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
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Hometown: Haida Gwaii, BC, Canada
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Education: BSc Thompson Rivers University
PhD University of Alberta
Postdoc Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute
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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.
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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.
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Lab Members
Nivitha Bhaskar
Research Technician, Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba
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Hometown: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Education: B.Tech, Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology
MSc., Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology), University of Western Ontario
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Scientific Interests: My scientific passion revolves around unraveling the intricacies of molecular mechanisms, delving into life's building blocks.
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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.
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Diya Ukani
Research Technician, Dept of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Sept 2024-present
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Hometown: Surat, India
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Education: Undergraduate Student, Biological Science CO-OP, University of Manitoba
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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.
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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.
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Asim Joshi
Postdoctoral Fellow, Dept of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Nov 2024-present
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Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Education: B.E. Biotechnology, University of Mumbai, India
M.E. Biotechnology, BITS Pilani, India
PhD, ACTREC-Tata Memorial Center, India
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Scientific Interests: I am passionate about cancer research, particularly in understanding its genetic basis and the factors contributing to treatment resistance. Through my work, I hope to make meaningful contributions that ultimately benefit patients.
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Outside interests: I enjoy spending time with my family. I love sports in general and I am a passionate cricket fan.​
Doris Onuzulu
Postdoctoral Fellow, Dept of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, March 2025-present
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Hometown: Anambra state, Nigeria
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Education: BSc Biochemistry, Covenant University, Nigeria
MSc Biochemistry, Covenant University, Nigeria
PhD, Dept of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba
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Scientific Interests: I am passionate about uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying complex diseases, focusing on epigenetics, gene regulation, and environmental influences on disease development.
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Outside interests: ​I enjoy Fantasy and Thriller novels (or anything that sparks my curiosity). Music is my other great love – I am an experienced Alto and Tenor singer and have taken on the exciting challenge of learning and playing the violin!
Palak Parashar
Postdoctoral Fellow, Dept of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, March 2025-present
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Hometown: Delhi, India
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Education: BSc Biomedical Sciences, University of Delhi, India
MSc Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, University of Mysore, India
PhD, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, India
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Scientific Interests: I am deeply interested in cancer biology, particularly tumour heterogeneity, radiosensitivity, and the use of patient-derived 3D models to study treatment response. My goal is to integrate molecular and computational approaches to advance translational cancer research.
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Outside interests: ​I love playing badminton for its energy, dancing for expression, swimming for relaxation, and diving into books to explore new perspectives. These hobbies keep me balanced, inspired, and constantly learning beyond the lab.
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)
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Hometown: Mumbai, India
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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
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Scientific Interests: I am curious to study the molecular mechanisms leading to immune escape in cancer and develop targeted therapies against them.
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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.
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Reshani Perera
MSc Student, Dept of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Sept 2024-present
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Hometown: Kandy, Sri Lanka
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Education: B.Sc. (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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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.
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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.
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Louis Dela Pena
MSc Student, Dept of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, May 2025-present
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Hometown: Been in Winnipeg, MB almost my whole life but moved from Marilao, Philippine
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Education: BSc, Biological Science-Hons CO-OP, University of Manitoba
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Scientific Interests: Honestly, anything biology. I have enjoyed every biology course I have been in since I love to learn new things.
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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.
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Bea Ricarte
MSc Student, Dept of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, May 2025-present
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Hometown: Naga City, Philippines
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Education: BSc, Biological Science – Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology (Hons), University of Manitoba
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Scientific Interests: I enjoy anything regarding biology on a molecular and genomic level. I am specifically interested in studying diseases like cancer.
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Outside interests: I like spending time with my friends and family, working out, knitting, crocheting, and reading. Unfortunately, I am not a die-hard Jets or Blue jays fan.
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Alumni
​Lexie Desjarlais
Undergraduate summer student, CancerCare Manitoba & University of Manitoba, summer 2024.
Current position: MSc student at McMaster University.
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Liat Stitz
Research Assistant, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, 2023-2024.
Current position: Working as a Policy Analyst with Manitoba Health.