Principal Investigator
Ralph Pantophlet, PhD
Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences
Associate Member, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar (2012-2020)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator (2009-2015)
Office: Blusson Hall, Room 11712
Phone: (778) 782-8648 | Fax: (778) 782-5927 | Email: rpantophlet@sfu.ca
Profile: FHS faculty profile | Feature: Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR)
Education
- B.Sc., Polytechnic Faculty, Hogeschool Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Ph.D., University of Leiden, The Netherlands/Research Center Borstel, Germany
Biography
Dr. Pantophlet is a tenured Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences and an Associate Faculty member of the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. He joined the Faculty of Health Sciences in 2008 and is currently the head of the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Immunology, the Flow Cytometry Lab, and the Biocontainment for Infectious Organisms level 3 (BIO3) Lab. He received his B.Sc. in medical microbiology from the Hogeschool Rotterdam & Omstreken in 1995 and his Ph.D. from the University of Leiden in 1999 for his research on the immunochemical properties of Acinetobacter lipopolysaccharides. He then did postdoctoral research on anti-HIV antibodies and vaccine design at The Scripps Research Institute under the mentorship of Dr. Dennis Burton, before returning to the Research Center Borstel for a brief period and rejoining the Burton laboratory as a senior postdoctoral fellow to focus on HIV-1 vaccine design in 2003.
Current Team

Research Associate/Tech 2 (2020-present)
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.

Undergraduate research intern (2023-present)
BISC 499 Undergraduate student researcher (2022)
BISC 498 Undergraduate student researcher (2022)
ncortese@sfu.ca
Research
As I near the completion of my fourth year at Simon Fraser University as a Biology major, I am privileged to have the opportunity to work in the esteemed Pantophlet lab. The research being conducted in this lab holds great promise, as it aims to inform the design and formulation of a supra-seasonal influenza vaccine. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to this important work and gain valuable lab skills in the process. I am eager to learn and grow as a researcher in this field, and I look forward to the impact this experience will have on my future career.
Other Interests
I enjoy playing basketball, going out with friends, watching movies, and listening to music.

Lab Assistant (2023-present)
Undergraduate research intern (2022)
oxing@sfu.ca
Research
I recently graduated from Simon Fraser University, earning my Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a focus on cells, molecules, and physiology. Additionally, I completed a minor in Health Sciences with a specialization in life science. My studies have sparked a deep interest in the field of immunology, and I am particularly eager to delve into the area of 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.

Undergraduate research intern (2022-present)
hana_moosaakbari@sfu.ca
Research
As a third-year molecular biology and biochemistry student, I am eager to gain more research experience through volunteering as an undergraduate in the Pantophlet Lab. I am excited to assist with various ongoing projects and contribute to the lab’s endeavors.
Other Interests
I enjoy listening to music and playing piano. I also like to spend time learning new languages and making friends!

Undergraduate research intern (2023-present)
nadia_ahmed@sfu.ca
Research
I am a Biological Sciences major (Cells, Molecules and Physiology concentration) at SFU, with a minor in Health Sciences. My goal is to attend graduate school and conduct bio-health research. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in the Pantophlet lab and assist with ongoing research on the recognition of influenza hemagglutinin by precursor antibodies that neutralize multiple strains.
Other Interests
I love nature, traveling, and being outdoors. You will often find me going for hikes, runs or exploring some new place. During my free time, I also enjoy reading books, watching movies/series, and hanging out with my friends. I am a friendly person who likes meeting people and making new friends.

Undergraduate research intern (2023-present)
bcl21@sfu.ca
Research
As a 3rd year Molecular Biology and Biochemistry student, I am deeply passionate about research and am excited to be working alongside members of the Pantophlet lab. My goal is to make meaningful contributions to ongoing projects and become a valuable asset to the team. Through this volunteer opportunity, I aim to gain hands-on research experience and develop my skills in a professional setting.
Other Interests
I love classical music, whether it be playing the piano or attending orchestral concerts. I also enjoy working out and exercising.

Undergraduate research intern (2023-present)
irene_cheng_2@sfu.ca
Research
I am currently studying Biomedical Physiology and am grateful for the chance to assist members of the Pantophlet lab with general lab support. I have a strong interest in research and believe that this volunteer opportunity will enhance my skills and offer a valuable learning experience.
Other Interests
I enjoy swimming and watching movies during my free time. I also love going on nature walks to destress and travel whenever I get the chance!

