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Former Lab Members

MSc and PhD Trainees

2023-09 - 2025-08	Urooj Syed, MSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University. Supervisor: KHAN, ZA *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Christopher Howlett *Thesis title:* Endothelial remodeling and niche reorganization in the ageing bone marrow.
2021-09 - 2023-08	Mackenzie Hsu, MSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University. Supervisor: KHAN, ZA *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Christopher Howlett *Thesis title:* Mechanisms underlying stem cell depletion in ageing.
2018-05 - 2023-04	Damir Rosic, MSc; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Graduate Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University. Supervisor: Dr. Christina McCord Co-supervisor: KHAN, ZA Thesis title: Characterizing human papillomavirus associated oral epithelial dysplasia. Subsequent position: Continuation of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at Western University.
2015-09 - 2021-12	Jina J.Y. Kum, PhD; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Collaborative Program in Developmental Biology, Western University. Supervisor: KHAN, ZA Co-supervisor: Dr. Christopher Howlett Thesis title: Alteration of bone marrow microenvironment and stem cell depletion in diabetes. Subsequent position: Policy Analyst at the Ministry of Health, Toronto ON.
2015-10 - 2020-12	Benjamin Rogala, MSc; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Graduate Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University. Supervisor: Dr. Mark Darling Co-supervisor: KHAN, ZA Thesis title: Etiology of granular cell tumours. Subsequent position: Continuation of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at Western University.
2018-09 - 2019-11	Yohan Kim, PhD; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Chandan Chakraborty (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University) *Thesis title:* Discovery of novel mechanisms regulating cancer extravasation in the chorioallantoic membrane model
2018-05 - 2019-12	Lei Qi, MSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University Thesis title: Lipopolysaccharide-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in myeloid cell
2016-04 - 2017-08	Natalie Montwill, MSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Co-supervisor: N/A Thesis title: Potency and lineage trajectory of infantile hemangioma stem cells.
2015-09 - 2017-08	Zeynep Kahramanoglu, MSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Collaborative Program in Developmental Biology, Western University *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Michele Weir (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University) *Thesis title:* Mechanisms of vascular proliferation in ovarian cancer.
2014-09 – 2016-07	Niamh C. Richmond, MSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Collaborative Program in Developmental Biology, Western University *Thesis title:* Mechanisms regulating differentiation competence in hemangioma stem cells *Subsequent position:* PhD at the University of Oxford.
2014-01 - 2016-01	Matthew Morrison, MSc Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Graduate Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* Kallikrein-related peptidases are dysregulated in pleomorphic adenoma: a case-control study *Joint supervisor:* Dr. Mark Darling (Pathology, Western University) *Subsequent position:* Continuation of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at Western University.
2013-09 - 2015-05	Meghan A. Piccinin, MSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* Mechanisms of stem cell depletion in diabetes *Subsequent position:* MD program at Michigan State University.
2013-09 - 2015-05	Jina J.Y. Kum, MSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* Mechanism of action of current treatments for infantile hemangioma *Subsequent position:* PhD program in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Western University.
2013-01 – 2015-05	Jacqueline Cox, MSc Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Graduate Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* Expression of human tissue kallikreins in polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma *Joint-supervisor:* Dr. Mark Darling (Pathology, Western University) *Subsequent position:* Continuation of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at Western University.
2011-09 - 2013-05	Zachary Kerr, MSc Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Graduate Program, Department of Pathology, Western University *Thesis title:* Expression of kallikrein-related peptidases in adenoid cystic carcinomas *Joint-supervisors:* Drs. Tom Daley and Mark Darling (Pathology, Western University) *Subsequent position:* Continuation of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at Western University.
2009-09 - 2013-08	Emily C. Keats, PhD; Department of Pathology, Western University *Thesis title:* Vascular stem cells in diabetic complications *Subsequent position:* Master of Public Health (MPH) at University of Toronto.
2009-04 - 2010-05	Alexandra Kleiman, MSc; Department of Pathology, Western University *Thesis title:* Insulin-like growth factor-2 in infantile hemangioma pathogenesis *Subsequent position:* Nursing program (BScN) at University of Toronto.

