URO ID
1
Full Name
Rony Das
Research GroupPollution Control and Waste Management (PCWM)/ Professor Eric R. Hall
Website
http://www.civil.ubc.ca/academic-programs/graduate-academic-program/areasspecialization/environmental-engineering
Mentor Bio
Rony Das is a PhD student in the PCWM Group under the supervision of Professor Eric R. Hall. In his PhD project, he has
been working on resource recovery from and treatment of, municipal wastewater. In the year 2013, he had completed an
external, five-month appointment as a research intern student at the Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI-NRC) in
Montreal, working on a project entitled "Anaerobic digestion (AD) for bio-up gradation of syngas into renewable natural gas" .
He also has experience in renewable energy generation from organic winery wastes through AD. He completed his masters
in August, 2011 from UBC, Kelowna Campus, under the supervision of Professor Deborah J. Roberts, where he worked on a
novel micro-fluidic cell for direct detection of pathogen in water in the Biological Solutions Laboratory, UBC. He completed
his bachelor in Civil Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2007.
Citation
Wang et al. 2013. Recent advances in membrane bio-technologies for sludge reduction and treatment. Biotechnology
Advances. 31 (8): 1187 - 1199
Oehmen et al. 2007. Advances in enhanced biological phosphorus removal: from micro to macro scale. Water Research.
41: 2271 - 2300.
Comeau et al. 1986. Biochemical model for enhanced biological phosphorus removal. Water Research. 20 (12): 1511 1521.
URO ID
2
Full Name
Ibrahim Gadala
Research GroupCorrosion Group/Professor Akram Alfantazi
Website
http://corrosion.mtrl.ubc.ca/
Mentor Bio
Hi!
My name is Ibrahim and I'm a 3rd year PhD candidate in Materials Engineering. I obtained my BASc and MASc degrees
from the Mechanical Engineering department here at UBC, specializing in design and optimization. My current research is
on the corrosion of new grades of pipeline steels used in the oil and gas industry. This research is interdisciplinary in nature,
where chemistry, material science, mechanical design, and other engineering domains are all involved. The knowledge
gained by working in this field can be utilized in many applications, not only the oil and gas field. The project I am currently
working on has specific benefits to Canadian industry, and helps solve a problem commonly encountered in the field.
Involvement in this project gives prospective researchers the opportunity to do experimental work (in the lab), modelling and
simulation work (on computers), and possibly even testing and data acquisition at real-world field locations. Prospective
researchers from the URO program will mainly work on interesting computer simulations of pipeline steel corrosion in
specific soil environments. Yet, they will be given the opportunity to participate in lab experiments and other project-related
activities.
Citation
- B. Y. Fang, A. Atrens, J. Q. Wang, E. H. Han, Z. Y. Zhu, and W. Ke, "Review of stress corrosion cracking of pipeline steels
in 'low' and 'high' pH solutions," J. Mater. Sci., vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 127-132, Jan. 2003.
- S. Nešić, "Key issues related to modelling of internal corrosion of oil and gas pipelines - A review," Corros. Sci., vol. 49, no.
12, pp. 4308-4338, Dec. 2007.
URO ID
3
Full Name
Matthias Görges
Research GroupElectrical & Computer Engineering in Medicine / Pediatric Anesthesia Research Team
Website
http://ecem.ece.ubc.ca/ and http://part.cfri.ca/
Mentor Bio
Matthias Gorges (UBC) is a PhD-trained biomedical engineer who specializes in combining engineering and clinical
research. He held postdoctoral fellowships from the Government of Canada and the CHIR and is the 2014 UBC Killam
Postdoctoral Research prize winner. His expertise includes design and evaluation of mobile information displays,
development of systems that support healthcare teams in treatment decision making, software development for mHealth
applications, and design of infrastructure/platforms to support medical device interoperability and data exchange. His current
research covers a diverse range of projects, including:
a) quality improvement projects (e.g. investigating the effect of preoperative warming of spine patients on undesired surgical
or anesthesia outcomes such as infection rates, or designing procedure and performance metrics to be used for feedback
for anesthesiologists to improve their patient care - such as the conduct of neonatal anesthesia);
b) perioperative physiology research (comparing standardized algorithms for intraoperative fluid therapy for children to
standard of care to reduce postoperative kidney dysfunction and improve hemodynamic stability during the procedure;
c) developmental engineering research (development of mobile information displays for use in the OR/ICU, or development
of novel respiratory rate detections methods from photoplethysmography);
d) computer science research (expansions of our cross-platform open-source software development framework, or
development of distributed interoperable medical device communication infrastructure); and
e) translational engineering research (closed-loop anesthesia system development and clinical trials in adults and children,
or alarm optimizations for respiratory monitoring in postsurgical patients).