Undergraduate research intern (2023-present)
hkb19@sfu.ca
Research
As a fourth-year Health Sciences student specializing in life sciences, I have gained hands-on experience in various advanced lab courses. I am truly enthusiastic about research with potential impacts on human health. I eagerly anticipate delving into vaccine immunology in the Pantophlet Lab and contributing to HIV vaccine initiatives. I am confident that these experiences will be valuable in my pursuit of a career in academia.
Other Interests
I absolutely adore drawing and immersing myself in a diverse array of artistic expressions, including movies, video games, music, and classical art! I’m also passionate about staying active, for example by working out, running, and hiking.
Past Lab Members
Tina Nguyen, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University) | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
Brenna Lee, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University) |
Undergraduate research intern (2022)
Co-op Lab Assistant (2022) |
Mackenzie Sturn, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University) | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
Abhimanyu Minhas, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University) | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
Sarah Wong, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University) | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
Isabel Laprise, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University) | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
Mariam Hakimi, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University) | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
Angelica Macapagal, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University) | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
Manjot Sidhu, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University) | BISC 498 Undergraduate student researcher (2022) |
Shannen Arviola | Undergraduate research intern (2021) |
David Savage | BISC 499 Undergraduate student researcher (2021) |
Mehrad Hassan-Dokht-Firouz | BISC 498 Undergraduate student researcher (2021) |
Simran Basra | Co-op Lab Assistant (2021) |
Li Yi Lim, Undergraduate Student (Simon Fraser University) |
Undergraduate research intern (2021-2022)
VPR Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) Recipient (2021) |
Diana Yang | FHS Dean's Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) Recipient (2020) |
Hajar Chihab, PhD | Postdoctoral Fellow (2020-2022) |
Simon Wang |
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Honours student (2020)
Undergraduate Research Intern (2020) |
Yiqiu Yang |
FHS Dean's Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) Recipient (2020)
Undergraduate Research Intern (2019-2020) |
Edarlin Royce Bigornia, BSc | Undergraduate Researcher/Intern (2019-2020) |
Alejandra Jahns | Undergraduate Research Intern (2019) |
Quiana Ang, BSc Hons (Simon Fraser University) |
Graduate Student (2020-2022)
VPR Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) Recipient (2020) Undergraduate research intern (2019-2020) |
Sophie Fu, MSc | Research Assistant/Intern (2019-2020) |
Tess Kirilenko, BSc |
Undergraduate Researcher (2019)
GlycoNet Summer Award Recipient (2019) |
Asa Lau | Undergraduate Research Intern (2019) |
Jean-François Bruxelle, PhD | Postdoctoral Fellow (2018-2021) |
Natallia Varankovich, PhD | Senior Research Assistant (2019) |
Nikki Atanasova, MSc | Research Assistant (2018) |
Dahn Hahm, MSc | Research Assistant (2018) |
Gurshaan Sidhu | Undergraduate Research Intern (external) (2018) |
Vanesa Tomas Bosch, MSc | Senior Research Assistant (2018) |
Heather Galley, BSc (Hons) | Research Assistant (2018) |
Helen Do | Undergraduate Research Intern (2018) |
Lea Sanchez Milde, BSc | Lab Assistant (part-time) (2018) |
Michelle Chan YeeTeng | Undergraduate Research Intern (2018) |
Quratulain Qureshi | Undergraduate Research Intern (2018) |
Naiomi Lu, BSc |
Undergraduate Research Intern (2017)
VPR Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) Recipient (2017) Lab Assistant (2017-2018) |
Sreedevi Kesavan | Undergraduate Research Intern (2017) |
Daniella Bavaro | Undergraduate Research Intern (2017) |
Saru Sandhu | Undergraduate Research Intern (2017) |
Shianne Bains | Undergraduate Research Intern (2017) |
Alekhya Josyula, BSc | MSc student (2014-2017) |
Vivian Qian Liu, PhD | Postdoctoral Fellow (2016) |
Iva Demirova |
Grade 11 Pre-International Baccalaureate (IB) Research Intern (2015-2016)
National Sanofi Biogenius Award Student (2016) |
Nina Maglanoc | Undergraduate Research Intern (2015-2016) |
Ruth Wijaya |
Undergraduate Research Intern (2014-2016)
Undergraduate Research Award (USRA) Student (2015) |
Jessica Parker | Undergraduate Research Intern (2015) |
Alexandra Vela | Research Intern (2015) |
Caitlin Rempel |
Undergraduate Research Intern (2013-2014)
Research Assistant & Acting Lab Manager (2014) |
Timothy Crowe | MSc Student (2013-2014) |
Megan Curpen | Research Intern (2013-2014) |
Natalia Savasteeva | Visiting Student (Concordia U) Research Intern (2014) |
Simrita Sandhu | Research Intern (2014) |
Barinder Sangha | Honors Student (2014) |
Natalie Kinloch | Research Intern (2014) |
Dennis Chau |
Research Assistant & Acting Lab Manager (2013-2014)
Research Intern (2010-2011; 2012-2013) |
Angela Trinh | Research Intern (2013) |
Sophia Tsai | Research Intern (2013) |
Kate Auyeung, BSc |
Senior Research Assistant (2009-2013)
Lab Manager (2011-2013) |
Allan Linde | Research Intern (2012) |
Jessica Sidhu | Research Intern (2012) |
Sunny Tang | Research Intern (2011-2012) |
Savrina Manhas, BSc | MSc Student (2010-2012) |
Fatima Ahmed, BSc | MSc Student (2010-2012) |
Irina Vicol | Honors Student (2012) |
Maxim Parfyonov | Research Intern (2012) |
Lauretta Yu | Research Intern (2011) |
Lisa Kieneker | Honors Student (2011) |
Ben Chan | Undergraduate Research Assistant (2011) |
Matt Michaleski |
Honors Student (2010)
Lab Assistant (2010-2011) |
Brenda Clark, MSc |
Senior Research Assistant (2009-2011)
Lab Manager (2009-2011) |
Basim Nehal | Research Intern (2011) |
Jose-Tam Huang | Research Intern (2010-2011) |
James Kwon | Research Intern (2010-2011) |
Sima Gerami | Research Intern (2010) |
Abby Lin | Research Intern (2010) |