Amgen Scholars Program Faculty Profiles

Jennifer M. Jones
Our research team works with the Princess Margaret Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship Program and participates in a number of ongoing clinical studies related to the detection, prevention and treatment of cancer treatment related sequelae as well as knowledge translation and health systems research. 

Joanne Kotsopoulos
Our lab group is a multi-disciplinary team committed to furthering our understanding of hereditary cancer, specifically among BRCA mutation carriers. Our focus is on epidemiological studies (also integrating biomarkers) to investigate risk and prognostic factors in the etiology of breast and ovarian cancer, with the goal of improving upon prevention strategies, quality of life and prognosis for women with a BRCA mutation. 

Girish S. Kulkarni
Our lab focuses on health services research and artificial intelligence research in the area of urologic oncology using large clinical cohorts and administrative data.

Nadia Minian
We are a dynamic, inter-professional team working to support knowledge mobilization, research, education, and clinical initiatives related to tobacco dependence treatment and healthy behavior change. 

Jason Moffat
We build and use genetic tools and functional genomics methods to study and understand genes that are essential for disease phenotypes and genetic interactions that can modify disease phenotypes.

Linda Penn
Our research group focuses on understanding and targeting: i) the MYC oncogene that drives most human cancers, and ii) the metabolic mevalonate pathway, which is inhibited by approved and generic drugs (statins) often prescribed for cholesterol control.

Raymond Reilly
Our research team aims to develop novel radiopharmaceuticals, including radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies and radiolabeled gold nanoparticles, for imaging and treatment of cancer. We use preclinical tumour models and aim to advance the most promising radiopharmaceuticals to first-in-human clinical trials in collaboration with oncologists and imaging specialists. We design and formulate radiopharmaceuticals under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for human studies.

Leonardo Salmena
Our research revolves around two main themes within the field of cancer pharmacology:
1. Understanding the impact of disruptions in phosphoinositide signaling pathways and exploring their potential as targets for cancer treatment.
2. Studying how microRNA and their regulatory networks affect cancer progression and drug resistance and examine ways to harness their functions for cancer therapy. 

David Uehling
The Therapeutic Innovation Group's mission is to translate basic research discoveries in Ontario towards the discovery of medicines for cancer patients. We are a group that is comprised of medicinal chemists, computational chemists, biochemistry and cell biologists and analytical chemists. We perform all areas of small molecule drug discovery including target identification/validation, high throughput screening, and hit assessment and lead optimization.

Shirley Wu
Our research focuses on the development of drug delivery strategies and drug delivery systems for enhancing treatment outcomes of major diseases including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Laura Chiavaroli
Our research focus is on developing tools and strategies to translate clinical practice guidelines on dietary patterns and Canadian Food Policy, including strategies to change food environments and health service delivery models. We use a variety of methods to assess uptake, adherence and effectiveness of these tools for the prevention and management of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in diverse populations. We collaborate with stakeholders, particularly those at high cardiovascular risk, and practices to address equity, diversity and inclusivity.

Chung-Wai Chow
My group develops novel technologies to evaluate lung function and machine learning to improve their diagnostic acumen. Our research is conducted in different clinical cohorts that include patients following lung transplant, interstitial lung diseases, rare and other chronic lung diseases.

Hagar Labouta
My research program studies the interaction of nanoparticles with different biological barriers and translating this knowledge to design new generations of bio-inspired nanoparticles for breaching the biological barriers of the body. We evaluate these nanoparticles for therapeutic applications using organ-on-a-chip models designed in our lab.

Mingyao Liu
Our research in the Toronto Lung Transplant Program, is focused on ischemia-reperfusion induced lung injury in lung transplantation. We are interested in different types of programed cell death on donor lung injury, PANoptosis and ferroptosis. We use cell culture and animal models to develop new preservation solutions for donor lungs and new perfusion solutions for ex vivo lung perfusion systems. In collaboration with our AI/machine learning group, we are looking for molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ischemia-reperfusion induced lung injury. 

Kozeta Miliku
Our lab studies the critical role of nutrition through a life course perspective to understand the developmental trajectories of chronic diseases and multimorbidity. We investigate how nutrition at various life stages, particularly that of parents during preconception and that of children from infancy to adolescence, impact the long-term development of cardiometabolic, respiratory and neurodevelopmental conditions. We also examine dietary intake and multimorbidity determinants.

Michael Wilson
We are a highly collaborative research team that uses comparative epigenomics, bioinformatics, cell and animal models to uncover gene regulatory mechanisms that contribute to human development and disease.  