Citation
Görges M, Petersen CL, Dumont GA, Ansermino JM. Using machine-to-machine / "Internet of Things" communication to
simplify medical device information exchange. Proc 2014 Int Conf Internet Things. Cambridge, MA: IEEE; 2014;49 - 54.
Görges M, Ansermino JM, Whyte SD. A retrospective audit to examine the effectiveness of preoperative warming on
hypothermia in spine deformity surgery patients. Paediatr Anaesth. 2013;23:1054-61.
Brown ZE, Görges M, Cooke E, Malherbe S, Dumont GA, Ansermino JM. Changes in cardiac index and blood pressure on
positioning children prone for scoliosis surgery. Anaesthesia. 2013;68:742-6.
Also see https://www.mendeley.com/profiles/matthias-gorges/
URO ID
4
Full Name
Hashem Jayhooni
Research GroupMiNa
Website
http://www.mina.ubc.ca/
Mentor Bio
I am Ph.D. student of electrical and computer engineering department at UBC. I have very good experiences in teaching
different levels of students such as graduate, undergraduate students and high school students for some years. I was TA for
Molecule to Mechanisms course at UBC (EECE 300) as well as Economic Analysis of Engineering Projects course (EECE
450) at UBC and I am also elected to be TA for Applied Electronics and Electromechanics course (ELEC 344) for fall
semester 2015. In addition, I was instructor for the Hydraulics and Pneumatics and Machine Design II courses. Besides, I
was TA or tutor for the following courses: General Mathematics, Differential Equations, Physics and Chemistry, as well as,
Advance Mathematics (graduate course), Engineering Mathematics, Fluid Mechanics, Engineering Statics, Engineering
Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials, Engineering Heat Transfer for graduate and undergraduate students.
Moreover, I have successfully completed a twenty-four hour Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) at UBC Centre for
Teaching, Learning and Technology (I have ISW certificate). This workshop helps me to teach with very new and effective
methods.
Furthermore, I am doing research in the multidisciplinary research area between biology and engineering. My goal is to
manipulate a novel effective endoscopic device which can help the physicians to find diseases better and it will be more
convenient for patients. In this novel device, I will experimentally use Bio-MEMS technology (Bio-Medical Device) to
decrease the size of the endoscopic motors significantly and remove extra movement of the endoscope catheter that may
have adverse influence on the body organs or internal body surfaces.
Your consideration of my application is highly appreciated.
S. M. Hashem Jayhooni
Citation
[1] S. Chang, E. Murdock, Y. Mao, C. Flueraru, J. Disano, "Stationary-Fiber Rotary Probe with Unobstructed 360å¡ View for
Optical Coherence Tomography," Opt. Lett., vol. 36, pp. 4392-4394, 2011.
[2] J. Yang, R. Chen, C. Favazza, J. Yao, C. Li, Z. Hu, Q. Zhou, K. Shung, L. Wang, "A 2.5-mm Diameter Probe for
Photoacoustic and Ultrasonic Endoscopy," Opt. Express, vol. 20, pp. 23944-23953, 2012.
[3] J. M. Yang, C. Favazza, R. Chen, J. Yao, X. Cai, K. Maslov, Q. Zhou, K. K. Shung, L. V. Wang, "Simultaneous Functional
Photoacoustic and Ultrasonic Endoscopy of Internal Organs In Vivo," Nat. Med., vol. 18, pp. 1297-1302, 2012.
[4] J. M. Yang, K. Maslov, H. C. Yang, Q. Zhou, K. K. Shung, L. V. Wang, "Photoacoustic Endoscopy," Opt. Lett., vol. 34, pp.
1591-1593, 2009.
[5] B. Assadsangabi, M. H. Tee, K. Takahata, "Ferrofluid-Assisted Micro Rotary Motor for Minimally Invasive Endoscopy
Applications," MEMS 2014, San Francisco, CA, USA, January 26 - 30, 2014.
