Current Positions

Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba
Scientist, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Affiliate Scientist, Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Education

2010: Post-doctoral Fellow, McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster
University, Hamilton, Ontario. Supervisor: Dr. Mick Bhatia
2006: PhD, Brain Tumour Research Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University
Montreal, Quebec. Supervisor: Dr. Rolando Del Maestro
2000: Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario.

Research Focus

My lab is entirely dedicated to studying medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant primary pediatric brain tumor. We have made significant contributions to the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating MB stem cell fate decisions. We have identified MB cells of origin (Nature, 2022), discovered central regulators of MB self-renewal (ie. Nature, 2022; Nature Communications, 2020, Molecular Oncology, 2018) and found potential diagnostic biomarkers for different MB molecular subgroups (ie. Cancer Research, 2018). We utilize biologically relevant mouse xenograft models where human MB cells are implanted into the cerebellum to assess the effects of gain/loss of gene function as well as small molecule inhibitors as potential therapeutics (Cancer Research, 2018, Molecular Oncology, 2018, Communications Biology, 2022). Combining multi-omics technologies such as ChIP sequencing, RNA sequencing, single cell RNA sequencing, TurboID and digital spatial profiling of brain tumor tissue with functional assessments both in vitro and in vivo, I have built a highly innovative research program in neuro-oncology and human stem cells.

Research Interests

- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric cancer
- Stem cell biology
- Medulloblastoma
- Cancer stem cells