Haibo Zhang
In our research, we use bioimaging techniques such as micro computed tomography (µ-CT) and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to visualize mechanical ventilation effects in rabbits. We pinpoint areas of injury and measure lung strain, facilitating the identification of optimal ventilator strategies. We use machine learning algorithms to study patterns associated with enhanced lung healing under specific ventilatory strategies to help proactively prevent ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).

Nathanael Caveney
We have an interdisciplinary research program centred around structural biology, protein and signal engineering, and therapeutic design. We aim to understand signaling and build a toolkit that can be implemented to therapeutically modulate cellular signaling across a range of pathologies.

Vinod Chandran
Our lab investigates the genetic and molecular epidemiology of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, especially with respect to prognosis. Our research is focused on developing a soluble biomarker-based screening and prognostic tool for, and identifying mechanisms underlying inflammation and joint damage in, psoriatic arthritis. We are also focused on identifying and reducing barriers to multidisciplinary care of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. 

Christoph Licht
Our lab engages in translational research on complement-mediated renal diseases including aHUS and C3G. My lab focusses on the pathomechanisms of complement-mediated TMA, in particular the consequences of complement dysregulation on endothelial cells. New research directions include a role for complement in organ repair and regeneration.

Alexander Palazzo
We study the rules that govern whether an RNA molecule is exported from the nucleus of human cells and subsequently transported to specific subcellular regions, or whether it is retained in the nucleus and degraded. We use a combination of cell biological, biochemical and computational methods in order to gain insight into these fundamental processes.

Micheline Piquette-Miller
My research focuses on understanding the regulation of drug transport proteins in the placenta. My lab uses cellular, molecular and proteomic techniques to study critical transporters that are involved in the passage of drugs, toxins, hormones and nutrients across the placental-fetal barriers. 

Ji-Young Youn
Our lab studies cytosolic biomolecular condensates formed during stress. Wed use proximity-based labeling methods (BioID or APEX) to determine condensate proteomes. Biomolecular condensates are dynamic and metastable. Aberrant phase transition underlies the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. We apply quantitative mass spectrometry to measure changes in proximal interactions associated with condensate formation and aberrant phase transition. 

Yufeng Zhao
We use molecular biology and protein engineering techniques to develop novel fluorescent proteins and biosensors for visualization of cell structures and activities such as signaling and metabolism.

Artem Babaian
The biodiversity of Earth’s RNA viruses is enormous and unexplored. Under 0.1% of RNA viruses are known. Our lab uses ultra high-performance computing and AI as a means to explore the deep unknowns of virology and molecular genetics. Our aim is to build digital infrastructure to enable a global virus surveillance network, and understand the how we can prevent or mitigate the next pandemic.

Anne Claude Gingras
We are a signal transduction, systems biology and proteomics lab specializing in developing tools to better understand how proteins associate with one another to perform their functions.

Benjamin Haibe-Kains
Our researchers actively work in the fields of biomarker discovery and drug repurposing using both preclinical and clinical data. Our research projects are aimed at predicting the trajectory of carcinogenesis and identifying optimal treatment options, developing advanced machine learning algorithms that extract high-dimensional features from medical imaging data and enhancing clinical decision-making through the development of diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive radiomic models.

K. Sandy Pang
Our research spans the fields of pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism and transporters and their regulation. We use mechanistic-based approaches to explain the handling of drugs and their metabolites within eliminating organs, namely the liver, the intestine, kidney and brain, upon examination of the relevant transport and enzymatic processes and their integration into physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling (PBPK) or system biology approaches.

Mikko Taipale
We use functional proteomics and genomics methods to study how the human protein interaction network is wired, how it is rewired by disease mutations, pathogens, and evolution, and how we can target the network for therapeutic purposes. We also develop new technologies for genome engineering, transcriptional regulation, and for characterizing protein/protein interactions.

Michael Wilson
We are a mixture of experimental and computational scientists who use comparative genomics to study evolution and human disease.

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Danielle Bentley
We are an educational research team interested in enhancing student learning through innovative pedagogy in the anatomical sciences. The overarching objective of our research is to enhance student learning via 1) evidenced-based in-class approaches to teaching, 2) meaningful student assessments and 3) vocationally relevant course design.

Dalia Barsyte-Lovejoy
Our lab studies unconventional innate-like T cells such as iNKT cells and MAIT cells, which respond to antigens that are invisible to conventional T cells. Our goal is to harness the biological functions of iNKT and MAIT cells to treat cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, respectively.

