Welcome 2026 PALM Graduate Students!

I am a second year MD/PhD student working at the Molecular and Advanced Pathology core under the supervision of Dr David Huntsman. My research interests include advanced microscopy and artificial intelligence for histopathology, as well as the use of cyclic immunofluorescence to characterize the tissue-immune microenvironment in different subtypes of endometrial cancer. I completed my bachelor’s of chemical engineering and bioengineering at McMaster University. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, exploring different parts of Vancouver, and trying new restaurants. I feel very grateful to be a pathology and lab medicine student and chose UBC to combine my medical education with excellent research opportunities.

My academic and research trajectory has been driven by a personal goal: to advance translational strategies that improve tissue repair and clinical outcomes in complex pathological conditions. This interest started when I was in my undergraduate degree in Biology and started a co-op in a Wound Healing lab.

I pursued the Master of Applied Science at University of Victoria in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, where I deepened my knowledge in bioengineering and regenerative medicine approaches. I focused on strategically integrating engineering principles with biological systems such as, biofabrication of engineered human tissue involving 3D bioprinting, microfluidic-based GelMA microcarrier to improve cellular migration and tissue regeneration.

The PhD program at UBC offers a uniquely interdisciplinary environment that is essential for my development. The integration of Pathology, Bioengineering, and Clinical Research provides an exceptional platform to expand my expertise and translate scientific discoveries into impactful therapeutic strategies. Access to cutting-edge technology, collaborative networks, and clinical research align with my background and future aspirations.

I am confident that this PhD will be a transformative step in achieving this vision, will strengthen my ability to establish a long-term career in the Canadian research and its competitive market environment, which is my personal goal.

I am Alice De Graeve, and I’m starting my MSc in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine with Dr. Catherine Hogan. My research area focuses on diagnostics and using metabolomics to research markers of syphilis reinfection.

I’m Belgian, but I grew up in Kampala, Uganda. I started university in Maastricht, the Netherlands, before moving to Canada and finishing my BSc at Capilano University. In 2025, I spent a summer doing yeast synthetic biology at the Open Science Network, where I learnt the value of asking questions and becoming independent. My Bachelor’s thesis examined how a fluorinated fluorophore binds the Pepper RNA aptamer, and during this period my love for research was solidified.

Outside the lab, I play a lot of D&D and PC games like The Witcher III and Stardew Valley, and I read far too much fantasy. I also keep snails (white-lipped globe snails), who are good but silent company.

I chose UBC for Dr. Hogan’s research. I first read her work on hepatitis C diversity in sub-Saharan Africa, then followed her diagnostics work. The first time we met, she described a metabolomics project idea, and I knew that was what I wanted to spend the next few years on.

I am an incoming graduate student in the PATH with research interests centered on surgery reconstruction, biomaterials, and drug delivery. I am particularly interested in translational research that connects fundamental biological questions with new therapeutic strategies and technologies for improving wound treatment.

I have completed my Bachelor of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering at UBC, where I gained experience in biomaterials, cell and molecular biology, medical engineering design, and preclinical research. During my undergraduate studies, I also had the opportunity to work at BC Cancer, which strengthened my interest in current research field and encouraged me to continue pursuing research in this field.

I am interested in interdisciplinary research that brings together engineering and medicine. I chose to continue my studies at UBC because of the great weathers and snowboarding resorts in Vancouver, and my existing strong connections with BC Cancer and other clinical institutions, along with the opportunity to work with researchers from many different backgrounds. Having completed my undergraduate degree here, I am excited to begin this next phase at UBC.

I have completed my Bachelor’s degree in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the UBC, which provided me with a fundamental background in microbiology and molecular biology. Having exposure to both academia and industry labs during my undergraduate experience has aspired me to research. I am particularly interested in the research of cell surface engineering. For the past few years, I have been working in the Kizhakkedathu lab as a research assistant on the universal blood project, which the red blood cell surface is modified using enzymes to generate universal O-type cells that could increase the blood supply for transfusion and minimize complications from mismatched transfusion. I would like to further expand my knowledge and have decided to apply to the Master’s program and build on the existing knowledge of potential interventions that could improve transfusion and blood safety. I have chosen UBC not only because it is a beautiful campus, but it felt more comfortable staying here since I grew up here, where I could easily engage with my family and friends to have a balanced intellectual and personal life.

I am a new Master’s student in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC, with a background in biotechnology and botany. Before joining UBC, I worked as a senior R&D engineer in the field of precision oncology. My previous work focused on biomarker discovery, cancer diagnostics, and early tumor screening, using molecular technologies such as DNA methylation analysis and next-generation sequencing. These experiences sparked my interest in translational research and in how laboratory discoveries can be developed into practical approaches for cancer treatment.

My current research focuses on local therapeutic systems for postsurgical cancer management. I am particularly interested in using biomaterials for localized drug delivery and exploring new strategies to improve cancer therapy after surgery. I am excited to learn more about cancer biology, experimental pathology, and translational research through my graduate training.

I chose UBC because of its strong research environment and its interdisciplinary approach to biomedical research. I also appreciate the opportunity to work with researchers from different backgrounds and to develop new skills throughout my MSc. I am truly grateful to be part of this community and look forward to connecting with fellow students and researchers.

Hi everyone! My name is Hamidreza Tolabi, and I am thrilled to join the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. With a strong academic background in bioengineering, my research focuses on biointerface engineering, 3D bioprinting, and hydrogel-based tissue regeneration. My work is deeply driven by a commitment to healthcare equity; I am passionate about exploring wound healing mechanisms and designing treatments that are equally effective across diverse skin pigmentations.

I chose UBC for its world-class research infrastructure and highly collaborative academic community. The university’s strong emphasis on translating innovative science into equitable clinical outcomes aligns perfectly with my vision. It offers the ideal interdisciplinary environment to advance my regenerative medicine research alongside inspiring faculty and peers.

On a personal note, if I am not in the lab synthesizing hydrogels, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes and cooking. I also love heading to the tennis court for a few matches to stay active and recharge.