| Student Photo | Student | Supervisor | Program | Bio |
 | Alana Barretto | Dr. Ramon Klein Geltink | PhD | My name is Alana Barretto and I’ve just started my first year in the PhD program at the Klein Geltink laboratory. I am currently looking at metabolic pathways and T cell therapy to improve tumour infiltration and T cell function to better treat pediatric cancer. I previously did my masters at National Taiwan University where I studied cancer immunology and the effects of GABA on the peripheral nervous system to reduce cancer formation in the pre-tumour environment. In the future I hope to be able to continue working in the research field because I am really interested in everything that I have studied and I love the busy lab environment. I choose UBC because my childhood dog lives in Vancouver and I was really interested in joining my current lab to learn more about T cell functions. |
 | Aakar Chatha | Dr. Ying Wang | MSc | My name is Aakar and I am a Master’s student in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine joining the Wang Lab at St Paul’s Hospital. I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelors of Science in a combined major in chemistry and biology. After my undergrad, I worked in administration at Vancouverr General Hospital for two years before joining the PALM Master’s program. I am researching the effect of shear stress on blood vessels and how different layers interact when exposed to shear stress of blood. As for my professional interests, I’d like to keep my options open but I intended to apply to medical school after completing my Master’s or pursue a PhD if I enjoy what I am doing! Outside of school, I enjoy playing badminton and competing provincially. I chose to apply to UBC because I live in Vancouver and enjoyed my undergraduate experience at UBC. Furthermore, the department of PALM is very well established and I believe I can gain a lot of experience through working with researchers and professors in this department. |
 | Jesse Chiu | Dr. Jay Kizhakkedathu | PhD | I chose UBC for my Ph.D. studies because of its global reputation for excellence in teaching and research. UBC’s high academic standards and commitment to cutting-edge research align perfectly with my goals. Additionally, the quality of education in Canada and the forward-looking environment in Vancouver make it an ideal place for my professional and personal growth. I earned my Master’s degree from National Taiwan University, where I studied the interaction between proteins and mRNA during the translational stage using single-molecule techniques. My passion lies in discovering new treatments for illnesses that can positively impact human health. This passion led me to join Dr. Kizhakkedathu’s lab for my Ph.D., where I will focus on researching immune complex destabilizing polyanion-binding inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of HIT. |
 | Fabian Frontzek | Dr. Christian Steidl | PhD | I come from a smaller city in the Western part of Germany in North Rhine-Westphalia. From 2009 to 2016 I studied medicine at the University of Muenster. Afterwards, I started my training in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology at the University Hospital in Muenster where I had the great opportunity to combine my clinical training with basic research in the field of aggressive lymphomas. My previous work as translational clinician scientist focused in particular on the molecular characterization of aggressive lymphoma subtypes to contribute to a better molecular understanding of disease and to finally unravel potential novel therapeutic targets. The PhD program in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC will allow me to pursue the molecular characterization of specific aggressive B-cell lymphoma subtypes in a world-leading scientific environment at the Centre for Lymphoid Cancer (CLC) in Vancouver. In the working group of my supervisor Professor Dr. Steidl, novel sophisticated techniques are applied and will allow me to become proficient in relevant state-of-the art methodologies at the highest level. In my free time I enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, and exploring the area around Vancouver. |
 | Craig Ivany | Dr. Lucy Perrone | PhD | A Laboratory services strategist with over 37 years of experience influencing healthcare. My depth of practice includes leadership across Canada, including executive roles with DynaLIFE Alberta, Dynacare Ontario, Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association, Alberta Precision Laboratories, and Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services British Columbia. I am a Certified Health Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders, hold an ICD.D with the Institute of Corporate Directors, and am an Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columba.
My academic interests in health services research are rooted in my exposure to the academic perspective of laboratory medicine services which emerged during my career and was focused most importantly, by the privilege of serving as an Adjunct Professor in our department.
