MHSc in Clinical Engineering in Toronto and subsequently the MD/PhD program in order to further unite engineering and the clinical bedside. In my spare time I play the violin, I love to dance, and I normally can be found tinkering with technology.

Research Interests
My research interests are primarily around the development of engineering devices to benefit the point of care either by diagnostic or therapeutic intervention. I am particularly interested in integrating the advancements of modern computing with healthcare.

Haider, Syed (Shahan)

Supervisor: Dr. Daniel Schramek
Academic Unit: Molecular Genetics

Personal Background
I completed my undergraduate degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. Throughout this time, I worked at the Donnelly Centre in Dr.  Mikko Taipale’s lab, initially studying rare diseases and later focusing on developing methods to identify membrane receptors for secreted proteins. In addition to biomedical research, I conducted clinical research at Princess Margaret Hospital, evaluating the effectiveness of a biopsychosocial intervention in improving the quality of life of older cancer patients. These research projects, paired with my personal experiences and volunteer work in underserved areas across Toronto, drew me towards the combined MD/PhD program. Pursuing a combined doctorate, I hope to merge my interests in fundamental research and patient care while serving my broader community.

Research Interests
For my PhD, I am interested in using single cell technologies to further our understanding of cancer biology and guide personalized therapeutic development. However, since I am just beginning my MD/PhD journey, the details of my project are yet to be formalized.

Harish, Vinyas

Supervisor: Dr. Laura Rosella (Population Health Analytics Laboratory, Dalla Lana School of Public Health)
Graduate unit: Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation (Clinical Epidemiology & Health Care Research)

Personal Background
I grew up in Toronto, ON as a first-generation immigrant from India. As an undergraduate student in Biomedical Computing at Queen’s University, I credit two major experiences for inspiring me to undertake training as a clinician-scientist. My passion for translational clinical engineering was cultivated over three years of work in Dr. Gabor Fichtinger’s Laboratory for Percutaneous Surgery.  Equally so, my time living and working in Guyana as a peer health educator with Queen’s Health Outreach, a completely student-run registered charity, fostered a passion for global health. With a desire to connect patients around the world with the research and innovations they need most, I was drawn to joining the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto. By coming home for this stage of my education, I have the distinct privilege of training in and serving the communities that I grew up in. Outside of my academic life, I am fond of travel, photography, political satire, and podcasts.

Research Interests
I hope to stand at the confluence of knowledge and expertise between the fields of clinical medicine, artificial intelligence, and biosecurity. For my doctoral research, I am interested in the application of machine learning methodologies to the creation of a global early warning system that predicts the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Given today’s social commentary on ethics around big data, I also plan to examine broadly the ethical implications of artificial intelligence as it's used in public health decision making systems.

Hill, Braeden

Personal Background 
I grew up in the village of Maitland, Ontario, about 4 hours east of Toronto, with loving parents, a younger brother, and three dogs. When I was ten-years-old, my family’s life changed forever when we lost my father to a sudden cardiac event in our home. Over the course of my personal and academic development, this experience acted as a spark for my interest in medicine and passion for cardiovascular research. This led me to pursue a Bachelor of Health Sciences undergraduate degree at Queen’s University, where I began my involvement in clinical cardiology and sports medicine research under the supervision of Dr. Amer Johri and the Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen’s. I graduated from Queen’s in 2023 and continued my research as an employee for another year, before beginning the MD/PhD program at U of T in 2024. Outside of academics, I love playing competitive sports (hockey, soccer, basketball), watching sports (go Leafs), weightlifting, distance running, expanding my music library, and spending time with friends and family.  

Research Interests
Throughout my undergraduate degree I had the opportunity to be involved in research related to my personal passions of cardiovascular health and athletics, studying topics including the prevention of sudden cardiac death in athletes and psychological response to cardiovascular screening, the application of point-of-care ultrasound for cardiovascular risk stratification, and the community response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. During my MD/PhD, I hope to further explore the field of cardiovascular research at U of T and develop a PhD project with an aim to advance the prevention of cardiovascular disease.  

Huang, Richard

Personal Background
I grew up in Toronto and the surrounding suburbs before completing my undergraduate and master's degree at the University of Toronto. My experiences in research involved working on projects focusing on DNA repair mechanisms and molecular pathways that are differentially regulated in cancer models. I am grateful to have been mentored by my supervisors and everyone in the lab during these experiences, as well as for the opportunity to join the MD/PhD program to pursue clinical and research training. Outside of the lab, I have a passion for music (particularly the piano), baking, history, and reading.

Research Interests
I am interested in investigating the molecular pathways that are implicated in cancer pathogenesis for my PhD. In particular, I hope to learn more about how metastasis occurs, in addition to the factors that are involved in tumour progression and the development of resistance to cancer therapies.

Huo, Lia

Supervisor: Molly Shoichet
Graduate Unit: Institute of Medical Science

Personal Background
I was born in Germany and grew up there until I immigrated to Canada at the age of 14. Having been exposed to different cultures, I grew to believe that the greatest gift of meeting new people are the stories, perspectives, and knowledge they can impart on me. It's this same curiosity that has led me to pursue an academic path. I kept asking why and how — so I was naturally drawn to the sciences and ended up studying neuroscience at McGill. While doing research on neurodegenerative diseases in a neurosurgeon’s lab, I discovered an interest in patient interactions and disease management. Through my PI’s mentorship, I realized what a unique lens clinician scientists have. Their research questions are guided by clinical perspectives, and their clinical decisions are informed by research. It is this realization that motivated me to pursue an MD/PhD training.

