Contributors: Fall 2023

Meet the IMS Magazine Fall 2023 Team

Graphic design by Jayne Leggatt

Kristen Ashworth is a first year MSc student working under the supervision of Dr. Brian Ballios at the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute and Krembil Research Institute. Her thesis is focused on developing a retinal organoid model to evaluate stem cell therapies for USH2A- and CRB1- related inherited retinal diseases. Kristen loves cross country running, reading, going to Marshalls, and most importantly, doting on her two adorable golden retrievers.

Kevan Clifford is a PhD candidate in the IMS program, with a cross-appointment at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Working under the supervision of Dr. Yuliya Nikolova, his research combines bioinformatics and neuroimaging to characterize mechanisms of brain aging at the genetic level, and outcomes on brain structure and function. Outside of the lab, Kevan enjoys trail running, photography, and a good book.

Mahbod Ebrahimi is a first-year MSc student investigating the association between immune gene expression and suicide risk in schizophrenia patients under the supervison of Dr. James Kennedy. Outside of research, Mahbod enjoys a good book, playing chess, and listening to Jazz music. Mahbod is also a member of the IMS Magazine Social Media team.

Twitter: @mahbooli99

Sipan Haikazian is a first-year MSc student researching the efficacy and safety of maintenance ketamine infusions for relapse prevention in patients with treatment-resistant bipolar depression, under the supervision of Dr. Joshua Rosenblat. Outside of research, Sipan enjoys playing the piano, exercising, and being around good company

Instagram: @sipanhaikazian

Iciar Iturmendi Sabater is a PhD student researching social processing and adaptation across neurodevelopmental conditions (autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, etc) under the supervision of Dr. Meng-Chuan Lai and Dr. Hsiang-Yuan Lin. Iciar likes reading, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends.

Twitter: @iciar_itur

Janet Z. Li is a first-year MSc student studying brain-behavior relationships between conditioned pain modulation capability and functional connectivity of key pathways in the dynamic pain connectome under Dr. Karen Davis at the Krembil Brain Institute in Toronto Western Hospital. Outside of research, she can be found practicing piano, figure skating, creating fashion content, and café hopping.

Instagram: @jan.et.li

Eileen (Xiao Yu) Liu is a second-year PhD student supervised by Dr. Sunit Das and Dr. Vitor Pereira at St. Michael’s Hospital. Her research project focuses on the use of endovascular radiosurgery as a way to treat brain tumors. Outside of academia, Eileen enjoys running, bouldering, playing badminton, exploring new activities and trying new food.

Twitter: @EileenLiuXY

Jennifer Ma is a second-year MSc student investigating the functional neural networks involved in suicide, and their relation to pain perception as a potential biomarker of suicide risk. She is under the supervision of Dr. Sakina Rizvi at the Arthur Sommer Rotenberg Suicide and Depression Studies Program at St. Michael’s Hospital. Outside of the lab, she enjoys crochet, painting and acting in local theatrical productions.

Twitter: @_jenniferma_

Kateryna Maksyutynska is a PhD candidate investigating whether brain insulin resistance is a feature of the biology of depression under the supervision of Dr. Mahavir Agarwal and Dr. Margaret Hahn at CAMH. Outside of the lab, she can be found enjoying a good book, painting, or biking along the lake.

Nayaab Punjani is a 4th year PhD student at the Krembil Research Institute in Dr. Michael Fehlings’ Lab. She is studying a neuroprotective peptide drug therapy to treat cervical traumatic spinal cord injury. In her free time she enjoys digital art, outdoor photography, Nintendo Switch Mario Kart and Smash Bros tournaments, as well as watching mystery, action, and sci-fi TV shows and movies.

Twitter: @nayaab_punjani

Samantha Ricardo is a first-year MSc student studying mechanisms of Alport Syndrome under the supervision of Dr. Moumita Barua at PMCRT. Outside of the lab, you can catch her biking around the city, trying new cuisines, or attempting to play chess.

Twitter: @SamanthaRicard6

Vaidhehi (Veena) Sanmugananthan is a fourth-year PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Karen Davis at the Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital. Her research focuses on examining pain and attention interactions in people with chronic pain, and understanding the bidirectional relationship between pain-attention. Outside of the lab, she loves to play squash, flag football, and challenge herself to try different art mediums.

Twitter: @sanmugananthan

Sara Shariati is a second-year MSc student at Toronto General Hospital, investigating gene expression changes in mesothelioma patients post-radiotherapy under the supervision of Dr. Marc de Perrot at the Toronto General Hospital. Outside of academia, she enjoys embroidery, swimming, cafe hopping, and reading about sociology.

Instagram and Twitter: @sarashariati_

Lizabeth Teshler is a second-year MSc student in the IMS program supervised by Dr. Brian Feldman at The Hospital for Sick Children. Her research investigates physical joint health assessment in people with Hemophilia. Outside of research, Lizabeth loves biking, spending time outdoors and volunteering for various community initiatives. Lizabeth is also a member of our social team.

Kyla Trkulja is a second year MSc student at IMS studying under the supervision of Dr. Armand Keating, Dr. John Kuruvilla, and Dr. Rob Laister at Princess Margaret Hospital. Her work focuses on better understanding the mechanism of action of a novel cancer therapy for lymphoma so it can be better utilized in the clinic. Outside of academia, Kyla enjoys reading, writing, video games, and going for road trip adventures across the province.

Twitter: @kylatrkulja_

SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM

Elizabeth Karvasarski (Lead) is a PhD IMS at Mount Sinai Catheterization Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Susanna Mak. Her research involves investigating right ventricular and pulmonary arterial interactions in patients with pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Outside of research, Elizabeth practices martial arts and is a 4th degree black belt.