Kurtis Ng, MSc (University of Alberta)
Research Assistant/Tech 3 (2023-present)
Research Assistant/Tech 2 (2020-2023)
Research Assistant (2019-2020)
kwn5@sfu.ca

Research

My past research experience has solidified my passion for antiviral research. As a member of the Pantophlet Lab, I have had the opportunity to develop a wide range of laboratory skills, including flow cytometry, protein purification, and mammalian tissue culture. These skills have allowed me to contribute to ongoing research projects and make meaningful contributions to the lab’s efforts to design more effective vaccines against viruses such as HIV and influenza.

In addition to my primary research responsibilities, I play an important role in mentoring and supporting other members of the lab. As a research-experienced lab member, I am able to guide and assist less-experienced lab members with their research work, providing them with the knowledge and support they need to succeed. I take great pride in helping others and fostering a positive and collaborative environment within the lab.

Other Interests

I am an easy-going and cheerful individual with great love for nature and travelling. I enjoy hiking, kayaking and skiing when on vacation. In particular, I love spending time with my family and friends meandering along a nice easy trail where relaxed and delightful conversations can take place.

Yuchen (Olivia) Xing, BSc (Simon Fraser University)
Research Assistant/Tech 1 (2024-present)
Lab Assistant (2023-2024)
Undergraduate research intern (2022)
oxing@sfu.ca

Research

I graduated from Simon Fraser University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Biological Sciences with a focus on cells, molecules, and physiology and a minor in Health Sciences specializing in life science. I have a deep interest in the field of immunology, and I am particularly eager to delve into vaccine research. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the Pantophlet Lab, where I have been able to contribute to ongoing research on understanding mutational pathways that lead to the development of broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies targeting the antigenically conserved hemagglutinin stem of flu viruses. This research aims to improve the effectiveness of current flu vaccines and develop new, more effective vaccines in the future. I am excited to continue learning and growing in this field as I pursue further education and professional opportunities.

Other Interests

I like watching movies and reading fictions in my free time. I love nature and often go on walks along the beach or in the woods. I have also been playing the flute for 14 years and enjoy playing or listening to music to relax. Additionally, I love spending time with my family and my dog, as well as cooking and bird-watching.

Angela Omrani, BSc (Simon Fraser University)
Graduate student (2024-present)
BSc Honours (2024)
angela_omrani@sfu.ca

Research

I am a Beedie Luminaries Scholar and a Master’s student at SFU, specializing in molecular biology and biochemistry. My educational journey has been unique, fostering resilience and adaptability from many past challenges. Having completed my Honour’s project in the Pantophlet Lab, I am eager to continue contributing to research using a human-antibody transgenic mouse model on possible avenues to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) with a germline-targeting HIV-1 vaccine candidate. I am passionate about research and aspire to attend medical school after completing my Master’s.

Other Interests

In my spare time, I enjoy learning and developing new skills. I am passionate about swimming, hiking and reading, and I also love a good TV show or movie marathon.

Sayma Hussain, BSc (The University of British Columbia Okanagan)
Postgraduate research intern (2024-present)
sayma_hussain@sfu.ca

Research

I am excited to contribute to the Pantophlet Lab, where we explore antibody responses to viruses to design better vaccines. My project focuses on refining antibody display on yeast to improve antibody expression and antigen binding. This work not only deepens our understanding of immune responses but also advances the development of innovative approaches for antibody discovery against viruses that are significant to global health.

Other Interests

You will often find me chilling with friends, watching movies, and listening to music in my downtime. I also enjoy capturing the beauty of nature and architecture through my camera lens. Badminton is another passion – I am always up for a game!

Ali Nejatie, PhD (Simon Fraser University)
Research Associate (2024-present)
Postdoc (McGill University, 2021-2024)
anejatie@sfu.ca

Research

I am a dedicated researcher with a PhD in Chemistry, passionate about developing diagnostics and therapies for human diseases and cancer. I have over ten years of experience in organic synthesis, enzymology, chemical biology, glycobiology, molecular biology, and translational medicine. I have developed assays, designed and synthesized immunogens, screened antibody-secreting hybridomas, and tested drugs in cancer mouse models. I have also produced and purified antibodies and antigens and conducted high-throughput screenings of bioactive molecules. My work has resulted in publications, patents, and presentations, reflecting my commitment to advancing science. At the Pantophlet Lab, I am excited to contribute to ongoing research and help develop innovative antibody therapeutics for the PROGENITER project.

Other Interests

I love to travel and explore nature with my family. When I have free time, I love to discover BC’s craft beer culture and often brew my concoctions from time to time.

Ronald Ye, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University)
Undergraduate research intern (2024-present)
rya49@sfu.ca

Research

I am a 4th-year BSc student majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. I am incredibly interested in drug development, particularly creating treatments that might boost immunity or treat infectious diseases like HIV and HBV. In the Pantophlet Lab, I assist more senior researchers with DNA plasmid preparation, antibody cloning and purification. It is my honour to be able to participate in and contribute to research done in the Pantophlet lab.

Other Interests

Outside of research and study, I enjoy working on solo or group projects with friends, often involving hardware or software experimentation. I also spend time growing crops and, when I’m not working on projects, I like to go hiking, either alone or with friends. While I used to consider going to the gym a hobby, it’s now a daily habit that’s become part of my routine.

Annabella Wang, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University)
Undergraduate research intern (2024-present)
annabella_wang@sfu.ca

Research

I am a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University. My experience with allergen immunotherapy ignited my fascination with the immune system and sparked a deep interest in immunology and vaccine development. The power of the immune system offers unlimited research potential. I am eager to expand my knowledge beyond the classroom and excited about the opportunity to contribute to real-world applications in the Pantophlet lab. I hope to pursue an Honours research project in the future.

Other Interests

I enjoy watching documentaries and TV series, as well as reading fiction and popular science books. Travelling is one of my favourite ways to enjoy vacations, as it helps me recharge while exploring diverse landscapes. I also love spending time with friends, whether we are relaxing on a sunny beach, hunting for great food, or cooking at home together.

Sarah Eljazam, BSc (Simon Fraser University)
Postgraduate research intern (2024-present)
seljazam@sfu.ca

Research

I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from SFU, where I developed a strong interest in immunology. A cancer research course further sparked my fascination with harnessing the immune system to develop targeted therapies, such as drugs that attack cancer cells. I plan to pursue this interest by moving into pharmacy, where I can contribute to drug development research focusing on immune-based therapies. In the meantime, I am eager to gain hands-on experience and acquire new skills by volunteering in the Pantophlet Lab.

Other Interests

In my free time, I enjoy watching hockey, exploring new music, taking relaxing walks, and spending quality time with friends.