NMIN
HQP Award Recipients
2021 Awardees
Dr. Miffy Hok Yan Cheng has been awarded the 2021 NMIN Postdoctoral Fellowship Award in Gene Therapy for two complementary projects: Synthesis and screening of a new generation of ionizable lipids for LNP formulation, which she will pursue under the supervision of Dr. Pieter Cullis at the University of British Columbia; and Facile one-pot synthesis to radiolabel and formulate lipid nanoparticles using a microfluidic platform, which she will pursue independently.
“My research program aims to apply the principles of rational design to develop new generations of ionizable and functionalized lipids that more effectively deliver siRNA for cancer therapy,” says Dr. Cheng.
“I envision that combining traditional molecular synthetic chemistry methods with emerging nanoscale approaches will yield the next generation of lipids and LNPs with enhanced endosomal escape abilities and transfection efficacies.”
Dr. Yih Yang (Ian) Chen has been awarded the inaugural NMIN Postdoctoral Fellowship Award in Diagnostics for his project: An At-home, Self-Administered, Nucleic Acid Diagnostic Device for SARS-COV-2, which he will pursue under the supervision of Dr. Warren Chan at the University of Toronto.
“The successful completion of this project,” says Dr. Chen, “will yield an at-home nucleic acid test for SARS-COV-2 usable by people without specific training or expensive lab equipment, that will let individuals know that they are infected before they show symptoms. By promoting widespread testing, we hope to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”
2020 Awardees
The NanoMedicines Innovation Network (NMIN) is pleased to announce the recipients of its inaugural NMIN Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards.
Dr. Noorjahan Aibani has been awarded the NMIN Postdoctoral Fellowship Award in Targeted Drug Delivery for her project Lipidic nanoparticle formulation of a triple adjuvant for intranasal vaccines for pertussis, which she will pursue under the supervision of Dr. Ellen Wasan at the University of Saskatchewan.
Dr. Jayesh Kulkarni has been awarded the NMIN Postdoctoral Fellowship Award in Gene Therapy for his project Design of lipid nanoparticles for gene therapy, which he will undertake at the University of British Columbia under the supervision of Drs Christian Kastrup and Pieter Cullis.
NMIN congratulates its inaugural Postdoctoral Fellows.
NMIN Graduate Award Recipients
2024 Awardees
Amélie Baron
Polytechnique Montreal
Supervisor: Dr. Michel Meunier
Award level: PhD
Project: Targeted delivery of doxorubicin using lasers and gold nanoparticles.
Statement: The aim of this project is to use femtosecond lasers (fs) and plasmonic enhancement to trigger the opening of lipid nanoparticles containing chemotherapy and deliver the drug doxorubicin (DOX), widely used in chemotherapeutic treatments, locally to the region of the cancerous tumour. To achieve this, liposomes (100 nm) contain small (5–10 nm) gold nanoparticles inside the oligolamellar. The project therefore focuses on improving this process to increase the specificity of chemotherapy to unhealthy cells.
Alexandra Birkenshaw
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Colin Ross
Award level: PhD
Project: LNP development for delivering base editor mRNA and sgRNA.
Statement: The overarching goal of this project is to develop LNPs that can effectively target and transfect muscle tissues to deliver base editor mRNA and sgRNA. This will involve three key aims: to develop muscle targeting LNPs through targeting peptides; to optimize cargo for muscle editing by investigating the ratios and doses of LNP contents; and to correct the well characterized genetic disease animal model of lipoprotein lipase deficiency disease.
Jingan Chen
University of Toronto
Supervisor: Dr. Bowen Li
Award level: PhD
Project: Pulmonary Delivery of Engineered tRNA Using Lipid Nanoparticles for Overcoming Nonsense Mutations in Cystic Fibrosis.
Statement: In this project, we hypothesize that the tailored optimization of engineered tRNA molecules, in conjunction with LNPs specifically designed for pulmonary delivery, will result in a viable tRNA-based therapeutic strategy capable of rescuing endogenous CFTR transcripts containing PTCs. To substantiate this hypothesis, the in vivo safety and therapeutic efficacy of these optimized tRNA/LNP formulations will be rigorously evaluated using a CF mouse model harboring a relevant nonsense mutation.