[6] B. Assadsangabi, M. H. Tee, K. Takahata, "Ferrofluid-Assisted Levitation Mechanism for Micromotor Applications," in
Proc. IEEE Transducers 2013, Barcelona, June 16-20, 2013, pp. 2720-2723.
URO ID
5
Full Name
Hooman Shahrokhi
Research GroupDr. Sheryl Staub-French
Website
http://bimtopics.civil.ubc.ca/
Mentor Bio
Hello! My name is Hooman and I'm a graduate student in the Civil Engineering Department. As part of my Masters program,
I'm doing research with the BIM TOPiCS research group (bimtopics.civil.ubc.ca). We are primarily interested in the role of
Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the AEC industry. So, what is BIM? BIM is the process of building and managing a
digital representation of a building. This digital representation assists the AEC industry from the early days of conceptual
design to detailed design, analysis, fabrication, construction and the operation and maintenance of buildings.
The one thing that sets BIM apart from other 3D building models is the information that is connected to BIM. The BIM
TOPiCS Research Lab conducts research on BIM at many different points of its lifecycle. For example, we do research on
benefits of BIM and parametric design, use of BIM in design coordination to identify design conflicts, use of BIM in operation
and maintenance of buildings, quality of information in BIM, the impact of BIM in the construction industry, and more.
My specific interest in this research group involves the use of computational design in designing buildings that are easier to
build. Through this project, I work with architects to identify how they have designed a building using BIM that has made the
construction easier. I then work with contractors during the construction process and measure the impact that BIM has had
in making it easier to build that building.
The construction industry is infamous for inefficiency and lack of improvement. Using BIM, we aim to ultimately change this
fact and be able to benefit from the capabilities of new technology in the AEC domain. So, if designing buildings and
managing processes that make buildings easier to build interests you, we should connect!
Citation
BIM Handbook, Chapter 1: BIM Handbook Introduction (https://goo.gl/9t1mo7)
The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand. "Constructability." Apr. 2008. Web. (https://goo.gl/X4D7Tq)
Gengnagel, Christoph et al., eds. Computational Design Modelling. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2012.
CrossRef. Web. 20 Aug. 2015. (http://goo.gl/S51xtT) - You may only be able to access this from on campus or through the
UBC library online. This book is not meant for you to read all 350+ pages; just glimpse through it to get an idea for
computational design.
URO ID
6
Full Name
Rohit Singla
Research GroupUBC Robotics and Control Lab / Prof. Robert Rohling and Prof. Purang Abolmaesumi
Website
rcl.ece.ubc.ca
Mentor Bio
Rohit is a MASc in Biomedical Engineering (Engineers in Scrubs) candidate under the supervision of Prof. Robert Rohling
and Prof. Purang Abolmaesumi. Recently graduating from UBC with a BASc in Computer Engineering (Software Option)
with Distinction, Rohit has been doing just over a year's worth of research at the UBC Robotics and Control Lab where he
gets to work with, quite frankly, some of the best in their field. His research interests include medical image processing,
software development, augmented reality, and computer vision. He is keen on mentoring students, helping them develop
their skills and in particular getting them a jumpstart in research.
Outside of research (and he does get out of the lab, he promises), Rohit has a lead role in UBC Sharing Science & UBC
Technology in Medicine, is an advisor for UBC BEST, and coaches high school football. He's a foodie and music junkie on
the side. Rohit also finds it weird to write in third person.
For more info, feel free to connect with Rohit at https://ca.linkedin.com/in/rsingla92
Citation
Relevant articles from the RCL:
1. Edgcumbe, Philip, et al. "Pico Lantern: Surface Reconstruction and Augmented Reality in Laparoscopic Surgery Using a
Pick-Up Laser Projector." Medical Image Analysis (2015).
2. Edgcumbe, Philip, et al. "Pico lantern: A pick-up projector for augmented reality in laparoscopic surgery." Medical Image
Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention-MICCAI 2014. Springer International Publishing, 2014. 432-439.
3. Schneider, Caitlin, et al. "Tracked'Pick-up'Ultrasound for Robot-assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery." (2015).
4. Rafii-Tari, Hedyeh, et al. "Panorama ultrasound for navigation and guidance of epidural anesthesia." Ultrasound in
medicine & biology (2015).
General articles:
1. Azuma, Ronald T. "A survey of augmented reality." Presence 6.4 (1997): 355-385.
2. Sielhorst, Tobias, Marco Feuerstein, and Nassir Navab. "Advanced medical displays: A literature review of augmented
reality." Display Technology, Journal of 4.4 (2008): 451-467.