I couldn’t be more excited to pursue this dual degree at UofT, the largest research-based university in Canada. Besides immersing myself in its stimulating academic environment, I intend to keep forming connections that will challenge me intellectually and will join me in my spontaneous escapades, which have led me to trying a variety of cuisines, unicycling, cliff jumping, and painting. I have a particular interest in learning languages so anyone who can teach me something in another language is an automatic new friend!

Research Interests
I am doing my PhD in Dr. Molly Shoichet’s lab, where polymeric designs are developed for medical application. I’m interested in studying a hydrogel delivery system that would allow for targeted delivery of proteins or nucleic acids to the eye in order to rescue rod and cone degeneration. This research aims to generate therapeutic measures against blindness that develops as a consequence of many retinal dystrophies.

Kang, Jasmine Ryu Won

Personal BackgroundI grew up in London, Ontario and completed my undergrad at the University of Toronto, Trinity College, where I studied Biochemistry and Immunology. Here, I was lucky enough to meet incredible mentors in a range of research disciplines including structural biology, clinical epidemiology, and sociology, who helped me discover my inclination towards research. As a fourth-year thesis student in the Julien lab at SickKids, I distinctly remember seeing for the first time the three-dimensional structure of an antibody-peptide complex that I had solved with our team. It was moments of fascination like these that crystallized my drive to innovate and discover new things about the world. With the exceptional training opportunities that I will have access to over the course of the MD/PhD program, I hope to leave a meaningful impact on blood cancer prevention and management as an aspiring physician-scientist. Concurrent with my training in research and medicine, I am an active journalist with the Dalla Lana Fellowship in Journalism and Health Impact. 

Research Interests:
I am interested in using population genetics and statistical approaches to study the evolutionary dynamics of blood malignancies and the selective pressures underlying the expansion and contraction of clonal populations in blood. I aim to integrate various omics approaches to capture molecular signatures of pre-cancerous blood and build risk classifiers that can more accurately predict leukemic progression. I am also interested in how the process of hematopoiesis, the generation of new blood cells, becomes dysregulated with age and chronic inflammation. 

Karimi, Ryan

Personal Background
I was raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, and I have had the chance to live in BC, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, and now Ontario. I completed my undergraduate degree in Physics and Chemistry at the University of British Columbia. I have always been interested in the study of living things, and the molecular basis of life. I was inspired to pursue Physics and Chemistry after stumbling on a paper deriving a statistical mechanics description of self-replicating molecular systems (such as DNA). My interest in medicine was sparked by my work with the Vancouver Red Cross throughout high school and undergrad. Outside of the classroom and lab, I enjoy playing guitar, creative writing, swimming, and trying to cook new foods (with varying degrees of success).

Research Interests
I am broadly interested in protein biochemistry, and much of my undergraduate research focused on enzymatic catalysis and protein engineering to uncover what proteins can accomplish in isolation. My undergraduate thesis focused on engineering glycosidase enzymes with unnatural substrate specificities using directed evolution in the lab of Dr. Stephen Withers at UBC.

I am now interested unraveling what proteins can do together, and how changes in the formation and dissociation of transient protein complexes in cells can give rise to the macroscopic cellular behaviours and morphologies characteristic of healthy and diseased tissues.

Publications

Kavianpour, Ava

Personal Background
I grew up just outside of Toronto and completed an Honours Bachelor of Medical Sciences at the University of Western Ontario, specializing in biochemistry. My research project at Western was supervised by Dr. David Litchfield where I validated phosphorylation targets of protein kinase CK2, which is dysregulated in various cancers. This experience peaked my interest in research and I then completed a Master’s degree in biochemistry at UofT. Supervised by Dr. Spencer Freeman, I studied cells in the immune system, specifically macrophages, and how they balance signals from different targets to promote or prevent specific processes. I am excited to begin the MD/PhD program at UofT and combine my passion for medicine and research. Outside of academics I like to travel, go to concerts, hang out with my family and friends and try new workout classes.

Research Interests
My previous research has focused on understanding specific molecular processes and I want to understand how dysregulation in these processes lead to disease. I am interested in the interplay between cancerous cells and the immune system and how targeting or manipulating these interactions can be used to treat cancer.

Kao, Jennifer

Supervisor: Dr. Paul Frankland (Sick Kids)
Graduate unit: Institute of Medical Science

Personal Background
I grew up north of Toronto but left the big city to pursue an undergraduate degree in a small town, at the University of Guelph. It was there I discovered a love for research, when I became involved in using small RNA technology in bovine in vitro fertilization and canine spinal cord disease (Dr. Jonathan LaMarre, Ontario Veterinary College). These wildly different research experiences left me with the desire to marry the two fields and pursue neurodevelopment in my Master’s Degree at the University of Toronto (Dr. Phedias Diamandis). My thesis used computational proteomics to profile fetal brains during neurogenesis and model human neurodevelopment using cerebral organoid technology. These experiences solidified my decision to commit to research for the long haul and apply to the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto. I am currently in the first year of my MD, and am excited to begin the PhD portion of my double degree in the vast field of neuroscience! When I’m not in the lab/at school, I love to cook, travel alone (still trying to discover myself), and watch the Leafs (religiously).

Research Interests
I am excited to be working with Dr. Paul Frankland at PGCRL in the coming Fall! Though the details remain yet to be determined, we are specifically interested in using mouse models and cerebral organoid technology to study memory development and retrieval.