Joshua Joseph Friesen
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Anna Blakney
Award level: PhD
Project: Optimizing the pABOL platform to increase immunogenicity of saRNA vaccine formulations.
Statement: The objectives of this study will be to develop and compare pABOL-saRNA formulations modified with different types and amounts of anionic polymers. The formulation will need to be tested in vivo in a murine model to compare both its protein expression and immunogenicity to LNP formulations and they will be tested for their protein replacement capabilities.
Devon Heroux
BC Cancer
Supervisor: Dr. Marcel Bally
Award level: PhD
Project: Assessing the immune activating and anti-tumour effects of the Cu(DDC)2 (copper and disulfiram) liposomal formulation.
Statement: In this project, we propose to take four different measures of anti-tumour immune response to enable an initial assessment of the combination potential of a Cu-o (copper) formulation with anti-PD-1 therapy.
Rasim Masimov
University of Saskatchewan
Supervisor: Dr. Ellen Wasan
Award level: PhD
Project: Formulating HDPs as chitosan nanoparticles to overcome peptide-associated and Chronic rhinosinusitis-specific challenges.
Statement: In this project, we aim to determine the effectiveness of Host Defense Peptides (HDPs) formulated as chitosan nanoparticles in overcoming HDP peptide-associated challenges such as toxicity, aggregation, and release, and challenges specific to Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) drug delivery such as biofilm presence, mucociliary clearance and restricted drug diffusion. We will also develop a chitosan-based nanoparticle platform for HDPs.
Yulin Mo
University of Toronto
Supervisor: Dr. Gang Zheng
Award level: PhD
Project: Mechanistic insights into ApoE-porphyrin lipid interactions for siRNA cytosolic delivery.
Statement: In this project, we propose a novel ApoE-porphyrin-LNP to improve siRNA cytosolic delivery, based on our recent finding that ApoE-porphyrin interaction can bypass the endocytosis mediated by ApoE-LDLR. The proposed mechanism studies will reveal how ApoE-lipid interaction affects ApoE-cell receptor interaction and provide rationales for LNP design.
Logan Zettle
University of Toronto
Supervisor: Dr. Gilbert Walker
Award level: PhD
Project: Utilization of branched chain glycolipids for targeting of lipid nanoparticles to immune cells.
Statement: In this project, we aim to improve targeting to monocytes and neutrophil-like cells by utilizing sialic acid terminal branched chain glycolipids to target siglecs. We will compare the delivery of these new glycolipid-LNPs with a standard “Onpattro” LNP carrier formulation.
2023 Awardees
Irafasha Credo Casmil
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Anna Blakney
Award level: PhD
Project: Expanding the repertoire of highly efficient self-amplifying RNA vectors for gene therapy.
Statement: This project will determine the preferential cellular tropism, replication and GOI expression level of the novel saRNA vectors in skin explants. Novel designs with high expression in the human skin explants will advance to in vivo mice studies to determine their efficacy in different gene therapy modalities such as vaccines, protein replacement and cellular treatment.
Sunny Peiwei Chen
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Anna Blakney
Award level: PhD
Project: Optimizing and evaluating the functional impacts of protein production of LNP-RNA formulations in the human skin tissues with applications in a human skin incisional wound model.
Statement:This project will test the hypothesis that LNP-RNA systems can be developed to enable protein replacement therapy through the skin’s adipose tissue by minimizing immunogenicity and maximizing protein expression through adipokine modulation.
Pablo Crespo
University of Saskatchewan
Supervisor: Dr. Ellen Wasan
Award level: MSc
Project: Development of a novel influenza vaccine formulation that effectively targets the mucosal immune system.
Statement: The project aims to bridge the gap between existing knowledge of mucosal immunity and the practical challenges of vaccine delivery. By harnessing the potential of cationic lipid nanoparticles and understanding the intricate interactions within the nasal environment, this research seeks to facilitate a new generation of influenza vaccines, offering enhanced protection and broader applicability.
