As Brain Cancer Awareness Day approaches on October 24, Martell’s research is a timely reminder of the urgent need for safer, more effective therapies.

We asked Emma about her research, her inspiration to choose this line of research and her future plans.

Can you briefly describe your dissertation research in plain language for readers who may not be experts in your field?

My dissertation, “Identifying Targetable Metabolic Vulnerabilities for Treating Brain Cancers”, focused on finding new treatment strategies for two highly aggressive types of brain tumours, glioblastoma in adults and medulloblastoma in children. Standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation harm healthy cells along with tumour cells, causing severe side effects, especially in children. I studied how brain tumour cells rewire their energy production to fuel growth and survival, and then tested drugs that block these altered pathways. In medulloblastoma, I found that disrupting mitochondrial metabolism caused the cancer-driving protein MYC to break down, slowing tumour growth without affecting healthy brain cells. In glioblastoma, I discovered that cells surviving standard therapy undergo a metabolic “rewiring” that drives relapse, and that blocking this shift prevented tumour regrowth in preclinical models. This work shows that targeting tumour metabolism could lead to more precise, less toxic therapies.

What inspired you to focus on this particular research topic?

I have long been fascinated by how cancer cells hijack normal cellular processes to grow uncontrollably. Unlike infectious diseases, where foreign pathogens can be targeted, cancer arises from our own cells, making each case unique and difficult to treat. Brain cancers like glioblastoma and medulloblastoma are especially devastating, with poor outcomes and treatments that have hardly changed in decades. Most patients still receive toxic radiation and chemotherapy that cause lasting damage, especially in children. I wanted to contribute to research that moves beyond this “one-size-fits-all” approach toward therapies that target vulnerabilities unique to tumour cells, with the goal of improving both survival and quality of life.

What was the most challenging aspect of your research?

The biggest challenge was narrowing down my research focus in such a broad and complex field. When I began my PhD, there were countless potential directions, and it was tempting to chase every new lead. With invaluable support and guidance from my supervisor, Dr. Tanveer Sharif, I learned to define clear goals and focus on the most impactful questions. This shift from “doing more” to “doing what matters most” was critical for completing cohesive studies and publishing strong findings. This balance between exploration and focus was one of the most important lessons I carried forward from my PhD.

Did you encounter any unexpected discoveries or surprises along the way?

Yes, in fact, some of my most exciting findings came from unexpected results. For example, when I blocked mitochondrial metabolism in medulloblastoma cells, I expected the MYC gene itself to be turned off, but it wasn’t. Yet, the protein disappeared despite ongoing gene activity. This led me to uncover a new chemical modification of the MYC protein that tagged it for destruction, revealing a new way to target this cancer driver. In glioblastoma, I found that after standard therapy, tumour cells increased their mitochondrial activity but paradoxically shut down key mitochondrial enzymes. I discovered that they were using an alternative metabolic pathway, which in turn reshaped gene regulation. Following these surprising results instead of dismissing them opened up entirely new insights into how brain tumours adapt and survive, highlighting the importance of following the data even when results don’t match expectations.

Why is your research important, and how could it impact your field or society at large?

Although brain tumors account for only about 2% of all cancer cases, they are among the most difficult to treat and account for the fourth-highest number of years of life lost to cancer. Unlike many other cancers, where survival rates have steadily improved, deaths from brain cancers have remained relatively unchanged over the past two decades. My research focuses on targeting the distinct energy demands of brain tumour cells, with the goal of developing therapies that are both more effective and less toxic. This could ultimately improve survival while also preserving the quality of life for brain cancer patients. More broadly, my findings add to a growing body of evidence that exploiting the unique metabolic vulnerabilities of tumours represents a promising therapeutic strategy across the cancer spectrum.

What are your next steps—do you plan to continue this research, move into a related area, or apply it in an industry setting?

I am continuing my research in brain cancer with a Postdoctoral Fellowship grant from the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. In this next phase, I am expanding beyond tumour metabolism to study how brain cancer cells interact with the healthy cells around them in the tumour microenvironment. These interactions help tumours grow, spread, and resist therapy. By uncovering the communication signals that drive these behaviors, I aim to identify new strategies to block them and weaken the tumour. In the long term, I hope to help translate these discoveries into more effective treatments for patients.

Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies congratulated Dr. Martell on the honour of being selected for this award: “Her research exemplifies the impact of graduate research at the University of Manitoba—advancing knowledge while addressing pressing health challenges. Dr. Martell’s work increases our understanding of brain cancer and also offers hope for new approaches to treatment that could change lives.”

After testing 8,500 drugs, the research team discovered that poziotinib – a drug that already exists and is approved for other cancers – reduced breast cancer brain metastasis tumours in mice after two weeks of treatment.

Brain metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread from one part of the body to the brain and form tumours. This study focused on HER2-positive breast cancer, which contains abundant levels of HER2 protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells.

[Left to right] Dr. Danyyl Ippolitov, Dr. Sabine Hombach-Klonisch and Dr. Thomas Klonisch.

Brain metastasis can happen years after successfully treating a breast cancer tumour and occurs in about 50 per cent of individuals with HER2-positive breast cancer, says Dr. Sabine Hombach-Klonisch, professor and head of the department of human anatomy and cell science at the Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

“This is a huge success,” says Hombach-Klonisch, a lead author of the study that was recently published in the journal Cancer Research.

“We set out to look for drugs that would penetrate the brain, and also effectively reduce the metastatic brain tumour and we found a drug that did that. It’s a leap forward in reducing the tumour mass in the brain.”

The scientists were faced with finding a drug that could penetrate the blood-brain barrier, a layer of cells that acts as a filter and protects the brain. Hombach-Klonisch says that many cancer drugs that work in other parts of the body can’t enter the brain in high enough concentrations to be effective, and brain cells surrounding the tumour produce growth factors that can cancel the success of many drugs.

“The brain penetrability of current drugs is low,” Hombach-Klonisch says. “We have shown that poziotinib actually has a high concentration in the brain after administration. Drug levels remain long enough to have a therapeutic concentration before they drop.”

Study co-authors from the Max Rady College of Medicine include first author Dr. Danyyl Ippolitov, research associate in the department of human anatomy and cell science, Dr. Jason Beiko, assistant professor of surgery, Dr. Marc Del Bigio, professor of pathology, and Dr. Thomas Klonisch, professor of human anatomy and cell science.

“This research is important because many patients with breast cancer are waiting with uncertainty, not knowing if brain metastases will occur and whether there will be a drug that’s effective in treating it, so I think it gives them hope,” Hombach-Klonisch says. 

Hombach-Klonisch anticipates the drug and its use in treating brain tumours will soon be tested in clinical trials.

She says the research project will continue because they have plenty of questions to answer, such as how many tumour cells are left after treatment with poziotinib and what needs to be done to prevent recurrent tumour growth?

The study was funded by the Cancer Research Society in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and CancerCare Manitoba. Studentship funding was received from CIHR.

Meet the challengers who will take the stage on April 1 at the Robert B. Schultz Theatre:

Anne Manson
Human Nutritional Sciences, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Harold Aukema

Thesis Title: Using oxylipins to inform dietary omega-3 fat intake and heart drug development

Anne is a passionate researcher exploring the role of oxylipins in optimizing omega-3 intake for health and aiding in heart medication development. Fascinated by these powerful molecules that regulate numerous body functions, she investigates how diet, sex, and drugs influence oxylipin production—insights that can shape nutrition guidelines and therapeutic advancements. Holding a Bachelor of Science from the Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil, and a 2021 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipient, Anne will expand her research into epidemiology and human health during postdoctoral training. Her long-term goal is to become an independent researcher, leveraging oxylipin data to assess disease risk, inform treatments, and improve health outcomes.

Megan Crooks
Psychology, M.A.
Advisor: Dr. Renee El-Gabalawy

Thesis Title: Preventing invisible pain with the power of virtual reality

Megan is passionate about bridging psychological research and clinical practice. In the final year of her master’s degree in clinical psychology at the University of Manitoba, she has been able to do just that by working with real patients who try out the virtual reality treatment developed by her lab. Her ultimate goal is to become a clinical psychologist, using evidence-based interventions approved by her patients to improve mental health care.