Kim, Daeun (Diane)

Personal Background:
I was born in South Korea and moved to Canada in the middle of Grade 6. I grew up in London, Ontario, and I completed my Bachelor of Health Sciences in the iBioMed program at McMaster University. Specializing in health sciences, engineering and entrepreneurship, my academic journey has been highly interdisciplinary. Pursuing diverse research opportunities ranging from nanoparticle engineering to atherosclerosis research, I was fascinated by how research has the potential to improve patient outcomes and address global health needs. The mentors I met along the way guided me in shaping my research interests in atherosclerosis utilizing novel research methods. I had the opportunity to observe vascular and neurosurgery at the Hamilton General Hospital through coursework, which further inspired me to want to become a physician scientist capable of directly treating patients while conducting research to contribute to therapeutic development. Outside of academics, I enjoy working out, walking in nature, playing the flute, singing and dancing, and trying different foods. 

Research Interests:
For my PhD, I am interested in research to identify novel molecular targets involved in cardiovascular diseases for therapeutic development. I would also like to explore the inflammatory role the bone marrow plays in atherosclerosis. As I am starting my first year of the program, the details are yet to be decided, and I am excited to see where my research journey will take me.

Kozlowski, Hannah

Supervisor: Dr. Warren Chan
Graduate unit: Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (Surgical Engineering)

Personal Background
I completed my HBSc in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology with minors in Nanoscience and Immunology from the University of Toronto, Trinity College. During that time I was exposed to the power of the immune system and the complexity of our innate and adaptive responses to foreign microorganisms and our own dysfunctional cells. I began to explore this further by pursing clinical research in transplant infectious disease and basic science research in HIV and Ebola. Although the body fascinated me, I was also interested to learn more about other research fields, particularly Nanoscience. I spent several months at the National University of Singapore taking Nanoscience courses and learning from experts in the field.   Early on in my experiences I began to appreciate the relationship between medicine and research, and the unique role of a clinician-scientist. I believe the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto is a great way for me to begin my career and has/will provide me with many opportunities to learn, develop and explore. Also, in the last few months I have realized and appreciated the power of mentorship even more than before.  Outside of my academic life, I have been able to spend time doing things I enjoy: long distance running, traveling and baking.

Research Interests
My research interests revolve around nanodiagnostics, where we can use small particles to detect genetic material, or other molecules, in human samples to identify disease onset or outcome. I believe nanodiagnostics can be used to detect diseases sooner and improve clinical outcomes. Moreover, I believe this can be very important to developing inexpensive diagnostics for use in limited resource setting, such as third world countries.

Landon-Brace, Natalie

Supervisor: Dr. Alison McGuigan
Graduate Unit: Institute for Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering

Personal Background
I am a born-and-raised Torontonian and I graduated from the Engineering Science program (Biomedical Systems Engineering Major) at the University of Toronto in 2017. During the course of my undergraduate degree, I spent time working in a number of different research areas from vision science to cancer genetics to regenerative medicine. Fascinated with scientific discovery and its implications for medicine, I decided to pursue a career at the intersection of these two worlds, which led me to the MD/PhD program at U of T. Beyond academia, I can usually be found coaching swimming, walking my dog, or sampling one of Toronto’s many great restaurants.

Research Interests
My research interests lie in tissue engineering and cancer biology. My PhD work focuses on building 3D in vitro models to better recapitulate the tumor microenvironment and using these models to identify novel aspects of cancer biology. I am particularly interested in using these models to investigate tumor-immune interactions in the context of various microenvironmental factors.

Lao, Robert

Supervisor: Dr. Mansoor Husain 
Academic Unit: LMP

Personal Background
I completed my undergraduate degree specializing in Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. During my undergraduate years, I conducted research in Dr. Julie Claycomb’s laboratory where I investigated Argonaute/small RNA-mediated intercellular communication pathways in nematodes and the novel implications they have on host-parasite relationships and immune responses. This opportunity, in addition to my previous experiences working in clinical environments, solidified my dual passion for both medicine and fundamental scientific research. I am excited to join the MD/PhD program in order to pursue the best medical and scientific training possible! Beyond my academic interests, I am passionate about music and love to play the violin and piano. In addition, I am also mildly addicted to playing the greatest card game in existence – contract bridge.

Research Interests
My scientific curiosities have always revolved around understanding the mechanisms behind how and why things work with a special interest in the fields of gene regulation and molecular biology. I have yet to formally decide on a project as I am just beginning my MD/PhD journey. However, I am inspired to undertake research that will allow me to understand novel biology at fundamental levels and to apply these new understandings for higher levels of operation!

Lees, Kaitlin

Personal Background
I competed my Bachelor of Medical Science with an Honours Specialization in Microbiology and Immunology at Western University where I became fascinated with the immune system and the intricate role it plays in health and disease. This translated into a passion for research, working on numerous projects spanning from the interactions between immune cells and bacterial pathogens to neuroinflammation during traumatic brain injury. Following my undergraduate degree, I completed a Master of Science in Medical Science at the University of Toronto in the lab of Dr. Lisa Robinson, studying immune cells on a molecular level as well as within the context of organ transplantation. Experiences in my own life and research, alongside incredible mentorship I received from physician-scientists who I had the pleasure to work with, solidified my desire to pursue the MD/PhD pathway. With medical and research expertise, I aspire to have the unique privilege to advance patient care by identifying gaps in current medical practice and exploring creative research-based solutions.

Research Interests
While I am still early in my MD/PhD studies, I am currently hoping to combine my knowledge in cellular immunology and interest in precision medicine to study cellular immunotherapies targeting autoimmune disorders that can be implemented in the development of patient-specific treatment plans.

