MONTREAL, August 30, 2023 – CanVECTOR's Translational / Basic Science platform recently held its Spring 2023 Studentship Awards competition, and following an independent review process, the platform is pleased to announce that six studentship awards have been granted in this competition.
Meet the Spring 2023 Studentship Award Recipients:
Ali Aftabjahani
- Institution: McMaster University
- Supervisor: Dr. Paul Kim
- Project Title: Upregulation of fibrinolysis is mediated through the alpha-C domain of fibrinogen on thrombin-activated platelets
Ali Aftabjahani is an ambitious Master of Science student at McMaster University's Thrombosis & Atherosclerosis Research Institute. His research focuses on exploring mechanisms regulating coagulation and fibrinolysis as potential targets for novel therapies to treat blood clotting disorders. Utilizing mice models, he aims to identify how fibrinogen promotes fibrinolysis on stimulated platelets through modification of fibrinogen alpha chain. With exceptional communication skills, he passionately shares his insights, inspiring collaboration and driving advancements in understanding and treating these disorders.
Daniyya Chaudhry
- Institution: University of Calgary
- Supervisor: Dr. Prism Schneider
- Project Title: Multi-Omics Approach to Understanding Hypercoagulability Mechanisms Following Total Joint Arthroplasty
Daniyya is a graduate student in Medical Sciences at the University of Calgary, working under the supervision of Dr. Prism Schneider in the Department of Orthopaedics. Her research project centers on exploring the duration and underlying mechanisms of hypercoagulability following total hip and knee replacements, employing thrombelastography.
Jared Treverton
- Institution: McMaster University
- Supervisor: Dr. Ishac Nazy
- Project Title: Investigating the role of platelet factor 4 in regulating proteolysis of von Willebrand factor by ADAMTS13
Jared is a current M.Sc. graduate student at McMaster University in the department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences working in Dr. Ishac Nazy’s lab in the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research. He is investigating the role of PF4 in regulating the ADAMTS13-VWF axis as a potential inhibitor of the proteolytic cleavage of VWF by ADAMTS13.
Linnea Soon
- Institution: Queen's University
- Supervisor: Dr. Kerstin de Wit
- Project Title: DAYS: A pilot study to assess feasibility of a new deep vein thrombosis testing pathway
Linnea is entering her first year in the Master of Science in Translational Medicine program at Queen’s University this fall. Under the supervision of Dr. Kerstin de Wit, she will be researching the safety and efficiency of a new deep vein thrombosis testing pathway in Kingston Ontario’s Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centre.
Steven Zhexuan Jiang
- Institution: University of British Columbia
- Supervisor: Dr. Hugh Kim
- Project Title: Regulation of venous thromboembolism by the platelet cytoskeleton
Steven obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan campus in 2021. Immediately after graduation, he started his Master of Science in biochemistry and molecular biology in UBC Vancouver campus in 2021.
After under two years of training under the supervision of Dr. Hugh Kim, he passed the rigorous PhD. comprehensive exam and became a PhD candidate in biochemistry and molecular biology in 2023.
Steven is currently a PhD. research assistant with the Centre for Blood Research, a research group of the UBC Life Sciences Centre. His research is focused on how cytoskeletal proteins inside platelets can contribute to thrombotic diseases, including thromboembolism. In addition to research activities, Mr. Jiang serves on the Health and Wellness Committee in Centre for Blood Research, a committee aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle among graduate students in the Centre for Blood Research.
Thiam (David) En Lim
- Institution: University of British Columbia
- Supervisor: Dr. Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu
- Project Title: Novel Rapidly Excreting Immunothrombosis Inhibitors to Target Thrombosis
David is a PhD student in chemistry under the supervision of Dr Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu and Dr Suzana Straus. His research focuses on developing novel thrombosis inhibitors for the prevention and/ or treatment of immunothrombosis, while still maintaining haemostasis. David hopes that his work will allow the more in-depth understanding of immunothrombosis, besides providing a novel strategy which has the potential to significantly improve the clinical outcomes of many Canadians suffering from thrombotic and associated inflammatory diseases. Outside of lab, David likes staying active in the gym, going on a hike, or biking. He is currently learning how to skateboard and play guitar.
Congratulations to the awardees and thank you to all who applied. The Network would also like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors. This competition would not be possible without the generous support of our partners.
Dr. Edward Conway and Dr. Paul Kim
Translational / Basic Science Research, CanVECTOR