MClSc - Pathologists' Assistant Trainees

2017-01 – 2018-04	Alyshia Phillips, MClSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Co-supervisor:* Drs. Mark Darling (Pathology, Western University)
2016-04 – 2017-04	Ariel Harriman, MClSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Project title:* Development of novel diagnostic tools for oral dysplasia. *Joint supervisor:* Dr. Kristina McCord (Pathology, Western University)
2016-04 – 2017-04	Terry Robbins, MClSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Project title:* Role of human papillomavirus in oral dysplasia. *Joint supervisor:* Dr. Kristina McCord (Pathology, Western University)
2015-03 – 2016-05	Steffi Stephenson, MClSc; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Project title:* Wnt signaling in hemangioma stem cell differentiation *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Nancy G. Chan (Pathology, Western University) *Subsequent position:* Pathologist’s Assistant at London Health Sciences Centre, London ON.
2012-09 - 2013-05	Jacqueline Hunter, MSc (PA); Department of Pathology, Western University *Project title:* A comparative in vitro study of epithelial cells derived from normal mammary glands and breast adenocarcinoma *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Nancy G. Chan (Pathology, Western University) *Subsequent position:* Pathologist’s Assistant in Calgary, AB.
2012-09 - 2013-05	Kara McArthur, MSc (PA); Department of Pathology, Western University *Project title:* Characterization of salivary gland-derived epithelial cells *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Mark Darling (Pathology, Western University) *Subsequent position:* Pathologist’s Assistant at Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton ON.
2012-09 - 2013-05	Kathryn Logan, MSc (PA); Department of Pathology, Western University *Project title:* Metabolic memory in vascular endothelial cells *Subsequent position:* Pathologist’s Assistant in Kingston, ON.
2011-09 - 2012-05	Emily Wilkins, MSc (PA); Department of Pathology, Western University *Project title:* Selective upregulation of kallikreins in mucoepidermoid carcinoma *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Mark Darling (Pathology, Western University) *Subsequent position:* Pathologist’s Assistant at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, ON.

Bachelor of Medical Science Trainees

2025-09 - 2026-04	Lisa Fang, BMSc Honors Specialization in Biochemistry and Pathology of Human Disease, Western University Thesis title: Cell-free long non-coding RNAs as mediators of endothelial activation: a novel biomarker of bacterial sepsis. *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Fatimeh AlMutawa (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine). *Subsequent position:* Undergraduate Summer Research Internship 2026, Western University.
2025-09 - 2026-04	Asiba Noori, BMSc Honors Specialization in Pathology, Western University Thesis title: Unmasking the residual hemangioblast: an investigation into the persistence and ageing of bipotential progenitors in the adult mouse bone marrow. *Subsequent position:* MD program at McMaster University.
2025-09 - 2026-04	Shadi Ahmadian, BMSc Honors Specialization in Pathology, Western University Thesis title: Inflammatory burden and microbial features of chronic osteomyelitis of the Jaw. *Supervisor:* Dr. Christina McCord (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine). *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Khan, Zia A. .
2024-09 - 2025-04	Maria Cristina Mehele, BMSc Honors Specialization in Pathology, Western University *Thesis title:* Identification of stem cell transcripts in the mouse bone marrow. *Subsequent position:* MSc program at Western University.
2023-09 - 2024-04	Briana Angelique Battick, BMSc Honors Specialization in Pathology, Western University Thesis title: Identifying markers of bone marrow adipogenesis.
2023-09 - 2024-04	Advika Rath, BMSc Honors Specialization in Biochemistry and Pathology of Human Disease, Western University Thesis title: Elucidating the potential association between bone marrow neuropathy and enhanced adipogenesis in diabetes. *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Jina Kum (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine). *Subsequent position:* Dentistry program in University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
2023-09 - 2024-04	Jason Aravinda Sooklall, BMSc Honors Specialization in Pathology, Western University Thesis title: Identification of bacterial species in refractory and non-refractory osteomyelitis. *Supervisor:* Dr. Christina McCord (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine). *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Khan, Zia A. *Subsequent position:* JD program at Western University.