Lia, Hillary

Supervisors: Dr. Carol-anne Moulton & Dr. Frank Rudzicz
Academic Unit: IMS

Personal Background
I grew up in Richmond Hill and went to Queen’s University where I completed my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Computing. As a research assistant in Dr. Gabor Fichtinger’s Laboratory for Percutaneous Surgery my research focused on surgical technical skill acquisition and assessment from a computational perspective. The experience of working with clinicians and engineers to produce meaningful technology inspired me to pursue a career as a clinician scientist. Outside of academic life I enjoy traveling, reading, and taking pictures of my cat.

Research Interests
These days my research interests remain in the operating room but have shifted to non-technical skill and team dynamics. The details of my PhD are yet to be determined as I am completing my second year of medical school before formally embarking on PhD studies.

Maaz, Muhammad

Supervisor: Dr. Timothy Chan
Academic Unit: Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Personal background
I grew up in Toronto and always had a strong interest in the sciences and mathematics. Some of my favourite books were kid-friendly biographies of people like Newton, and so I always knew I wanted to be involved in contributing to our understanding of the world in some way. I did my Bachelor of Health Sciences at McMaster with a minor in Economics and became heavily involved in research in mathematical economics there, focusing on healthcare problems. With Professor Anastasios Papanastasiou (McMaster), I worked on problems like optimizing wait times at hospitals and improving the Canadian residency match, using abstract mathematical tools. Working with him was a transformative experience, and it was during that time that the idea of being a researcher crystallized in my mind. I am now extremely excited to be in the MD/PhD program at UofT, which gives me the flexibility to pursue my somewhat unorthodox research interests. Outside of my studies I enjoy powerlifting and reading.

Research Interests
My current interests are broadly in using advanced mathematical tools, like optimal transport and partial differential equations, to expand our understanding of biomedicine. Much has been written about the fruitful relationship between mathematics and physics since Newton published the Principia, and later between math and chemistry. Biological problems have remained more impenetrable, and even such giants as Von Neumann have been frustrated by the challenges that biology poses to mathematical analysis. However, in the 21st century, I believe there are two reasons to be excited about the future of a more fruitful relationship: more powerful mathematical tools developed in the 20th and 21st centuries, and the newly developed vast biological data sets which now permit empirical verification of mathematical theories. Taking a wider view of medicine, I am also interested in various topics in health economics from a mathematical lens, specifically operations research and matching theory.

Publications

Mahendralingam, Mathepan

Supervisor: Dr. Adam Shlien & Mathieu Lemaire
Academic Unit: LMP

Personal Background
I was born and raised in Scarborough, also known as the greatest place in the world. Before starting the MD/PhD program, I did my undergrad at the University of Guelph, my masters at the University of Toronto and worked as a tech at SickKids for a year. My unconventional and long road to becoming a physician-scientist started with my first research project about cancer metastasis in the lab of Dr. Alicia Viloria-Petit. Here, I quickly learned how cancer hijacked mechanisms used by normal cells to cause mayhem in the human body. It fascinated me how incredibly cunning cancer was, and I wanted to outsmart it. To do so, I completed additional undergraduate research projects and my Masters in the lab of Dr. Rama Khokha to learn as much as possible about this disease. I found it exciting that every single project led to new answers, but also several more questions arose that needed to be asked. It was not until I started volunteering at Princess Margaret as a Healing Beyond the Body volunteer that I realized I neglected arguably one of the most critical aspects of cancer – the disease experience of patients. Each week for the past 3 years, I met patients and their families who told me heart-wrenching stories about their diagnosis. I admired their resilience despite facing aggressive side-effects and exhaustion due to their treatment. These experiences punctuated my ambitions to become a physician-scientist. I saw the impact that both careers had on helping cancer patients and I could not imagine myself doing just one. Outsmarting cancer is a lifelong goal that I am eager to tackle using the clinical and scientific skills I will develop during the MD/PhD program here at the University of Toronto.

Research Interests
My research has spanned from dissecting the cross-talk between signal transduction pathways to studying the interplay between cells in the tumour microenvironment. For my PhD, I will be making a switch from cell biology into computational biology. I want to develop a strong bioinformatic and statistical background that will help me answer future questions and address unmet clinical problems in the fields of cancer genomics and precision health.

Majeed, Safa

Personal Background
After growing up in the GTA, my early aspirations for medicine led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON, where I majored in Life Sciences. After graduation, I returned to Toronto to continue my education at the University of Toronto where I completed a Master of Science in Medical Biophysics. My previous research experiences, and my many mentors, have fostered my curiosity and passion for medicine and translational research. I am excited to continue exploring the intersection of research and clinical practice at the University of Toronto through the combined MD/PhD program. Outside of school, you can find me hiking, rock climbing, camping and enjoying the outdoors with a furry friend always close by.

Research Interests
I have a strong background in oncology, molecular biology and cancer therapeutics. In my PhD, I hope to gain a computational skillset which I can leverage to help predict cancer disease progression and improve precision medicine in oncology. I am also interested in better understanding the wholistic impact of healthcare systems on the outcomes and experiences of cancer patients.

