President - Jennifer Maxwell (She/Her)

PhD, Year 3, Lady Davis Institute, The Rose Lab

Research Focus: My research project focuses on characterizing novel genomic vulnerabilities in non-V600E BRAF mutant cancers to optimize treatment strategies. Specifically, I aim to characterize and target Shp2/PTPN11-mediated mechanisms of therapeutic resistance to MAPK inhibitors in cancers with Class 3 non-V600E BRAF mutations.

Role: It is an honor to be the EMGSS President for the 2024-2025 year. I am very excited to work alongside a great EMGSS council, where we will work hard to provide the Experimental Medicine students at McGill with engaging academic and social opportunities. We will strive to act as a resource to students in need of support, offering help when needed and redirecting them to the many resources and services available. I am committed to advocating for students’ interests including their health and well-being.

Co-VP Academic - Anantpreet Kaur Sood (She/Her)

M.Sc. year 2, Lady Davis Institute, Dr. Volker Blank Lab

Research Focus: My current research focuses on determining the role of NFE2L3 transcription factor in the context of colitis and colorectal cancer. The aim of my project is to validate the transcriptional regulation and function of NFE2L3 in inflammation-associated colorectal cancer. Our studies will provide mechanistic insights into the NFE2L3 dependent transcriptional network governing inflammation, the microbiome and CRC. 

Role: As the VP Academic for 2024-25, I will ensure that EMGSS continues to be a resource for students in need of guidance and assistance. We will continue to prioritize organizing a variety of academic and social events to improve students' educational, social, cultural, and environmental conditions by advocating for their interests as well as helping them build scientific networks to grow and learn, the highlight being the AMBGC 2025. I hope that the committee’s dynamic and innovative approach towards student representation and advocacy will provide challenging yet rewarding work experience.

Co-VP Academic - Ruomeng Fang (She/Her)

PhD year 2, Goodman Cancer Institute/RI-MUHC, Dr. George Zogopoulos Lab

Research Focus: My research focuses on classical and basal-like molecular subtypes of pancreatic cancer, with an emphasis on the coexistence of these two subtypes.

Role: In my role as Co-VP Academic for 2024-2025, I will lead efforts to create enriching academic opportunities for students, with a focus on fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and career development. A key element of my role is organizing AMBGC, which brings together students, researchers, and experts to showcase research, exchange ideas, and build scientific networks. Beyond AMBGC, I am committed to curating a range of academic events aimed at enhancing the graduate student experience, while actively supporting initiatives that address educational and professional needs within our community.

VP Marketing - Chantel Mukonoweshuro (She/Her)

PhD Year 2, Lady Davis Institute, Dr. April Rose’s Lab

Research Focus: My research focuses on exploring the mutational landscape of RAS in cancers with non-V600 BRAF co-mutations. Specifically, I am interested in understanding how mutant RAS facilitates resistance to MAPK-targeted therapies.

Role: As VP Marketing, I am involved in streamlining information by advertising organized events and exciting opportunities to the EXMD community, as well as maintaining the sponsorship portfolio of EMGSS. I also lead the Spotlight Series initiative to highlight and celebrate the incredible work and achievements of members in our department.

VP Communications - Farida Zakariya (She/Her)

M.Sc. Year 2, Lady Davis Institute, Dr. Moulay Alaoui-Jamali’s Lab

Research Focus: My research revolves around determining the selectivity and efficacy of a novel PKC-theta inhibitor. This molecule has the ability to regulate cancer cell differentiation. Thus, it is a promising molecule with the potential to reprogram undifferentiated high grade cancer cells where PKC- theta is frequently overexpressed.

Role: My role as VP, Communications will involve promoting the publicity of events, managing the society's website and emails, and fostering communications with all members of the society.

VP Social - Noah Wirasinghe (She/Her)

MSc. Year 2, Lady Davis Institute, The Del Rincon/Miller Lab

Research Focus: My research project examines the effects of selectively repressing translation in models of Uveal Melanoma (UM) using Zotatifin; a novel first-in-class eIF4A inhibitor. Although local control of UM has been achieved, up to 50% of patients develop liver metastasis with poor prognosis and few treatment options. I aim to address the efficacy of zotatifin in an experimental model of liver metastasis and identify potential biomarkers in UM.

Role: My role as VP Social involves planning fun activities where students from different institutions at McGill can network and get to know each other!  I hope to engage students in a wide variety of events to enable students to unwind and further foster a sense of community in EMGSS.

VP Finance - Lindsay Clarke

MSc. Year 2, Lady Davis Institute, Dr. Marc Fabian’s lab

Research focus: My research focuses on the impact of LARP1 depletion on the mammalian transcriptome. LARP1 is an important protein involved in mRNA translation and stability and I am specifically interested in elucidating the effect on mRNA translational control and uncovering the link between TOP mRNA translation and stability.

