President - Anantpreet Kaur Sood (She/Her)

PhD, Year 3, Lady Davis Institute, Dr. Volker Blank Lab

Research Focus: My current research focuses on the role of the NFE2L3 transcription factor in colorectal cancer and its regulation of inflammation and gut microbiota dynamics. The aim of my project is to validate the transcriptional regulation and function of NFE2L3 in inflammation-associated colorectal cancer. 

Role: It is an honour to serve as President of the Experimental Medicine Graduate Student Society (EMGSS) for the 2025–2026 academic year. I’m excited about the opportunity to lead a committed and collaborative council that supports the academic, professional, and social well-being of our community. Having previously served as the VP Academic, I’ve gained valuable experience advocating for student needs, organizing events, and fostering connections across departments. As President, I will prioritize clear communication, inclusive programming, and accessible resources to ensure all students feel supported and engaged throughout their graduate journey as well as organize engaging social and wellness events to foster a sense of belonging. I am passionate about building a stronger, more connected student community and would be grateful for the chance to represent and advocate for the Experimental Medicine Graduate community. Together with a dynamic council, I aim to build a more connected, inclusive, and resilient EMGSS.

Co-VP Academic - Yasmin Jolasun (She/Her)

PhD Year 3, RI-MUHC Glen Site, Dr. Jun Ding Lab

Research Focus: My research focuses on developing deep learning AI tools to analyze biomedical and multimodal transcriptomic data in order to gain a deeper understanding of the pathology underlying cancers and respiratory diseases. My key interests revolve around integrating multimodal data with clinical context to identify novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.

Role: As Co-VP Academic for 2025–2026, I am dedicated to fostering academic growth and collaboration within our graduate student community. A major focus of my role will be co-organizing AMBGC 2026, which provides a platform for students and researchers to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and build networks. In addition, I aim to support a variety of academic initiatives that enhance skills, mentorship opportunities, and career development, ensuring that EMGSS remains a strong resource for student advocacy and scientific advancement.

Co-VP Academic - Siqi Liu

Dr. Kostas Pantopoulos lab, Lady Davis Institute

Research Focus: My current research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular iron uptake and the regulation of the iron hormone hepcidin. Additionally, I am exploring the roles of heme oxygenase 1 in iron-recycling macrophages.

Role: As VP Academic for 2025–2026, I will work hard to provide EXMD students with a variety of academic and social activities. The highlight of my role will be organizing AMBGC 2026, where trainees can showcase their research and build connections with fellow students. Our goal is to create a uniquely rich environment for academic success by fostering scientific networks, enhancing educational opportunities, and supporting professional development.

Co-VP Academic - Jarvis Yoon (He/Him)

MSc Year 1, MUHC-Glen site, Dr. Spicer’s lab

Research Focus: My research focuses on the neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) in lung cancer, specifically studying on how NET deposited at a forming tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) can alter its organization and B cell responses leading to impaired structure and reduced anti-tumour capacity.

Research Focus: In my role as co-VP Academic for 2026-2027 academic year, I aim to bring a supportive academic community for graduate students. I look forward to helping organize AMBGC, providing opportunities for trainees to showcase their research and connect with fellow researchers, and supporting initiatives that promote academic growth and development. Through this role, I hope to contribute to an environment where students can share ideas, build meaningful connections, and thrive in their academic journeys.

Co-VP Academic - Kathryn Hou

PhD Year 1, Lady Davis Institute, Dr. Mark Basik Lab

Research Focus: I am currently investigating the biological mechanisms underlying different patterns of breast cancer recurrence and their associations with clinical findings and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) profiles. I am also integrating whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify the most informative liquid biopsy method.

Role:

VP Administration - Kevin Slezak

M.Sc. Year 2, RI-MUHC, Dr Larry Lands Lab 

Research Focus: My current research focuses on developing inhalable and IV stable lipid-nanoparticles for the delivery of prime editing genetic therapy. The aim of my project is to develop a viable treatment for modulator non-responsive forms of cystic fibrosis in in-vitro cell lines. Our studies will provide insight into LNP formulation suitability for LNP genetic therapies delivered to airway epithelial cells via IV and Nebulized inhalable routes.

Role: As VP administration, I'll be bringing my experience in non-profit governance and management to help ensure the smooth functioning of the EMGSS. I aim to support the entire team and graduate student society in order to ensure we meet our responsibilities and goals for having a positive impact on students' experiences while studying in the department. I'll be working to ensure we are able to be attentive for and responsive to issues important to students and help organize events that all can partake in.

Co-VP Communications - George Perlman (He/Him)

PhD Year 3, RI-MUHC, Dr. Abhinav Sharma's lab

Research Focus: My research is aimed at evaluating how smartwatches and voice recordings may be used for screening and monitoring of heart failure. My lab hopes to uncover aspects of the disease's pathophysiology and use this information to create new public health tools.

Role: As the VP Communications, my role is to manage the EMGSS website and listserv to ensure the graduate student body and administration are kept up to date on all important information.

Co-VP Finance - Izzy Shpilman

PhD Year 3, RI-MUHC Glen Site, Dr. Bruce Mazer Lab

Research focus: My current research focus is studying how extracellular vesicles and particularly the miRNA from Th2 stimulated B cell derived extracellular vesicles can attenuate Th2 inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in the lungs of HDM-sensitized, allergic asthma mice. 

Role: As Co-VP Finance for 2026–2027, I am dedicated to providing the funding for events and conferences within our graduate student community. A major focus of my role will be financing events such as AMBGC 2027, which provides a platform for students and researchers to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and build networks. 