Malkin, Ethan

Supervisor: Dr. Scott V. Bratman
Graduate Unit: Department of Medical Biophysics

Personal Background
I grew up in Toronto and completed an Honours Bachelor of Medical Sciences at the University of Western Ontario, specializing in biochemistry and cell biology. At Western, under the supervision of Dr. David Litchfield, I completed my undergraduate thesis project, in which I developed a fluorescent biosensor for CK2, a protein kinase upregulated in several cancers. The University of Toronto comprises a diverse array of research areas and is home to world-class work being conducted by leading experts in their respective fields. As such, U of T’s MD/PhD program offers an excellent opportunity for me to pursue my research interests and begin my development into a physician scientist. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing and watching sports (especially hockey), cooking, and hanging out with family, friends, and my dog. 

Research Interests
Cancer cells actively release many intracellular components via a variety of mechanisms. Unsurprisingly, these secreted components are thought to play major roles in tumourigenesis, metastasis, and host-tumour interaction. My PhD project is focused on characterizing DNA in various components of the cancer cell secretome, primarily small extracellular vesicles and particles. Moreover, I aim to elucidate the role of tumour-derived DNA in the anti-tumour immune response.

Mazzanti, Andrew

Supervisor: Dr. Miguel Ramlho-Santos
Academic Unit: Molecular Genetics

Personal Background
I was born and raised in Toronto in an Italian-Canadian family with three brothers. I earned my undergraduate degree from Harvard University, where I pursued a liberal arts degree while concentrating in Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology and completing further coursework in LGBTQ+ studies, Italian language/culture, and the plays of Shakespeare. I then completed my MSc in the University of Toronto’s Immunology Department. Throughout my previous studies, I often felt torn between my passion for healthcare work with marginalized communities (specifically the LGBTQ+ and PWA communities) and my desire to conduct basic science research. This tension resulted in my decision to simply do both, and apply to the combined MD/PhD program. Outside of medical and graduate school, I love to play piano and trombone, cook up a storm, keep up with Canadian and American politics and current events, and read (mostly fiction). 

Research Interests
My undergraduate research work was in the lab of Dr. Jack Strominger, where we studied the regulation of immunological tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. This basic question of tolerance first sparked my interest in immunology. During my MSc with Dr. Norman Iscove, I studied the maintenance of self-renewal in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Cancer is a stage on which both immune tolerance and stemness/self-renewal play leading roles. For my graduate work, I am hoping to study either or both of these ideas and their relation to the initiation of cancer.

Mazzoli, Vienna

Supervisor: Dr. Uri Tabori
Academic Unit: Medical Biophysics

Personal Background
I grew up in Kleinburg, Ontario and completed my Bachelor of Health Sciences (Biomedical Science Specialization) at McMaster University. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I worked on projects in a variety of areas including immunology, diabetes and vascular disease, statistics, and materials science. I had the privilege of completing my undergraduate thesis under the supervision of Dr. Geoff Werstuck, where I investigated the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. What drew me to the MD/PhD program was the opportunity to work at the interface of clinical medicine and laboratory research, and apply knowledge from both of these areas to help improve patient health. Outside of research, I enjoy skiing, volunteering at the animal shelter, and hiking with my dog.

Research Interests
During my PhD, I am interested in using machine learning to help guide personalized cancer therapeutics and delivery systems, however, since I am just beginning my MD/PhD studies, the details of my project are yet to be determined.

McFaul, Chris

Supervisors: Prof. Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez & Prof. Chris Yip
Academic Unit: IBBME
Project: An automated injection and high-content screening platform for Drosophila 

Personal Background
I did my Bachelor of Sciences at McGill University in the Physiology and Physics program. Stemming from my joint program, some of my hobbies include building electronics projects with Arduinos, programming and 3D printing. I chose the MD/PhD program at U of T because of the breadth of research that is being done in the engineering/medical physics fields and so that I could apply my skills to the field of medicine.

Research Interests
My research interests include developing and applying novel imaging/surgical assist technologies to improve patient outcomes. My PhD project will be focused on improving existing neurosurgery microscopy technology. The goals of the project will be to increase low light sensitivity during procedures like photodynamic therapy and to improve surgeon-microscope interactions.

McMahon, Adam

Personal Background
I was born and raised in Toronto, just a few subway stops west of the St. George Campus. As a high school student, I was keen to pursue a career in medicine. Fortunately, an opportunity to work as a summer intern in the Multi-Organ Transplant Unit of the Toronto General Hospital opened my eyes to the possibility of becoming a clinician scientist. I was inspired by the skilled practitioners who cared for patients while also conducting research that could improve outcomes for future patients.

I completed a Bachelor of Science in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry with a minor in Math at the University of Guelph. As an undergraduate student, I worked in labs that focused on cardiovascular biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, and structural biology. My fourth-year project focused on using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to elucidate the structure of a regulatory protein called p47. I devoted my spare time to the campus first response team where I developed patient care skills and lifelong friendships. I am an avid long-distance runner and tennis player.

Research Interests
I am entering the second year of medical school and will begin the PhD portion of the program in the fall of 2025. I am interested in basic sciences, and I am currently exploring research options and meeting with potential supervisors. I am excited by the options and research streams available at the University of Toronto.

Morgado, Felipe

Supervisor: Dr. Jason Lerch
Graduate unit: Department of Medical Biophysics

Personal Background
I attended the University of Toronto for my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in biophysics and medical physics. Before pursuing my PhD in neuroscience, my previous research areas included photodynamic therapy and pulmonary functional imaging. I decided to pursue MD/PhD training because I want to use insights from the forefront of neuroscience to help my patients in novel and impactful ways, while also leading clinical practice at an institutional level. Outside of school, you can find me spending most of my time playing piano, going to shows, or going for a swim.