Reina Bendayan
We study the location, expression, activity and regulation of several membrane transport proteins that are involved in the disposition of antiretroviral drugs at blood-tissue barrier sites (i.e., at the blood-brain barrier). In particular, we are interested in the role of efflux pumps under normal physiological and HIV-associated neuro-inflammatory conditions. We also examine novel molecular targets for the treatment of HIV-associated brain inflammation and the regulation of folate transport to the brain to identify novel approaches for the treatment of cerebral folate deficiency.

Matthew Buechler
The Buechler lab studies unknown aspects of the immune system with a particular interest in fibroblasts & macrophages.

Alan Cochrane
My lab investigates the modulation of cellular proteins as a means of controlling virus replication including viruses such HIV-1, SARS-CoV2, and influenza.

Leah Cowen
We are focused on the overarching goals of understanding what allows some microbes to exploit the host and cause disease, and developing new strategies to thwart drug resistance and treat life-threatening infections.

Alex Ensminger
We use microbial genomics and genetics to study the evolution of pathogens. We have isolated the first phages to infect the bacterial pathogen Legionella. Remarkably, Legionella phages inadvertently select for the ability to cause human disease.

Jennifer Gommerman
Our lab is focused on studying the mechanisms of immune dysregulation in autoimmune disease, particularly MS, and understanding the reason for the rapid increase in autoimmune disease observed in Canada. We are also determining the role of TNF family members in immune cell biology.

Walid A. Houry
Our team studies cellular stress responses and the role of molecular chaperones and ATP-dependent proteases in these responses. We use structural, biophysical, biochemical, proteomic, and cell biological approaches to understand the mechanism of function of these chaperones and proteases. We also investigate the development of novel antibiotics by identifying compounds that target these chaperones and proteases and result in the dysregulation of protein homeostasis in the cell. 

Thierry Mallevaey
We study how the intestinal microbiota and the immune system influence each other, in the context of intestinal inflammation. We focus primarily on T lymphocytes and use mouse models ranging from germ-free to “dirty” pet store mice.

Trevor Moraes
Our research focuses on gram-negative bacterial pathogens and the proteins that decorate their surface. We employ a number of biochemical, structural and microbiology tools to understand the function of these proteins and how we can target them for the development of novel drugs or vaccines. 

Arthur Mortha 
Our lab nvestigates the impact of microbiota regulated gut-tissue axes on host physiology and autoimmunity.  

Keith Pardee
Our team seeks to impact human health by developing portable, affordable tools using the principles of synthetic biology. We develop biotechnologies, such as a portable platform for low-cost molecular diagnostics and a portable system to manufacture therapeutics outside of the laboratory. Also, we are developing directed evolution and computational design platforms for biologic therapeutics.

Lena Serghides
Our lab studies the impact of HIV and HIV antiretrovirals on placenta and fetal development and the mechanisms that underlie adverse birth outcomes and long-term health effects of children born HIV exposed but uninfected. Our goal is to optimize treatment for pregnant women with HIV and ensure the best outcomes for mother and child.

Jack Uetrecht
Our lab studies the mechanisms of idiosyncratic, adverse drug reactions. We look at immune system responses to drugs and seek to identify biomarkers that could predict the risk of adverse drug reactions.

Martin Beaulieu
My group develops innovative approaches to cell signaling interventions in the context of mental illness and other complex disorders. Projects range from AI-driven molecular structure based small molecule development to application of CRISPR technologies study gene functions. We use cell-based screening assay development, behavioral studies in rodents and investigation of the genome wide impact of specific disruptions on gene expression and mRNA translation. 

Tim Corson
My lab explores drug discovery for eye diseases, particularly those associated with abnormal blood vessel growth like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy that are major causes of blindness. Our interdisciplinary team uses biochemical assays, cell-based screens, and in vivo disease models to evaluate novel chemical compounds for their therapeutic potential, dissect disease mechanisms, and develop new drug delivery methods.

Rachel Harding
Our team uses structural biology, protein biochemistry and chemical biology to validate drug targets and study the molecular mechanisms of pathology of repeat expansion disorders, with a primary focus on Huntington’s disease.

Sheena Josselyn
Our lab studies how information is acquired, stored and used in the brain. We study memory in mice at the molecular, cellular, circuit and behavioural levels using a variety of cutting-edge tools.

James L. Kennedy
Our lab studies genetics/genomics of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as DNA variants in schizophrenia, bipolar, depression and Alzheimers. We study the pharmacogenetics of drug response and side effects and engage in clinical trial data analysis with AI/ML.

Lakshmi P. Kotra
Our laboratory research is in the area of understanding neuro and inflammatory disorders and developing novel therapeutic solutions. We conduct in research in designing novel molecules, biochemical studies and in vivo animal models.

