Elections take place at the beginning of every academic year! We are looking for Director(s) of Student life, Equity, Community Outreach, Academics, Communications and a Treasurer. Please click here to find out more.
We also recruit non-elected Site Representatives on a rolling basis. Please click here to find out more.
My name is Jady Liang, and I am the Chair of the SRSA. I am currently a fourth-year PhD candidate at the Department of Physiology, University of Toronto under the supervision of Dr. Haibo Zhang in Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Science. My dissertation is focused on investigating mechanisms and inhalation therapeutic approaches of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern infection using 3-dimensional organ-simulating lung organoids system and in vivo models of disease.
My name is Kayla Baker and I am excited to connect with the St. Mikes and greater Toronto communities. I am a third-year PhD student with the Institute of Medical Science and my research is focused on reversing opioid-mediated respiratory depression by targeting brainstem breathing centers.
Hi! My name is Noa Chazot, and I am one of SRSA’s Student Life Director’s this year. This is my first year being a member of SRSA and I am so excited to help plan and participate in many of the programs and events SRSA has to offer! Currently, I am in the second year of my Master’s degree at the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, completing my thesis in Dr. Heyu Ni’s laboratory. My research focuses on how an apolipoprotien effects the cardiovascular system, specifically platelet functions.
My name is Farbod Khorrami, and I am SRSA’s Senior Advisor this year. In the past two years, I had the pleasure of serving as one of the Academic Directors and Vice-Chairs, and I am thrilled about being part of SRSA again and am looking forward to helping out with the events SRSA has planned for you this year! Currently, I am finishing my second year of my Master’s degree at the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, working at the Yucel-Gupta eye pathology research lab. My research focuses on identifying non-invasive biomarkers for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Hi everyone! My name is Songhee Back, and I am a Co-Director of Community Outreach for SRSA this year. This is my first year being a member of SRSA, and I am looking forward to building a stronger relationship between St. Michael’s Hospital and other members and organizations in the Greater Toronto Area! Currently, I am a first-year MSc student in the Department of Nutritional Science at the University of Toronto. Under the supervision of Dr. Chiavaroli, I am investigating the relationship between global protein content claim regulatory frameworks and the nutrient intakes of Canadians.
Hi! My name is Asa and I am one of the Directors of Communications this year. I am currently a third year MSc student with the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology working in the lab of Dr. Kelsie Thu. My research is focused on delineating the mechanisms of innate immune check point inhibitors in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Vida Maksimoska, an alumna of the University of Toronto (UofT), holds an H.BSc. earned in 2019. Following this, she successfully completed her M.HSc. in 2021 through the Translational Research Program at UofT. This specialized program is designed to advance research from bench to bedside, emphasizing research innovation. Currently, Vida is working to complete her Ph.D. at the Institute of Medical Sciences, focusing on drug discovery and the impact of proteins in skin research. Her research aims to contribute to the enhancement of wound care by creating and identifying new therapeutics.
Hi, my name is Priyal Shah. I am a 4th PhD student studying the inhibitory effects of our blood group antibodies in coronavirus infection in the Branch lab. This is my 3rd year in SRSA and I am the director of Academics this year. I am excited to be a part of the team again.
My name is Jady Liang, and I am the Co-Director of Academics at SRSA. I am currently a third-year PhD candidate at the Department of Physiology, University of Toronto under the supervision of Dr. Haibo Zhang in Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Science, Unity Health Toronto. My dissertation is focused on investigating mechanisms and inhalation therapeutic approaches of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern infection using 3-dimentional (3-D) organ-simulating lung organoids system and in vivo models of disease.
Hey y’all I’m Johnny your co-director for student life this year. I’m a second year MSc student in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. Under the guidance of Dr. Katalin Szaszi, I am delving into research on kidney fibrosis and its underlying molecular mechanisms. I hope to have a great year with SRSA and create some great events & memories.
I’m Rohan, a first year PhD candidate from the Institute of Medical Sciences, based out of St. Michael’s hospital. My research focuses on the dysregulation of mitochondrial morphology in polycystic kidney disease, and the associated medical ramifications. I believe that making your work environment more conducive to success involves fostering a true sense of community with your peers. This year I am trying to merge the social and academic arms of the graduate school experience by working with SRSA as the head of student life.
My name is Nafia and I am a second year Master’s student at the Institute of Medical Science. My research focuses on the neural correlates of mild behavioural impairment and mild cognitive impairment, and I work with Dr. Fischer and Dr. Schweizer here at Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. I am the Director for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and I am excited to host events that will bring the graduate students at St Mike’s together!
Hi everyone, my name is Mashiat and I am excited to be the SRSA treasurer for the 2nd time in a row. I am currently a fourth year PhD student in the department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. My research focuses on brain cancer diagnostics and characterization. I am looking forward to helping the SRSA team promote another great and fun-filled year for all graduate students and trainees at St Michael’s Hospital!
Hi everyone, my name is Grace and I am the site representative for LKSKI/KRC. I am a third year PhD student in the department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology under the supervision of Dr. Warren Lee. My research is focused on elucidating the mechanisms as well regulation of LDL transcytosis in endothelial cells
