| Student Photo | Student | Supervisor | Program | Bio |
 | Gaea Buenaventura | Dr. Ying Wang | MSc | My name is Gaea, and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Dr. Ying Wang’s lab at the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation (HLI). My research is focused on investigating how promoting the clearance of lesion cells could serve as a strategy for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). I am particularly interested in how engineering principles can be applied to advance health research and contribute to new breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. I completed my Bachelor of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I developed a strong foundation in applying engineering tools to address challenges in medicine. Before beginning my graduate studies, I worked as a research assistant in HLI’s molecular phenotyping core. There, I gained hands-on experience in flow cytometry, DNA/RNA extractions, biobanking, and other molecular techniques that continue to inform my current work. I chose to return to UBC for my graduate studies because of the excellent training and supportive community I experienced as an undergraduate. Beyond academics, I also enjoy living in Vancouver, where I take advantage of the outdoor activities and vibrant lifestyle the city has to offer. |
 | Tiffany (Zi Ying) Chen | Dr. Angela Devlin | MSc | I am a Master’s student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) currently conducting research in Dr. Devlin’s lab, where I study the impact of high folic acid intake on β-cell function and its potential link to diabetes. My project investigates how excess folic acid affects one-carbon metabolism and insulin secretion, with the goal of uncovering mechanisms relevant to maternal and offspring metabolic health. I completed my undergraduate degree in Chemical Biology at UBC, where I gained diverse research experience across four different laboratories in the Life Sciences Institute and BC Cancer. These experiences exposed me to a variety of experimental techniques, from molecular biology to translational cancer research, and shaped my passion for biomedical science. Beyond research, I am deeply interested in pursuing a career in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry, where I hope to apply my scientific training to advance innovative health solutions. I chose UBC for my graduate studies because of its collaborative environment, exceptional research facilities, and the strong professional and personal network I have built here. UBC has been a place where I can grow as a scientist while staying connected to a supportive community. |
 | Gahan Diwan | Dr. David Granville | MSc | Hi, my name is Gahan Diwan, and I will be pursuing graduate studies in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine program at UBC. I will be part of Dr. David Granville’s lab, where my research will focus on understanding the role of granzymes in inflammation, particularly in the context of pulmonary, diabetic, and autoimmune diseases. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Biology at UBC with a focus on molecular genetics and immunology. Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to work on projects in cancer genetics, neurodegeneration, and vaccine development, which have shaped my interest and curiosity for tackling unresolved mysteries in biomedical science. Outside of research and academics, I enjoy tutoring and mentoring students, which allows me to share my passion for science. I also have a strong interest in fitness, cooking, and exploring Vancouver’s food scene. I chose to continue my graduate studies at UBC because of its strong biomedical research community and supportive environment. For me, UBC feels like home and the right place to grow as both a researcher and a person. |
 | Dana (Kristen Danielle) Go | Dr. Cheryl Wellington | MSc | I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Dr. Cheryl Wellington’s laboratory, where my thesis focuses on blood-based neurological biomarkers of COVID-19. I graduated from UBC’s Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences program in 2024, where I first developed my passion for research through a Directed Studies project investigating neurological biomarkers using SIMOA assays. I chose to remain at UBC to further my research experience with state-of-the-art technology and to continue working with the mentors who inspired me during my undergraduate studies. The university’s beautiful campus and surroundings also make it a vibrant place to learn and grow. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring the Lower Mainland with friends in search of the best food spots (especially for desserts!) Through my graduate training, I hope to build the skills and experience that will ultimately help me achieve my goal of attending medical school. |
