I serve as the Scientific Program Manager for an international consortium (IRRDC) based at The Hospital for Sick Children. In this pivotal role, I lead an international clinical and research program dedicated to pioneering therapeutic strategies for hypermutant cancers within our immuno-oncology portfolio. In this role I work directly with high-performance teams and healthcare professionals globally. My responsibilities encompass the management of over 10 active projects with a collective budget exceeding $10 million USD. Notably, some these projects comprise registry expansion and streamlining efforts, research and development, drug discovery, and clinical trials.

Laboratory of Dr. Rita Kandel Brief Summary:The goal of my research is to translate the knowledge obtained from animal cell studies to human cells with a focus on engineering cartilage tissue to repair damaged human joints. My work (1) identified factors required for forming cartilage tissue by human cells which were not found to be a requirement in animal cells; (2) investigated the use of these cells in the repair of damaged cartilage in vivo; (3) assessed the suitability of cells derived from severely diseased cartilage for tissue engineering; and (4) assessed the use of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells for bioengineering zonally organized cartilage tissue. Skills:Mammalian cell culture Tissue engineering Growth factor differentiation studies Biochemical assays In vivo pre-clinical animal model studies Histology Immunohistochemistry Mechanical stimulation Cell culture on biomaterials Western blot RT-PCR Image flow cytometryGene silencing (siRNA)

Brief Summary:A priority goal for the faculty is to strengthen recognition and productivity in research, scholarship, innovation and creativity (Strategic Goal #2, Strategic Academic Plan 2013-2018). In my role I advanced this aim by identifying relevant funding opportunities (Tri-Council and external foundations) and assisting with updating materials required for grant submissions. I promoted research accomplishments via social media, and identified award opportunities for faculty members. I encouraged knowledge dissemination by identifying popular science outlets (websites, magazines) accepting direct publications or content requests. Furthermore, I supported the production of the 2017 symposium “Ex Cancer” which featured keynote addresses from the faculty members. To increase research productivity I worked towards identifying research leads for potential partnerships. Altogether my work identified funding and award opportunities for faculty members that were otherwise overlooked, aided in the tedious grant and award submission processes, and promoted knowledge mobilization and recognition of research accomplishments. In this role I was responsible for the following with additional duties assigned as required: - Providing support for tracking and entering KPE research productivity data- Compiling data for publication in the Annual Research Report.- Updating information for Tri-Council and external funding agencies and helping the Advancement and Alumni Office identify research leads for potential partnerships.- Relaying data into internal databases, the Canadian Common CV (CCV) profiles of faculty members, and relevant webpages of the KPE website. - Monitoring research participant lists maintained by KPE.- Identifying and creating social media content to promote research related activities, posting research participation announcements, and supporting knowledge mobilization activities.- Providing logistical support for KPE-led research events.

Brief Summary:My project involved using RT-PCR to characterize human chondrocytes at various stages of dedifferentiation on monolayer culture.Thesis Title: Characterizing dedifferentiation associated changes in human passaged chondrocytes.

Brief Summary:My project involved investigating the observed phenomenon of cell alignment perpendicular to fluid induced shear stress in microfluidic channels of various widths.http://cml.mie.utoronto.ca/doku.php?id=research:start

Brief Summary:My project involved integrating three different scientific techniques (ATR-IR spectroscopy, TIRF microscopy, and AFM) into one setup so that they could be run simultaneously.http://bigten.med.utoronto.ca/