Sanjana Grover
Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Ph.D
Advisor: Dr. Benjamen Lindsey

Thesis Title: Cracking the code of human brain repair using zebrafish as a model

Sanjana is a neuroscience researcher and a second year PhD student studying unique stem cells in the zebrafish brain that generate new neurons and enable brain repair, a process mammals cannot naturally achieve. Fascinated by the brain’s limited ability to regenerate, she uses zebrafish as a model to uncover insights into why brain repair fails in mammals. Sanjana holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Research from the University of Bristol, UK and has earned multiple research awards, including the Research Manitoba Master’s Studentship (2024). Actively involved in science outreach, she led a zebrafish workshop for MNN Brain Awareness Week 2024 & 2025 and currently serves as the Vice-President Internal for the HSGSA. She was also invited by the Canadian Association of Neuroscience (CAN) to represent as a neuroadvocate at the Parliament Hill, where she advocated for increased research funding. Sanjana plans to continue her research through postdoctoral studies.

Lam Nguyen
Education, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Martha Koch

Thesis Title: Graph theory for children – an inclusive approach to developing mathematical identity in the classroom

Lam is a mathematics educator and school administrator exploring how school math experiences shape mathematical identities and how introducing advanced topics early can impact student perceptions. Their research examines the widespread negative attitudes toward mathematics and self-identified negative math identities, such as “I am not a math person.” With a Master of Education in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning at the University of Manitoba, he is passionate about improving math education and fostering confidence in learners. With a strong background in teaching and administration, his future goals are to work with prospective teachers and graduate students, helping future educators transform the way math is taught and perceived in schools.

Andy Van Domelen
Biochemistry and Medical genetics, m.sc.
Advisor: Dr. Britt Drögemöller

Thesis Title: The colour of risk: using genetics to predict hearing loss and dementia

Andy is using genetics to improve healthcare for aging populations. As a researcher analyzing genetic data from thousands of older Canadians, he develops predictive models for hearing loss and dementia, enabling early intervention. With a B.Sc. in Microbiology, Andy is driven by a deep curiosity about the genetic connections between diseases and their impact on aging. His goal is to bridge the gap between lab discoveries and clinical applications, ensuring that research translates into real-world benefits. He looks forward to collaborating with clinicians, policymakers, and the community, and aims to contribute to innovative, genetics-based solutions for age-related conditions in Canada.

Hayley Smith
Pharmacology and Therapeutics, M.Sc.
Advisor: Dr. Renée Douville

Thesis Title: It all started with a mouse….model to study neurodegeneration

Hayley is a Master’s student researching how DNA damage caused by a viral protein may contribute to ALS, and exploring antiviral therapies as a potential treatment. With a B.Sc. in Genetics from UM, her passion for neurodegenerative disease research stems from a personal family connection. After discovering the fascinating world of endogenous retroviruses, she joined Dr. Renee Douville’s lab and is enjoying the topics she studies. She is open to various career paths in health sciences, including considering medicine or furthering her current research with a PhD. Grateful for her lab and mentorship, she is focused on making meaningful contributions to neurodegenerative disease research while taking her career in science one step at a time.

Mia-May Grabovac
Biological Sciences, M.Sc.
Advisors: Dr. Patricia Ramey-Balci and Dr. Andrea Niemi

Thesis Title: Larval invertebrates in a changing Arctic ecosystem

Mia- May is a Master’s student researching seafloor invertebrate larvae and the impacts of Arctic climate change on their communities. Her interest in Arctic ecosystems began during an 8-month co-op at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, where she studied zooplankton abundance and later led zooplankton sampling in the Western Canadian Arctic (2023-2024). With a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences (Evolution & Biodiversity) from the University of Manitoba, she focusses on meroplankton, an understudied group with key ecological roles. As a Biological Sciences Graduate Students Association representative, Mia-May is dedicated to Arctic conservation and will continue studying invertebrates, their environmental interactions, and the effects of climate change on Arctic ecosystems.

