Tell us about your role at UHN.
I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, under the guidance of Dr. Robert Kridel. Our research aims to understand the variable outcomes in lymphoma patients and develop personalized therapies through cutting-edge genomics.
Beyond research, I contribute to fostering connection, teamwork, and collaboration as the founder and chair of the UHN Postdoc Association (UHNPA).
How long have you been at UHN and what led you to this role?
I have been in my postdoctoral role since December 2019 and have been chair of the UHNPA since its inception in September 2021.
The goal of my academic journey has been the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. I completed my Honours Bachelor of Pharmacy at Monash University and continued my educational journey with an Honours Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. at the University of Melbourne and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Australia. During my Ph.D., I delved into discovery research, developing a novel 3D screening platform using the gene editing tool, CRISPR, that deepened our understanding of blood endothelial cell response to cancer therapy.
What are you working on at UHN?
At the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, I am immersed in pioneering treatment strategies. My postdoctoral research focuses on studying treatment resistance and defining molecular vulnerabilities in B-cell lymphoma with the goal of discovering new therapeutic targets and developing precision medicine.
Beyond the lab, I am passionate about science outreach and communications and am involved in various seminar series such as UHN STEM Talks and the UHN Summer Seminar Series. I also provide mentorship to the next generation of researchers through the UHN Summer Student Program and teaching graduate students at the University of Toronto.
What are you passionate about in your role at UHN? What does health research mean to you?
I am deeply passionate about leveraging my diverse academic background to advance drug discovery and improve treatment outcomes for lymphoma patients. Witnessing the significant variability in patient outcomes has fueled my determination to develop more effective, patient-centered therapies for this complex disease.
I am equally passionate about my role at the UHNPA where I work to foster a sense of community and collaboration that enables fellow researchers to thrive, share ideas and collectively work towards advancing healthcare.
To me, health research embodies the pursuit of knowledge with a direct impact on human well-being—it is about translating scientific discoveries into tangible solutions. At UHN, I am privileged to be part of a community that shares this commitment to making a real difference in healthcare.
How does your work help to advance UHN's vision of A Healthier World?
My work aligns closely with UHN's vision of A Healthier World by contributing to the advancement of healthcare through research and innovation. My research directly impacts patient care by aiming to provide more effective, tailored therapies, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
I also promote knowledge sharing and collaborations within the Ontario oncology community as a delegate in the Ontario Rising Stars in Cancer Research Network.
What makes UHN an ideal place to advance health research?
UHN boasts a remarkable convergence of diverse expertise, resources, and state-of-the-art facilities, creating an environment where ground-breaking research can thrive. Its strong emphasis on translational research facilitates the seamless transition from the lab to clinical applications, resulting in tangible benefits for patients.
Additionally, UHN's commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation ensures that researchers can work together across disciplines and medical programs, leading to advancements in healthcare.
The institution also supports leadership development through programs such as the Biosciences Oncology Leadership Development (BOLD) Program. This program provided me with a unique opportunity to develop self-awareness, communication and management skills in order to become a cancer leader during my postdoctoral fellowship.
This holistic approach, combining world-class research opportunities with leadership support, sets UHN apart and makes it an exceptional hub for advancing health research.
Tell us an interesting fact people don’t know about you. Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I am an avid amateur astronomer. I find solace in gazing at the night sky and exploring the mysteries of the universe. Whether it is observing celestial events, like meteor showers, or tracking the movement of planets, the vastness of space has always been a source of wonder and inspiration for me. It is a hobby that allows me to step away from the lab and connect with the cosmos in a different way.
What do you see for the future of health research, and what gets you excited about it?
The future of health research holds immense promise, and what excites me the most is the convergence of various scientific disciplines and technologies to drive transformative changes.
We are witnessing an era of precision medicine where treatments can be tailored to an individual's unique genetic makeup and health profile. Advances in genetic engineering, artificial intelligence and data analytics are enabling us to decode the complexities of diseases like never before. I am particularly thrilled about the potential for immunotherapies, epigenetic therapies and targeted protein degradation to revolutionize the treatment landscape for diseases like cancer, providing hope to patients who previously had limited options.
Moreover, the emphasis on patient-centric research and the growing awareness of the importance of diverse representation in clinical studies are making healthcare more equitable and accessible.
As someone deeply passionate about contributing to this progress, I am excited to be part of a dynamic and ever-evolving field that has the power to transform lives and make a lasting impact on global well-being.
How to Participate in You @TeamUHN
You @TeamUHN is a campaign to highlight the important scientific contributions that research lab staff, trainees and learners, administrative staff, core facilities staff, Research Solutions & Services staff, and volunteers make towards A Healthier World through discovery and innovation. If you’re interested in sharing your story, we invite you to complete this form here (UHN Office365 account is required; open to UHN staff, trainees and volunteers).