What are you studying at LMP and why are you interested in studying it?
My PhD project at LMP focuses on lung disease in premature babies, both understanding the disease processes involved and how to treat them. Premature babies have underdeveloped lungs and an immature immune defense system, making them particularly susceptible to lung disease. Specifically, I study the neonatal form of acute respiratory distress syndrome, a very well-established adult lung disease that remains undefined in neonates and the role of the alveolar Type 1 cells in the disease process. I am very passionate about alveolar Type 1 cells, an incredibly important cell type that have not received the attention they deserve. Type 1 cells line the alveoli of the lungs and play an important role in alveolar growth, gas exchange, and fluid regulation. In the last decade, we have found that a lot of the past assumptions made about Type 1 cells are untrue and we have much to learn.
Furthermore, there is an urgent need for safe and effective treatments that address lung disease in premature babies due to limitations in existing treatments. My lab studies L-citrulline, a naturally occurring nutritional supplement found in watermelons. L-citrulline has shown significant potential pre-clinically as a safe treatment with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. While we continue to learn more about the effects of L-citrulline on Type 1 cells in animal models, we are especially excited to have received Health Canada approval for a Phase I safety and pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics study to test L-citrulline at 3 major neonatal intensive care units across Ontario. What motivates me to do what I do are the significant limits to our knowledge when it comes to lung disease in premature babies and currently available treatments.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at LMP?
I have had the opportunity to participate in many wonderful initiatives during my time at LMP! In 2022, I was the winner of the University of Toronto 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and represented the university at national and international 3MT competitions. Participating in the 3MT competition encouraged me to improve my oral communication skills and learn how to communicate my research to a lay audience in only 3 minutes. This has been one of the most fun and rewarding experiences during my time as a graduate student and I am absolutely thrilled to be working with LMP in launching our department-wide 3MT competition! I would absolutely encourage every student to challenge themselves and participate in the LMP 3MT competition. We will be hosting many sessions to support you on the journey, you can find more information on the LMP 3MT webpage.
I am also proud of the ‘Leadership Skills for Graduate Students’ series I organized and launched this academic year with the help of my supervisor, Dr. Estelle Gauda, and Dr. David Yousem from Johns Hopkins University. We created a series of 6 workshops that help students develop critical skills for professional and personal success. These workshops discuss topics including personal leadership styles, communication skills, conflict resolution, negotiation, giving and receiving feedback, and learning the gentle art of self-promotion.
I am incredibly grateful for the endless support from Dr. Gauda and Dr. Yousem in making this series come to life, the support we have received from the LMP department, and the enthusiasm of LMP students. We had our first session in September and it was heartwarming to receive student feedback affirming the importance of hosting this series. If you are interested in attending the second session then register for ‘Mastering Effective Communication Skills Emphasizing Cultural Sensitivity’ (Oct 31 in MSB).
What was the best career advice you ever received?
Keeping an open mind as you grow and go through different stages of life. Encouraging yourself to stay open to new opportunities, new ideas, and new interests.
What has been an important learning experience in your life?
Learning to say no and being very selective in what I choose to pour my time and energy into.
Who is an influential person in your life and why?
My parents are the most influential people in my life. Neither of my parents had the opportunity to attend university and pursue higher education but they worked extremely hard to ensure their children would have that opportunity. I would not be where I am without them.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
Outside of the lab, I do karate and horse riding (I compete with the UofT Equestrian Team)! Those closest to me know that I am always running off to training after lab. I also love ice cream – life is all about balance. Follow me at @infinitescoops if you love ice cream too
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love podcasting and this is my fifth season working with the Raw Talk Podcast team, a graduate-student-run initiative at the University of Toronto.
I love podcasting and have been working with the Raw Talk Podcast team for the last 5 seasons, currently as Co-Executive Producer. We produce podcast episodes on a variety of medical science topics through a social justice lens! You can tune in here: Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
What is your favourite album, film, and novel?
Favourite album: Laps Around The Sun, Ziggy Alberts
Favourite documentary series (sorry for breaking the rules): Wild Babies
Favourite book: You Bet Your Life, Paul A. Offit
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
I was named after my mum’s sister who passed away before I was born, I would have loved to meet her and get to know her over dinner.
Where/what is your favourite place?
Chilko Lake in BC - absolutely gorgeous!
If you were stuck on a deserted island but had all your basic needs taken care of (i.e. food and water), what two items would you bring with you and why?
