Graduate research awards showcase LMP’s innovation and impact

CIHR doctoral award in Priority Areas in Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies (PPHE) Research

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Samira Mubareka and Dr. Nicole Mideo at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre.

“Influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause annual outbreaks in humans and are one of the leading organisms that may cause future pandemics (having caused many pandemics throughout human history).

Using high-throughput sequencing techniques to investigate the genetics of IAVs in multiple contexts, I am working with collaborators to sample wild and domestic birds in Ontario likely to be infected with avian influenza A viruses.

The second aim of my project will inform influenza vaccine production methods. Current methods involve replicating large amounts of viruses, potentially leading to many mutations which could impact immune responses to those vaccines. My project involves replicating H1N1 and H5N1 IAVs with the same methods used in vaccine production and then using sequencing to observe how the viruses are evolving genetically.

I chose this research project because I am really fascinated by viral ecology and evolution, and I enjoy studying influenza A viruses since they have such a significant health impact both through seasonal epidemics and emerging pandemics.

This award allows me to dive further into some interesting areas of my project, and it is very meaningful that the funding agencies are prioritizing research for pandemic prevention.”

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Karun Singh at the Krembil Research Institute.

“My research focuses on leveraging a novel 3D human stem cell-derived neural organoid model to investigate region-specific and circuit-level deficits underlying Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading single-gene cause of autism spectrum disorder.

Current in vivo and 2D models fall short in capturing critical aspects of human brain development. With our 3D system, we aim to uncover novel cell-type specific morphological and functional impairments in FXS.

I am deeply honoured to have received the CGS-D award, which will allow me to pursue high-calibre experiments that are typically limited by their high cost.”

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Amy Wong at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).

“I’m working in the field of stem cell biology with a particular focus on cystic fibrosis (CF) disease modeling. I’m passionate about creating advanced humanized preclinical models to accelerate the discovery of personalized therapies through stem cell research.

My research aims to develop a 3D airway model of cystic fibrosis using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). By recreating CF at the cellular level, my goal is to use this platform to better understand the disease and screen potential CFTR modulator treatments to advance precision medicine.

I chose this project because CF is a congenital condition with limited treatment options, and there is a critical need for better models to study it. The opportunity to contribute to meaningful advances in personalized medicine using stem cell technology felt like a natural fit for my scientific curiosity and passion for improving patient outcomes.

I am truly honoured to receive the CGS-D Award. This support allows me to further investigate stem cell–derived airway models. Ultimately, this research could pave the way for more effective therapies and better treatment outcomes for CF patients.”

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Mohit Kapoor at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network.

“My research explores the effects and mechanisms of action of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a common cannabinoid compound, on knee osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a degenerative joint disease that irreversibly alters the entire joint, often leading to chronic pain and disability. With no cure available, many individuals turn to cannabis products for pain management. Yet, we still understand very little about the impact that cannabinoids like THC have on OA.

Using high-throughput approaches, my research begins to address this knowledge gap. I investigate THC signalling locally in human OA joint cells, and its effects on pain behaviours and joint degeneration in OA animal models. I also examine systemic changes that occur in THC user versus non-user OA patients using clinical plasma samples.

My work is deeply personal to me. A few of my close family members live with OA, and I have witnessed firsthand how it impacts their mobility, independence, and well-being. I feel a personal motivation to pursue translational research that could one day improve the quality of life for the nearly four million Canadians affected by OA.

I am deeply honoured to have received the CGS-D award. With this support, I hope to build an evidence-based understanding of the mechanisms of action of THC in OA - knowledge that can inform researchers, clinicians, and patients about the potential role of cannabis products in managing OA.”

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Michael Laflamme at the McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network.

“Cardiomyocytes, or heart muscle cells, derived from pluripotent stem cells, have shown promise as a potential therapy for heart failure due to their ability to remuscularize damaged heart tissue. However, a critical barrier to the clinical translation of these therapies is the arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms, that can occur in the first few months after transplantation. My research focuses on developing genetic strategies to mitigate these arrhythmias in heart cell therapies.

I am honored to be a recipient of the CGS-M award this year. With the support of this award and my laboratory's expertise, I aim to provide proof of concept for these anti-arrhythmia genetic modifications, thereby opening the door to further investigation in pre-clinical models.”

