ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE
THROUGH INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
Training Environment, Philosophy, Supervision and Mentoring
Our lab is a positive and collaborative environment that prepares trainees for highly successful careers in science and engineering fields of academia, industry, and government. We work in a unique interdisciplinary environment, as we are located in the state-of-the-art Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL) and are members of the Centre for Blood Research (CBR) and the new and expanding School of Biomedical Engineering (BME). We collaborate closely with the University-Industry Liaison Office, the Centre for Drug Research Development, and the entrepreneurship@UBC program, providing multiple opportunities for knowledge translation, including community outreach, media contact, and commercialization of findings. Trainees use these opportunities to build networks with leading researchers and industry partners to support their current research and to explore future career opportunities.
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We are an inclusive and diverse group and we strive to promote the advancement of under-represented groups in the natural science and engineering as a means to enhance excellence in research and training. Dr. Kastrup interacts with each trainee multiple times each week, both in group and individual meetings, to discuss research progress and to provide individualized support. Graduate students take the lead on writing their papers and assist in writing grants, developing scientific writing and fund-raising skills that are directly applicable to both academic and non-academic professions. This is demonstrated by their high success rate for awards and fellowships: each PhD student has received fellowships and awards of $8k to $130k, with a total of 7 fellowships from CIHR and NSERC since 2012.
We are an inclusive and diverse group and we strive to promote the advancement of under-represented groups in the natural science and engineering as a means to enhance excellence in research and training. Dr. Kastrup interacts with each trainee multiple times each week, both in group and individual meetings, to discuss research progress and to provide individualized support. Graduate students take the lead on writing their papers and assist in writing grants, developing scientific writing and fund-raising skills that are directly applicable to both academic and non-academic professions. This is demonstrated by their high success rate for awards and fellowships: each PhD student has received fellowships and awards of $8k to $130k, with a total of 7 fellowships from CIHR and NSERC since 2012.
Principal investigator:
Dr. Christian Kastrup Associate Professor
Christian Kastrup is an Associate Professor in the Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at UBC, and is a member of the Centre for Blood Research and Associate Member of the School of Biomedical Engineering.
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He received his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Chicago, where he specialized in chemical biology, microfluidics, and blood coagulation biochemistry with Rustem Ismagilov. During his postdoctoral fellowship at MIT, he specialized in engineering biomaterials for drug delivery to blood vessels with Robert Langer and Daniel Anderson. His lab at UBC utilizes biochemical engineering to solve problems related to hemostasis and thrombosis. They investigate, utilize, and mimic the biochemistry and biophysical dynamics of blood coagulation to create innovative materials that perform new functions inside of blood vessels. His accolades include the Sir Major Banting Award from the True Patriot Love Foundation, being a MSFHR Scholar, a Fellow at the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research, and holding a CIHR Foundation Grant. He is the Chief Scientific Officer and a founding member of CoMotion Drug Delivery Systems, Inc., a UBC based startup, which is currently working to develop a hemostatic agent for severe combat and surgical hemorrhage.
Current members:
Nabil Ali-Mohamad Research Technician
Publications and awards
BA.Sc. Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia
Journal of Military,Veteran and Family health, 2023
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2023
Endoscopy International Open, 2022
Awards: Barbara Aweryn Scholarship in Engineering, Faculty of Medicine summer scholarship (declined), Canadian Blood Research summer scholarship (accepted), NSERC USRA
Dr. Katherine Badior Research Scientist, VBRI
Publications and awards
PhD Biochemistry, University of Alberta
B.Sc. Biochemistry, University of Calgary
Molecular Therapy-Methods & Clinical Development , 2024
Molecular Therapy-Methods & Clinical Development , 2024
6 Publications, 2 first-authorships prior to joining Kastrup lab
Awards: MSL Trainee Award
Muskan bansal M.D./PhD Student, medical college of wisconsin
Publications and awards
B.S. Bioinformatics, Virginia Commonwealth University
Francesca Ferraresso Graduate Student, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Publications and awards
BSc. Biochemistry, University of British Columbia
Molecular Therapy-Methods & Clinical Development , 2024
Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis , 2024
Molecular Therapy-Methods & Clinical Development , 2024
Awards: CBR-SBME Summer Studentship, CBR Research Day People’s Choice Award
Dr. Jerry Leung Postdoctoral Fellow
Publications and awards
PhD Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia
B.Sc. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia
B.Sc. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2024
Science Translational Medicine, 2024
Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis , 2024
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2022
Transfusion, 2021*
Awards: NSERC CREATE Nanomat Program, NSERC Masters Awards, UBC 4YF, NSERC Doctoral Award
Emma Kang Graduate student, biochemistry and molecular biology
Publications and awards
Dr. Laura Ketelboeter Research Scientist, Lab Manager at VBRI
Publications and awards
PhD Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
BS Biology, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
BS Biology, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Dr. Manoj Paul Postdoctoral Fellow, Medical College of Wisconsin
Publications and awards
PhD, Biochemistry, University of Mysorea