Sadie Graves
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Sabrina Leslie
Award level: MSc
Project: Overcoming the limitations of mRNA–LNP therapies.
Statement: This research aims to build on recent advancements in single-particle mRNA–LNP microscopy by Dr. Leslie and her team to investigate quantitative size and mRNA payload properties without having to label the mRNA during the formulation process, as currently required.
Shagun Kothari
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Sabrina Leslie
Award level: MSc
Project: Quantitative and multiparametric single-particle analytics to advance nanomedicines.
Statement: This project aims to on extend the quantitative capabilities of the Leslie Lab’s existing fluorescence-based single-nanoparticle characterisation platform by combining it with label-free interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy, to address the relationship between the heterogeneity of RNA-containing LNPs with their function, with a focus on single-particle dynamics in terms of size, mass, structure, and biomolecular cargo.
Tessa Morin
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Colin Ross
Award level: PhD
Project: Engineering a new ABE through rational protein engineering.
Statement: This project aims to engineer a new adenine base editors (ABE) through rational protein engineering; to identify the best format to deliver this base editor to reduce off-targets while keeping high on-target activity; and then to compare in vitro data to an in vivo Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency (LPLD) model, as a potential treatment for LPLD.
Lindsay Pallo
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Bruce Verchere
Award level: PhD
Project: Development of Multi-Cargo LNPs to Prevent and Reverse Type 1 Diabetes.
Statement: This project aims to investigate the potential of a T1D multi-cargo LNP therapy to reverse type 1 diabetes in a preclinical model. I am honoured to be supported by NMIN and belong to a community of such talented and driven scientists.
Victoria Palmgren
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Robert Molday
Award level: PhD
Project: Base editor delivery by LNP technology to restore photoreceptor function and prevent photoreceptor degeneration in two models of inherited retinal diseases.
Statement: This project aims to develop and evaluate base editor technology paired with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery to repair a single nucleotide mutation, and ultimately restore protein function and prevent further photoreceptor degeneration: a safe and effective method of preventing further vision loss.
Petya Georgieva Popova
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Anna Blakney
Award level: PhD
Project: Exploring immunomodulatory naturally derived molecules in LNP-RNA formulations in old and young systems for the development of protein replacement therapies.
Statement: This project aims to advance our understanding of mRNA and saRNA LNP therapeutic capacity in old and young cells, to facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies that can improve mRNA and saRNA tolerance in old cells for more effective treatment options for women during menopause.
Nicholas C. Solek
University of Toronto
Supervisor: Dr. Bowen Li
Award level: PhD
Project: Multiply Adjuvanted circRNA HIV-1 Vaccines for HIV-1 Immunity.
Statement: This project will identify self-adjuvanted circRNA transcripts complexed with self-adjuvanted LNPs that induce immune responses to protect and treat HIV-1.
XuXin Sun
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Marcel Bally
Award level: PhD
Project: Enhancing the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with liposomal CPT-11.
Statement: This research project is focused on developing new liposomal chemotherapies to enhance immunotherapy treatment outcomes. I am grateful for NMIN’s support; this award will help me pursue my academic journey and contribute to the field.
Tyler Thomson
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Colin Ross
Award level: MSc
Project: Development of lipid nanoparticle formulations for gene editing in the muscle.
Statement: Tyler’s research focuses on improving the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing systems, such as base editing and prime editing, for the treatment of genetic disorders. This project aims to develop and optimize novel LNP formulations for efficient gene editing in the muscle.
Abishek Wadhwa
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Ken Harder
Award level: PhD
Project: In vivo immuno-engineering of tumour-associated macrophages using mRNA-LNPs for cancer immunotherapy.
Statement: This award frees me to invest my energy into my research, which is focused on developing targeted mRNA-based cancer immunotherapeutics toward improving patient outcomes and reducing cancer deaths. Using tools to enable comprehensive characterization for predictive pre-clinical screening, I am dedicated to seeking new learning opportunities to improve health equity.
