Pearson Lab Overcoming the complexity of cancer
Lab Members
Joel Pearson
Scientist, Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba
Hometown: Haida Gwaii, BC, Canada
Education: BSc Thompson Rivers University
PhD University of Alberta
Postdoc Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute
Scientific Interests: Anything that seems really cool to me. But my passion really lies in understanding the molecular basis of cancer and why cancer happens.
Outside interests: I enjoy golfing, camping, spending time with my family and talking science over cold beverages. And I am a die-hard Toronto Blue Jays fan.
Lab Members
Nivitha Bhaskar
Research Technician, Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba
Hometown: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Education: B.Tech, Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology
MSc., Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology), University of Western Ontario
Scientific Interests: My scientific passion revolves around unraveling the intricacies of molecular mechanisms, delving into life's building blocks.
Outside interests: I love creating art through painting and sketching, with a focus on oil painting. I also take on commissioned projects. Additionally, I'm a huge cricket enthusiast.
Reshani Perera
MSc Student, Dept of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Sept 2024-present
Hometown: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Education: B.Sc. (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Scientific Interests: I'm fascinated by the molecular complexities of cancer and eager to study them further, aiming to understand their impact on cancer progression and resistance to treatment.
Outside interests: I love spending quality time with my loved ones, exploring nature's hidden gems and experimenting with new recipes. I also enjoy painting, which I find extremely therapeutic.
Pinky Sharma
MSc Student, Dept of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Sept 2024-present
Co-supervised by Dr. Yale Michaels at the Michaels Lab (Dept of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics)
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Education: Bachelor's of Technology, Biotechnology, Mumbai, India
MSc., Interuniversity Program in Molecular Biology (specialization in human health and diseases), Vrije Universiteit Brussel,
KU Leuven, and the University of Antwerp, Belgium
Scientific Interests: I am curious to study the molecular mechanisms leading to immune escape in cancer and develop targeted therapies against them.
Outside interests: I love creative writing and reading. I am an active member of the Manitoba Writers' Guild where I volunteer to develop writing programs for Canadians. I also love playing ukulele and violin.
Diya Ukani
Research Assistant, Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, May-Dec 2023, Sept 2024-present
Hometown: Surat, India
Education: Undergraduate Student, Biological Science CO-OP, University of Manitoba
Scientific Interests: I am curious to understand the molecular aspect of biology, fascinated with the developmental journey from a cell to a fully formed organism and how things are genetically intertwined.
Outside interests: I have a passion for exploring new places, spending time in nature, travelling, reading, and painting. I am on a mission to decode the sports world.
Louis Dela Pena
Undergraduate Co-op Student, University of Manitoba/CancerCare Manitoba, Jan-Aug 2023, summer 2024
Hometown: Been in Winnipeg, MB almost my whole life but moved from Marilao, Philippine
Education: Undergraduate student, Biological Science-Hons CO-OP, University of Manitoba
Scientific Interests: Honestly, anything biology. I have enjoyed every biology course I have been in since I love to learn new things.
Outside interests: I love spending time outdoors whether it's during the winter or summer months. I enjoy travelling and seeing new places. Most importantly, I am a die-hard Winnipeg Jets fan.
Alumni
Bea Ricarte
Honors Student, CancerCare Manitoba & University of Manitoba, May 2023 - Aug 2024. Back in class to complete her BSc, hopefully returning soon.
Lexie Desjarlais
Undergraduate summer student, CancerCare Manitoba & University of Manitoba, summer 2024. Back in class to complete her BSc.
Liat Stitz
Research Assistant, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, 2023-2024. Now working as a Policy Analyst with Manitoba Health.