Co-VP Marketing - Dhruv Vinay (He/Him)

MSc Year 1, RI-MUHC CORE, Dr. Bryan Ross’s Lab

Research Focus: My research is centred on investigating exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within the CAN-EXACT cohort at the Montreal Chest Institute. I am particularly interested in investigating the role of biologic therapies in the management of COPD and their impact on patient outcomes in real-world settings.

Role: As VP Marketing, I am responsible for promoting EMGSS initiatives through creative communication, event advertising, and content design. I also work on expanding the society’s reach by developing engaging campaigns, fostering community connections, and highlighting the achievements of students and faculty within our department. In addition, I bring experience in photography, videography, and graphic design, which I use to create engaging visuals and elevate the society’s promotional material for social media.

Co-VP Social - Eileen Oh

PhD Year 2, RI-MUHC, Dr. Louise Pilote's Lab

Research Focus: For the past decade, hospitalization and mortality rates have remained the same despite improvements to guideline-directed medical therapy, with medication adherence being low among women with heart failure. This is likely due to social determinants playing a critical role. My research aims to test whether social prescribing, a relatively new non-medical intervention that directly addresses social needs by connecting patients to community resources, improves medication adherence and quality of life in women with heart failure.

Role: As Co-VP Social, I’m responsible for 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 variety of events as a way to foster a sense of community in EXMD and unwind! If you have any suggestions or want specific events, always feel free to reach out (:

Co-VP Social - Meghan Vrkoc (She/Her)

MSc Year 1, Lady Davis Institute, Dr. April Rose Lab

Research Focus: Our lab's main focus is advancing therapeutic options for MAPK-driven cancers. My project in particular involves characterizing the relationship between treatment-resistant NRAS mutant melanoma and the immune microenvironment.

Role: I am very excited to be the co-VP of socials this year! I will provide opportunities for the student community to get to know each other outside of the lab in different settings around the city. I hope to foster an environment where fellow exmd students feel connected to each other while doing some fun activities :)

PGSS Councillor II - Divine Malenda (She/Her)

M.Sc. Year 1, RI-MUHC, Dr. Maria Velez

Research Focus: My research examines the association between anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and time to pregnancy, miscarriage risk, and live birth among women with infertility. Through this work, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of AMH’s role in reproductive outcomes and help inform fertility counselling.

Role: As PGSS Councillor, I hope to ensure that Experimental Medicine students’ perspectives and concerns are heard within PGSS and that relevant updates, resources, and opportunities reach our student body. Drawing on my involvement with McGill’s Medical Education Committee, the International Federation of Medical Students Associations, and Choosing Wisely Canada, I bring experience in student advocacy, collaborative leadership, and effective communication. I look forward to being an approachable representative who listens to students and advocates for their best interests.

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

MSc Year 2, Lady Davis Institute, Dr. Kostas Pantopoulos's lab

Research focus: My research focuses on herpes simplex virus, aiming to study its replication mechanisms and explore compounds with potential to inhibit this process.

Role: As the Health, Wellness, Equity, and Diversity Representative at EMGSS, I organize peer support and wellness events while helping students access a wide range of campus resources, including McGill Health Clinic and Peer Support Group. My mission is to actively advocate for health, equity, and accessibility for all students. I am genuinely excited to support my peers, foster inclusivity, and engage in meaningful conversations that can strengthen our community :)

Postdoctoral Representative - Huong Nguyen

Postdoc Year 2, RI-MUHC

My name is Huong Nguyen, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, working in cancer research and precision oncology. I am deeply committed to building an inclusive and supportive research community where postdocs feel valued and connected.

As Brené Brown said, “In order for connection to happen, we need ourselves to be seen.” As postdoc representative, I will ensure that the voices and contributions of postdoctoral fellows are visible and heard within EMGSS. My priorities will be to advocate for recognition of postdocs, improve access to professional development opportunities, and strengthen connections between graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

With my experience in research, mentorship, and community leadership, I am ready to represent and support my peers. I would be honored to serve as your postdoc representative and to work together in fostering meaningful connections across our community.

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!

MUHC-Glen Site Representative - Sara Sabbah

MSc Year 1, RI-MUHC, Sapir-Pichhadze Lab

Research Focus: As a registered nurse and now a graduate researcher, my work focuses on improving outcomes for adult solid organ transplant recipients by investigating immune responses relating to COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. My research examines how key variables; including age, biological sex, and specific immunosuppression regimens; modulate vaccine responses and long-term protection in this vulnerable population. Grounded in clinical practice and driven by a commitment to knowledge translation and health advocacy, I aim to bridge epidemiological data with frontline nursing care to advance personalized, patient-centered strategies and evidence-based clinical protocols.

Role: As your MUHC-Glen Site Representative, my goal is to make sure all EXMD/Clinical & Translational Research students at the RI-MUHC are in the loop on all the great events and initiatives EMGSS is putting together. I’m also part of the MeDiC program at CORE, which gives me a front-row seat to research-related affairs and events across our institute. Having this dual role lets me represent your voice effectively at both EMGSS and the RI-MUHC. Whether you have an idea to share, a question, or just want to say hi, please feel free to send me an email or flag me down in the halls. Looking forward to meeting you all!

Lady Davis Institute (LDI) Representative – Sofia Skebo

PhD Year 1, Lady Davis Institute, Ursini-Siegel Lab

Research Focus: I am currently working to better understand how stress signaling in the breast cancer tumour microenvironment potentiates tumour growth.

Role: As LDI representative, I am super excited to help connect EXMED students from across various institutes for collaboration and community! I hope to be able to plan social and academic events that graduate students can attend and connect all across the McGill campus! Feel free to reach out if you have any comments or ideas!