The objective of my research is to investigate, identify, evaluate, and understand the underlying operating model conditions and the effectiveness of the provincial integrative efforts in aligning the multiple interests of laboratory operators to advance system-level objectives.
UBC is a natural fit for me, beyond my affiliations with the Department and the local healthcare community, UBC is a place of innovation and embraces those who want to explore ideas and concepts that transform and build the future. |
 | Hesam Karimi Qezeljeh Meydan | Dr. Honglin Luo | PhD | I’m Hesam Karimi, a PhD student in the Luo lab, diving deep into the world of cancer treatment through oncolytic viruses and cutting-edge vaccine development. I hold a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in medical virology, with over five years of hands-on experience as a technical manager in virology labs.
When I’m not in the lab, you’ll probably find me out in nature—whether it’s trekking up mountains, playing football or tennis, or getting lost in a good book, a movie, or even the kitchen.
My passion lies in finding innovative ways to treat cancer, and I believe harnessing the power of oncolytic viruses and creating effective vaccines is key. That’s why I chose to pursue a PhD in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC, one of Canada’s top research medical universities.
At UBC, I’m excited to work alongside world-renowned faculty members in a top-ranked institution, where I believe I can sharpen my research skills and make significant strides in the fight against cancer. My goal is to emerge as a standout researcher, ready to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in this critical field. |
 | Ethan Kenmuir | Dr. Natalie Prystajecky | MSc | Hello, my name is Ethan Kenmuir. I’m a Master’s student in the Prystajecky Lab at the BC CDC. My project aims to investigate amplicon-based sequencing approaches for the genetic characterization of large DNA viruses. Specifically, I’m working on the genetic characterization of Infectious Laryngotracheitis virus in poultry as part of a collaborative One Health project with the Ministry of Agriculture.
I completed my BSc in Biochemistry at the University of Victoria where I researched molecular diagnostic techniques to enhance routine necropsies at the Plant and Animal Health Centre with the Ministry of Agriculture. I believe that using plant, animal and environmental samples provides valuable insights into the study disease transmission and control.
I’m interested in continuing to gain more experience using next-generation sequencing techniques to further contribute to the study of disease prevention and control. When I’m not in the lab I enjoy reading, cooking and staying active (preferable outside, weather permitting). I chose to study at UBC because of the resources available and the diverse research opportunities they offer. |
 | Cecilia Lee | Dr. Christian Steidl | MSc | Hello! My name is Cecilia, and I will be working on uncovering molecular mechanisms driving B cell lymphoma pathogenesis under the supervision of Dr. Christian Steidl at the BC Cancer Research Institute. I hold a BSc from UBC in Integrated Sciences, where I studied Genetics and Physiology. During my undergraduate degree, I had the opportunity to work in the Center for Lymphoid Cancers through a Directed Studies project. This sparked my interest in lymphoma research, and the incredible training environment at the CLC inspired me to return here for graduate studies. Having gone to UBC for my undergraduate degree, the world-class researchers, state-of-the-art facilities, and supportive teaching that I experienced made it a very easy decision to come back to for my MSc. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy looking through bookstores, going to the gym or grabbing delicious food (there is plenty on West Broadway)! I look forward to meeting new people and learning lots of cool science in the coming years. |
 | Zoe Lofft | Angela Devlin | PhD
(Transfer) | I study how high levels of the B vitamin folate, and its synthetic form folic acid, affect the function and development of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Before coming to UBC, I completed my Master of Science at the University of Toronto in Dr. Elena Comelli’s Food and Gut Microbiome Lab. I studied how a polyphenol in the skin of cranberries, and its gut-derived microbial metabolites, affect the expression of microRNAs in the intestine, then predicted their functional implications using computational bioinformatics. Before that, I did my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and Nutrition at Western University (London, Ontario).
When I am not in the lab, I enjoy being outside hiking, skiing, and road biking. I am also an avid reader and frequent visitor of the Vancouver Public Library. After graduating, I hope to explore roles in the biotech industry.