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Kelsie Thu and Dr. Andras Kapus at St. Michael's Hospital.

“My research investigates the role of transcriptional co-activators YAP/TAZ in regulating the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) during cell division. The SAC is essential for ensuring accurate cell division and is thus an important safeguard against chromosome

segregation errors associated with tumorigenesis and developmental defects. YAP/TAZ regulate organ growth and development via transcription of genes involved in cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and migration, and are known to be ectopically activated in cancers, but their precise role in regulating the SAC remains unclear.

This project is an opportunity to continue exploring non-canonical functions of YAP/TAZ and how they are involved in both normal tissue homeostasis and disease.

I am honoured to receive the CGS-M award, which will support this research into novel mechanisms of cell cycle regulation.”

MHSc student in Translational Research Program (TRP) and student at the Climate, Health & Sustainable Care Training Program at the University of Toronto.

“I am currently navigating between two projects: streamlining transition from pediatric to adult care in individuals with epilepsy and evaluating the proposed expansion of scope of practice for psychologists in Ontario.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by unpredictable and often debilitating seizures that affects over 300,000 residents of Canada, 20-30% of whom are children. While transition can be highly effective, transition programs remain under-funded with only one official transition clinic in all of Ontario. As such, transfer, rather than transition, of care is prevalent. My research project aims to develop an intervention that can better support teenagers with epilepsy navigate transition from pediatric to adult care. By targeting this gap, I hope to increase quality of life including mental well-being and social participation for individuals with epilepsy.

Recently, the Ministry of Health proposed an expansion of the scope of practice for some psychologists in Ontario to: 1) include prescribing select psychotropic drugs to manage/treat mental health conditions; and 2) order and interpret specific laboratory tests. While these proposed changes could increase accessibility of care for some, they could also lead to health disparities for others. Public health and safety also has the potential to be impacted through these changes. As such, I hope to conduct an independent evaluation of these proposed changes to determine if they would be in the public interest.

It is an honour to receive this award. It will allow me to contribute to these research questions in a meaningful way through a community-centric lens. I was drawn to this research as it combines my passion for mental health care and my drive to contribute to scientific advancements that directly improve patient care.”

MSc candidate in the lab of Dr. Alain Dabdoub at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

“Approximately half of all cisplatin-based chemotherapy patients lose their hearing. My research focuses on the stria vascularis, which is a critical tissue lining the inner ear that is necessary for sound perception, and a key target of cisplatin. Currently there are no treatments to reverse hearing loss from chemotherapeutics, revealing an urgent need for preventative therapies. I am working to understand the molecular pathways of cisplatin damage and identify new targets for therapeutic interventions.

I am incredibly honoured to have received this award, as it is a valued recognition of my work and will greatly support the continued progress of my research.”

MSc candidate in the lab of Dr. Gerold Schmitt-Ulms at the Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, Krembil Research Institute.

“My project focuses on the development of a second-generation CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, more specifically, prion diseases. Prion diseases are a fatal class of neurodegenerative illnesses for which no treatment currently exists to extend patient survival. The misfolding of the prion protein, characteristic of prion diseases, has also been implicated in the progression of other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. This project will provide the necessary pre-clinical data for the treatment of prion diseases through CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene ablation.

I chose this project due to the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as my interest in gene therapy. I am deeply honoured to receive this award, which will broaden the horizons of experiments that can be conducted to develop more effective therapies for prion diseases, and gain a better understanding of neurodegeneration as a whole.”

MSc candidate in the lab of Dr. Phedias Diamandis at the Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, University Health Network.

“My research focuses on developing novel treatments for glioblastoma (GBM), the most prevalent and aggressive form of adult brain cancer. Given GBM's propensity to evade and develop resistance to single-drug therapies, there is a growing interest in investigating combination therapies as potential treatments. Therefore, my project aims to discover and validate pharmaceutical compounds that work in tandem to kill tumour cells using a series of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays.

Despite extensive research in the field, the median survival time for GBM remains only 15-18 months post-diagnosis. The ability to research novel therapeutics that can potentially improve patient outcomes is incredibly important to me, given GBM's dismal prognosis.