Research Interests
My PhD research, conducted at The Hospital for Sick Children, focusses on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is believed that through its motor and nonmotor regulation, the cerebellum is a crucial site for ASD development. While its connectivity to other regions of the brain is fairly well understood in a healthy population, how this differs in ASD is still relatively unknown. Through imaging-based network analysis, I hope to characterize these connectivity differences within the cerebellum. This may potentially improve our mechanistic understanding of ASD and provide targets for local stimulation therapies in patients with severe symptoms.

Publications

Mylabathula, Swapna

Supervisor: Dr. Charles Tator
Graduate unit: Institute of Medical Science

Personal Background
I completed my undergraduate degree at U of T in Human Biology and Nutritional Science, followed by a non-degree year in Kinesiology. Outside of academics, I enjoy sports [any and all, but hockey and lacrosse, primarily!], music [violin and sitar], and engaging in the U of T community through student groups!

Research Interests
Currently, I am working on evaluation of concussion policies in schools, with the aim of understanding barriers and enablers in implementation and assisting knowledge users by providing information on elements for inclusion in development and implementation. I am also studying female concussion in hockey, and characterizing this injury using a mixed-methods approach in women’s hockey in Ontario.

Publications

Nagaraj, Sujay

Supervisor: Dr. Anna Goldenberg
Graduate unit: Computer Science

Personal Background
I moved to Canada from India when I was quite young and grew up in Calgary, Alberta. I grew up with a love for scientific inquiry and channeled this passion through competing in science fairs. I was able to represent my city, province, and country at local, national, and international science competitions. For my high school achievements, I was awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship at Queen’s University, and I spent four years there pursuing my Bachelor of Science Degree with a Life Sciences Major and a Computer Science Minor. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I chose to attend the University of Toronto for the dual MD/PhD Program. This career pathway allows me to channel my interests in science, innovation, and patient care.

Research Background
I am pursuing my PhD in the Department of Computer Science, as the first MD/PhD student in Toronto to do so, as well as one of few future clinicians in this discipline. The topic of my thesis centers on the use of mobile devices such as smartphones and smartwatches as well as machine learning in improving our understanding of disease processes outside of the hospital setting. After completion of my MD/PhD, I will be one of the few clinicians in the world with a rigorous technical background in machine learning working to innovate in the field of healthcare.

Oh, Hyun Seo (Robin)

Supervisor: Dr. Daniel Schramek 
Academic Unit: Molecular Genetics

Personal Background
I completed a double specialist in Immunology and Physiology at the University of Toronto. Here, I learned about the complexities of molecular and genetic interactions that culminate to an overall physiological phenotype. I became interested in the MD/PhD program because I couldn’t give up my love for research to pursue my dream of being a doctor. During my undergraduate studies, I fell in love with research through studying the role of Atypical Cadherin Fat on growth regulation and planar cell polarity in Dr. Helen McNeill’s lab. The age-old questions in developmental biology are: How do cells know how big an organism should be, and how do they orient and organize themselves? For example, we never see a mouse the size of an elephant or an elephant the size of a mouse. Planar cell polarity refers to how cells know how to orient themselves amongst each other. Interestingly, the same genes involved in the processes that determine how our cells grow and orient themselves are often mutated in cancer.

Research Interests
Due to the way, our genes are programmed, several mutations must cooperate to set off the chain reaction that leads to cancer. If we can map and identify the complex interactions of gene mutations in cancers and their microenvironment, we can develop specific inhibitors that can potentially halt the start or metastasis of cancers. Previously, these studies took years because of the time it took to develop mouse models with multiple mutations. Now, with the advent of new technologies, these studies can be done within weeks in mouse and human models that directly mimic the tumor environment. For my PhD, I hope to tease out how dysregulation of signaling networks that interact with the Hippo pathway can lead to cancer pathogenesis and metastasis.

Piracha, Yasir

Postill, Gemma

Personal Background
I am originally from Toronto, though I have lived in several cities across Canada. I completed my undergraduate degree at Western University where I studied One Health, which looks at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. During my undergraduate degree, I developed an interest in data science and the value that can be leveraged from it through applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to electronic health records. I worked under the supervision of Dr. Mark Daley and Dr. Dirk Huyer to explore the application of cremation data to identify timely patterns in all-cause population mortality, a new application of their recently digitized cremation data. It was the application of these findings in the pandemic that highlighted for me the positive impact on population health that I could have as a clinician scientist. This led to the pursuing of my MD / PhD at the University of Toronto. When not studying or researching, I can be found travelling, cycling, doing yoga, or eating ice cream!

Research Interests
I am also interested in researching how health and illness are distributed socially and spatially. Specifically, I want to understand how the social and geographic factors influence acute care outcomes. I will do this through leveraging population health data, machine learning algorithms, and geospatial analysis.

Profant, Martin

Supervisors: Dr. Chao Wang and Dr. Sunit Das

Personal Background
I was born in Toronto before growing up in Mississauga and from an early age it was instilled in me to make the world better in whatever I do. Following natural interests in science and medicine, I never stopped being inquisitive and I was in awe by the incredible elegance of human biology. In particular, I was inspired by the complexity of the immune system – how a single plasma cell could survive and produce antibodies for a person’s entire life; and these antibodies could be against a foreign body never encountered before. Reading about how we could manipulate the immune system to eliminate cancer motivated me to study immunology and pathobiology in my undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. In my first year, I read about the novel investigations into microglia and brain-immune interactions, since then I have been hooked on neuroimmunology. Entering the neuroimmunology of Dr. Wang in undergrad, I learned how to be a scientist and my curiosity for this new field grew.  
In parallel, I have always been passionate about medicine. The ability to learn about the inner workings of the human body and develop the skills to heal and cure patients of their aliments, is a noble pursuit that combines my interests and desires to do good all in one. However, during my time in research I realized that while medicine and biomedical research should coherently work together to bring innovations from bench to bedside, this was not always as seamless as it should be. This motivated me to pursue a career as a physician-scientist, integrating research with medicine for the benefit of patients.  
Outside of the lab or clinic, I enjoy playing and watching sports like hockey, soccer, skiing, and tennis. I also enjoy reading non-fiction and love debating the latest I have read.  

