Director’s Message

DIRECTOR’S

MESSAGE

Summer is a time when academia tends to slow down but the IMS Magazine team has been hard at work preparing the Fall 2022 Issue. In this issue, the team explores how biology and technology intersect in the laboratory. With creativity, innovation and outstanding collaboration, IMS is paving the road for new approaches to studying and treating human diseases.

Researchers in the IMS have embraced new technology, allowing them to overcome unique challenges in their fields. Read about how Dr. Mamatha Bhat is using nanotechnology and targeted therapy to improve outcomes after liver transplantation. Dr. Anurag Tandon is taking an innovative approach to enhance drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier and find effective treatments for Parkinson’s disease using nano- and ultrasound technology. Dr. Katherine Siminovitch’s lab has created new mouse models that better replicate the development and complexity of human autoimmune disease.

Two prominent leaders in the IMS community are also featured in this issue. Our new IMS Coordinator Dr. John Vincent and the outgoing IMSSA Co-President, Kayvan Aflaki share their perspectives on the importance of achieving work-life balance.

After a two-year hiatus, we were finally able to gather in-person as a community for the IMS Scientific Day 2022. Following an invigorating keynote address by Dr. Gelareh Zadeh, we celebrated the exceptional work and perseverance of our graduate students. Much like the faculty featured in this issue, we also embraced technology this year by hosting an eco-friendly, electronic poster presentation session. Members of our community also gathered for IMS Connects, an important career panel and networking event designed to help prepare our graduates for careers in academia or industry. In this issue our students reflect on how in-person events are essential networking opportunities and can renew their sense of community and enthusiasm for research.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Mikaeel Valli for his unparalleled dedication to the IMS Magazine. Since joining our department in 2016, Mikaeel contributed to an astounding 18 issues of the IMS Magazine. On behalf of the IMS, we thank you for your commitment and wish you continued success in your future endeavours. I look forward to continuing to work with Jason, and welcome Stacey in her new role as Co-Editor in Chief. Once again, I applaud the journalists, editors, photographers, and design team for their contributions to the Fall 2022 Issue. I hope you enjoy learning about the exciting innovation happening in our laboratories!

Sincerely,

Dr. Mingyao Liu Director, Institute of Medical Science

Photo Credit: Mikaeel Valli

DR. MINGYAO LIU

Director, Institute of Medical Science Professor, Department of Surgery Senior Scientist, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network