3. Solberg, Ole Vegard, et al. "Freehand 3D ultrasound reconstruction algorithms-a review." Ultrasound in medicine &
biology 33.7 (2007): 991-1009.
4. Rohling, Robert, Andrew Gee, and Laurence Berman. "A comparison of freehand three-dimensional ultrasound
reconstruction techniques." Medical image analysis 3.4 (1999): 339-359.
URO ID
7
Full Name
Zhicheng Wang
Research GroupZhicheng Wang
Website
http://mtrl.ubc.ca/faculty/daan-maijer/
Mentor Bio
EDUCATION
• Ph.D. Student, Materials Engineering September 2014-Present
The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Project: "Fatigue Life Investigation of a High Strength Aluminum Alloy (B206)"
Supervisor: Daan Maijer
• M.A.Sc., Metallurgical Engineering July 2014
Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
Dissertation: "Study on Secondary Cooling System for Beam Blank Continuous Casting of Nb-bearing Steel"
• B.Sc., Metallurgical Engineering July 2012
Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
Dissertation: "Numerical Simulation of Initial Solidification Behavior in Wide-thick Slab Continuous Casting Mold"
HONORS AND AWARDS
• Outstanding Graduate Student, Northeastern University July 2014
• Two year Fellowship of Postgraduate, Northeastern University September 2012
• Outstanding Graduate, Northeastern University July 2012
• National Scholarship for Undergraduate, September 2010
Chinese Ministry of Education
• National Scholarship for Undergraduate September 2009
Chinese Ministry of Education
• Merit Scholarship, Northeastern University September 2008
PUBLICATIONS
1.Zhicheng Wang, Weiling Wang, Sen Luo, Miaoyong Zhu (2014). Thermo-mechanical behavior of copper plate in
continuous casting mold with new cooling structure. The Chinese Journal of Nonferrous Metals, 24(1), 115-121.(In Chinese)
2.Guohe Zhu, Jianzhong Li, Bitao Deng, Xiongfeng Shao, Zhicheng Wang (2012). Effect of Metallographic Structures of
Substrate on Sn-Fe Alloy Film and Corrosion Resistance of Tinplate. Steel Rolling, 29(4), 8-10. (In Chinese)
3.Guohe Zhu, Jianzhong Li, Bitao Deng, Xiongfeng Shao, Zhicheng Wang (2012). The Evaluation of the Use of Acid
Removing Tin Agent in Reflow Conductor Roll. Non-ferrous Mining and Metallurgy, 28(2), 37-39. (In Chinese)
4.Guohe Zhu, Hui Gong, Jianzhong Li, Bitao Deng, Xiongfeng Shao, Zhicheng Wang (2012). Numerical Simulation of Water
Flow Field in Quench Tank of Tinplate Technology. Shanghai Metals, (5), 57-60. (In Chinese)
Citation
P. Li, P.D. Lee, D.M. Maijer, and T.C. Lindley, "Quantification of the Interaction within Defect Populations on Fatigue
Behavior in an Aluminum Alloy" , Acta Materialia, Vol.57, no. 12, pp. 3539-3548, July 2009.
P. Li, D.M. Maijer, T.C. Lindley, and P.D. Lee, "Simulating the Residual Stress in an A356 Automotive Wheel and its Impact
on Fatigue Life" , Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, Vol. 38A, no. 4, pp. 505-515, August 2007.
P. Li, D.M. Maijer, T.C. Lindley, and P.D. Lee, "A Validated Model of the Cyclic Stress State of an A356 Automotive Wheel
and its Impact on Fatigue Life" , Simulation of Aluminum Shape Casting Processing: From Alloy Design to Mechanical
Properties, Eds. Q. Wang, M. Krane, and P.D. Lee, TMS, pp.73-80, March 2006. Invited
URO ID
8
Full Name
Wenbo Wang
Research GroupPhotomedicine/Dr. Haishan Zeng
Website
http://derm.med.ubc.ca/research/photomedicine-institute/
Mentor Bio
I am currently a postdoctoral fellow with the photomedicine group at the department of dermatology and cancer imaging
department at BC cancer agency research centre. My background is applied spectroscopy, optoelectronics, and
instrumentation. Our research focuses on developing optical imaging and spectroscopic methods for rapid, non-invasive
diagnosis of various skin diseases and other medical conditions. Currently, I am mainly engaged in research projects that
utilize Raman spectroscopy for bioanalysis of human tumor tissues and human blood plasma for early detection of cancers
that are difficult to access. I also develop rapid microscopic imaging and spectroscopic measurement systems that have
clinical utility. For example, I have developed a multimodal imaging system that combines laser scanning reflectance
confocal microscopy, multiphoton imaging, and spectral imaging in one highly integrated optical system. We use the system
for studying human skin lesions by looking at different skin layers from epidermis down to the dermis. This unique system
was also designed to pick up Raman scattering signals from different cellular structures.