Research Interests
My past research work focused on investigating the metabolic regulation of meningeal immune cells in multiple sclerosis. After seeing patients with glioblastoma in the clinic and operating room, I decided dedicate my PhD to using my knowledge of neuroimmunology and expertise of my supervisors to make progress in understanding this disease from new angles. Beginning next fall, I will be working on the meningeal immune interactions with glioblastoma. As an aspiring neurosurgeon-scientist, I hope to make progress toward expanding our knowledge and developing novel therapeutics against this devastating disease.

Psarianos, Pamela

Supervisor: Dr. David Malkin
Graduate Unit: Department of Medical Biophysics

Personal Background
I completed my undergraduate degree in Life Sciences at the University of Toronto, with a focus on physiology and biochemistry. Following my first year, I became involved in research exploring novel therapeutics in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. My interest in chemotherapeutics led me to pursue research under the supervision of Dr. Fei-Fei Liu at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, where I continued as a research student for the remainder of my undergraduate degree. Following this, I completed my Master’s degree in the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto, continuing to work under the supervision of Dr. Liu as a STARS21 scholar. My graduate research explored the role of metabolism in the development of radiation fibrosis, a severe side effect of radiotherapy experienced by many cancer patients. Working at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, I was frequently exposed to the unique role of the clinician scientist, as well as the incredible impact of translational and research-driven medicine. Combined with these experiences, my passions for both medicine and science drove me to pursue the combined MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto. Outside of academics, I am passionate about music and I sing with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. I also enjoy running, and am currently training for my first marathon!

Research Interests
My Master’s research was largely focused on the role of fibroblast metabolism in the development of fibrosis. Through this work, I became interested in the interplay between fibroblasts and the overall architecture of both normal and diseased tissue. I will be starting my PhD under the supervision of Dr. David Malkin, and am excited to pursue studies which will combine my interests in fibroblast metabolism and oncology in the context of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome.

Rajora, Maneesha

Supervisor: Dr. Gang Zheng
Graduate Unit: Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering

Personal Background
Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, I moved to Toronto to complete my M.A.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, with a focus on developing biomaterials and drug-delivery systems. Prior to conducting graduate studies at the University of Toronto, I completed my undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Dalhousie University. I chose to pursue the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto on the basis of its renowned excellence in biomedical research and medical education. During my training, I hope to build a foundation of skillsets pertinent in identifying clinical needs in biomaterials development, conducting materials-centred research to address these needs, and effectively delivering patient care as a clinician-scientist.

Research Interests
My research interests lie in the engineering of clinically-relevant biomaterial platforms to enhance therapy delivery to the brain. Specifically, I am interested in developing non-invasive micro and nanotechnologies to address limitations in bypassing tumor vasculature to ultimately enhance the targeted delivery of therapeutics to brain tumors, and thereby improve cancer therapy. 

Rennie, Olivia

Personal Background
I originally completed my undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at UofT, afterwards working at SickKids Hospital in Genetics & Genome Biology, where I collaborated with a research team investigating the genetics of autism spectrum disorder. During this time, I also returned to UofT to complete programs in Theatre, Literature, & Film, before entering medical school. As a lifelong learner, I’m constantly seeking to dive deeper – whether exploring the sciences, or the arts. It was my passion for driving innovation in the medical field that led to my decision to enter the MD/PhD program out of my first year in the MD program. Outside of the classroom or lab, I carry on my enthusiasm for the arts, primarily in theatre and film. As a screenwriter, playwright, and independent filmmaker, I seek to bring stories of medicine and science to life through art – using my lens as a young scientist and medical student to do so. 

Research Interests
With a background in two very different areas – genetics, and emergency medicine, I took time to reflect on what I wanted to pursue for my PhD. I eventually settled on cardiac arrest and resuscitation, working with Emergency physician Dr. Steve Lin. While the specifics of my PhD project are still being finalized, I am gravitating towards a project exploring outcomes in patients with opioid-induced cardiac arrest/overdose. 

Shah, Prajay

Supervisor: Dr. Taufik Valiante
Graduate unit: Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering

Personal Background
I grew up in Calgary, and completed an Honors undergraduate BSc degree at the University of Calgary in 2017. Here I developed much of my interest in Neuroscience and Medicine, working with the neural stem cells under the supervision of Dr. Jo Stratton, Dr. Jeff Biernaskie, and Dr. Rajiv Midha. At the U of C, I was inspired by the scientific pursuit and drive of my mentors. I am now pursuing an MD/PhD at the University of Toronto to continue to develop my interest in neuroscience and medicine.

Research Interests
Information flow and computation are two of the basic fundamental functions of the brain. The goal of my PhD research is to learn more about the mechanisms by which neural systems achieve and carry out these functions, and to use these insights to develop novel treatments for neural circuit disorders, such as epilepsy.

