Meet the CBR Graduate Award Program (GAP) Cohort 2022-23!


Meet the incoming CBR Graduate Award Program (GAP) Cohort for 2022-23! Over the next year, these students will take part in exciting professional development activities alongside their research. Learn more about them and their research below:

 

Ahmed Kabil, McNagny Lab

My name is Ahmed Kabil and I am a PhD research student at Dr. Kelly McNagny’s lab. My research involves developing several genetic mouse models that allows us to monitor the emergence development and history of innate lymphoid cells and then investigate how they regulate the state of health at mucosal barrier surfaces. Outside of the lab I enjoy playing soccer and listening to podcasts.

Deasung Jang, Ma Lab (Multi-Scale Design Laboratory)

I am Deasung Jang, a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering under the supervision of Dr. Hongshen Ma. Ma’s research group is part of the Centre for Blood Research, and our research is involved in developing technologies for investigating biological systems at the scale of single cells.

Elyn Rowe, Devine Lab

I am a PhD Candidate working with Dr. Dana Devine to better understand how blood donor characteristics can influence the quality of transfusion products. With underlying interests in vascular contributions to Alzheimer disease, my project focuses on characterizing products from elderly and diabetic donors. I hope that this work will not only translate to refined policies within Canadian Blood Services and other blood services worldwide, but also contribute to a more fundamental understanding of how established risk factors for dementia may feed into disease via the vasculature. When I’m not in the lab, you can find me crabbing from my kayak at Jericho beach, mountain biking along the Sea to Sky, playing hockey in North Van, or trying to improve my Adobe Creative Cloud skills.

Felix Hong, Kim Lab

My name is Felix Hong, and I am a Master’s student in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program. Currently, I conduct research in the Kim lab, where I study this life-essential protein called filamin A in regulating platelet functions and signaling pathways. In my spare time, I enjoy doing a variety of different physical activities, such as basketball, badminton, and juggling!

Henry West, Pryzdial Lab

My name is Henry, and I’m a Masters student in the Pryzdial lab where I research the exploitation of the procoagulant protein tissue factor by enveloped viruses. The goal is to establish tissue factor as a ubiquitous presence on the surface of enveloped viruses and support the development of drugs targeting tissue factor for use as antivirals. Outside the lab I enjoy backpacking, skiing, running, and am trying to learn some tennis.

Loulou Cai, Côté Lab

I’m Loulou, a second year PhD student in the Côté Lab at UBC Hospital. My research looks at the potential toxicities that’s HIV antiretrovirals may exert in primary cell models. In my spare time, I enjoy volleyball, badminton, hiking, climbing, baking, and tending to my indoor plants.

Marie Johns, Jefferies Lab

I was born and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut, USA, but moved to Vancouver in 2014 for my undergraduate studies in Biology and Behavioural Neuroscience at UBC. A current graduate student in the Medical Genetics program, my thesis project in Dr. Wilf Jefferies’ lab involves modeling substance use and psilocybin therapy using neural organoids (“mini-brains”). I’m passionate about knowledge translation and representation in STEM, aspiring to demonstrate that success in academia isn’t restricted by gender, sexuality, or neurodiversity. Outside of the lab, you can find me hiking, camping, cycling, snowboarding, or otherwise embracing Vancouver’s sights and outdoor activities. Ask me about video games, fantasy novels, or my foster rabbits!

Peyman Malek Mohammadi Nouri, Kizhakkedathu Lab

My name is Peyman and I have been doing a Ph.D. in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in Dr. Kizhakkedathu’s lab since January 2022. I did my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering in Iran, but soon I changed my field of study to Material Science in my master’s degree in Europe and I am now here as part of CBR, doing research on “Bladder cell surface engineering and immunomodulation”.

Similar to my academic interests, my hobbies also include a diverse range. I like to play table tennis, basketball, watch movies, play video games, read socioeconomic books and I really like to try anything new that comes my way.

 


About the CBR Graduate Award Program (GAP):

The CBR Graduate Award Program (GAP) is an educational development program available to MSc and PhD students, providing successful applicants with funding, as well as a chance to develop professional experience that is useful in and beyond academia.

Learn more about CBR GAP and how to apply.