Written by: Kaitlyn Chuong, CBR Communications & Programs Coordinator
February 11 is recognized by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which aims to spotlight the contributions of women in science, technology, and innovation. This day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in STEM communities and an opportunity to promote full and equal access to science around the world.
This year, we had the pleasure of chatting with several female trainees in the CBR community to learn more about their research, share their stories, and celebrate all that they do. The CBR is proud to have dedicated, passionate, and driven researchers. Read more about them below!
L-R: Emel Islamzada, Grace Kuo, Lynn Huang, Maggie Chopra, Taylor Da Silva
What is the focus of your research?
Emel Islamzada, Postdoctoral Fellow, Ma Lab: My research focuses on understanding the biophysical changes that occur in red blood cells (RBCs) during storage. Specifically, I investigate how RBC deformability—the ability of red blood cells to maintain structural integrity while navigating through the microvasculature—can serve as a predictive marker for transfused RBC survival in circulation. By exploring deformability as an indicator of long-lasting RBCs, our work aims to identify donor units that could be prioritized for chronic transfusion recipients. This approach has the potential to reduce transfusion frequency, minimize associated complications, and increase overall blood supply.
Grace Kuo, PhD Student, McNagny Lab: My research focuses on recapitulating the development of tissue-resident innate immune cells, specifically innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), in vitro using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). By refining the differentiation workflow, I aim to generate functional ILC populations and characterize their roles in immune regulation. Additionally, my work explores the therapeutic potential of hPSC-derived ILCs in solid tumors and inflammatory diseases, leveraging hPSCs as an unlimited cell source for translational applications.
Lynn Huang, Research Associate, Kim Lab: Chronic lung fibrosis is a progressive disease and there is no cure. Patients often have 3-5 years after diagnosis before succumbing to an irreversible loss of lung function and death. It is a major health problem worldwide and effective new treatments that can stop or reverse this disease is urgently needed. Our study seeks to better understand the mechanisms of lung fibrosis by comparing two mouse models of lung fibrosis: One where the fibrosis disappears over time (acute fibrosis) and the lungs recover, and one where lung damage is persistent and progressive (chronic fibrosis). We plan to identify key differences and determine if these differences are responsible for driving either recovery or progression. This information will change our current understanding of chronic lung fibrosis and offer new opportunities for the development of more effective therapeutics for patients.
Maggie Chopra, MD/PhD Candidate, McNagny Lab: My research focusses on how maternal health during pregnancy influences offspring immune development and long-term disease risk. Using mouse models and high-dimensional immune profiling tools like spectral flow cytometry, I study how maternal factors such as dysbiosis, diet, and inflammation impact the developing immune system of offspring and their susceptibility to allergic disease. Understanding how maternal health can either protect against or contribute to future inflammatory diseases could enable earlier interventions, reshaping how we prevent and manage these conditions across the lifespan.
Taylor Da Silva, Masters Student, Kim Lab: My research focuses on the pro-inflammatory role of platelets in asthma. In addition to their roles in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets also act as immune cells that contribute to various inflammatory diseases including asthma. When platelets are activated, they secrete a pro-inflammatory chemokine called platelet factor 4 (PF4). While it is well established that platelets contribute to inflammation in asthma, less is known about how PF4 specifically drives the inflammatory response in the lungs. My research aims to bridge this gap by studying how PF4 affects the production of inflammatory cytokines by lung cells.
Emel: I have been incredibly fortunate to be part of the CBR and the UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, where I have witnessed strong female researchers and leaders. Their dedication, passion towards their work, and mentorship inspire me, but I also recognize the barriers they had to overcome to reach their positions. Their example has reinforced my own commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment. As I continue my career, I hope to inspire and empower the next generation of women in STEM by contributing with the same support and mentorship that I have admired.
Grace: During my time at STEMCELL Technologies, I had the privilege of working under a remarkable female mentor who greatly influenced my growth as a scientist. She fostered an environment where curiosity and practicality went hand in hand, encouraging me to explore new ideas while honing my critical thinking skills. She championed my strengths, provided thoughtful guidance, and challenged me to push beyond my limits. Beyond technical expertise, she also created opportunities for me to collaborate across teams and departments, helping me expand my skill set, build a strong professional network, and gain visibility within the company. Her unwavering support and leadership continue to inspire me, and I hope to pay it forward by mentoring and empowering future generations of women in STEM.
Lynn: I have female mentors as my supervisors during my master study and postdoctoral career. What inspires me is that their love for their career and how they balance work and family. They are actively involved in department events, have made huge accomplishments in their research and provide guidance and support to students. I strive to be a mentor like them - to shine, to contribute in science and to support younger scientists.