 | Tisha Haukongo | Dr. Helene Cote | MSc | My name is Tisha Haukongo, and I am excited to join UBC’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine this Fall. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology with a minor in Medicine & Society at the University of Houston. During my undergraduate studies, I completed an honors thesis on synthetic microbial communities and plant stress tolerance. This experience highlighted how organisms respond to stress at multiple levels and inspired me to pursue biomedical research, where I hope to investigate how cellular stress contributes to human disease. I am particularly drawn to how stress at the cellular level influences long-term outcomes in aging and infectious disease. Outside of academics, I enjoy music (from classical to techno), traveling (from sailing in Maine to hiking in Arches), and being active (bouldering, running, biking, skiing, pickleball. . . game on). I chose UBC not only because of its reputation for excellence in research and its collaborative environment, but also because two of my brothers studied here and they’ve described the experience as one of their best. That sense of belonging made UBC feel like the right place for me as well. |
 | Vivian (Hsing-Wei) Ho | Dr. Ying Wang | MSc | Hi, I’m Vivian! I’ll be joining Dr. Ying Wang’s lab this September. Our research focuses on myocardial infarction, particularly the life-threatening thrombosis that can result from unstable lesion structures caused by impaired efferocytosis. By studying the lesion microenvironment and its underlying biological processes, we aim to develop reliable methods for predicting the effects of lesion-targeting therapies. I graduated from UBC with a major in Biochemistry in 2023. I first built my research foundation through a co-op position at Anandia Laboratories, and later expanded into academic research at the Genomics Research Centre, Academia Sinica in Taiwan. Along the way, I contributed to projects published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Investigation. These experiences deepened my curiosity about the links between metabolism and disease progression and motivated me to pursue graduate training. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, baking, and the occasional movie marathon. I also love spending time with family and friends, and spoiling my poochon, Puff. I chose UBC for its collaborative, supportive research environment—and as a bonus, I get to enjoy the beautiful views and nature that BC has to offer. |
 | Christopher Kim | Dr. James Lan & Dr. Philipp Lange | MSc | Hello, my name is Chris and I am working under Dr. James Lan in the immunology laboratory for Vancouver Coastal Health. My research concerns improving diagnosis of an under characterized condition called microvascular inflammation following a kidney transplant. Previously, I completed a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences at UBC, where I learned various laboratory skills and gained knowledge concerning pharmacokinetics, drug development and more. Moreover, it is where I learned the importance of understanding the rooted cause of a condition or disease in order to create a therapy in the first place. Besides my academics, in my free time I enjoy going to the gym, watching movies and shows. I also try to read-emphasis on the try. UBC was the definite choice for me to pursue graduate school, just because of how much I enjoyed my time here as an undergraduate student. The opportunities are endless and the people are great. Additionally, the campus is super nice as anyone who has been to UBC would know. I look forward to working further with Dr. Lan and everyone in the team, I am grateful for this opportunity and am excited for what awaits down the road. |
 | Adam McGivern | Dr. James Lan | MSc | I completed my undergraduate degree at UofT, majoring in Cell Biology and Immunology. For my master’s, I’ll now be studying donor-derived cell-free DNA testing as a means of improving the standard of care for kidney transplant monitoring. There is an ongoing effort to implement this test at a local level in Canada, potentially improving patient outcomes and lowering burden on the healthcare system, both of which are meaningful objectives for me. Aside from my main focus on life sciences, I am passionate about history (particularly of the 20th Century) and hope to continue pursuing this in an academic environment, alongside my life science endeavors. I chose UBC because I’m a born and raised Vancouverite – I’m glad to be back in this beautiful city with my family and friends – and because UBC is known globally for its auspicious research ventures and faculty. I hope that by immersing myself in such an environment, I will be able to explore a breadth of interests and prospects, and that I will leave this school well-prepared for future opportunities. |
 | Nina Reece | Dr. Ying Wang | MSc | My name is Nina, and I am a Master’s student conducting research under the supervision of Dr. Ying Wang at St. Paul’s Hospital. My project focuses on in-stent restenosis resulting from vascular injury induced by percutaneous coronary intervention. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC, where I focused on pharmacology and drug development. During my undergraduate studies, I completed an internship at a biopharmaceutical company, supporting the early-stage development of targeted cancer therapies. My work involved developing and optimizing lipid-based nanoparticle formulations for oncology drug delivery, as well as enhancing high-throughput screening methods using a robotic liquid handler. Outside of academics, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and discovering new places to eat around Vancouver. After completing my Master’s degree, I hope to pursue a career in the biotech industry. I chose UBC for its reputation as a leading research institution and because I’m drawn to Vancouver’s natural beauty and wanted to continue my studies close to home. |