Noah Peng Graduate Student, Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin
Publications and awards
B.Sc. Biochemistry, University of British Columbia
Madelaine Robertson Graduate Student, Biochemistry and Molecular biology
Publications and awards
Madelaine is a co-supervised Masters Student with Pieter Cullis and Christian Kastrup
B.Sc Combined Honours in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Neurosciences, Dalhousie University
Awards: CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarships Masters Award
Chad Skaer Research Technologist at VBRI
Publications and awards
B.A. Biology, Lawrence University
Colton Strong PhD Candidate, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Publications and awards
Colton is a co-supervised PhD Graduate with Dana Devine and Christian Kastrup
B.Sc. Honours Immunology (Interdepartmental), McGill University
Awards: CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarships Masters Award, Four Year Doctoral Felloship from UBC
Dr. Halen Turner Surgical resident, medical college of wisconsin
Publications and awards
M.D., University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Youjie Zhang Graduate Student Biomedical Eng. MCW-Marquette joint program
Publications and awards
M.Eng.Biomedical Engineering Marquette University
B.Sc. Biomedical Engineering Milwaukee School of Engeering
Molecular Therapy-Methods & Clinical Development , 2024
Research Coordination
Michael England Project Specialist at VBRI
CV
Certificate in Project Management, University of British Columbia
M.M., Northwestern State University
B.A., Northwestern State University
M.M., Northwestern State University
B.A., Northwestern State University
Dr. Steven Vitullo Research Program Administrator at VBRI
CV
Doctor of Philosophy, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Marquette University
Master of Science,Electrical Engineering,Marquette University
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Master of Science,Electrical Engineering,Marquette University
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Former full-time members:
Dr. James Baylis Postdoctoral Fellow Current Roles: CEO-CoMotion drug delivery systems and Scientist-global research technologies at Novo nordisk
Publications and awards
Current position: CEO and President CoMotion Drug Delivery Systems Inc., Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital
Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia
B.Sc. Biophysics, University of British Columbia
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2023
Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 2022
Endoscopy Open International, 2021
Res Pract Thromb Haemost, 2020
Journal of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, 2019*
Journal of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, 2016
The Laryngoscope, 2017*
Thrombosis Research, 2016*
Shock, 2016*
Science Advances, 2015*
Awards: CIHR CGS Doctoral Award, William & Dorothy Gilbert Graduate Scholarship
Dr. Massimo Cau ph.d Graduate current role: Postdoctoral Fellow
Publications and awards
B.Sc. Microbiology and B.Sc. Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia
PhD Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia
PhD Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia
Molecular Therapy – Methods & Clinical Development, 2024
Molecular Therapy – Methods & Clinical Development, 2024
Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 2023
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2023
Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 2022*
Transfusion, 2021
Endoscopy Open International, 2021
Journal of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, 2020*
Journal of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, 2019
Awards: Royal Canadian Legion Scholarship, CBR Graduate Awards Program, SBME Graduate Support Initiative - Entrance Award, Mitacs Scholarship
Dr. Karen Chan Ph.D. Graduate, Genome Science and Technology Program
Publications and awards
B.Sc. Biophysics, University of British Columbia
Current position: Postdoctoral Fellow at the Cullis Lab, UBC
Dr. Vivienne Chan Ph.D. Graduate, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
CURRENT ROLE: SCIENCE AND GRANT WRITER FOR CENTRE FOR HEART LUNG INNOVATIONPublications and awards
Current position: Grant Facilitator, Heart Lung Institute, Vancouver
Journal Thromb. & Haem., 2018*
Awards: Ronnie Miller Scholarship
Dr. Woosuk Steve Hur Ph.D. Graduate, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Current role: Research Assistant Professor, UNC Chapel Hill
Publications and awards
B.Sc. Biochemistry, McGill University
Current position: Research Assistant Professor, UNC Chapel Hill
Science Translational Medicine, 2024
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2022
Res Pract Thromb Haemost, 2020
Awards: CIHR CGS Doctoral Award, CBR Mackenzie Mentorship Award
Dr. Lih Jiin Juang PH.D. Graduate, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Current role: co-founder and chief scientific officer of seragene therapeutics
Publications and awards
B.Sc. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia
Awards: President's Academic Excellence Initiative PhD Award, CBR Graduate Awards Program, UBC 4-Year Fellowship Graduate Award
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2022
Nature Cardiovascular Research, 2022
Awards: President's Academic Excellence Initiative PhD Award, CBR Graduate Awards Program, UBC 4-Year Fellowship Graduate Award
Dr. Adele Khavari Postdoctoral Fellow
Publications and awards
Postdoc Oligo Medic, McGill University
PhD Material Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
MSc Material Chemistry and Nanotechnology, Chalmers University of Technology
MSc Polymer Engineering, Yazad University, Iran
B.Sc. Applied Chemistry, Islamic Azad University, Iran
8 Publications, 5 first-authorships prior to joining Kastrup lab
Awards: Mitacs Scholarship
Dr. Jayesh Kulkarni postdoctoral fellow current role: co-founder and Chief scientific officer at NanoVation Therapeutics
Publications and awards
Current position: Co-founder of Incisive Genetics, Postdoctoral Researcher at NanoMedicines Innovation Network
PhD Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia
B.Sc. Biotechnology, University of British Columbia
18 Publications, 8 first-authorships prior to joining Kastrup lab
Awards: NMIN Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Nima Mazinani Ph.D. Graduate, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology current role: medical science liaison at augurex life sciences corp.
