Contributors’ Page

Winter 2020 Contributors

The IMS Magazine is a student-led publication. IMS students are responsible for writing, editing, and photography, while MSc in Biomedical Communications (BMC) students create the design. Meet some of the writers for this issue below!

Mashal Ahmedis a 2 nd year MSc student at IMS, studying under the supervision of Dr. Stefan Kloiber and Dr. Isabelle Boileau. Her research employs neuroimaging techniques to learn more about the neurobiological mechanisms associated with anxietyspectrum disorders. Mashal is doublejointed and can twist her arm 540 degrees!

Laura Best is currently a PhD student with Dr. Isabelle Boileau at CAMH. Her work uses neuroimaging to investigate the involvement of the endogenous cannabinoid system in alcohol use disorder. Check out this issue’s student spotlight to learn more about her work and time with IMS!

Nadia Boachieis a 2 nd year MSc IMS student studying the effects of cannabis on the brain under the supervision of Dr. Isabelle Boileau. Her research uses neuroimaging techniques to assess changes in the brain of chronic cannabis users after approximately 1-week cessation. In her free time Nadia is passionate about cooking, baking, and painting.

Serina Cheungis a 2 nd year MSc student at IMS investigating treatments for castration-resistant prostate cancer under the supervision of Dr. Marianne Koritzinsky. In her free time, she is either planning her next vacation or being an avid consumer of Korean pop music.

Kenya Costa-Dookhan is a 2 nd year MSc student in the IMS. She is supervised by Dr. Margaret Hahn and her work focuses on the mechanisms of and treatment interventions for antipsychotic induced weight gain among patients with severe mental illnesses. In her spare time, Kenya loves cycling and trying new restaurants.

Sonja Elsaidis a 2 nd year IMS Ph.D. student investigating brain function and cannabis use in individuals with social anxiety. Prior to going back to school, Sonja was a clinical research and medical communications professional with nearly 20 years of experience.

Diana Hamdan is a recent MSc graduate continuing her work on molecular mechanisms of immune cell trafficking in vascular inflammation with Dr. Lisa Robinson at the Hospital for Sick Children. Outside the lab, Diana is involved in initiatives that promote sustainable practices in urban environments.

Krystal Jacquesis a 2 nd year IMS PhD student using human embryonic stem cells and lineage tracing mouse models to study the origins of pancreatic stem cells under the supervision of Dr. Derek van der Kooy. Outside the lab she is passionate about fine art photography, writing fiction, painting and running. Instagram: Krystaljacques_

Jason Lo Hog Tian is a 2 nd year MSc doctoral stream student at IMS investigating the barriers preventing people living with HIV from seeking treatment under the supervision of Dr. Sean Rourke. He is committed to developing his scientific communication skills through writing for the magazine. Tweet @JasonLoTweets

Natalie Simonian is a 1 st year MSc student at IMS. She is working under the supervision of Dr. Harry Janssen investigating the pathology behind Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). In her free time she likes to spend time with family and friends, write short stories, and travel. Instagram: _nataliesim

Mikaeel Valliis currently completing his PhD with specialization in neuroscience at IMS. He is working with Dr. Antonio Strafella and his lab using neuroimaging techniques to ultimately better understand the underlying pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. Check out Mikaeel’s travel-bite article about his experience visiting South Korea!

The IMS Design Team 2020

is a group of 2 nd year students in the MSc in Biomedical Communications (BMC) program. Turning scientific research into compelling visualizations is their shared passion, and they are thrilled to contribute to the IMS Magazine. From left to right: Chloe Ng (visualsbychloe.com) Hang Yu Lin (hlin-visuals.com) Roxanne Ziman (roxanneziman.com) Su Min Suh (su-visual.com) Janell Lin (janell-lin.format.com/)