Lab Members

Joel Pearson

Scientist, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute

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.

joel.pearson@umanitoba.ca

Lab Members

Nivitha Bhaskar

Research Technician, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute

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.

Bea Ricarte

Honors Student, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute & University of Manitoba, May 2023-present

Hometown: Naga City, Philippines

Education: Undergraduate student, Biological Science – Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology (Hons), University of Manitoba

Scientific Interests: I enjoy anything regarding biology on a molecular and genomic level. I am specifically interested in studying diseases like cancer.

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.

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.

Lexie Desjarlais

Undergraduate summer student, University of Manitoba, summer 2024

Hometown: Winnipeg, MB

Education: Undergraduate student, Chemistry – Biochemistry (Hons), University of Manitoba

Scientific Interests: I love anything to do with the molecular level and genomics when it comes to research. If I feel like I am contributing to helping better people’s lives, then that is what makes the research interesting to me.

Outside interests: I love spending my time at the cabin just reading a good book on the beach. I enjoy all things activity such as golfing, soccer, yoga, running, etc. I like just relaxing at home watching horror movies with my friends and family.

Alumni

Liat Stitz

Research Assistant, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, 2023-2024. Now working as a Policy Analyst with Manitoba Health.

Diya Ukani

Undergraduate Co-op Student, 2023. Has taken her skills to Stem Cell Technologies as a co-op student.