With the support of CGS-M, I will be able to perform additional experiments and validation that is crucial to my project. Also, being awarded CGS-M has given me the opportunity to conduct my research abroad at the Netherlands Cancer Institute with Dr. Olaf van Tellingen, with the support of the CGS-Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement (MSFSS). I am incredibly grateful for both of these opportunities and the support for my research.”

MSc candidate in the lab of Dr. Kathryn Howe at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network.

“Carotid atherosclerotic plaque rupture is a preventable cause of ischemic stroke. So far, tissue biomarkers to predict carotid plaque vulnerability, involved in increasing stroke risk, have been studied. However, translation of tissue biomarkers to plasma biomarkers to develop a precision medicine tool has been challenging. My research project focuses on discovering plasma biomarkers to predict stroke risk in carotid artery stenosis patients.

Before pursuing an MSc, I worked in the Howe lab as a research technician. During this time, I recognized the vastness of the field of atherosclerosis while collaborating on multiple projects. An inherent understanding of the disease and the zeal to contribute to the advancement of the field drove me to choose this project, aimed at developing a diagnostic tool for precision medicine.

I am honoured to have received this award, for it will enable a multiomics approach to select a biomarker panel that can distinguish between high and low stroke risk patient phenotypes, providing additional insight into the disease etiology.”

MSc candidate in the lab of Dr. Katalin Szaszi at the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences, St. Michael's Hospital.

“Efficient healing of wounds in the skin is crucial, yet there is a large gap in our understanding of these complex processes. I am studying the molecular mechanisms underlying repair processes in the skin. Specifically, I am exploring how the responses of key skin cells, keratinocytes, are controlled by inflammation.

Keratinocytes are the cells that make up the outermost layer of the skin and are central to the wound repair process. They play a dual role not only as structural components of the epidermis but also as active participants in inflammatory signaling. Inflammation is a critical component of wound healing, however, when dysregulated, can contribute to chronic, non-healing wounds, such as in diabetes. Chemokines are signaling molecules released by these cells that regulate the movement and behavior of other cells.

Interestingly, keratinocytes can both secrete and respond to these chemokines, allowing them to influence not only surrounding immune and skin cells but also their own behavior. My studies have identified molecular mechanisms whereby chemokines are produced and released by keratinocytes, potentially offering targets for interventions.

I was drawn to this project because of my interest in basic discovery science, and my desire to pursue research with tangible clinical relevance. Through this project, I will be able to translate my findings to chronic, non-healing wounds, like in diabetes. Wound healing disorders represent a significant medical and socioeconomic burden, yet the underlying mechanisms driving impaired healing remain incompletely understood.

Receiving the CGS-M is a great honour and will allow me to dedicate more time and focus to my research. This award will contribute to the identification of potential therapeutic targets for not only chronic non-healing wounds, but also broader implications for inflammatory skin disease and the development of advanced skin research models.”

MSc candidate in the lab of Dr. Peter Dirks at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).

“My research focuses on glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of adult brain cancer, characterized by limited treatment options and poor patient survival. A key challenge in GBM management is that diagnosis typically occurs only after the tumour has become advanced.

My project investigates the earliest stages of tumour development, particularly the “inflection point” at which gliomas transition from slow to rapid growth. Using a

genetically engineered mouse model, I aim to characterize the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving this shift toward aggressive tumour behaviour.

I chose this project because I am deeply interested in how cancers develop and change over time, and in the potential to target them before they become resistant to treatment. By uncovering early drivers of GBM progression, this research could help guide strategies for earlier and more effective intervention.

I am honoured to be a recipient of the CGS-M award, which will support my continued development as a researcher in cancer biology and enable me to pursue studies aimed at understanding and targeting early tumour evolution.”

MSc candidate in the lab of Dr. Ming Tsao at the Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, University Health Network.

“In Canada, lung cancer is currently the most frequently diagnosed cancer and has the highest cancer-related mortality. The driver mutation KRAS accounts for about a quarter of all cases. Although targeted therapies against KRAS have recently been developed, their responses are often suboptimal due to resistance mechanisms in these tumours. My project aims to discover new combination treatment strategies using KRAS inhibitors to overcome this resistance.

