What is your role at UHN, and how long have you been in this role?
I am a Scientific Associate III at the University Health Network (UHN), where I conduct translational cancer research focused on understanding how colorectal cancers adapt to therapy and recur.
I have been at UHN for 10 years, progressing through research roles that have expanded in scope and responsibility. I started as a postdoctoral researcher in Catherine O’Brien’s lab and, with her support, transitioned to the Scientific Associate position after returning from my second maternity leave in 2022. Since then, I have grown from a bench-focused scientist into a mentor, and emerging leader, while remaining deeply engaged in hands-on research.
My day-to-day work spans experimental design, data analysis, and mentoring trainees, with a strong emphasis on collaborative, patient-informed research that bridges discovery and clinical relevance. My primary focus is translational oncology and cancer biology.
Although I spend much of my time engrossed in laboratory research, I also contribute to institutional initiatives that support inclusive research excellence and trainee development, such as Project Chrysalis and the Biosciences Oncology Leadership Development (BOLD) program.
Tell us about your work at UHN.
In the lab, my current research focuses on understanding how cancer cells contribute to colorectal cancer progression, relapse, and metastasis. By combining experimental models with advanced analytical approaches, my work aims to uncover mechanisms of treatment resistance that can help improve future treatment strategies. Specifically, my current research is dedicated to addressing the ongoing challenge of metastasis by defining the non-genetic mechanisms that enable tumour spread.
Previously, as a post-doctoral researcher, I helped identify a population of cells, called Drug Tolerant Persisters (DTPs), responsible for cancer relapse. These findings contributed to the development of a prognostic relapse signature—a set of markers that clinicians can use to identify the likelihood that a patient will relapse in colorectal cancer patients. As an extension of these findings, I built a biotherapeutic venture focused on treatments targeting DTPs through the Health Innovation Hub (H2i), the University of Toronto Accelerator. The venture earned significant seed funding from investors, including the prestigious FACIT Falcons’ Fortunes Ernsting Entrepreneurship Award.
You have been a champion for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) and mentorship here at UHN. Can you give us some insight about this focus in your work?
Integrating inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) principles into both my scientific work and mentorship is a core value for me. I have worked to establish research practices that consider gender and ethnic diversity where appropriate; CIHR’s Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award has allowed me to formalize and strengthen this approach.
Mentorship and training are also central to how I approach my work. Catherine’s mentorship over the years has significantly shaped my approach and perspectives—particularly the practice of approaching everything with grace and curiosity—which I strive to implement daily and encourage through my mentorship efforts.
I have mentored students, postdoctoral researchers, and emerging innovators through H2i. Additionally, under UHN’s Education programs, I am a founding member of UHN’s Biosciences and Oncology Leadership Development (BOLD) Program, a leadership course supporting early-career scientists, where I serve on the advisory committee and mentor trainees. I am also a core member of the Project Chrysalis team, whose mission closely aligns with my commitment to embedding IDEA principles across research practices at UHN. Through these efforts, I aim to advance impactful science while helping to foster research environments that are supportive, transparent, and people-centred.
What are you passionate about in your role at UHN? What does health research mean to you?
I am deeply motivated by research that leads to tangible improvements in patient outcomes. Health research, to me, means seeing discoveries move beyond the lab to directly influence how patients are treated. It has been incredibly meaningful to see my team's work progress from foundational research to informing a clinical trial and ultimately serving as a cornerstone for a therapeutic development aimed at preventing cancer relapse.
As my role has evolved, so has my sense of responsibility—not only to advance the science, but to help guide projects, mentor trainees, and build pathways that accelerate translation. I am passionate about leading research that keeps patients at the centre while supporting the next generation of scientists to think boldly about impact.
How does your work help to advance UHN's vision of A Healthier World?
My work contributes to UHN’s vision by addressing one of the most critical challenges in cancer care: disease relapse. By developing molecular signatures that predict tumour relapse and identifying key vulnerabilities—the “Achilles’ heel”—of recurring tumours, my team’s research aims to inform earlier interventions and better treatment strategies that will, hopefully, help reduce the global burden of cancer.
Beyond the science I do, my leadership and educational program involvements, including Project Chrysalis and the BOLD program, help strengthen the research ecosystem by embedding IDEA principles into training and mentorship. Together, these efforts support UHN’s vision of A Healthier World by advancing both patient outcomes and the inclusive research environments needed to sustain innovation.
What makes UHN an ideal place to advance health research?
UHN has provided an exceptional environment to grow as both a scientist and a leader. The institution’s collaborative culture has enabled meaningful partnerships across disciplines, giving me access to world-class expertise, patient-derived resources, and cutting-edge research infrastructure.
Equally important, UHN has created opportunities to translate discovery into impact—from advancing clinically relevant research to engaging in entrepreneurial initiatives and leadership programs. These experiences have allowed me to pursue innovative science while developing the skills needed to lead, collaborate, and advance research toward real-world solutions.
Tell us a bit about what you like to do outside of work.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children and working on community-focused projects through Essentials First Canada, a non-profit I co-founded with my family. At home, I enjoy gardening and doing creative projects with my kids. These activities help keep me grounded and constantly remind me of the value of creativity, curiosity, and balance.
What do you see as the future of health research, and what excites you about it?
I see the future of health research moving toward more predictive, personalized, and prevention-focused care. Advances that enable us to anticipate disease relapse, understand tumour adaptation, and intervene earlier in the disease process are especially exciting to me. I am also energized by a future where research pathways are more fluid—where discoveries can move seamlessly from the lab to the clinic and, when appropriate, into entrepreneurial ventures.
Equally important is the growing recognition that inclusive leadership and mentorship are essential to scientific progress. Programs like REDI, Chrysalis, and BOLD signal a future where excellence in research is paired with excellence in training, leadership, and culture—and that is what excites me most.
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 (Open to UHN staff, trainees and volunteers).