Neuroendocrine-Epithelial Interactions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Designing computational analyses of publicly available single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets to investigate neuroendocrine regulation and interactions in intestinal epithelial cells. Work includes literature review, dataset selection, and collaboration with SickKids computational scientists on study design and high-performance computing.
Fate and Function of Reverse-Transmigrated Neutrophils Following Intestinal Inflammation in Zebrafish
Independently developed a zebrafish model and transgenic line to track intestine-derived neutrophils following intestinal inflammation. Uses intravital microscopy and flow cytometry to identify these cells, with RT-PCR arrays and CellROX fluorescence assays to evaluate oxidative stress. This primary MSc project investigates mechanisms underlying extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD.
Causal and Mechanistic Dissection of Ultra-Processed Food-Driven Gastrointestinal Inflammation
Created R code for an integrated multi-omics dataset and developed XGBoost, Random Forest, and Extra Trees models to predict IBD incidence using UK Biobank clinical and multi-omic data. Also evaluating cytokine and food-additive effects on tight-junction integrity in Caco-2 cells and patient-derived organoids. Computational coding is complete; UK Biobank analysis is pending data access.
Spatial Proteomics in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Independently conceived and drafted a narrative review examining how spatial proteomics connects tissue architecture to IBD mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Developed literature inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted findings, and wrote and edited the manuscript.
Using Imaging Mass Cytometry to Describe the Immune Environment in Liver Allograft Fibrosis
Independently developed an R workflow for human liver imaging mass cytometry preprocessing, single-cell segmentation, immune-cell phenotyping, and dimensional analysis using UMAP and t-SNE. Compares pre- and post-transplant liver biopsies to investigate immunologic changes contributing to fibrosis. Two poster presentations and one oral presentation completed; manuscript in preparation.
Multi-Agent AI Evaluation of Donor Suitability in Liver Transplantation
Designed a Python multi-agent system simulating a liver-transplant selection committee to investigate whether AI could reduce discard of potentially suitable donor livers. Implemented donor guidelines through retrieval augmented generation and processed clinical data from over 40,000 donors. Presented the work in oral and poster form and participated in seminars on research design, ethics, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
Genetic and Molecular Risk Factors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Independently performed blood DNA extraction and quantification and fecal calprotectin ELISA assays. Generated data for an IBD patient biobank, built cohort tables and visualizations, and conducted comparative and regression analyses in Excel and R.
Teaching & mentorship
Supporting the next generation
Teaching Assistant · PSL372 Mammalian Physiology Laboratory
Independently leading 20 third-year physiology students through instructional lectures and hands-on laboratory activities. Teaches experimental methods, data analysis, and scientific report writing across cellular, neuromuscular, sensory, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and fluid-balance physiology; grades reports and coursework with detailed feedback.
Undergraduate Research Supervisor · IMM450
Directing the day-to-day research of an undergraduate thesis student investigating intestinal inflammation and neutrophil function in zebrafish. Provides training in experimental design, zebrafish techniques, microscopy, data acquisition, and analysis, with feedback on interpretation, presentations, and thesis preparation.
Leadership & community
Service beyond the laboratory
NICU Patient-Care Volunteer
Supports NICU administrative work, welcomes families, provides companionship to parents and siblings, and holds, soothes, and comforts infant patients.
Big Brother Mentor
Provides consistent weekly, one-to-one mentorship focused on confidence, personal growth, and social connection through active listening and shared activities.
Paramedic First Responder Volunteer
Delivered emergency care and transported patients to hospital. Provided CPR and first aid for stroke, myocardial infarction, trauma, and respiratory emergencies while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team in Hebrew.
Video Producer and Editor
Produced a promotional video supporting a research grant application. Received the Can-Solve CKD Best Visual Effects award for the video.
Musician and Manager
Founded and managed a band performing for Alzheimer's patients at Baycrest Hospital, organized performances, and recorded a fundraising album. Played piano and saxophone and coordinated rehearsals and logistics.
COVID Laboratory Volunteer
Supported PCR test processing and sample organization during Ontario's COVID-19 surge, coordinated patient sample flow, logged data, and helped organize sample storage.
Musician and Head of Publicity
Organized and promoted fundraising concerts, performed in a jazz quartet, and helped raise over $5,000 for SickKids research through community outreach.
Additional experience
Safety and instruction
Lifeguard
Supervised patron safety, inspected pool equipment, conducted routine repairs, and maintained safety protocols.
Canoe Lifeguard and Staff
Independently led groups of 15-20 children, taught canoeing and boat safety, and responded to minor injuries during water activities.