Our group also have several principal investigators who are medical doctors. Therefore, our research also focuses on
solving clinically relevant problems such as eczema, skin cancer, etc. Mentees interested in interdisciplinary biomedical
research may find our research topics highly relevant.
Citation
Wang W, Zhao J, Short M, Zeng H: Real-time in vivo Cancer Diagnosis using Raman Spectroscopy. Journal of
Biophotonics, 8(7): 527-545, 2015
Wang W, Wu Z, Zeng H: Image Distortion and its Correction in Linear Galvanometric Mirrors Based Laser Scanning
Microscopy. Journal of Biomedical Optics, 20(5): 056001(1-4), 2015.
Feng S, Wang W, Tai IT, Chen G, Chen R, Zeng H: Label-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for detection of
colorectal cancer and precursor lesions using blood plasma. Biomedical Optics Express, 2015 (In Press)
URO ID
74
Full Name
Jonathon Campbell
Research GroupFawziah Lalji
Website
http://pharmsci.ubc.ca/directory/jonathon-campbell
Mentor Bio
I am a Ph.D. candidate studying the cost-effectiveness of latent tuberculosis screening in high-risk immigrant populations.
Mentees can expect to learn about statistical analysis of epidemiologic data during this mentorship.
Citation
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26129810
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25851739
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25579159
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24468691
URO ID
75
Full Name
Sonia Lin
Research GroupDr. David Grierson
Website
http://pharmsci.ubc.ca/directory/david-grierson
Mentor Bio
An estimated 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. Access to Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART), which combines three or
more different drugs to treat HIV, has dramatically changed the prognosis of HIV infection. Indeed, in "developed" countries
HIV is considered to be a chronic infection. However, even in this setting long term use of HAART is ultimately limited by
issues of drug compliance, side effects and drug resistance. This underscores the continued need for new drugs, and in
particular, those acting through as yet unexplored mechanisms of action.
To respond to the continued need for new drugs, and in particular, those acting through as yet unexplored mechanisms of
action, my PhD research is directed toward the development small molecule inhibitors of HIV alternative splicing as a new
therapy for HIV/AIDS. Alternative splicing is a regulated process which allows one gene to code for multiple proteins in
eukaryotes. A key component of this process is the SR proteins. It has been found that in HIV-1 infected cells, a member of
the SR protein family, SRSF1, specifically regulates alternative splicing events that are vital to the production of critical HIV
proteins Tat and Rev. These RNA-binding proteins are key regulators for the expression of HIV-1 viral genes, for the
synthesis of full-length genomic RNA and, ultimately, for the production of progeny virions.
The tetracyclic indole compound IDC16 is the first small molecule known to inhibit the exonic splicing enhancer activity of
SRSF1. However, due to its planarity, IDC16 can intercalate DNA and therefore inherently cytotoxic. My project involves the
design of new ring opened mimics of IDC16 and the optimization of the activity/selectivity and in vivo properties of these
active molecules. Furthermore, these small molecules will also act as probes to explore and study the underlying biological
mechanisms.
Citation
1. Bakkour, N.; Lin, Y. L.; Maire, S.; Ayadi, L.; Mahuteau-Betzer, F.; Nguyen, C. H.; Mettling, C.; Portales, P.; Grierson, D.;
Chabot, B.; Jeanteur, P.; Branlant, C.; Corbeau, P.; Tazi, J., Plos Pathog 2007, 3 (10), 1530-1539.