Yao Zhang
University of British Columbia
Supervisors: Dr. Pieter Cullis & Dr. Sabrina Leslie
Award level: MSc
Project: Developing a biophysical endosomal model to investigate LNP efficiency in endosomal escape.
Statement: This project aims to develop and refine a model endosome formulation to investigate and quantify RNA delivery kinetics from LNPs as a function of the formulation with single-particle resolution, using single-particle CLiC microscopy in glass cells.
2022 Awardees
Abdulaziz Alhussan
University of Victoria
Supervisor: Dr. Devika Chithrani
Award level: PhD
Project: A Synergistic Combined Modality of Nanotechnology, Chemotherapy, and Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer.
Statement: This prestigious NMIN award will accelerate the success of our high‐integrity, evidence‐based research which will contribute to enhancing personalized cancer treatment for Canadians, revolutionize cancer therapies, and ultimately help us get worldwide recognition.
Amélie Baron
Polytechnique Montréal
Supervisor: Dr. Michel Meunier
Award level: MSc
Project: Laser-targeted antitumor drug delivery for breast cancer with photoreactive lipid nanoparticles in vivo.
Statement: Receiving the NMIN Graduate Award is an honor and a valuable opportunity in terms of mentorship and networking to continue my master’s research on developing a new method of cancer treatment through nanomedicine.
Nuthan Vikas Bathula
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Anna Blakney
Award level: PhD
Project: Self-Amplifying RNA Technology for Antibody-Based Immunotherapy.
Statement: The NMIN 2022 Graduate Award gave me the opportunity to work on building a robust platform of RNA-induced in situ antibody production. It facilitated my work with and optimization of the molecular design of self-amplifying RNA and its delivery system to make the antibody-based immunotherapy easily accessible and affordable to everyone across the globe.
Juliana de Andrade Bolsoni
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Sarah Hedtrich
Award level: MSc
Project: Exploring the feasibility of in situ gene editing as a novel therapy for genodermatoses.
Statement: The NMIN Graduate Award represents an outstanding opportunity to develop my career towards my goal of becoming a researcher in nanomedicine. It is the incentive I need to continue growing as a skilled scientist.
Po-Han Chao
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Shyh-Dar Li
Award level: PhD
Project: Improved tumor antigen delivery and antitumor immunity via an innovative liposomal immune booster.
Statement: Peritoneal metastases (PM) can be fatal and patients with PM still suffer from poor survival rates and high recurrence. Immunotherapy can be used to improve the therapeutic outcome. This NMIN Graduate Award will enable the development of an innovative liposomal formulation to localize immune boosters. I envision that our liposomal formulation will enhance tumor antigen delivery and antitumor immunity, improving the survival outcome of the patients.
Joshua Joseph Friesen
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Anna Blakney
Award level: MSc
Project: Optimization of Cationic Polymers as Self-Amplifying RNA Vaccine Delivery Vehicles.
Statement: The NMIN Graduate Award provides me an opportunity to further investigate the capabilities of cationic polymers as RNA vaccine delivery vehicles. With an increased focus on system optimizations, I hope to further advance this exciting gene-delivery technology.
Pardis Kazemian
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Blair Leavitt
Award level: MSc
Project: CRISPR/Cas9 knockdown of GNAO1 using lipid nanoparticles as a delivery system.
Statement: As a first-year Master’s student, I am honoured to receive an NMIN Graduate Award. My project aims to use lipid nanoparticles in therapeutics. This award will enable me to achieve experimental and personal milestones, such as acquiring the necessary material, building professional collaborations, and networking with NMIN’s scientific community.
Vanessa Yen Cheng Li
University of Toronto
Supervisor: Dr. Warren Chan
Award level: PhD
Project: Development of technologies to simplify multi-step diagnostic assays.
Statement: The NMIN Graduate Award will allow me to bring my research proposal and plans to action, where I’ll be able to experiment with how to develop suitable technologies to simplify multi-step assays.