Role: My role as the VP of finance is to monitor budget expenses, keep detailed records, and regularly update the rest of the executive team of society’s financial status in order to ensure adequate and appropriate usage of students’ funds.

VP Internal Affairs - Daniel Rodolfo Gonzalez (He/Him)

M.Sc. Year 2, Lady Davis Institute, Dr. Del Ricon’s Lab

Research Focus: Uveal melanoma is the most common type of intraocular cancer. Approximately 50% of all diagnosed cases will lead to liver metastasis, resulting in a poor prognosis for patients, as there is no effective treatment for those cases. My research aims to find novel potential targets for targeted therapies for uveal melanoma and decrease the metastatic and invasive properties of this disease. Particularly, I am studying the role of CD36 and the phenotype arising from the modulation of this receptor in uveal melanoma cell lines.

Role: I am in charge of helping with the organization of sporting events such as intramurals, as well as coordinating the clothing orders for EMGSS. I am also responsible for easing the communication between the different Experimental Medicine institutes.

VP Administration - Emma Rousselle (She/Her)

PhD Year 2 , Lady Davis Insititute, Dr. April Rose’s lab

Research Focus: My research focuses on identifying the MAPK dependent and independent roles of CRAF, a kinase of the MAPK pathway, in the context of BRAF V600 Colorectal cancers and BRAF non-V600 non-tumor specific background. In investigating protein-protein interactions, I employ various techniques such as co-immunoprecipitation assays, nuclear protein extracts, and proximity ligation assays.

Role: As VP Administration, I am excited to use my EMGSS council experience from the past two years to support council members in their positions. My primary responsibilities include coordinating council meetings, transcribing these sessions, and effectively relaying significant EMGSS decisions to the student body

PGSS Councillor I - Rhea Dumitrescu

M.Sc. Year 1, Lady Davis Institute, Dr. Michael Witcher’s lab

Research Focus: My research aims to identify novel drivers of breast cancer progression from a benign tumor to a metastatic lesion and changes to the proteome that drive this. Additionally, I’m exploring how epigenetic changes, precisely the role of chromatin state, control breast cancer progression. By identifying these drivers, I hope to uncover potential therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes.

Role: As one of the PGSS Councilors, I serve as a liaison between EMGSS and PGSS. My responsibilities involve attending monthly PGSS meetings, where I represent both EMGSS and the students of Experimental Medicine.

PGSS Councillor II -

Health, Wellness, Equity and Diversity Representative - Taniya Rajeshkumar Thakkar

MSc Year 1, Lady Davis Institute, Dr. Kostas Pantopoulos's lab

Research focus: My research focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms through which iron overload contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Also, I am working on herpes simplex virus and see how it affects cancer and immune cells.

Role: As the Health, Wellness, Equity, and Diversity Representative at EMGSS, I organize peer support and wellness events. I help students connect to the many available resources on campus such as McGill Health Clinic, Peer Support Group, McGill Mental Health Clinic and more. My mission is to work hard to advocate for health, equity, and accessibility for all students by collaborating with various stakeholders and I am genuinely excited to connect and support everyone in our community :) 

Lady Davis Institute (LDI) Representative - Sarah Ghezelbash

PhD Year 2, Lady Davis Insititute

Role: As the LDI representative, my goal is to act as a liaison between EMGSS and ExMed students at the LDI. In this position, I will not only keep students informed about key events and opportunities but also advocate for their concerns to foster academic success and overall well-being. If you ever have any questions, concerns, or just want to chat, shoot me an email!

IRCM Site Co-Representative - Tamanna Chahal

M.Sc. Year 1, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Dr. Rabasa-Lhoret’s Lab

Research Focus: My research focuses on technological advancements in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, particularly automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, also known as artificial pancreas. I’m exploring the association between AID systems and physical activity, aiming to evaluate their safety and effectiveness. My research seeks to enhance diabetes management strategies by providing insights into the impact of AID systems on glucose regulation during physical activity.

Role: As the IRCM Site Representative, I am committed to keeping ExMed students at the IRCM well-informed about department activities and events organized by the EMGSS committee. My role involves actively listening to student feedback and fostering an environment where their ideas and concerns are valued. I’m eager to build a sense of community and support among ExMed IRCM students, so if you have questions, suggestions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out by email or stop me if you see me around!

RI-MUHC Representative - Naiya Patel (She/Her)

M.Sc, Year 1 in Dr. Daniel Dufort’s Lab

Research Focus: My research explores how placental extracellular vesicles can potentially serve as biomarkers for pregnancy complications

Role: As the RI-MUHC representative, my goal is to keep students informed about Experimental Medicine Department activities while also keeping an eye out for their concerns and interests to the EMGSS committee. I’m looking forward to meeting more students in the program as I am a strong believer in community. If you ever see me around the RI / Glen site - stop me and introduce yourself!