Taylor Orchard
Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Jason Peeler

Thesis Title: Musculosketal education – the more a doctor knows, the better they treat

Taylor is a medical education researcher focused on enhancing musculoskeletal medicine training for Canadian doctors. With a passion for anatomy education and healthcare, she found the perfect fit in medical education research within the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences. Holding a B.Sc. from the University of Manitoba, she has earned prestigious awards, including the Canada Graduate Studentship – Masters (2023) and the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship – PhD (2024). Actively engaged in academia, she serves as Vice-President of the Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences Student Council and a student representative for the Max Rady College of Medicine Council. Her goal is to secure an academic appointment in postsecondary and continue to advance clinical learning and knowledge retention among healthcare providers in Canada.

Rachele Molyneaux
Physiology and Pathophysiology, M.Sc.
Advisor: Dr Jeremy Chopek

Thesis Title: The Spinal Symphony: How V3 Neurons Help Orchestrate the Rhythm of Movement

Rachele is a researcher studying spinal V3 neurons using patch-clamp electrophysiology to understand their role in locomotion and spinal cord injury recovery. With a B.Sc. in Exercise Science from the University of Winnipeg, she combines her knowledge of movement and physiology through both research and hands-on experience. As a personal trainer, she focuses on functional fitness for older adults and aims to expand their practice by deepening their understanding of human physiology and spinal cord injuries. Rachele has worked as a sports director for immigrant and refugee girls, studying the relationship between early exposure to sports and increased self-confidence and overall wellbeing later in life. Her goal is to create a more inclusive, movement-focused approach to fitness and rehabilitation.

Adewunmi Giwa
Food Science, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Rotimi Aluko

Thesis Title: Stripping cancer’s armor: how pea bioactive peptides trigger cancer self-destruction

Adewunmi is a passionate food scientist and Ph.D. student investigating how pea-derived bioactive peptides inhibit Glutathione Peroxidase IV (GPX4), triggering ferroptosis in cancer cells. Her interest in plant-based functional foods and nutraceuticals stems from a blend of scientific curiosity and personal experiences, including her mother’s use of herbal remedies and her father’s struggle with diabetes. These influences inspired her to explore how natural food components can contribute to disease prevention and treatment. Committed to sustainable and innovative therapies, Adewunmi aims to improve cancer treatment by developing solutions that are effective, sustainable, accessible, and safe.

Hannah Zhang
Physiology and Pathophysiology, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Amir Ravandi

Thesis Title: Lipids as early markers of cardiogenic shock

Hannah is an MD/PhD student passionate about cardiovascular disease and metabolism. Despite being a leading cause of mortality worldwide, heart disease still requires deeper exploration, especially through a precision medicine lens. Fascinated by translational research for its direct clinical impact, she chose cardiovascular lipidomics—a field that merges all of her interests. Her work focuses on using lipids to detect cardiogenic shock in heart attack patients, utilizing advanced lipidomic technology with both human patients and animal models. With a Master of Science in Cell Biology from McGill University, she has earned multiple accolades, including the Martin Morad Young Investigator Exchange Award (2024). Her goal is to become a clinician-scientist, advancing heart disease treatment and precision medicine.

Madhushani Ariyadasa
Civil Engineering, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. M.T. Bassuoni

Thesis Title: Nano-based coatings: a way to make Canadian concrete last longer

Madhushani is a researcher in materials engineering whose work explores how the inclusion of nanoparticles in coatings can be tailored to combat different concrete durability problems—a crucial advancement to increase the service life of old and new concrete. She previously achieved a Master of Science in Materials Engineering and worked several years as a full-time researcher at National Building Research Organization in Sri Lanka where her keen interest on construction materials started. She believes novel materials as a key enabling technology in construction. Dedicated to both research and education, she aspires to become a university professor, shaping future engineers and advancing the field of materials science and to contribute to the development of stronger, more resilient infrastructure through cutting-edge materials research.