Tavonga Mandava
University of Saskatchewan
Supervisor: Dr. Ellen Wasan
Award level: MSc
Project: Cationic lipid nanoparticle-based adjuvants for intranasally administered pertussis vaccines: role of composition and structure on immune activation.
Statement: With my research focused on the formulation of lipid nanoparticle-based vaccines, this award will help me to gain the requisite skills and experience to contribute to Canada’s nanomedicine research.
Madelaine Robertson
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Pieter Cullis
Award level: PhD
Project: Optimization and Delivery of mRNA UTRs using LNPs to Control Exogenous Protein Expression in Platelets.
Statement: I am grateful to be awarded the NMIN Doctoral Award. This funding will allow the continuation of my nanomedicine-based studies aimed at improving the understanding of mRNA translation in different blood cell lineages. The ultimate objective is to develop improved transfusion products, and the highly collaborative efforts between the Cullis lab and others will help drive this forward.
Isobel Tetreau
University of Alberta
Supervisors: Drs Andrew Martin and Reinhard Vehring
Award level: MSc
Project: Development and stability testing of a spray-dried Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteriophage cocktail.
Statement: The NMIN Graduate Award will be significant in developing my career as a researcher in particle engineering. This award grants me both more time to focus on my project of developing a spray-dried bacteriophage cocktail for TB prevention, and the benefits of being part of a network of nanomedicine researchers from whom I can learn to advance my knowledge and skills as a researcher.
Sarah Thomson
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Blair Leavitt
Award level: PhD
Project: Lipid nanoparticle-enabled CRISPR-based gene therapy for Huntington’s disease.
Statement: This award enables the exploration of a novel strategy for Huntington’s disease treatment using lipid nanoparticle technology, and will support future pre-clinical studies and commercialization opportunities for nanomedicine therapies for genetic brain disease.
Michael Valic
University of Toronto
Supervisor: Dr. Gang Zheng
Award level: PhD
Project: Clinical Implementation of Nanoparticle-based Phototherapies using Preclinical Treatment Optimisations and In-human Pharmacokinetic Model Simulations.
Statement: Receiving the NMIN Graduate Award is an incredible honour. I am excited to continue my research with the support of NMIN‘s world-class training resources and mentorship network. Ultimately, I hope that my work will contribute to Canada’s burgeoning nanomedicine field.
Courtney van Ballegooie
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Marcel Bally
Award level: PhD
Project: Development of Drug Delivery Systems for Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer.
Statement: NMIN’s support has provided an opportunity for me and the Bally Lab to explore a novel protein-based nanoparticle while utilizing the Lab’s extensive liposomal expertise. Without NMIN’s support we would be unable to undertake this research, which has already led to numerous publications and conference presentations both nationally and internationally.
Ethan Watt
University of Waterloo
Supervisor: Dr. Emmanuel Ho
Award level: MSc
Project: Targeted delivery of novel polymeric nanoparticles for treatment of leukemia.
Statement: Successful completion of this project will develop a polymeric nanoparticle delivery platform that exhibits efficient delivery and a strong release profile to reduce tumorigenic activity of leukemic stem cells. Locked nucleic acid has been designed to target genes overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia, and effective delivery could establish a highly responsive anti-cancer therapeutic with fewer off-target effects. Designed with biocompatibility and scalability in mind, this platform could have clinical applications for human leukemia therapy. The NMIN Graduate Award will provide us funding for the necessary materials and experiments in the design and implementation of this project.
Janell Ko
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Shyh-Dar Li
Project Summary: This project aims to investigate the use of cell-penetrating peptides in combination with lipid nanoparticles to overcome mucosal and epithelial barriers to enable sublingual delivery of protein drugs.
Career Aspirations: I plan to pursue graduate studies in nanomedicine and pharmaceutical research, with a focus on drug development and delivery.
Nadine Ramsden
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Colin Ross
Project Summary: This project will involve identifying and establishing an immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocol to expand the utility of the Ross Lab’s mouse model to allow a histological examination of the efficacy of base editing at a cellular level.