I chose to research lung cancer because of my grandfather, was diagnosed with the disease. Seeing him endure the side effects of chemotherapy motivated me to pursue research in this field.

I am deeply honoured to receive the CGS-M scholarship, which will allow me to explore this field more thoroughly and contribute to improving treatment outcomes for patients.”

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Michelle Bendeck within the Translation Biology and Engineering Program at the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research.

“Our lab studies a condition known as atherosclerosis - a condition characterized by plaque formation in blood vessels as a result of high cholesterol levels in the blood. With cardiovascular disease-related deaths continuing to be the top cause of mortality and atherosclerosis contributing to about 50% of them, it is important to understand the mechanisms behind atherosclerosis development and disease prognosis.

To understand the role vascular smooth muscle cells play on disease development, we have created a mouse model that studies the effects of eliminating a protein known as Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) from the smooth muscle cells. As DDR1 has been shown shown to have an influence on disease development and plaque stability, exploring this avenue will allow us to identify ways to prevent severe atherosclerosis development leading to blockages within the arteries and therefore, preventing heart attacks or strokes.

The cardiovascular system is so intricate, and it has always been one of my favourite systems to learn. It helps control every part of the body. When I was given an opportunity to tackle a huge problem that prevents this system from working properly, I knew this project was the right fit for me! The research we are doing will give us a better understanding of the processes involved in plaque formation and how to prevent it. We are trying to tackle the problem head-on!

I am so grateful to have been awarded the OGS Heart and Stroke Foundation Scholarship as it opens more doors in our research by giving us the funding to move forward and explore this topic in greater depth and complexity. By understanding early and late stages of disease, we can develop potential therapeutics and treatments that can prevent atherosclerotic plaques from becoming catastrophic.”

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Kathryn Howe and Dr. Jason Fish at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network.

“In my project, I study endothelial cell communication with macrophages in atherosclerosis. Specifically, I aim to uncover how endothelial cell-extracellular vesicles (EVs) communication can regulate macrophage efferocytosis, a process defective in atherosclerosis. Additionally, I will explore how EVs obtained from human carotid plaque, which also includes endothelial-derived EVs, can regulate macrophage efferocytosis. By understanding the communication system between ECs and macrophages, we can understand the progression of atherosclerotic disease.

Receiving the OGS award is a valuable recognition that enables me to focus more on my research while advancing my skills through attendance at conferences and collaborations. This funding supports my contributions to cardiovascular research and prepares me for future scientific pursuits.”

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Adam Shlien at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).

“My research focuses on Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer that primarily affects children and young adults. Prognosis remains particularly poor for patients with metastatic or relapsed disease, and there is currently no targeted therapy available, making the search for new drug targets critical. I am working on the molecular subtyping of Ewing sarcoma to better understand the heterogeneity of this tumour type. The ultimate goal of my project is to improve diagnoses and identify novel therapeutic targets for this challenging disease.

I was drawn to this research as it combines my passion for pediatric oncology and my drive to contribute to scientific advancements that directly improve patient care. This award serves as a meaningful recognition of the first stage of my graduate studies and further motivates me to continue in this direction during my PhD, where I aim to build upon my master’s project and experimentally validate its computational finding.”

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Mario Ostrowski at the University of Toronto St. George Campus.

“Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, also known as “long-COVID”, is a multisystemic post-viral syndrome currently affecting an estimated 80 million people worldwide with trillions of dollars in projected economic costs. My project focuses on the immunological drivers of neuropsychiatric long-COVID, characterized by symptoms such as debilitating fatigue and cognitive deficits that persist or relapse several months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Long-COVID is a disease that can affect anyone, regardless of the severity of the initial infection. Given that most have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 at least once, understanding the immunological underpinnings of long-COVID is essential for the development of novel therapies that may one day benefit friends, family, and countless others around the globe.

Receiving the OGS-D award reminds me that the pursuit of scientific discovery is not merely a personal academic endeavor, but a shared commitment to advancing human welfare.”

MHSc student in Translational Research Program (TRP).

