Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Group of Pharmaceutical Sciences students sitting in Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy Building

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science provides an opportunity to recognize the importance of gender diversity in science and to celebrate the work of scientists who identify as women. The Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy is pleased to celebrate our graduate trainees who are contributing to research innovation and shaping the future of science.

Sofia Zelko

MSc, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Angers Lab

I am investigating a novel antibody which targets Wnt signalling in brain endothelial cells. The goal of this research is to assess the antibody’s capabilities to tighten the blood brain barrier in hopes of reducing brain damage in traumatic events such as stroke.

I’ve always had an interest in learning and science - growing up I loved watching any kind of documentary I could get my hands on. So, when it came time to choose my career path, it was an easy decision. I love working in a field where new things are discovered every day and we are able to constantly push the ceiling of what’s possible.

Angela Pollinzi

MSc, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Piquette-Miller Lab

My research focuses on drug disposition in pregnancy and how various inflammatory conditions, such as preeclamspia and lupus, affect the expression of transporters in the placenta. The key aim of my research is to help inform therapy recommendations for women in these disease states in order to ensure both maternal and fetal health.

As a woman in the field of women’s health, my own experiences have pushed me to seek opportunities where I can use my skills to represent an understudied population. Having enjoyed science from a young age, it felt natural to follow a path that combined that passion with an area that I am intimately affected by.

Elliya Park

PhD, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Wu Lab

I study nanomedicine that can safely deliver drugs into the brain. My research uses this technology to treat Alzheimer's Disease.

I like science and also helping other people. I find it fascinating to use science to help improve people's lives.

Lauren Cranmer

MSc, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Pardee Lab

My research aims to use decentralized cell-free systems to manufacture affordable immunotherapy growth factors. I am also attempting to engineer synthetic tumour infiltrating lymphocytes for targeted cancer therapy.

In my first year of my undergraduate degree, I became very interested in iPSCs, which sparked my interest in regenerative medicine. This inspired me to get involved in research early in undergrad and is why I am here today.

Sarah Cash

PhD, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Cummins Lab

My research explores the role of nuclear hormone receptors and their coregulatory proteins in metabolic diseases, such as Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity. My main focus is understanding the molecular mechanism of novel coregulator ARGLU1 and how it may affect Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor target gene transcription and subsequent downstream effects.

I've always been inspired by my friends and family, who challenge themselves to try new things and to achieve their goals. I've always been passionate about science and helping others, and am very thankful for the opportunity to perform research surrounded by such wonderful female friends.

Tiffany Ho

PhD, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Zheng lab

Cancer nanomedicines have garnered great interest due to their potential to improve conventional drug delivery, diagnosis, and therapy. My research focuses on the development of a novel light-activatable nanotechnology platform for photodynamic therapy applications. The ability to activate these nano-agents with light allows for the precise control and localization of treatment to the tumour site while leaving surrounding normal healthy tissue unharmed, minimizing off-target side effects faced by patients.

I've always had an inherent curiosity and passion for the sciences, but what truly inspired me to be where I am today were the amazing people I've been fortunate to call teachers, friends, and family. To the most inspiring and influential people in my life—mom, dad, thank you for always believing in me, supporting me, and pushing me forward.

Celene Titus

PhD, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Bendayan Lab

My research focuses on identifying novel peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists in the treatment of HIV-Associated Neurological Disorders (HAND). Currently, I'm working with a novel PPARγ agonist called INT131 to examine its anti-inflammatory effects in the EcoHIV infected mice, a model that is representative of HAND.

I completed my Bachelor of Health Sciences specializing in Biology and Pharmacology from McMaster University in 2021. During my time as an undergraduate student, I enjoyed learning about drug discovery and development and wanted to continue my passion for research in this field.

Andrea McCracken

MSc, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dolovich Lab

My research interests involve supporting interventions and collaborative practices that can improve mental health care delivery and medication management in pharmacy, specifically with post-secondary students. Medication use can be challenging on its own and there is little information about the associated experiences and needs of students with psychotropic medication management. Identifying these needs from students’ perspectives will help determine psychotropic medication management challenges that could be addressed by pharmacists of the healthcare team.

I draw my inspiration from the support of my family, friends and life experiences. Personally, pharmacists have helped me navigate the healthcare system and understand medications to help those close to me. I wish I had known this earlier and that is why I hope my study can help fill this gap in mental health resources for students.

Tracy Zhang

Master of Science in Pharmacy (MScPhm)
Batistella Lab

Having worked as a pharmacist for many years, I have always been interested in trying to better understand how my patients feel about taking and managing their medications. My research will involve interviewing patients on hemodialysis, who take, on average, 19 tablets per day. I will explore their experiences managing these medications and having to see many healthcare professionals in a variety of clinical settings just to make sure these medications are safe and effective.

I find a lot of inspiration in collaborating with the people around me - my patients, coworkers, classmates, friends and family - in order to chip away at a hard problem together. I truly believe that two minds are greater than one. This is why I'm pursuing my MScPhm - to learn and be able to work with other students, professors and clinicians on chipping away at hard questions in the pharmaceutical care space through research, education and clinical practice.

Shanzeh Chaudhry

MSc, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Tadrous Lab

My research focuses on pharmacoepidemiology, drug safety and drug policy with a specific interest in post-marketing surveillance. I use large data sets to answer questions about the impacts of health interventions and safety communications on prescription rates.

As a South Asian woman, I’m constantly being told I can’t do something. My motivation and drive come from my determination to challenge gender and ethnic stereotypes. I aspire to be a leader in driving health policy changes and leveraging real-world evidence to evaluate the impact of health interventions.

Madelynn Hannah

Master of Science in Pharmacy (MScPhm)
Sproule Lab

My research is still in early stages but will focus on the role that TikTok plays in medication education for psychiatric medications. My clinical practicum is at SickKids working with paediatric patients in the mental health/eating disorders unit, and all of them seem to use TikTok (both for fun, as well as for educational purposes)! We would like to characterize the psychiatric medication-related content on TikTok, which is our patients tell us they are searching for medication information.

I have always had an interest in mental health and substance use disorders, as well as clinical education. My hospital residency at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health fostered these interests and highlighted the vital role that pharmacists play in caring for patients with complex and severe mental illness. When the opportunity came up to take my clinical practice to SickKids as their first psychiatry pharmacist and continue building my clinical, teaching, and research skills within the MScPhm program, it seemed like the perfect next step in my career!