With an exciting lineup of finalists and a distinguished panel of judges, the 2025 3MT® final promises to be an inspiring showcase of graduate research at the University of Manitoba. Colleen Bready, CTV News weather specialist and host of Spotlight Entertainment, will return as emcee, guiding the evening with her signature energy. Judges Loren Oschipok, Moses (Moe) Levy, and Renée Cable will determine the winners of the top cash prizes, while the audience—both in-person and online—will cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award. Prizes for Dr. Archie McNicoll Prize for first place $2000, UM Retirees Association Prize for second place $1250 and Blenham & Associates prize for third place $500.

Don’t miss this exciting event on Tuesday April 1 at 7 p.m., at the Robert B. Shultz Theatre in St John’s College at the Fort Garry campus.

Register to attend in person at or watch online live.

The award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership skills and notable personal service of grad students at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Max Rady College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy and College of Rehabilitation Sciences. 

“Congratulations to these exceptional graduate students,” said Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. “They have excelled in their studies and are being recognized for their hard work and dedication. They are our future leaders.”  

Each college could nominate one master’s student and one doctoral student. Colleges without a doctoral program could nominate two master’s students. 

“On behalf of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, congratulations on receiving this year’s prize,” said Dr. Hope Anderson, vice-dean, graduate and postdoctoral studies, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.  

“This award recognizes the academic excellence and skills in leadership, community engagement, social accountability and volunteerism achieved by these students, and we look forward to seeing their future achievements.” 

Prize winners 

Pelumi Samuel Akinola, who received his master’s from the College of Pharmacy, examined the risks of autism spectrum disorder in children after exposure to anti-seizure medications during pregnancy. He is grateful for his supervisor, Dr. Sherif Eltonsy, assistant professor of pharmacy, who encouraged him to explore opportunities beyond the lab and classroom. 

“Winning this prize feels like a powerful affirmation that I am on the right path and should keep pushing forward,” Akinola said. 

Eunice Korkor Assem-Erhaze, a PhD student in the College of Nursing, is researching the transition to practice experience of recent nursing graduates with learning disabilities. Receiving the prize has boosted her confidence and encouraged her to achieve higher goals.  

“Winning the Dean’s Prize is an honour and a privilege I do not take lightly,” Assem-Erhaze said.  

Meagan Brown, a master of dentistry in oral and maxillofacial surgery student at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, is looking at using ultrasound to diagnose pathologic conditions of the temporomandibular joint because it is readily available, comparatively cheap and has no contraindications to use. She was grateful to be recognized for the prize.  

“Being recognized for this award as I soon transition from residency to fellowship has reinforced that engaging in lifelong learning and giving back to your community is important at any stage in your career,” Brown said.  

Shelly Lam, who received her master of physical therapy from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, is passionate about advocating for improved accessibility to publicly funded physiotherapy services that address social determinants of health through holistic and patient-centred care. She said that after moving to a new city after graduation, winning the award will remind her to continue creating new goals and get to know the community and its needs. 

“Receiving this award will hold me accountable to maintaining trusting relationships and ground me in the needs of the community throughout my career as a physiotherapist,” Lam said.  

Emma Martell, who will graduate in Feb. with her PhD in human anatomy & cell science and pathology from the Max Rady College of Medicine, is focused on characterizing and targeting novel metabolic weaknesses in adult and pediatric brain tumours to inhibit their growth, reduce the risk of recurrence and extend patient survival. She said her supervisor, Dr. Tanveer Sharif, associate professor of pathology, went above and beyond to support her through every step of her PhD.  

“Winning this award is a validation of my hard work and commitment to academia and research,” Martell said.  

Tobi Olanipekun, a master’s student in physiology and pathophysiology at the Max Rady College of Medicine, is studying a protective protein called thioredoxin to see if it can protect brain cells and potentially be used as a treatment for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. He sees the award as recognition of his ongoing work through the BioinformHER initiative to increase accessibility and representation of underrepresented groups in bioinformatics. 

“This award reinforces my efforts and commitment to contribute to meaningful social impact in my community,” Olanipekun said.  

Nicole Prenovault, a master’s student at the College of Nursing, is exploring if newly graduated nurses are able to thrive in the workplace. She was grateful for being selected.  