Julie Lefebvre
We study developmental neurobiology and neural circuit formation, such as how neurons develop and wire up into neural circuits. We seek to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms that guide the formation of these specific connectivity patterns and aim to link alterations in neuronal development to abnormal circuit function and behaviour, to better understand how these alterations lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. We use mouse models, molecular-genetic tools to label and manipulate neurons at the population or single-cell level, gene expression profiling, and microscopy. 

Julien Muffat
Our lab combines tissue engineering and genome engineering to study neurodegenerative disorders using pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids. We are interested in the interaction of genetic predispositions and immune triggers, including viruses, on inflammatory processes that challenge humans across their lifespan. Our goal is to identify novel strategies to interrupt pathological progression at early stages.

Thomas Prevot
Our research focuses on the neurobiology of memory and emotion processes, and how these processes are affected by stress, aging, and their interactions, leading to psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. We focuse on the characterization of behavioral, cellular and molecular outcomes of preclinical models of depression and other stress- and age-related psychiatric disorders. 

Stephen Scherer
Our research includes understanding the composition of the genome for studies of genetic disease built upon three themes: (1) gene copy number- and structural- variation (CNV or SV) in the human genome, (2) determining the genetic architecture underlying autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and (3) developing technology, infrastructure, and capacity for translational genomic research.

Tijana Simic
Our research at the LaRC lab, seeks to advance our understanding of the cognitive architecture of language in healthy and disordered aging, with a focus on factors thought to target and support neuroplasticity and therapeutic outcome. Our research has the ultimate aim of applying basic scientific discoveries toward practical uses that can positively impact the lives of Canadians.

Bojana Stefanovic
We are developing and deploying imaging and analysis methods for studying brain function. Our ultimate goal is to better understand changes in brain structure and function in conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, stroke, and brain trauma, and establish neuroimaging markers that can help with diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response monitoring.

Tatsuya Tsukahara
Our lab studies how experience alters gene expression and sculpts neural functions and behavior using the mouse olfactory system. Tools used in our lab include single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, genetic engineering and in vivo imaging.

Clement Zai
My lab performs pharmacogenetics studies in psychiatric patients and is also investigating genetic and non-genetic factors influencing the risk of suicidal behaviour, PTSD, schizophrenia, etc. Our research involves GWASs, polygenic risk score analyses, and machine learning, etc.

Liliana Attisano
Our lab is interested in how signalling pathways regulate development and how their disruption contributes to disease. Most recently, we are focusing in two general directions. 1. Exploring how disruption of the Hippo pathway promotes cancer and fibrosis. 2. Establishing and using human stem-cell derived organoids (cerebral and lung) to model human development and disease.  

Michael Fehlings
Our lab is focused on developing cell-based therapies to repair and regenerate the injured spinal cord. Specifically, in our clinically-relevant spinal cord injury model, we are combining neural progenitor cells (NPCs) bioengineered to target the harsh post-injury microenvironment with rehabilitation. 

Sevan Hopyan
We are interested in the intersection of physical and genetic regulators of morphogenesis of the murine limb bud and craniofacial structures and on chromatin regulation.

Thomas Hurd
We use an integrated genetic, cell biological and imaging approach to understand how mitochondria influence development, differentiation and inheritance.

Howard Lipshitz
Using genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and computational biology, we study the role of RNA-binding proteins in controlling mRNA stability, translation and subcellular localization. We study post-transcriptional regulation during the maternal-to-zygotic transition in early embryos as well as in neural lineages in the developing brain of the fruit fly. We also use the fruity fly to understand the mechanisms underlying rare human diseases caused by mutations in RNA-binding proteins such as the role of RNA-binding proteins in autism spectrum disorder.

Miguel Ramalho-Santos
Our lab is interested in the epigenetic regulation of development and how the environment can impact the epigenome and affect the developmental trajectory of cells. We use mouse embryology, mouse and human embryonic stem cells, genome perturbations and chromatin and transcriptional analyses.

Molly Shoichet
Our lab is engaged in discovery to translational research. We are working at the intersection of biology, chemistry and engineering related to applications in regenerative medicine and cancer, including cell and therapeutic delivery and drug screening. 

Amy Wong
Leveraging our pre-clinical human lung models, our research program aims to: 1) Understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating human lung development; 2) Use this new knowledge to identify molecular/cellular basis of pulmonary diseases; and 3) Design and test new therapies to treat congenital (CF) and acquired (COVID-19) lung diseases.