Douglas Allan
Professor, Dept. Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
Post-doc:
Stefan Thor Lab. Harvard Medical School (2000-04)
Tom Schwarz Lab. Harvard Medical School (2004-05)
Ph.D. University of Alberta (1994-2000)
M.Sc. Aberdeen University (1992-93)
B.Sc. (Hons): Aberdeen University (1988-1992)
Phone: 778-235-3555
email: doug.allan[at]ubc.ca
Post-doc:
Stefan Thor Lab. Harvard Medical School (2000-04)
Tom Schwarz Lab. Harvard Medical School (2004-05)
Ph.D. University of Alberta (1994-2000)
M.Sc. Aberdeen University (1992-93)
B.Sc. (Hons): Aberdeen University (1988-1992)
Phone: 778-235-3555
email: doug.allan[at]ubc.ca
Jie Liu
Research Technician
Jie holds a M.Sc. in Biotechnology from University of Minnesota (USA) and a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from China. She has been working within the LSI since 2005 and joined the lab in 2022. Her research has mostly involved developing tools for genetic manipulation and gene characterization.
Jie holds a M.Sc. in Biotechnology from University of Minnesota (USA) and a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from China. She has been working within the LSI since 2005 and joined the lab in 2022. Her research has mostly involved developing tools for genetic manipulation and gene characterization.
Tianshun Lian
Research Technician
Sonia Medina-Giro
Post Doctoral Fellow
B.Pharm. University of Barcelona, Spain (2000-2005)
B.S.Chem, University of Barcelona, Spain (2005-2007)
M.Sc. University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain (2008-2009)
PhD. University of Barcelona, Spain (2009-2015).
Interested in human diseases and treatments from a young age, I stumbled into the molecular biology field during my MSc thesis project at the Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona. I continued my studies there, completing a PhD focused on the identification of novel centromeric proteins and their contribution to chromosome segregation and nuclear envelope reassembly after mitosis.
I joined as a Postdoctoral fellowship in 2020. My research is focused on Drosophila functional studies of human genetic variants related to human genetic disorders like Weaver syndrome, Cohen-Gibson syndrome, and Autism.
When not in the lab, I am most likely active with two kids, swimming, exploring new restaurants, relaxing with a cup of coffee, or sharing experiences with friends.
B.Pharm. University of Barcelona, Spain (2000-2005)
B.S.Chem, University of Barcelona, Spain (2005-2007)
M.Sc. University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain (2008-2009)
PhD. University of Barcelona, Spain (2009-2015).
Interested in human diseases and treatments from a young age, I stumbled into the molecular biology field during my MSc thesis project at the Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona. I continued my studies there, completing a PhD focused on the identification of novel centromeric proteins and their contribution to chromosome segregation and nuclear envelope reassembly after mitosis.
I joined as a Postdoctoral fellowship in 2020. My research is focused on Drosophila functional studies of human genetic variants related to human genetic disorders like Weaver syndrome, Cohen-Gibson syndrome, and Autism.
When not in the lab, I am most likely active with two kids, swimming, exploring new restaurants, relaxing with a cup of coffee, or sharing experiences with friends.
Mo Miao
Ph.D. student in The Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program starting 2018
B. Sc. UBC 2012 – 2018
B. Mus. UBC 2012 - 2018
Scholarship – CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship Master’s Award 2019 – 2020
UBC CELL 1YF 2019 – 2021
Andrew Nord Fellowships in Rheumatology 2021 – 2023
Project: My research seeks to understand the roles of BMP signaling during chondrogenesis, to identify the key target genes of BMP during this process, and determine the extent of cooperativity of this transcriptional network with SOX9.
B. Sc. UBC 2012 – 2018
B. Mus. UBC 2012 - 2018
Scholarship – CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship Master’s Award 2019 – 2020
UBC CELL 1YF 2019 – 2021
Andrew Nord Fellowships in Rheumatology 2021 – 2023
Project: My research seeks to understand the roles of BMP signaling during chondrogenesis, to identify the key target genes of BMP during this process, and determine the extent of cooperativity of this transcriptional network with SOX9.
Ben Boehme
Research Assistant
B.Sc.(Hons) in Cellular, Anatomical & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia (2018-2021)
Since joining the lab in 2020, I have focused on curating information for lists of genes that may be implicated in autism spectrum disorder in order to prioritize human genes for studying in fruit flies and to design appropriate assays for testing the prioritized genes. I have also been working on an Alzheimer's project that is studying how human microtubule associated protein tau and its variants spread and cause neurodegeneration in fruit fly neural circuits.
Outside of the lab my passion is functional medicine. I strive to learn, apply, and teach concepts linked to longevity and brain health, which for me includes enjoying experimenting with recipes to create nutritious and enjoyable meals and staying mentally and physically active--with complex board games and volleyball being my favourite activities.