2. Stoltzfus, C. M., Adv Virus Res 2009, 74, 1-40.
URO ID
76
Full Name
Daphne Ling
Research GroupAdele Diamond
Website
http://www.devcogneuro.com/
Mentor Bio
Hi! My name is Daphne Ling and I am the lab manager of the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab in the Department
of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine. We specialize in studying a set of mental processes known collectively as Executive
Functions (EFs). EFs include or make possible: Self-control, discipline, problem-solving, and flexibility, and is much more
predictive of school readiness and success than are IQ or entry-level math or reading. EFs are dependent on a region of the
brain known as prefrontal cortex, and on interrelated brain regions. Our lab works with preschoolers through late adulthood.
We study how EFs are affected by biological factors (e.g., genes and neurochemistry) and by environmental ones (e.g.,
stress).
We are especially interested in real-world activities or programs that can help improve EFs. Our current research includes
looking at whether children with ADHD might routinely be over-medicated, whether just one week of exercise can improve
EFs, whether a kindergarten program that emphasizes play and EF-development leads to better academic outcomes, and
gender differences on the effects of stress on EFs. We use behavioral measures (e.g., computerized and interactive
games), physiological measures, molecular genetic methods (e.g., genoptyping), and more. Our lab is a dynamic mix of
staff, undergraduates, graduate students, medical students, visiting scholars, volunteers, and a labradoodle. Mentees are
welcome to visit the lab.
I strongly believe in working hard and playing hard. My table has a purple dragon as a reminder to never forget my inner 3year-old, because a lot of research is built on the minds of the curious. I would like potential mentees to tell me what they do
outside of school and why they think that would make them a good researcher. How do you think your life complements your
education and vice versa? Looking forward to meeting you!
Citation
Diamond, A. (2014). Want to optimize executive functions and academic outcomes? Simple, just nourish the human spirit.
Minnesota Symposia on Child Psychology, 37, 203-230.
Diamond, A. (2010). The evidence base for improving school outcomes by addressing the whole child and by addressing
skills and attitudes, not just content. Early Education and Development, 21, 780-793.
- UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has circulated this to all its members.
- Margaret Nkrumah of Ghana has circulated it among African leaders.
URO ID
77
Full Name
Natalie McCormick
Research GroupDr. Antonio Avina-Zubieta
Website
http://www.arthritisresearch.ca
Mentor Bio
I am a Ph.D. student at the Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Arthritis Research Canada. While many students in my Faculty conduct basic science research in a lab, I conduct
health outcomes research mainly using computers. I am studying a little-known group of inflammatory arthritis disorders
called systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs), which include lupus and related disorders. SARDs primarily
strike young women (ages 25-45) in their prime reproductive and career years, with immune dysregulation leading to
systemic inflammation, organ damage, complications, and high disability. However, the healthcare costs incurred by SARD
patients, the out-of-pocket costs they face, and the impact of these lifelong disorders on their productivity (ability to work and
participate in unpaid activities in the household and community) are not well known.
For my Ph.D., I am using both administrative data and survey data to better understand the economic burden of SARDs. I'm
accessing de-identified (stripped of names and other personal identifying information) physician, hospital, and prescription
billing data from the BC Ministry of Health for all adult SARD patients in BC, and a comparison (control) group, in order to
calculate the direct medical costs of SARDs over time.
I'm also surveying a random sample of the same SARD patients and controls about their backgrounds, health status,
lifestyle and health behaviours, use of healthcare resources, out-of-pocket costs, and participation in paid and unpaid
activities. This data will be used to see what factors (i.e. ethnic background, smoking status, educational attainment) are
associated with healthcare costs and work disability in SARDs. I will also determine the out-of-pocket costs that people with
SARDs face, and the impact of SARDs on employment. This research should help inform patient care and health policy
while also raising the profile of these little-known diseases.
Citation
1. Zhu TY, Tam LS, Li EK. Cost-of-illness studies in systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review. Arthritis Care Res.
2011;63(5):751-60.
2. Baker K, Pope J. Employment and work disability in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review. Rheumatol Oxf
Engl. 2009 Mar;48(3):2813. Meacock R, Dale N, Harrison MJ. The humanistic and economic burden of systemic lupus erythematosus : a systematic
review. PharmacoEconomics. 2013 Jan;31(1):49-61.
4. Bernatsky S, Lix L, Hanly JG, Hudson M, Badley E, Peschken C, et al. Surveillance of systemic autoimmune rheumatic
diseases using administrative data. Rheumatol Int. 2011 Apr;31(4):549-54.