Career Aspirations: To pursue graduate studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Alexa Smith
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Sabrina Leslie
Project Summary: This project will use fluorescent tracking of both RNA and LNPs using the Nikon AXR microscope to study endosomal release in RNA-based therapies.
Career Aspirations: To pursue a career in research toward improving outcomes for individuals suffering from disease.
Sijie (Cat) Zhang
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Marcel Bally
Project Summary: To investigate whether hydroxychloroquine, free or as a liposomal formulation, increases mRNA when the mRNA is delivered within lipid nanoparticles.
Career Aspirations: My long-term objective is to amplify the potential of mRNA therapeutics for cancer treatment.
2022 Awardees
Kodee Bao
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Larry D. Lynd
Project Summary: To support decision-making by NMIN-affiliated teams considering embarking on the development of in-vivo CAR-T therapies, this project will survey and describe the technological and commercial landscape of this emerging therapeutic modality, with the goal of facilitating early health technology assessments (eHTA) of proposed applications of new targeted LNP systems.
Career Aspirations: My post-secondary education and research experience have compelled me to seek opportunities relating to nanotechnology, ultimately with the goal of pursuing an MD/PhD.
Kevin Fox
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Pieter Cullis
Project Summary: To investigate the relationship between lipid nanoparticle (LNP) morphology and biomolecular corona composition. Further understanding of this relationship would allow for rational design to overcome the current challenges faced by LNPs in vivo, such as selective organ targeting, immune system clearance and dosing requirements.
Career Aspirations: I aspire to a career in the LNP and genetic medicine field. A personal interest to research LNP-protein dynamics is based upon the potential of the genetic therapies they encapsulate to improve patient outcomes.
Danny Liu
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Sarah Hedtrich
Project Summary: This research project will investigate the use of lipid nanoparticles (LNP) to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 components to primary human skin cells, toward treating genetic skin disorders such as autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis.
Career Aspirations: I plan on pursuing a graduate education in life science and nanomedicine research.
Adrienne Nagy
University of Saskatchewan
Supervisor: Dr. Ellen Wasan
Project Summary: This project aims to describe the in vitro and in vivo drug release profile of nanoparticle formulations of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; an anti-rejection drug for organ transplant patients), to identify formulation candidates for efficacy testing.
Career Aspirations: I am interested in a career in pharmaceutical research and intend to continue my education into graduate studies after completing my PharmD.
Faith Liu
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Sabrina Leslie
Project Summary: This project will study changes in the biophysical properties of mRNA-delivery lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as a function of buffer pH and ionic strength, toward better understanding the mechanisms of action of these important classes of LNP-RNA therapeutics and vaccines.
Career Aspirations: My career goal is to work in biological and medical science, toward helping society through new research and discoveries.
Parneet Sekhon
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Ken Harder
Project Summary: This project aims to explore the chemistry of LNP-mediated co-delivery of Cas9 mRNA and single-guide RNA with the goal of understanding and improving particle properties, mRNA delivery, protein expression, nuclear localization, and genome editing efficiency.
Career Aspirations: I plan to pursue a career in biomedical research, either working at a biotechnology company, or in academic research.
Tyler Thomson
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Colin Ross
Project Summary: This project will use the Colin Ross Lab’s mouse model to screen a variety of LNP formulations for the delivery of RNA encoding a CRISPR/Cas9 base editor. This work will be complemented by in vitro optimization experiments with novel gene editing tools using the Lab’s reporter cell lines, with the aim of identifying parameters for improved editing efficiency.
Career Aspirations: I plan to continue to graduate studies in the future, with the goal of obtaining a PhD and establishing a career
focused on gene therapy and nanomedicine research.
Amanda Yao
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Sabrina Leslie
Project Summary: This project will advance a fluorophore-quencher probe to use as a diagnostic tool to quantitate specific, single-stranded DNA of interest with single-molecule sensitivity.
