Interdisciplinarity in focus at LMP Research Conference 2026
The Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology (LMP) community came together for its annual LMP Research Conference (LMPRC), a full day dedicated to showcasing the breadth and impact of research across the department.
Held at the Arcadian Court, the conference featured graduate and postgraduate poster presentations, oral talks, workshops, and the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. A highlight of the day was the keynote address by Dr. Laurent Bozec, whose talk, Disruptive by Design: The Power of Interdisciplinary Science, explored how scientists need not be constrained by their discipline, but led by their curiosity, regardless of the field.
Bringing together learners, faculty, staff and alumni, LMPRC continues to be a cornerstone event for sharing ideas, celebrating discovery, and highlighting the translational impact of LMP research from fundamental science to innovations in patient care. If you were unable to make it this year, you missed a great event.
This event 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).
We are delighted to announce all the award winners from the day below.
Award winners: LMPRC 2026
The awards were presented by department Chair, Dr. Rita Kandel and Dr. Myron Cybulsky, Vice-Chair Research (Clinical).
Best Oral Presentation: Abigail Mathews
MHSc student, Translational Research Program (TRP)
“GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra Assay Implementation for Airborne Deisolation of Suspected Pediatric Tuberculosis Patients at The Hospital for Sick Children”
Best poster Brain and Neuroscience: Sofia Gentile
MSc student, Dr. Naomi Visanji Lab (Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, UHN)
“Spatial Immune Profiling of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Brain Using Imaging Mass Cytometry”
Best poster Cancer, Development & Aging: Vincent Francis Castillo
PhD Candidate, Dr. Rola Saleeb Lab (Unity Health)
“Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma with ABCC2 Brush Border Confers Resistance to MET Inhibitor, Highlighting the Therapeutic Potential of ABCC2 Inhibition”
Best poster Cardiovascular, Physiology, Metabolism: Jasmeen Kaur
PhD Candidate, Dr. Rola Saleeb Lab (Unity Health)
“Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma with ABCC2 Brush Border Confers Resistance to MET Inhibitor, Highlighting the Therapeutic Potential of ABCC2 Inhibition”
Best poster Infectious Disease and Inflammation: Catherine Dong
PhD candidate, Dr. Alan Lazarus Lab (Unity Health)
“Antibody Isotype Matters: Murine IgG1 Can Drive Rapid Antigen Loss and RBC Clearance Via Trogocytosis Independent of Phagocytosis and Complement”
Best poster Molecular & Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine: Leo Castiblanco Guzman
PhD Candidate, Dr. Golnaz Karoubi Lab (UHN)
“Assessment of Mucociliary Transport in iPSC-derived Airway Epithelium in Comparison to Native and Ex Vivo-cultured Trachea
Best poster Translational Research Program (TRP): Arshia Sarah, Sanjana Vuyyuru, Iris Ma
MHSc students, Translational Research Program (TRP)
“Bridging Evidence and Practice: Developing an Implementation Toolkit for Early Endometriosis Screening in Primary Care
Best poster MHSc in Laboratory Medicine: Maria Krigos
MHSc student, Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Embryology Field
“Evaluating Molecular and Functional Effects of Antiretroviral Agents on Sperm: An In Vitro Pilot Study
Best poster Postgraduate Medical Education: Shane Eaton
PGY 4 Neuropathology Resident
“Unwanted Axon Growth: Pten and the Suppression of Axon Plasticity in Adult Nerves"
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition
1st place: Kattreen Hanna
PhD Candidate, Dr. Rola Saleeb and Dr. Hagar Labouta Labs (Unity Health)
"Kidney Cancer-on-Chip: Mapping the Future for Kidney Cancer Treatment"
2nd place: Shanuga Thavarajah
MHSc student, Translational Research Program (TRP)
"From Paper to Practice: Exploring Oncology Prescribers' Perspectives on a New Cardiac Imaging Strategy"