2023-09 - 2024-04	Maria Cristina Mehele, BMSc Honors Specialization in Pathology, Western University Thesis title: Identification of stem cell transcripts in mouse bone marrow. *Subsequent position:* MSc program at Western University.
2023-09 - 2024-04	Maya Resendes Torrado, BMSc Honors Specialization in Pathology, Western University Thesis title: Hyperglycemic memory of vascular endothelial cells. *Subsequent position:* Pathologists' Assistant program at the University of Toronto.
2023-09 - 2024-04	Aparna Sreeram, BMSc Honors Specialization in Biochemistry and Pathology of Human Disease, Western University Thesis title: Association between bone marrow neuropathy and adipogenesis in diabetes. *Subsequent position:* MD program at Queen's University.
2022-09 - 2023-04	Natalia Dabrowski, BMSc Honors Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University Thesis title: Differential expression of myeloid and lymphoid lineage-associated genes in bone marrows of aged mice. *Subsequent position:* MD program at Western University.
2022-09 - 2023-04	Shirley Wang, BMSc Honors Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University Thesis title: Unlocking cellular potency for regenerative therapies.
2021-09 - 2022-04	Narisa Dhupar, BMSc Honors Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling in target organ dysfunction in diabetes. *Subsequent position:* MSc program at the University of Toronto.
2021-09 - 2022-04	Iqra Rehman, BMSc Honors Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University Thesis title: Expression of PPARG and PPARG-target genes in non-adipose tissues.
2020-09 - 2021-04	Ruo Hao Zhang, BMSc Honors Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* Wnt signaling in ovarian cancer. *Subsequent position:* MD program at the University of Toronto.
2019-09 - 2020-04	Darya Abdolmaleki, BMSc Honors Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* Identification of Carboplatin Resistant Cell Subpopulation in High Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma. *Subsequent position:* MSc program at Western University.
2017-09 – 2018-04	Seongryoung Han, BMSc Honors Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* Elucidating carboplatin signaling mechanisms in ovarian cancer *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Michele Weir (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine). *Subsequent position:* Nursing program at Western University.
2017-09 – 2018-04	Sahana Nirmaiyan, BMSc Honors Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* Transforming growth factor-β signaling in mesenchymal progenitor cells.
2016-10 - 2017-04	Meera Shah, BMSc Honors Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* Histogenesis & immunohistochemical profile of granular cell tumour *Primary supervisor:* Dr. Mark Darling (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine) *Subsequent position:* MD program at Western University.
2016-10 – 2017-04	Jeyanth Inkaran, BMSc Honors Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* In vitro modeling of salivary gland tumours *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Mark Darling (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine) *Subsequent position:* MD program at McMaster University.
2015-09 – 2016-04	Kristina Martinsons, BMSc Honors Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University *Thesis title:* Kallikrien expression in mucoepidermoid carcinoma *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Mark Darling (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine) *Subsequent position:* Dentistry program at University of Toronto.
2013-09 - 2014-05	Sandra Mekhaiel, BMSc Honors Program; Department of Pathology, Western University *Thesis title:* Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in ovarian cancer *Co-supervisor:* Dr. Michele Weir (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine) *Subsequent position:* MD program at Western University.
2012-09 - 2013-05	Sydney Todorovich, BMSc Honors Program; Department of Pathology, Western University *Thesis title:* Role of developmentally-regulated transcription factors in hemangioma *Subsequent position:* MPH program at Western University 2013-2014; MD program at Western University 2014.
2012-09 - 2013-05	Jina J.Y. Kum, BMSc Honors Program; Department of Pathology, Western University *Thesis title:* Mechanism of action of current treatments for infantile hemangioma *Subsequent position:* MSc program in Pathology at Western University. Accepted with scholarship to the MD program at St George’s University, Grenada, West Indies (deferred).
2010-09 - 2011-05	Cassandra M. Welten, BMSc Honors Program; Department of Pathology, Western University *Thesis title:* Characterization of stem cell phenotype in hemangioblastoma *Subsequent position:* MD program at University of British Columbia.
2008-09 - 2009-05	Angelica Ortiz, BMSc Honors Program; Department of Pathology, Western University *Thesis title:* Hyperglycemia-induced alterations in endothelial progenitor cell function *Subsequent position:* Biomedical Communications graduate program (MSc) at University of Toronto.
2008-09 - 2009-05	James Yip, BMSc Honors Program; Department of Pathology, Western University *Thesis title:* Identification of anti-adipogenic factors in hemangioma-derived stem cells *Subsequent position:* MSc program in Pathology at Western University.