Publications

Shi, Runjie (Bill)

Supervisor: Professor Willy Wong and Professor Moshe Eizenman
Graduate unit: IBBME

Personal Background
I graduated from the Engineering Science program at the University of Toronto (B.A.Sc.), with a major in Biomedical Systems Engineering and a minor in Robotics and Mechatronics in 2019. During my undergraduate degree I had the opportunity to apply my engineering skill set to design innovative medical solutions during my summers and PEY internship program. I was fortunate to meet many mentors—clinicians, scientists and engineers—in the Toronto medical community who share the common goal of providing better patient care and inspired me to become a physician scientist. I am excited to join the MD/PhD program to become a multidisciplinary researcher who both understands clinical practice and draws knowledge from all scientific fields to improve medicine.

Research Interests
(1) Creating affordable, portable, and personal medical devices that improves patient experience and outcome. This includes my current effort in creating a VR-based smartphone visual field analyzer. (2) Medical signal processing and image analysis, particular in application towards imaged-guided therapy for cancer surgery. (3) Applications of computational technology, such as machine learning and finite element analysis, to provide more useful information to clinicians from a multitude of patient data.
 

Publications

Wennberg, Erica

Supervisor: Dr. Astrid Guttmann
Graduate Unit: Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation

Personal background:
I grew up in Toronto and moved to Montreal to complete my BSc in Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill. After graduating, I worked for two years as a research assistant at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research. This experience, together with several summer internships in medical research over the course of my undergraduate degree, led to my interest in pursuing a career combining research and medicine. I returned to Toronto in 2021 to begin the MD/PhD program and am now in the third year of my PhD in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research at the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at UofT. Outside of school, I enjoy running, gardening, and spending time with my cat!

Research Interests:
My thesis project focuses on the quality of virtual mental health care for youth and young adults. Specifically, I am examining whether virtual care offers improved and more equitable access to mental health care; whether it is safe and effective compared to in-person mental health care; and whether the quality of care it provides from a patient and provider perspective is equitable.

Wiercigroch, Julia

Personal Background 
I completed my Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Engineering  at Queen’s University, specializing in Systems and Robotics. I developed a passion for translational clinical engineering through research projects in the Laboratory for Percutaneous Surgery. I worked with a team of engineers and clinicians to develop novel education tools and translate point of care ultrasound systems to a health facility in Mauritania with limited resources and staff. In my Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of Toronto, I strengthened my skills in computer vision, machine learning, and computer graphics methods and applied them to  develop laryngoscopy simulations to support surgeons in procedural clinical assessments, as part of my project with the Medical Computer Vision and Robotics Lab. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing volleyball, gardening and backpacking. 

Research Interest
As an MD/PhD student, my goal is to work across disciplines, integrating engineering and clinical experience to innovate surgical care. I am interested in leveraging machine learning and computer vision techniques in endoscopic images to develop quantitative tools for clinicians that improve procedural care from both physician and patient perspectives. I am also interested in global health and developing accessible solutions suitable for low-resource settings. 

Ware, Matthaeus

Supervisor: Dr. Peter Dirks
Graduate unit: Department of Molecular Genetics

Personal Background
Before coming to Toronto, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Honours Neuroscience at McGill University. During my undergraduate years, I was immersed in a community of peers and faculty genuinely fascinated by the brain. As for my own mind, it has developed to create, to dance, to play and enjoy music, and to admire God’s creation while exploring it through scientific research. Having the opportunity to pursue one’s vocational objective is an immense privilege; though I can never truly earn it, I am continually grateful to have it.

Research Interests
For my doctoral research, I am exploring how the brain’s environment contributes to the genesis/development of a deadly brain cancer called glioblastoma (GBM). My desire to unite neuroscience and oncology is driven by the combination of my educational background, research experiences, and clinical interests.

Zeng, Andy

Supervisor: Dr. John Dick
Graduate unit: Department of Molecular Genetics

Personal Background
I grew up in Coquitlam BC and completed my undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology at Simon Fraser University. Throughout this time I worked at the BC Cancer Agency where I studied mitochondrial genetics in cancer in the lab of Dr Angela Brooks Wilson. I also spent some time in Montréal evaluating chemical inhibitors of cancer cell division in the lab of Dr Benjamin Kwok. The research I conducted, paired with my humanitarian work and personal experience, inspired me to pursue an MD/PhD to study and treat cancer. I chose UofT because of how intimately clinical medicine and basic science research are interwoven here. In my spare time, I like to go swimming, practice martial arts, and breakdance.

Research Interests
I want to understand how cancer develops and how it gains resistance to chemotherapy. In John Dick's lab, I am studying the transformation of normal hematopoeitic stem cells (HSCs) into leukemic stem cells, using a combination of single-cell omics and experimental approaches to understand how the cellular machinery of the HSC gets hijacked as it progresses to malignancy.

Publications

Zhou, Angela

Personal Background
I completed my undergraduate degree specializing in Pharmacology at the University of Toronto. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I worked on projects spanning multiple research areas from toxicology to metabolomics to regenerative medicine. With a passion for patient care and discovery, I was drawn to the MD/PhD program at U of T. I am excited to join a program that will equip me with the training and skills to work at the intersection of medicine and research. Outside of academics, I am part of the U of T synchronized swimming club! I also enjoy running, hiking, and baking!  

Research interests  
As I am just embarking on my MD/PhD training, I have yet to decide on a research project. However, I am broadly interested in developing strategies to enhance the use of stem cells for applications in regenerative medicine. In addition to my interests in translation research, I am also interested in exploring avenues in health policy and management to gain skills that will allow me to improve patients’ treatments and care.