B.Sc.(Hons) in Cellular, Anatomical & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia (2018-2021)
Since joining the lab in 2020, I have focused on curating information for lists of genes that may be implicated in autism spectrum disorder in order to prioritize human genes for studying in fruit flies and to design appropriate assays for testing the prioritized genes. I have also been working on an Alzheimer's project that is studying how human microtubule associated protein tau and its variants spread and cause neurodegeneration in fruit fly neural circuits.
Outside of the lab my passion is functional medicine. I strive to learn, apply, and teach concepts linked to longevity and brain health, which for me includes enjoying experimenting with recipes to create nutritious and enjoyable meals and staying mentally and physically active--with complex board games and volleyball being my favourite activities.
(Seyedeh)Leila Abtahi
Ph.D. Student in The Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program starting 2022
M.Sc. Shiraz University (2015-2018)
Starting in 2022, my research focuses on characterizing and finding the role of BMP signaling target genes, especially the Ly6 family of proteins, in development of Drosophila neuromuscular junction. I completed my B.Sc. (2011-2015) and M.Sc. (2015-2018) in Cell and Molecular biology at Shiraz University. My M.Sc. thesis focused on neurodegeneration and gene expression in transgenic flies expressing TAU and Aβ proteins.
I'm interested in fly genetics and have experience of working in Shiraz University Drosophila stock center for about 5 years
M.Sc. Shiraz University (2015-2018)
Starting in 2022, my research focuses on characterizing and finding the role of BMP signaling target genes, especially the Ly6 family of proteins, in development of Drosophila neuromuscular junction. I completed my B.Sc. (2011-2015) and M.Sc. (2015-2018) in Cell and Molecular biology at Shiraz University. My M.Sc. thesis focused on neurodegeneration and gene expression in transgenic flies expressing TAU and Aβ proteins.
I'm interested in fly genetics and have experience of working in Shiraz University Drosophila stock center for about 5 years
Sara Shabha
Sara Shahba
Ph.D. Student in The Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program - starting 2022
M.Sc. Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, 2014-2017. Medical Biotechnology at Guilan University of Medical Sciences, collaborating with the Rheumatology Research Center, Iran, where she worked on copy number variations of a causative gene, BMP8A.
B.Sc. Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, 2010-2013
AS. Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Iran, 2007-2009
Website: Google Scholar
Starting in 2022, I'm interested in understanding transcriptional regulation. My project is focused on studying the gene regulatory networks underlying the control of neuromuscular junction growth and homeostasis by retrograde BMP signaling in motor neurons.
Outside of lab, Sara enjoys Writing, Black and White pencil drawings, and Photography.
Ph.D. Student in The Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program - starting 2022
M.Sc. Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, 2014-2017. Medical Biotechnology at Guilan University of Medical Sciences, collaborating with the Rheumatology Research Center, Iran, where she worked on copy number variations of a causative gene, BMP8A.
B.Sc. Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, 2010-2013
AS. Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Iran, 2007-2009
Website: Google Scholar
Starting in 2022, I'm interested in understanding transcriptional regulation. My project is focused on studying the gene regulatory networks underlying the control of neuromuscular junction growth and homeostasis by retrograde BMP signaling in motor neurons.
Outside of lab, Sara enjoys Writing, Black and White pencil drawings, and Photography.
Bea Liston
Undergraduate Student, University of British Columbia
B. Sc. in Integrated Science (2019-)
I am entering my 4th year of undergrad at UBC, focusing on studying genetics and microbiology. The topics in science that interest me are genetic disorders, human diseases, and epigenetics. Through this lab I aim to learn advanced genetics, important lab and research skills, and much more as I hope to continue in the field of research.
Outside of school and the lab, I love to spend my time reading, playing guitar, and spending time with my friends.
B. Sc. in Integrated Science (2019-)
I am entering my 4th year of undergrad at UBC, focusing on studying genetics and microbiology. The topics in science that interest me are genetic disorders, human diseases, and epigenetics. Through this lab I aim to learn advanced genetics, important lab and research skills, and much more as I hope to continue in the field of research.
Outside of school and the lab, I love to spend my time reading, playing guitar, and spending time with my friends.
Saharah Bains
Undergraduate Student, University of British Columbia
B. Sc. in Biology
I am entering my 4th year of the Biology program at UBC, and I enjoy learning about genetic disorders and human developmental diseases. I am excited to be working on the SFARI project and gaining valuable research experience and technical lab skills. In my free time, I love reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends and family.
B. Sc. in Biology
I am entering my 4th year of the Biology program at UBC, and I enjoy learning about genetic disorders and human developmental diseases. I am excited to be working on the SFARI project and gaining valuable research experience and technical lab skills. In my free time, I love reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends and family.
Tanisha Misra
Undergraduate Student, University of British Columbia
I hope to explore the cutting-edge applications of genetics and neuroscience and work towards increasing our understanding of neurological disorders.