Maggie: From day one, my biggest female mentor has always been my mom. She was the one who encouraged me to merge my 
passion for human health with my drive for discovery by pursuing an MD/PhD. Her belief in my ability to take on this path has been invaluable, and I would not be where I am today without her unwavering support and guidance. While I have not had female mentors in academia, I greatly admire the many phenomenal women in my field and look forward to learning from them in the future. I have been fortunate to work with incredibly supportive mentors who have taught me what it means to lead, support, and uplift others. I aspire to carry forward those lessons to become an independent researcher and mentor myself, especially for the next generation of talented women in science.
Emel: Love and passion for my work is my biggest motivation. Research can be full of setbacks but knowing that my work has the potential to improve patient care and make a tangible difference in transfusion medicine keeps me going—even when progress is slow, and challenges seem endless.
As a woman in STEM, one of the biggest challenges is finding a work-life balance in such a demanding field. Science is exciting and immersive, but making time for yourself, your hobbies, and your loved ones is crucial. Burnout helps no one, and I’ve learned that taking time to recharge actually makes me a better researcher. Prioritizing rest and well-being is not a weakness—it’s a necessity for long-term success.
Grace: Microaggression and sexism in professional settings can manifest as offhand jokes or unwarranted doubts about my abilities and work, stemming from deeply ingrained gender stereotypes. These moments can be unsettling and frustrating, making it challenging to address the situation in a mature, graceful manner while upholding integrity and authenticity. Nonetheless, the support from colleagues and mentors, along with positive changes driven by EDI initiatives have been instrumental in fostering a more aware, empathetic, and respectful community. The rippling effects of these inspiring efforts motivate me to continue my work, providing the tools and strategies necessary to challenge gender stereotypes and drive progress toward a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all.
Lynn: As a woman in science, I am grateful to have equal opportunities and the freedom to pursue my scientific career. I always encourage and remind myself these three things:
- “Don’t be afraid to participate in any activity.”
- “Enjoy every research experience you get to be a part of.”
- “I have the ability to make contributions to science.”
Maggie: It can be hard to feel heard as a woman in STEM, especially when you have a quieter or softer personality. In environments where confidence and assertiveness are often valued, it can be challenging to make space for your voice without feeling the need to change who you are. At times, I’ve had to navigate different ways to ensure my ideas and contributions are recognized; I’ve also learned that leadership and influence can take many forms. I continue to stay motivated through leaning on support systems that uplift me and believing in myself. I am also driven by the desire to be a source of inspiration for future women in science, especially the junior trainees I work with. By leading with confidence and tackling challenges head-on, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive training environment where different leadership styles are valued. Representation and mentorship matter, and I want to help build a future where more women feel empowered to pursue and thrive in STEM careers.
Taylor: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in graduate school is falling into the trap of “impostor syndrome” and feeling like I don’t belong in academia. While these feelings can be experienced by people of any gender, they are disproportionately prevalent in women and non-binary people. The problem with the label “impostor syndrome” is that it places the responsibility on the individual to cope with systemic biases and discrimination, rather than focusing on changing the culture within STEM to be more inclusive and equitable. What motivates me to continue my work is thinking about my younger self and how proud she would be of everything that I’ve accomplished as a woman in STEM, in a field that was originally never meant to include women. I’m particularly passionate about STEM outreach because I get the opportunity to act as a role model and show young girls that they do belong in STEM, and that they can accomplish great things if they continue to pursue their passion for learning and inquiry.
Emel: Say yes to opportunities! It’s common for women in STEM (and beyond) to question whether we truly belong or deserve the success we achieve. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is to work hard, trust in my abilities, and take on opportunities as they arise—even when they seem intimidating. Growth happens outside of our comfort zones. I encourage young researchers to embrace both learning and sharing knowledge. Some of the most fulfilling moments in my career have come from seeing others succeed because of something I was able to teach them. Science thrives on collaboration, and lifting others up strengthens the entire field.
Grace: Confidence is key—keep track of your achievements, speak up in discussions, and trust that your perspective is valuable. Surround yourself with a strong support network by seeking mentors, collaborating with peers, and uplifting other women in STEM. Embrace challenges with resilience, viewing setbacks as learning opportunities and celebrating progress along the way. Step into leadership roles, whether through research, professional organizations, or public speaking, to gain visibility and pave the way for future generations. Stay passionate about your work by connecting with its broader impact while prioritizing self-care to sustain your drive and well-being.
Maggie: Your research project is important, but the environment you work in matters just as much – if not more. The people you collaborate with will shape your experience, so prioritize working with those who uplift and support you. A strong and positive support system among colleagues and fellow students is crucial, often more so than being in a high-profile lab or working under a renowned professor.
Taylor: Something I’ve struggled with in the past is that I would sometimes stand in my own way when it came to pursuing academic opportunities. I would be hesitant to pursue opportunities out of fear that I wasn’t good enough or that I didn’t deserve it. The advice that I would give to young women starting out in STEM is to trust your training and experiences – you are more capable than you think you are and taking opportunities that seem daunting or out of your comfort zone is essential to growing as a researcher.