I chose UBC because I wanted to gain more perspectives by studying at a different university than where I did my MSc that also had a highly regarded reputation for research. Dr. Angela Devlin’s research platform stood out to me due to my background in studying molecular mechanisms in nutrition. |
 | Asha Subramaniam | Will Lockwood | MSc | My name is Asha Subramaniam. I just moved from Toronto to Vancouver to start my Master’s in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. I will be conducting my research in the Lockwood lab, where my project focus will be on exploring integrative strategies directed towards lung cancer biology. I completed my Bachelor’s of Health Science in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences with a Research Specialization and Concurrent Certificate in Immunology, Microbiology and Virology at McMaster University. My previous research projects have focused on infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. I studied the molecular mechanism of Ku-mediated DNA double strand break repair by LigD in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in order to inform the development of novel antibiotics against multi-drug resistant bacteria. My long-term goals are to complete my graduate studies in preparation for a career in academia. I chose UBC for the opportunity to conduct research with the BC Cancer Research Institute. Outside of research I enjoy swimming, playing piano and I am trying to get into hiking. I have always lived in Ontario and thought a move out to the west coast would be a life experience. Just need to buy a good raincoat now! |
 | Abbey Sugars-Keen | Ed Conway | MSc | I’m thrilled to be joining Dr. Edward Conway’s lab at the Centre for Blood Research, where I will be exploring the interconnections between blood coagulation and insulin resistance in type II diabetes and obesity. My research will build on previous work at the lab showing the tissue factor-mediated cross talk between these two pathways. Having completed my undergrad in biomedical sciences at the University of Ottawa, I am so excited to be moving out here to the west coast to explore all that grad school has to offer! Outside of my studies, my hobbies range from voracious bibliophile (I’ll read just about anything I can get my hands on!) to amateur thespian and classical music nerd. I also enjoy trail running and am looking forward to getting more into hiking here in BC. Besides its reputation as an excellent institution for education and research, one of the many reasons why I chose UBC is the beautiful nature and scenery it has to offer. I can’t wait to meet my fellow students in the program and discover the graduate student experience! |
 | Grace (Longyijie) Wei | David Huntsman | MSc | I am a Master of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine student at the University of British Columbia (UBC), with a deep interest in the molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression, particularly ovarian cancer. My research focuses on understanding how microenvironments influence ovarian cancer, with the ultimate goal of improving prognosis, treatment, and early detection. I previously earned a Bachelor of Science at UBC, majoring in Biochemistry and Chemistry, which provided a strong foundation for my current research.
My academic journey has been enriched by hands-on research experiences at institutions like the British Columbia Cancer Research Center and Lanzhou University, where I explored the roles of key enzymes in cancer progression. These experiences have fueled my passion for cancer research and inspired me to pursue further study in this field.
I chose UBC for its vibrant research community, the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts, and the beautiful, inspiring environment the campus offers. Additionally, I believe UBC’s strong faculty and comprehensive training will equip me to make meaningful contributions to cancer research and help me develop a clear path for my future career. |
 | Jenny Zhao | Leandro Venturutti | MSc | My name is Jenny Zhao and I am a MSc. student in Dr. Leandro Venturutti’s lab at BC Cancer, studying the pathogenesis of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma. I am working on uncovering the determinants granting malignant B cells to acquire loss-of-function mutations in TMEM30A , a gene that encodes a subunit of membrane phospholipid transporters. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from UBC, where I studied drug development, drug delivery and pharmacoepidemiology to name a few. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I have worked in academic labs in the areas of solid and liquid tumours as well as in atopic diseases. I also have experience in the private sector, having interned at a biotechnology company to develop rapid infectious disease test kits. With a profound interest in the pathogenesis of immune malignancies, I look forward to honing my expertise in this field during my graduate studies in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine graduate program. Ultimately, I aspire to work in the therapeutic development space and transform the current landscape of cancer treatments. UBC as an institution housing world-renowned faculty and alumni to connect and collaborate with provides an enriching space for me to grow as a scientist. |