URO ID
78
Full Name
Adam Raymakers
Research GroupCollaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE)
Website
http://core.ubc.ca/
Mentor Bio
I am a PhD Candidate with the Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) in the Faculty of
Pharmaceutical Sciences under the supervision of Dr Larry Lynd. My research interests are in health economics and
(pharmaco-) epidemiology. My PhD research is focused on lung cancer risk in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) patients that use inhaled corticosteroids and statins. In addition to my PhD research, I am involved with several
projects in the in the area of medical devices, specifically, implantable cardioverter defibrillators. This line of research is
attempting to evaluate patient outcomes using registry data from Cardiac Services British Columbia. In addition, we are
exploring the cost-effectiveness of new and novel technologies in this area as they are brought to market. Finally, I sit as an
Economics Guidance Panel Lead for the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review. In this role, I evaluate submissions from
industry for new oncology drugs and offer analysis to a federal review committee as to whether or not these drugs should be
reimbursed.
Citation
Raymakers AJN, Mayo J, Lam S, FitzGerald JM, Whitehurst DGT, Lynd LD. Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Lung Cancer
Screening Strategies using Low Dose Computed Tomography: a Systematic Review. (Under Review: Journal of Applied
Health Economics and Health Policy, August 2015).
Raymakers AJN, Mayo JR, Marra CA, FitzGerald JM. Diagnostic strategies incorporating computed tomography
angiography for pulmonary embolism: A systematic review of cost-effectiveness analyses. Journal of Thoracic Imaging.
2014; 29(4): 209-216.
Bashir J, Cowan S, Raymakers AJN, Yamashita M, Danter M, Lynd LD. A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Proactive
Management Strategy for the Sprint Fidelis Recall: A Probabilistic Decision Analysis Model. Heart Rhythm. 2013; 10(12):
1761-1767.
Johner A, Raymakers AJN, Wiseman SM. Cost utility of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute
cholecystitis. Journal of Surgical Endoscopy. 2012; 27(1): 256-262.
Seto K, Marra F, Raymakers AJN, Marra CA. The cost-effectiveness of human papillomavirus vaccines: a systematic review.
Drugs. 2012; 72(5): 715-743.
Raymakers AJN, Sadatsafavi M, Marra F, Marra, CA. The Economic and Humanistic Burden of Genital Warts.
Pharmacoeconomics. 2012; 30(1): 1-16.
URO ID
29
Full Name
Yaseen Mottiar
Research GroupDr. Shawn Mansfield, Forestry
Website
http://profiles.forestry.ubc.ca/person/shawn-mansfield/
Mentor Bio
Keywords: biotechnology, plant cell walls, genetically engineered trees, wood chemistry, lignin biology.
My basic training is in biochemistry and chemical engineering and I have worked previously in molecular biology,
environmental microbiology and enzyme engineering. Here at UBC my doctoral research aims to uncover the molecular
underpinnings of wood formation in trees. To do this, I create genetically engineered poplar trees and quantify the changes
in wood quality and chemistry resulting from these genetic alterations.
My research focuses primarily on lignin, a major component of plant cell walls involved in water conduction, plant defence
and structural support. Lignin is problematic for the industrial utilisation of woody plant biomass, particularly in the pulp and
paper industry and in the cellulosic biofuels sector. Previous researchers have achieved remarkable reductions in lignin
content by suppressing endogenous plant genes and introducing novel transgenes from other species. But since lignin is
essential in plant development and physiology, research efforts are currently focused on altering lignin structure in plants to
produce a lignin that is easier to degrade during processing, but which fulfills its biological role in the living plant.
Students under my supervision will be highly motivated and keenly interested in plant biology and biotechnology. I will guide
you through the process of planning and proposing a novel research project in plant cell wall biology and lignin engineering.
This field is highly multidisciplinary and involves elements of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, metabolic
engineering, plant tissue culture and analytical chemistry, among others. We will meet regularly in person and communicate
frequently by email. Working together, I am confident that we will make a meaningful contribution to the field and gain
valuable experience in project planning, the scientific method, scientific communication and much, much more!
Citation
Bonawitz ND, Chapple C. 2013. Can genetic engineering of lignin deposition be accomplished without an unacceptable yield
penalty? Current Opinion in Biotechnology 24: 336-343.
