Humans of LMP, Programs: Graduate, Agile education, Research: Infectious diseases & immunopathology, Impactful research, Inclusive community
Each month we speak to a member of the Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology community and find out more about them as part of an initiative from our Wellness, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee (WIDE).
This month, we feature Lina Siddiqi - an MSc student exploring microbiology in the lab of Dr. Greg German at Unity Health Toronto.
What are you studying at LMP and why are you interested in studying it?
I’m a 1st year MSc Student under the supervision of Dr. Greg German, and I’m studying bacteriophages, phages for short, which are viruses that specifically kill bacteria (pretty awesome)!
During my undergraduate years, I worked in antibiotic resistance research under Dr. Allison McGeer, which meant spending a lot of time thinking about what happens when antibiotics stop working. Naturally, that pushed me towards exploring alternative therapies, and that’s how I fell into the wonderful world of phage therapy!
What excites me about microbiology is how small-scale biology can have huge clinical impacts (and the pretty colors that bacteria can make on agar). Microbes are great teachers, they show us how life adapts and outsmarts the immune system, while offering clues on how to build better treatments. Honestly, it’s hard not to be fascinated by organisms we can’t see that still shape nearly every aspect of life!
Tell us about your research
My current work focuses on phage susceptibility testing for bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), essentially figuring out which phages can successfully infect and kill which clinical isolates. A big part of this comes down to bacterial receptors, which are like tiny door handles on the bacterial surface. Phages have to grab onto the right receptor to get inside, replicate, and kill the bacteria, so if the “door handle” is missing or changed, the phage can’t do its job.
My research focuses on how differences in these receptors affect phage activity, and how bacteria can change their receptors to escape phage infection. It’s an evolutionary arms race: bacteria hide/change the door handle, but phages can learn how to pick new locks. Understanding this interplay helps us design improved phage therapies, especially for stubborn UTIs where antibiotics are no longer effective.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at LMP?
One of the most interesting experiences I’ve had was attending the IAS-USA Conference on Bacteriophages: Biology, Dynamics, and Therapeutics in Washington, DC, this past October (2025). I spent several days immersed in talks and poster sessions on cutting-edge phage research, clinical applications, and learning about the state of phage therapy around the world.
What really stood out was getting to have dinner with distinguished biotechnology leaders and clinicians, including Dr. Tristan Ferry, the co-head of Infectious Diseases at Hospices Civils de Lyon in France, and hearing firsthand about how phage therapy is being used during surgery to treat prosthetic joint infections. Learning directly from physicians about real patient recoveries made everything I study in the lab feel incredibly tangible, and reinforced why I’m excited to be working at the intersection of microbiology and medicine.
I’ll also be attending the Viruses of Microbes conference in Prague (in July 2026), and I’m looking forward to adding even more science-filled adventures to the list!
What was the best career advice you ever received?
One piece of advice that has stuck with me is that if you truly enjoy what you do, work doesn’t always feel like work. When you’re genuinely curious and excited about your field, showing up each day feels less like a job and more like learning a new skill or picking up a new hobby. In the lab, I try to shift my mindset to viewing my project as an opportunity to experiment, problem-solve, and discover something new, which can make long days feel meaningful.
What has been an important learning experience in your life?
An important learning experience in my life was the application process for my master’s, and adjusting to the learning curve of graduate school. I faced lots of self-doubt along the way, which taught me the importance of a support system and to have more faith in myself.
Who is an influential person in your life and why?
My parents for sure. They immigrated here with 3 kids, and rebuilt everything from scratch. Back home, they were both obstetricians/gynecologists, so I grew up hearing (and loving) stories about their unforgettable deliveries, while learning patience and resilience from their journey.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
What might surprise people about me is that I’m a huge fan of Jellycats (super-soft plush toys), and I’m very proud of my growing collection. One of my dreams is to visit London, (UK) just to see and splurge at the Official Jellycat Store!
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy crafting, including card-making and cross-stitching, and I love to play the piano. I often wind down by playing video games or trying new dinner spots with friends!
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Album: A Matter of Time - Laufey (I went to her concert in October 2025!)
Film: Howl’s Moving Castle - Hayao Miyazaki
Novel: James and the Giant Peach - Roald Dahl
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
My maternal grandparents, especially my grandfather who was an orthopedic surgeon turned general practitioner.
Where/what is your favourite place?
I love to visit the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, a beautiful spot!
If you were stuck on a deserted island but had all your basic needs taken care of (i.e. food and water), what two items would you bring with you and why?
I’d bring my Nintendo Switch so that I could finally finish playing all of The Legend of Zelda games I’ve been putting off, and I can’t forget my skincare essentials (sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm), to protect my skin’s health.