Career Aspirations: I hope to continue my studies in PharmD and pursue a career in pharmaceutical sciences, working on drug development with a focus on researching new drug delivery techniques.
2021 Awardees
Wanda Janaeska
University of Toronto
Supervisor: Dr. Warren Chan
Project Summary: Nanoparticles can deliver imaging and therapeutic agents to diseased cells. Cells can take up nanoparticles using endocytic vesicles; however, it is currently unclear what endocytosis pathways are used more abundantly by a given nanoparticle type. My research project aims to develop an analysis pipeline to identify nanoparticle localization in cells. This project will teach us how nanoparticles are internalized by cells.
Career Aspirations: As a future bioengineer, I want to develop new drugs. I am excited about designing therapeutics that will more effectively tackle our biggest medical mysteries, such as cancer. Beyond undergraduate, I wish to work at the intersection of nanotechnology and cancer immunotherapy. I aspire to become a principal investigator of my own research lab.
Rebecca Johnson
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Sabrina Leslie
Project Summary: I will be working in Sabrina Leslie’s group to develop a molecular beacon to identify single-stranded regions in plasmid DNA. This beacon will improve single-molecule CLiC microscopy by reducing background fluorescence allowing higher concentrations of probe molecules to be used. With the improved kinetics and sensitivity, we hope to apply this tool to detect rare single-stranded nucleic acids of interest.
Career Aspirations: My undergraduate studies and work have made me very interested in biotechnology, especially the development of therapeutics. Following my degree, I hope to pursue grad studies and work in research and synthesis of small molecule drugs or biologics.
Cecilia Lee
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Kenneth Harder
Project Summary: The Lyn tyrosine kinase is involved in a wide range of signalling pathways, including those regulating the development of patrolling monocytes (pMos), a population of terminally differentiated white blood cells that scavenge vasculature and pick up debris. pMos have been implicated in attenuating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis and cancer. Our group is working on a knock down of Lyn in vitro using LNP-delivered siRNA, to lay the groundwork for future investigations in vivo.
Career Aspirations: I hope to pursue graduate studies in biomedical sciences. I am incredibly excited to work with LNPs, an exciting new frontier for targeted drug therapies, and am grateful to NMIN for the opportunity to undertake this project.
Tiffany Pong
University of Toronto
Supervisor: Dr. Gilbert Walker
Project Summary: The project I am part of aims to identify new formulations of calreticulin (CRT) enhancing drugs for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). For the in vitro testing portion of the project in which I will take part, different drug combinations are delivered with LNPs to AML cells co-cultured with macrophages. The levels of CRT expression on AML cells following various drug treatments are then measured; formulations with the highest responses will be further tested.
Career Aspirations: I am currently thinking that I want to become a teacher. I enjoy science, and I also understand how science is behind every part of our daily life. As such, I wish to help children and teenagers develop their interest in science and build a solid scientific foundation.
Kurbaan Shergill
University of British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Colin Ross
Project Summary: Genome editing is a relatively new technology, currently limited in its safety and efficacy. I will work closely with Dr. Colin Ross and his research team in performing optimization experiments using in vitro reporter cell models to improve gene editing efficiency. The goal of our research is to optimize the use of novel CRISPR/Cas9 gene editors.
Career Aspirations: I am entering my third year in a BSc in Integrated Sciences at UBC. I am studying genetics and neurobiology. I hope to pursue a career in healthcare and medicine.
Mia Zakaria
University of Toronto
Supervisor: Dr. Gilbert Walker
Project Summary: I will work in the Walker Lab to help develop innovative nanomedicines to improve the prognosis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients by testing the concept of a device to assess AML cells, deploying in vitro tests to identify drug combinations that can enhance AML treatment, and characterizing drugs that will improve immune responses to cancer cells.
Career Aspirations: I hope to enter the cosmetics industry and blend my passions for chemistry and business to formulate natural skincare products that target market needs. I am ultimately interested in developing topical therapeutic applications using nanomaterials (e.g. liposomes) that guarantee enhanced properties while also being EWG-safe and natural.