Publications and awards
B.Sc. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia
Res Pract Thromb Haemost, 2020*
Awards: CBR Summer Studentship
Dr. Stefanie Novakowski Ph.D Graduate, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology current role: strategic lead, global health research development at the university of british columbia
Publications and awards
Current position: Program Coordinator at Provincial Health Services Authority
Awards: CIHR CGS Doctoral Award, NSERC CGS Masters Award
Eleonore Rayner Research Project Coordinator
CURRENT ROLE: PROJECT MANAGER AT NANOVATION THERAPEUTICSCV
B.Sc. Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield
Dr. Monica Seadler Surgical Resident, Medical College of Wisconsin
CURRENT ROLE: TRAUMA SURGEON, MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSINPublications and awards
B.Sc. Medical Labortory Science, Saint Louis University
MD, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Awards: Commitment to Teaching Honoree, Key to the Future Award, ACLS Missouri Chapter New Professional of the Year, President’s Student of the Year Award, Omicron Sigma Award, Anna Warren Oller Award, Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, Alpha Eta Student Research Award, DeNardo Research Scholarship
Amanda Wietrzny Research Trainee, Versiti Blood Research Institute CURRENT ROLE: PH.D student at the medical college of wisconsin
Publications and awards
B.Sc. Biology, Wisconsin Lutheran College
Dr. Amy Wong-Strilchuk PH.D. Graduate, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology CURRENT ROLEs: POST DOCTORAL FELLOW at University of toronto and director of strategy and partnerships at seragene therapeutics
Publications and awards
B.Sc. Biochemistry, University of Toronto
Awards: Centre for Blood Research Graduate Award Program, CanVECTOR, UBC 4-Year Fellowship Graduate Award, William & Dorothy Gilbert Graduate Scholarship, CIHR Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships Doctoral Award (CGS-D)
DR. NICK YEH POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW CURRENT ROLE: Senior scientist at Abbvie
Publications and awards
Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia
M.A.Sc., Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia
B.A.Sc., Mechanical Engineering (Biomedical Engineering Option), University of British Columbia
5 Publications, 4 first-authorships prior to joining Kastrup lab
Awards: Mitacs Scholarship
Ju Hun Yeon Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, 2011 – 2014 current role: Assistant professor at university of brain education
Publications and awards
Current position: Assistant Professor, University of Brain Education, Korea
Alyssa Yong Research Technician
Publications and awards
BSc. Honours Pharmacology, University of British Columbia
Awards: Faculty of Science Outstanding Award, Mildred Brock Memorial Scholarship, J. Fred Muir Memorial Scholarship, Dean of Science Scholarship, Trek Excellence Scholarship
Awards: Faculty of Science Outstanding Award, Mildred Brock Memorial Scholarship, J. Fred Muir Memorial Scholarship, Dean of Science Scholarship, Trek Excellence Scholarship
Current and former undergraduate students and visiting researchers:
Amir Kazerooni**
Aschwin van der Giesen
Tina Chen
Lily Zhang
Rebecca Leung
Andy Hsu
Emily Prowse**
Erin Long
Renhao Wang
Nabil Ali-Mohamad*,**
Kevin Kim
Kai Zhu
Kevin Jiang**
Alyssa Yong**
Morteza Sarkari**
Veronika Zenova**
Bridget La Prairie
Sanjana Prakash
Max Thomson**
Rachel Sutherland**
Massimo Cau**,#
Jeanee Chan**
Gayatri Prakash**
Anni Zhang
Jeff Yoon
Leo Yefet
Mike Min Su Lee**
Charlotte Michelle Nguyen**
Jeffrey Boschman**
Heidi Streick**
Aida Rahavi
Elina Levchenko**
Mark Melhado
Junho Lee
David Lu**
Michael Halim
Maggie Ling
Ting-Chia Wong**
Stella Fang
Anna Lee**
Simon Law**
Nima Mazinani**,#
Kelvin Chan**
Jesse Zhang**
Nivitri Ashok
James Baylis**,#
Annie (Ting-Hsuan) Wang
Francesca Ferraresso#,*
Tavleen Ramgarhia
Noah Peng*,**,#
Nicholas Cheung
Han Zhang
*First author
**These trainees are co-authors on published or submitted papers based on research in our lab.
#These undergraduate students became graduate students in our lab.
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