Guelph

Shaima Alam

President

Shaima is currently pursuing a major in Biochemistry co-op and a minor in computer science at the University of Guelph. Intrigued in elementary school to learn about a method that replaces what has degenerated, she thought of stem cells as magical and the perfect solution to many familial illnesses. Later she realized there was much to be researched in regenerative medicine and now believes it offers unprecedented development of treatments for debilitating diseases. Thus, a club that advocates regenerative research was perfect for her. She started as a member, joined as a StemCellsTalks Symposium Coordinator, transitioned to Vice President, and is excited to begin this year as the President. Through her role she hopes to raise awareness about regenerative medicine's potential and create a network for students and researchers. Shaima has always backed her cancer research, therapeutic volunteerism, and wellness education using medical research. She now hopes to support medical research through the Guelph chapter of CARRM.

Dr. Sarah Lepage

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Lepage is an adjunct professor at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and course coordinator for many undergraduate courses in Biomedical Sciences. She completed a Master's degree at the University of British Columbia in medical genetics before moving to the OVC to pursue her PhD and postdoctoral studies in veterinary regenerative medicine. Her PhD thesis was on the in vitro generation of cartilage tissue from equine stem cells with the end goal of treating cartilage damage with stem cell-derived tissue grafts. She has also published on the various sources and manufacturing protocols for equine stem cells for therapy, and currently serves as a Scientific Advisor and Production Associate for Canada's first veterinary stem cell company, eQcell Inc. Her current research involves the characterization and differentiation of canine embryonic stem cells and mesenchymal stromal cells. Dr. Lepage is also leading an initiative to develop a Collaborative Specialization in Regenerative Medicine, a multidisciplinary program that will span three colleges and involve more than 15 faculty members. In her spare time, Dr. Lepage rides her one-eyed horse, Cooper, and she enjoys yoga, endurance activities, and chasing around her backyard chickens.

Jonah Kawarsky

VP of Research

Jonah is currently in his third year for Biomedical Science at the University of Guelph. Jonah’s CRISPR Cas9 poster for his grade 12 biology Biotechnology Fair stimulated his initial interest into regenerative medicine applications that can improve an individual’s quality of life. As the Founding President of UofG Medical Brigades, his firsthand experience with community medicine while on a Medical Brigade in Panama further enthused his research into the technology. Regenerative Medicine is of particular interest to Jonah because of its ability to enhance medical practice and human health through the development of novel therapeutic modalities to treat diseases, injuries and congenital conditions that currently have no known long-term treatment. As Vice President of Research of CARRM@Guelph he is excited to directly engage undergraduate students with current findings of regenerative medicine research through monthly journal clubs. In his free time, Jonah enjoys reading, spending time with family and staying physically active.