“My project's name is SAFER-FARM (Strategies for Avian Flu Exposure Reduction through Farm worker Awareness and Risk Management). Avian influenza continues to infect birds and mammals including humans around the world. This project aims to implement evidence-based behavioural interventions targeting agricultural workers at farms within Ontario to improve PPE compliance and reduce vaccine hesitancy. This will be done through stakeholder engagement, pandemic response co-design with farmhands, and the establishment of peer champion training programs.

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us the importance of being prepared for the next public health threat, and how critical it is to build trust in communities. This project hopes to be a more involved, grassroots approach in supporting people who would be at a higher risk of infection, were a larger avian influenza outbreak to occur in Canada.

This award will facilitate me to do hands-on work with this target population, enabling me and my team to collaborate with farmers to improve biosecurity practices and create a comprehensive report of our findings.”

MHSc student in Translational Research Program (TRP), supervised by Dr. Edyta Marcon and Dr. Joseph Ferenbok, in collaboration with Dr. Melissa Greenblatt at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).

My research, conducted in partnership with the Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine (DPLM) at SickKids, focuses on optimizing nucleic acid amplification tests to reduce turnaround times for rapid diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, we are working to implement on-site testing to improve de-isolation guidelines for suspected tuberculosis (TB) patients, enabling faster clinical decision-making, better patient outcomes, and cost savings.

I am passionate about infectious diseases and global health, with a strong interest in the critical role that rapid diagnostics play in timely treatment and effective disease management. During my undergraduate work using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for Borrelia detection, I saw firsthand how timely diagnosis can directly influence patient recovery. This experience motivated me to pursue research that integrates efficient diagnostic practices into the healthcare system to address these urgent challenges.

I am very grateful to have received this award, as it allows me to further explore innovative diagnostic technologies, collaborate with experts in Toronto, and contribute to advancing the implementation of rapid testing protocols in clinical care.”

MHSc student in Translational Research Program (TRP).

My research project involves a joint collaboration with three of my classmates to explore, develop, and implement behavioural interventions related to avian influenza prevention on farms in Ontario. While human exposure to avian flu has been rare in Canada, individuals who work directly with livestock face the highest risk to contract the disease. As such, our group is looking to co-design measures to better protect these individuals.

This project presented a unique opportunity to apply translational research knowledge to an emerging public health issue and develop skills related to community-driven research.

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship has been an incredible help in supporting my studies, enabling me to dedicate more time to fieldwork, engage with academic and industry experts, and create a real impact within Ontario communities.”

MSc candidate in the lab of Dr. Sascha Drewlo at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

“Placental development is a complex process that begins around seven days post-fertilization. However, early stages of placentation pose challenges for sample accessibility, delaying studies of placental disease. In the last decade, extravillous trophoblasts in the maternal cervical canal (cEVTs) have been identified. These novel cells provide a promising safe and non-invasive window into placental health during the first trimester.

My research investigates cEVTs and the protein markers they release into cervical fluid to elucidate early placentation. This work, in collaboration with High-Risk Pregnancy Clinics at Mount Sinai and Sunnybrook, assesses samples with healthy and aberrant trophoblast function, informing potential diagnostic factors and revealing dysfunctional pathways in placental development.

I aspire to advocate for and foster efforts in women's health. With the assistance of this QEII-GSST award, I will be able to continue my work supporting women and their babies.”

PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Michelle Bendeck within the Translation Biology and Engineering Program at the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research.

“I am studying vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) behavior in the context of cardiovascular disease. My research investigates the role of Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) in promoting vascular pathogenesis and neointimal formation following injury. I am testing a novel small-molecule inhibitor called DDR1-IN-1, which selectively targets DDR1 kinase activity. DDR1-IN-1 represents a potential therapeutic approach to limit pathological vascular remodeling and reduce the risk of restenosis and may serve as a foundation for future studies in atherosclerosis models.

Cardiovascular disease has personally impacted my family, as both of my grandparents passed away from heart disease. This connection drives my motivation to understand the underlying mechanisms of vascular disease and explore potential therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Receiving the Ontario Graduate Scholarship is a tremendous honour that allows me to dedicate more time and resources to my research. It supports me in expanding the project’s scope and to investigate whether DDR1 inhibition affects disease progression differently between male and female mice.”