Exciting science! Annual conference showcases LMP research

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology held its annual research conference earlier this month. More than 120 graduate and postgraduate trainees from across the department presented their research posters or oral presentations to an audience of leaners and faculty.

Department Chair, Dr. Rita Kandel, opened the conference and commented, “This is my favourite day of the year. It is always wonderful to see the breadth of research happening across LMP and have an opportunity to discuss it with our learners and faculty. The quality never ceases to amaze me, I learn something new each year.”

Students from the research stream (MSc and PhD) presented alongside their peers in the Translational Research Program (TRP) and MHSc in Laboratory Medicine (Clinical Embryology field). Residents and fellows from several Postgraduate programs also presented their research.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Laflamme, gave an engaging talk on how his research into pluripotent stem cells is informing heart regeneration approaches after a heart attack. 

A range of workshops were on offer:

• AI for Biomedical Researchers: Practical Tools for Medical Image Analysis and Data-Driven Discovery, led by Dr. Pascal Tyrrell, Director, Data Science, Department of Medical Imaging.
• Writing Grants that Glow led by Sandy Marshall, writing instructor, U of T and instructor in the Translational Research Program (TRP).
• Science with Patients, Not Just for Patients: Why Patient and Community Engagement Matters led by Dr. Sonya MacParland, Senior Scientist, Ajmera Transplant Centre, UHN and her patient engagement partner, Mary Vyas, President and Co-Founder of PSC Partners Seeking a Cure Canada.
• Hospital-based approaches to risk management led by Dr. Gino Somers, Chief, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, SickKids, featuring Alexandra Wilbee, Senior Legal Counsel, SickKids and Margot Follett Rowe, Risk Management Specialist, SickKids.

The poster presentations, as ever, were a highlight with many judges commenting on the high quality of research presented by LMP learners.

Dr. Matheus Chupel, a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Biological Sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute joined the LMPRC as a judge this year and commented, “LMPRC is always a great experience, and this year was no different - really well organized, with a welcoming atmosphere and lots of exciting science on display. I really enjoyed being a judge; it was nice to see the creativity, rigor, and passion that went into the presentations from students with different backgrounds. It was also a fantastic chance to connect with other researchers, exchange ideas, and catch up with colleagues I hadn’t seen in a while.”

The conference was organized by a committee of graduate students, postgraduate trainees and staff, led by Co-Vice Presidents Academics in CLAMPS, Kristen Schulz and Gizelle Lionel.

Kristen commented, “Leading the organizing committee was such a rewarding experience. This event highlights the breadth and depth of research happening across the department - from basic science to clinical and translational work and it was exciting to see it all come together at the conference. None of it would have been possible without the dedication of the planning committee, whose efforts over the past few months truly made the day a success!”

“It was an honour to co-lead the LMPRC Planning Committee alongside Kristen. The hard work and dedication of every committee member truly paid off. The day ran seamlessly, and it was an amazing opportunity to witness the impressive research being conducted by our students. I am especially grateful to all the faculty who volunteered their time, their support was instrumental in ensuring everything ran smoothly,” added Gizelle.

Save the date: join us on April 16, 2026 for the next conference!

See all the photos from the conference on Flickr!

Award winners from the LMPRC 2025

The awards were presented by Dr. Myron Cybulsky, Vice-Chair Research (Clinical).

Best poster Brain and Neuroscience: Susanna Fang

MSc student in the lab of Dr. Daniel Drucker, Mount Sinai Hospital

“The role of the astrocyte GLP-1 and GIP receptors in control of metabolism and inflammation”

Best poster Cancer, Development & Aging: William Bastedo

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Valerie Wallace, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN

“Contributions of meningeal connective tissue in the brain tumor microenvironment in a medulloblastoma mouse model”

Best poster Cardiovascular, Physiology, Metabolism: Paola Driza

MSc student in the lab of Dr. Bo Wang, Medical Sciences Building

“Developing a Model for Assessing Heart Function Using Video-based Echo Imaging”

Best poster Infectious Disease and Inflammation: Manus Yu

MSc student in the lab of Dr. Jeff Lee, Medical Sciences Building

“The role of the HIV-1 gp41 immunosuppressive region in modulating human immune responses”

Best poster Molecular & Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine: Manami Kondo

MSc student in the lab of Dr. Shinichiro Ogawa, Toronto General Hospital, UHN

“The Role of Hepatic Stellate Cells in Enhancing Hepatocyte Maturation in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells- Derived 3D Liver Organoids”

Best poster Translational Research Program (TRP): Alya Mohmood, Aflyn Amaleethan, and Gabriela Roselli Ferrari 

“Optimizing the Transition of Cancer Survivorship Care from Oncologists to Primary Care Providers”

Best poster MHSc in Laboratory Medicine: Vanessa Vuong

“Correlation Between WHO Sperm Parameter and Sperm-Oocyte Fusion Factor”

Best poster Postgraduate Medical Education: Dr. Dina Bassiouny

PGY2 Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology Resident

“The Spectrum of HER2 Expression in Ovarian Carcinoma in the T-DXd Era”

This story showcases the following pillars of the LMP strategic plan: Dynamic Collaboration (pillar 2), Impactful Research (pillar 3), Disruptive Innovation (pillar 4) and Agile Education (pillar 5).

Thank you to the LMPRC Organizing Committee 2025