 | Fatima Yaseen | Dr. Melanie Murray & Dr. Helene Cote | MSc | Research Area: My research is around people living with HIV. Specifically, women living with HIV on long term antiretroviral therapy. I will look into the effects long term therapy can have on women aging with HIV by studying specific biomarkers. Academic Background: I received my Bachelor of Science with distinction and co-operative education at SFU. I completed a joint major in molecular biology, biochemistry and chemistry. Personal/Professional Interests: Professionally, I am constantly amazed by our immune system and its specificity, and usually lean towards infectious disease type research. Personally, I love to watch TV shows and am recently getting more into movies and books. I also love to learn new recipes and cook for friends/family. Why I chose UBC: I applied to UBC, since I know that it is among the best universities in the world, especially in terms of research. I know it will give me access to a wider range of opportunity and allow me to build everlasting connections. I also know that the research facilities at UBC are outstanding, and I will get the chance to learn cutting edge techniques. |
 | Wyatt Anderson | Dr. Katey Enfield & Dr. Wan Lam | PhD | My name is Wyatt! My research area is immunology within lung cancer, focusing on the B cell response and how it factors into the use of Immunotherapeutics. I want to understand how B cells influence patient outcome, and how the humoral immune system factor into patient health. My academic background is in Microbiology and Immunology, with a focus on head and neck cancers and the variability of the immune response depending on their HPV status. My personal interests revolve around reading and nature, being a fan of horror and thriller fiction, being an avid hiker and gardener, growing a variety of peppers, tomatoes, grapes, corn, raspberries, blueberries, figs, lemons, limes, pears, cherries, and more! I also enjoy brewing and canning these into jellies and wine, and one day dream of setting a shop within a farmers market. I chose UBC because I wanted to return to academia after a sojourn into industry and I could not think of a better institution than UBC! I’m excited to join the department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and I can’t wait to work with you all as respected colleagues! |
 | Michelle (Chun Qiao) Lin | Dr. Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu | PhD | My name is Michelle and I am starting my PhD in the Kizhakkedathu Laboratory this September. My project will involve combining cell-surface engineering and protein engineering techniques to generate a truly universal blood type absent of all surface antigens that is able to be transfused into patients regardless of blood type. I recently graduated from UBC with an honours degree in Chemical Biology where I conducted research in organic chemistry, enzymology, and natural products isolation. My undergraduate thesis involved isolating piperazic acid from bacterial sources followed by their characterization through NMR techniques. When I’m not in the lab, you’ll generally find me enjoying the beautiful nature BC has to offer or, in the winter, reading at a coffee shop somewhere in Vancouver. I’m also a big fan of cooking (despite not being very good at it) and learning new card games. I chose UBC not only for its world-renowned facilities and resources, but also because I fell in love with Vancouver and the UBC campus during my undergraduate degree. I’m so excited to begin this next step of my academic journey! |
 | Jhunam Sidhu | Dr. David Granville | PhD | My name is Jhunam Sidhu and I am a PhD student in the Granville Lab at ICORD. My research focuses on uncovering the role of granzyme proteases in psoriasis-associated pruritus (itch). My work integrates immunology and neuroscience to better understand how immune-driven mechanisms disrupt barrier function and neuronal signaling, with the ultimate goal of identifying new therapeutic strategies for patients. My academic journey began at Whitman College in Washington state, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and developed a strong foundation in cellular and molecular sciences. I then completed a Master’s degree at Simon Fraser University, specializing in neurobiology and studying axonal trafficking and mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction in the rare disease KIF1A-Associated Neurological Disorder. I first joined the Granville Lab as a lab tech, and after developing an interest in the field and seeing the potential for interdisciplinary and translational work in my project, I decided to continue as a PhD student! Outside of work, I enjoy reading and writing science fiction and fantasy, playing golf, and trying out new cafes. |