TRAINEE EXECUTIVE
The BSC Trainee Executive comprises a diverse group of young biophysical researchers from across the country. The primary goal of the BSC Trainee Executive is to engage trainees and to preserve and expand the biophysics culture in Canada.
One of the main initiatives of the BSC Trainee Executive is the yearly BSC Trainee Symposium which is held at the beginning of the annual BSC Meeting. This initiative provides an opportunity for trainees to present their work in oral presentations, network with other trainees and established researchers as well as gain perspectives on scientific careers outside of academia through networking interactions with a diverse group of guest speakers. The specific themes of the symposium vary from year to year depending on the preferences and opinions voiced by trainees, however, two important aims persist. First, is the opportunity for high quality trainees to share their research. Second, trainees are exposed to the diverse career opportunities that are available in the field of biophysics.
The BSC Trainee Executive is eager to plan and lead trainee-focused activities and initiatives. The Executive is receptive to new members who have a passion for expanding biophysics in Canada. Please take a closer look at the BSC Trainee Executive members by reading below!
Morgan Robinson
President
University of Waterloo
I am a PhD Candidate in Pharmaceutical Sciences supervised by Dr. Zoya Leonenko and Dr. Michael Beazely. I have an MSc in Biology and BSc in Physics and Biophysics. I am driven by the goals of advancing human flourishing and the alleviation of human suffering. To that end, I wish to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms which drive age-related cognitive decline. I combine molecular biology and atomic force microscopy techniques to understand how lipid membrane structure affects receptor signaling pathways in Alzheimer’s disease. On a personal level, I am happiest when I am in the forest, at dusk, after a long hike or paddle.
Sarika Kumari
Vice President
Memorial University
I am Sarika I have completed my MSc from the University of Saskatchewan. I am currently a Ph.D. student at the Memorial University working under the supervision of Dr. Valerie Booth. My research work focuses on how antimicrobial peptide interacts with whole cell bacteria using solid-state NMR Spectroscopy technique. In my free time, I love to play badminton and explore new events in town.
Bronwyn Lyons
Communications Director
University of British Columbia
Bronwyn completed her MSc at the University of Guelph in Dr. Rod Merrill’s laboratory. She is currently a PhD student in Dr. Natalie Strynadka’s laboratory at UBC. For her PhD, she is studying various mechanisms and structures encompassing the type 3 secretion system in a variety of pathogens, using cryo-EM and X-ray crystallographic techniques.
Haydee Mesa-Galloso
Communications Director
University of Calgary
I received my B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Biochemistry from the University of Havana, Cuba. Currently, I am a Ph.D. candidate in Biological Sciences under the supervision of Professor D. Peter Tieleman, Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Molecular Simulation, University of Calgary, Canada. I am a 2018 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar and a 2017 Alberta Innovates Health Solution Graduate Studentship awardee. My current research area focuses on the characterization of lipid-protein interactions in ion-channels using molecular dynamics simulations. In my free time, I enjoy dancing latin music, doing yoga and reading history books. I have also spent many hours on Neflix and to cook.
Benjamin Baylis
Member at Large
University of Guelph
I am currently a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph working under the supervision of Dr. John Dutcher. My research involves using atomic force microscopy to investigate the properties of a novel nanoparticle, phytoglycogen, which is naturally produced by corn. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and going camping and fishing.
Tam Pham
Member at Large
Dalhousie University
Most folks know of me as Tam. I self-identify as a nonbinary genderfluid and my pronouns are they/she/he. I completed my undergrads at the University of Toronto as an Honours student of the late researcher Dr. Deborah Zamble. I am a PhD candidate at Dalhousie University in Rainey lab. My research centers around understanding protein structure-function correlation using NMR spectroscopy, computational analysis, and functionally relevant applications to study a member of class A GPCRs and its endogenous ligand. Outside of research, I am inspired to advocate for diversity and inclusivity for 2SLGBTQ+ folks within Nova Scotian local community and in STEM environment. I am a creative person as I like to read light and visual novels, draw and dance.
Alex Brown
Member at Large
Dalhousie University
I am a PhD candidate in the department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University. My research, under the supervision of Dr. Langelaan, investigates the protein-protein interactions between a melanocyte-specific transcription factor and its co-regulators. Using biophysical techniques and functional cell-based assays, I aim to gain a better understanding of how these proteins work together to regulate gene expression, and how their misregulation can lead to the development of melanoma skin cancer. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking new foods, listening to podcasts, and exploring the beautiful coastal scenery of Nova Scotia.
MacAulay Harvey
Member at Large
Saint Mary’s University
I am currently an honours student in physics at Saint Mary’s University under the supervision of Dr. Richard Cisek and Dr. Danielle Tokarz. My research project is investigating how the nonlinear properties of certain optical fibers can be used to create a wavelength tunable laser source for nonlinear optical microscopy. This will allow us to investigate the wavelength dependence of nonlinear optical phenomena in various samples. In my free time I enjoy Hiking, playing chess, and reading.