Scholar's Elective Trainees

2024-09 - 2025-04	Grace Eunbin Kim, Scholars’ Elective SE3305E, Western University Project title: Directed neuroglial transdifferentiation of somatic cells for neural regeneration. *Subsequent position:* MD program at the University of Toronto.
2023-09 - 2024-04	Grace Eunbin Kim, Scholars’ Elective SE2200E, Western University Project title: Niches in dishes.
2021-09 - 2022-04	Katharine Radcliffe, Scholars’ Elective SE2200E, Western University Project title: TGFB dysregulation in short-term diabetes in mice.
2016-10 – 2017-04	Samina Nazarali, Scholars’ Elective SE3303E, Western University *Project title:* Role of transforming growth factor signaling in marrow stem cell differentiation *Subsequent position:* Continuation of Bachelor of Medical Science (BMSc).
2015-09 – 2016-04	Samina Nazarali, Scholars’ Elective SE2200E, Western University *Project title:* Identification of neurogenic differentiation mechanisms in postnatal stem cells *Subsequent position:* Continuation of Scholar’s Elective program.
2011-09 - 2012-05	Andrew J. MacDonald, Scholars’ Elective SE3304E, Western University *Project title:* Identification and characterization of breast cancer stem cells *Subsequent position:* MD program at Queens University.
2011-09 - 2012-05	Gaelle M. N. Groux, Scholar’s Elective SE1020Y, Western University *Project title:* Diabetes-induced oxidative stress in vascular stem cells *Subsequent position:* Continuation of Scholar’s Elective program at Western University.
2010-09 - 2011-05	Andrew J. MacDonald, Scholars’ Elective SE3303E, Western University *Project title:* Induced expression of blood-brain barrier markers in endothelial cells through astrocyte co-culturing *Subsequent position:* Continuation of Scholar’s Elective program at Western University.
2009-09 - 2010-05	Megan Brockman, Scholars’ Elective SE3303E, Western University *Project title:* Role of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in infantile hemangioma pathogenesis *Subsequent position:* Pharmacy program (BSc Pharm) at University of Alberta.
2008-09 - 2009-05	Megan Brockman, Scholars’ Elective SE1020Y, Western University *Project title:* Vascular maturation and regression in infantile hemangioma *Subsequent position:* Continuation of Scholar’s Elective program at Western University.

Elizabeth E. Roach, PC Shah Student, Western University
Project title: Mechanisms regulating adipogenesis in infantile hemangioma
Subsequent position: Continuation of MD program at Western University.

Summer students & volunteers

2015-05 – 2016-05	Katie Martini, Applied Science Research Student, Nanuet Public Schools, New York *Project title:* Pathogenesis of infantile hemangioma.
2015-05 - 2015-08	Ruan Lima, BSc, Science Without Borders *Project title:* Role of matrix metalloproteinases in cell morphology and differentiation *Subsequent position:* Continuation of BSc program in Brazil.
2015-05 - 2015-08	Gena Ibrahim, BMSc Volunteer, Western University *Project title:* Kinase-dependent and –independent signaling regulating collagen expression in stem cells. *Subsequent position:* Continuation of the BMSc program at Western University.
2015-05 - 2015-08	Mareyam Ghatreh-Samani, BMSc Volunteer, Western University *Project title:* Epigenetic regulation of adipogenesis. *Subsequent position:* Continuation of the BMSc program at Western University.
2012-05 - 2012-08	Jina J.Y. Kum, BMSc Volunteer, Western University *Project title:* Mechanisms of propranolol’s effect of hemangioma-derived cells *Subsequent position:* BMSc Honors Specialization in Pathology & Toxicology at Western University.
2011-01 - 2011-08	Nicole Park, MSc; Western University *Project title:* Role of stem-ness phenotype in breast cancer cell metastasis *Subsequent position:* PhD in Molecular Genetics program at University of Toronto.
2009-09 - 2011-05	Rana Chakrabarti, BMSc Volunteer; Western University *Project title:* Signaling mechanisms underlying adipogenesis in infantile hemangioma *Subsequent position:* MD/MPH program at St George’s University, Grenada, West Indies.
2009-05 - 2009-08	Ruby Ambalavanar, BSc Work Study; Western University *Joint-supervisor:* Dr. Mark Darling *Project title:* Identifying the genetic basis of infantile hemangioma pathogenesis *Subsequent position:* Continuation of the BSc program at Western University.