“This prize not only demonstrates to others the importance of my research topic but also helps to take some of the pressure off of me in paying for my tuition and gives me a chance to focus more on my studies and less on how to support myself as I study,” Prenovault said.  

Karlynne Sagert, who received her master of occupational therapy from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, completed a project examining the extent of overlap between current community living policies and practices in Manitoba with total institutions of the past for people living with intellectual disabilities. Winning the prize has helped Sagert recognize that she can be committed to her profession, personal growth and lifelong learning while staying involved in the community. 

“I want future graduate students to know that leadership is diverse, and they, too, can be considered leaders,” Sagert said.   

Nitesh Sanghai, a PhD candidate in the College of Pharmacy, is working to develop new and improved versions of the drug edaravone to slow down the progression of incurable amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He said the award recognizes his academic achievement, strong leadership skills and notable personal service to empower his fellow graduate students. 

“I encourage everyone to stay motivated and inspired. Embrace every moment of your life as a powerful opportunity to create meaningful and impactful change in the world,” Sanghai said.  

Ana Schettini, who received her master of dentistry in prosthodontics at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, investigated the effect of the three manufacturing processes on the mechanical properties and microstructure of cobalt-chromium dental alloys. Winning the prize reinforces that her hard work and dedication are recognized and valued.  

“It will push me to continually strive for excellence, reminding me that there is always room for growth,” Schettini said. 

The associate professor of human anatomy and cell science in the Max Rady College of Medicine is a leading expert in brain imaging and non-invasive brain stimulation in the areas of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. 

“I’m humbled and I really appreciate that I was selected as a Canada Research Chair,” said Ko, who has been a faculty member at UM for the past decade. “Now there’s a lot of work to do.”  

The cutting-edge work he has planned includes the development of artificial intelligence (AI) programs to help in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of several brain disorders. The aim of the AI programs are to revolutionize how non-invasive brain stimulation techniques are used in clinical practice, Ko said.  

“Neuroimaging is facing a new era,” he said. “It typically refers to PET and MRI scans. That’s the more traditional approach. Now with AI, and a subset called machine learning, these technologies are advancing the field of neuroimaging farther so it’s more quantifiable, more accurate and more objective.”  

One study Ko has planned includes using neuroimaging techniques to look at brain metabolism. He said that some patients don’t show signs of dementia, but if they are tested, they display some abnormalities.  

Ko said that now with the help of neuroimaging and machine learning, the technology can show how the brain network is different in people who will progress with dementia versus those who don’t. 

“My hypothesis is that the patient who does not progress to dementia has some natural mechanism that makes them slow in the disease progression,” Ko said.   

“With neuroimaging and machine learning we can identify which of the brain regions have low metabolism or the brain network is not active. Then we can stimulate it with electricity to boost that brain region’s function. We do that, for example, every day for four weeks and see if that will slow down the disease progression.” 

As a Canada Research Chair, Ko will be building on a study he’s currently conducting with Dr. Tony Szturm, professor of physical therapy at the College of Rehabilitation Sciences. As part of the study, patients with Parkinson’s disease walk on a treadmill while playing a computer game. 

“It’s a challenging task even for healthy individuals, but with practice they get better,” Ko said. “The study shows that this type of training with distractors present can improve walking for Parkinson’s patients. It can even prevent falls.” 

For the next step in the study, Ko will use neuroimaging to find the hotspot in the brain where this reorganization is taking place, so they can boost the effects with non-invasive brain stimulation.  

Ko was born and raised in South Korea. While he was an electrical and computer engineering student at Hanyang University in Seoul, he saw the film The Matrix and became interested in studying the brain. He took a course in neurobiology in his fourth year and found it fascinating. 

“All the circuitry I learned in electrical engineering is already in the brain,” Ko said. “I thought, ‘wow, that’s amazing and the way the neurons communicate is almost digital.’”  

That triggered his interest in learning more about neuroscience and biomedical engineering, so he enrolled in a PhD program in neuroscience at McGill University, graduating in 2009. 

Ko went on to complete postdoctoral fellowships in neuroimaging at the University of Toronto and the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in New York.  

 View the full list of UM Canada Research Chairs.