URO ID
30
Full Name
Cora Skaien
Research GroupPeter Arcese
Website
http://arcese.forestry.ubc.ca/
Mentor Bio
Broadly I study plant-herbivore interactions and evolutionary ecology. More specifically, my research interests lie in the
potential of heterogeneity in natural selection to promote local adaptation in heritable morphological traits which influence
individual fitness and population persistence, and maintain genetic variability between populations.
I work in the dry savannah grasslands of the Garry Oak ecosystem in southwestern British Columbia with the plant species
Plectritis congesta, Seablush. My research aims to identify the mechanisms promoting phenotypic differentiation in P.
congesta populations at the landscape scale within the Georgia Basin. Specifically, I am estimating the effect of spatial
variation in herbivory and abiotic factors on the fitness of P. congesta plants that differ dramatically in phenotype through a
common garden experiment on Sidney Island utilizing large exclosures, a large-scale geographic survey of fruit-wing
phenotype, common garden experiments on UBC campus, simulated herbivory experiments in growth chambers
investigating induced and constitutive defences against herbivory and genetic approaches to estimate gene flow and its
effects on local adaptation.
I have mentored and supervised students in my lab previously and hope to go over concepts of experimental design and
basic statistical analyses while exploring either a real data set from my previous field work or hypothetical data based on an
experimental design established. Thus, topics that can be discussed include: plant defenses against herbivores, dispersal
distance of different seed types and rate of population spread, spatial heterogeneity in natural selection, local adaptation to
contrasting environments, separate effects of biotic (herbivory) and abiotic (climate) factors on plants and more! There is
also opportunity to volunteer and help with hands-on biological research in Totem Field on campus IF desired.
I am away TAing a field course October 13-19 and will be visiting family over Christmas. Otherwise, I am mostly available to
meet up week days but not weekends.
Citation
Agren, J., Hellstrom, F., Torang, P. & Ehrlen, J. 2013. Mutualists and antagonists drive among-population variation in
selection and evolution of floral display in a perennial herb. PNAS, early edition.
Siepielski, A. M., Gotanda, K. M., Morrissey, M. B., Diamond, S. E., DiBattista, A. M. & Carlson, S. M. 2013. The spatial
patterns of directional phenotypic selection. Ecology Letters, 16: 1382-1392.
Ganders, F., Carey, K. & Griffiths, A. 1977. Natural selection for a fruit dimorphism in Plectritis congesta (Valerianaceae).
Evolution, 31(4): 873-881.
URO ID
31
Full Name
Juliana Magalhaes
Research GroupBruce Larson
Website
N/A
Mentor Bio
Hey, my name is Juliana and I am originally from Brazil. I am adventurous and enthusiastic PhD student interested in forest
conservation, stand dynamics and modelling. I decided to apply for the UBC Forestry PhD program to contribute to the
understanding of the Silviculture. My research focuses on understanding how fire regimes affect tree species competition
along an elevation gradient in northern Patagonia, Argentina.
Wildfires are a common topic in the latest news. Even though some people may argue against smoke and other negative
effects to society, its role in stand dynamics is important. One vital forest response induced after any disturbance is the
competition above and below ground between tree species. New species and surviving trees attempt to occupy the available
area created; however, only the best competitors will succeed, depending on environmental conditions. Fire occurrences are
expected to increase as the climate changes, therefore the impacts of fire disturbances on tree species competition will be
important. Studying how trees compete will help predict future landscape vegetation patterns. To understand the competitive
fitness of trees species in a forest we combine tree measurements, dendrochronology, and environmental data in forest
models.
My intention with this PhD project is to comprehend the Patagonian forest ecosystem as a whole under a scenario of
disturbances induced by changing climate. This approach will enrich climate change literature and fill literature gaps in the
southern hemisphere. I am a curious, determined and versatile person who enjoys a challenge to improve my own skills.
Therefore, researching and teaching is what I want to do for my professional life. I have a passion for knowledge, and now I
am seeking to contribute my experience and expertise to the Undergraduate Research Experience Program.
Citation
FERNÁNDEZ-DE-UÑA, L.; CAÑELLAS, I.; GEA-IZQUIERDO, G. (2015) Stand competition determines how different tree
species will cope with a warming climate. PLoS ONE 10 (3).
BOLTE, A.; HILBRIG, L.; GRUNDMANN, B.; KAMPF, F.; BRUNET, J.; ROLOFF, A. (2010) Climate change impacts on stand
structure and competitive interactions in a southern Swedish spruce-beech forest. Eur J Forest Res 129: 261-276.