I hope to explore the cutting-edge applications of genetics and neuroscience and work towards increasing our understanding of neurological disorders.
Eric Chen
Undergraduate Student, University of British Columbia
B.Sc. in Biochemistry
Co-op student in the lab 2022-2023
Passionate for life sciences from a young age. The intricacies between genotype and phenotypes strikes a remarkable composition in the makeup of an organism. My lab works plan to exploit this relationship to study genes related to autism spectrum disorder. The goal is to hopefully model human autism variant genes by monitoring Drosophila phenotypes. During my free time, I like to workout, play basketball and listen to electronic dance music to accentuate my personal vibe
B.Sc. in Biochemistry
Co-op student in the lab 2022-2023
Passionate for life sciences from a young age. The intricacies between genotype and phenotypes strikes a remarkable composition in the makeup of an organism. My lab works plan to exploit this relationship to study genes related to autism spectrum disorder. The goal is to hopefully model human autism variant genes by monitoring Drosophila phenotypes. During my free time, I like to workout, play basketball and listen to electronic dance music to accentuate my personal vibe
Graeme MacIntosh
Undergraduate Student, University of British Columbia
B. Sc. in Cellular, Anatomical and Physiological Sciences
Co-op Student in the lab 2022-2023
I just completed my third year of undergraduate study here at UBC. I have always been fascinated by research with relevant clinical application, so am thrilled to be working in the Allan lab on the SFARI project. I have lived in Vancouver, BC my entire life so enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking and skiing, I am also on the Men’s Tennis Team here at UBC and enjoy playing many sports outside of tennis.
B. Sc. in Cellular, Anatomical and Physiological Sciences
Co-op Student in the lab 2022-2023
I just completed my third year of undergraduate study here at UBC. I have always been fascinated by research with relevant clinical application, so am thrilled to be working in the Allan lab on the SFARI project. I have lived in Vancouver, BC my entire life so enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking and skiing, I am also on the Men’s Tennis Team here at UBC and enjoy playing many sports outside of tennis.
Collaborative Projects
Sharri Cyrus (collaboration with the William Gibson Lab)
Ph.D. Student in the UBC Medical Genetics and Genomics programme (2017-present)
MBBS University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus (2009-2014)
MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics University of Glasgow (2015-2016)
My research focuses on determining the spectrum of clinical features associated with the rare disorders: Weaver syndrome, Cohen-Gibson syndrome and Imagawa-Matsumoto syndrome. I also use Drosophila functional studies to investigate rare variants in genes that cause these syndromes.
I am from the beautiful island of Barbados, and one of my endeavours is to aid in developing the field of genetics and genomics there. When not doing lab work, you will always find me with my trusty kindle - as I love to read - or trying a new creative skill.
MBBS University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus (2009-2014)
MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics University of Glasgow (2015-2016)
My research focuses on determining the spectrum of clinical features associated with the rare disorders: Weaver syndrome, Cohen-Gibson syndrome and Imagawa-Matsumoto syndrome. I also use Drosophila functional studies to investigate rare variants in genes that cause these syndromes.
I am from the beautiful island of Barbados, and one of my endeavours is to aid in developing the field of genetics and genomics there. When not doing lab work, you will always find me with my trusty kindle - as I love to read - or trying a new creative skill.
Amrita Verma (in collaboration with Neil Cashman lab)
Amrita Verma from Varanasi, India
PhD Neuroscience under supervision of Dr. Neil Cashman
Co-supervised by Dr. Douglas Allan
Scholarship- Presidents’ Academic Excellence Initiative award 2021
Graduate Studies Initiative award 2021
International Tuition award 2021
Master- MRes Brain science (University College London, U.K.)
Undergraduate- BTech Biotechnology (Vellore Institute of Technology, India)
Project I'm studying modifiers of global protein translation and TDP-43 (the main protein that is aggregated in motor neurons of ALS patients) aggregation using a Drosophila model of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Paper Verma, Amrita et al. “In silico comparative analysis of LRRK2 interactomes from brain, kidney and lung.” Brain research vol. 1765 (2021): 147503. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147503
PhD Neuroscience under supervision of Dr. Neil Cashman
Co-supervised by Dr. Douglas Allan
Scholarship- Presidents’ Academic Excellence Initiative award 2021
Graduate Studies Initiative award 2021
International Tuition award 2021
Master- MRes Brain science (University College London, U.K.)
Undergraduate- BTech Biotechnology (Vellore Institute of Technology, India)
Project I'm studying modifiers of global protein translation and TDP-43 (the main protein that is aggregated in motor neurons of ALS patients) aggregation using a Drosophila model of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Paper Verma, Amrita et al. “In silico comparative analysis of LRRK2 interactomes from brain, kidney and lung.” Brain research vol. 1765 (2021): 147503. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147503