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
FHS faculty profile
Education
- B.Sc., Medical Microbiology, Hogeschool Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Ph.D., Medical and Biochemical Microbiology, Leiden University, The Netherlands
Biography
Dr. Ralph Pantophlet is a Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, where he researches antibody responses and vaccine development for infectious diseases. He heads the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Immunology and serves as the director and scientific lead of the Flow Cytometry and BIO3 laboratories at the university.
Born in Aruba, Dr. Pantophlet completed his early education there before earning a B.Sc. in medical microbiology from Hogeschool Rotterdam in 1995 and a Ph.D. in immunochemistry from Leiden University in 1999 (the Netherlands). His research for both his BSc and PhD mainly took place at the Research Center Borstel (Germany). He conducted postdoctoral research on anti-HIV antibodies and vaccine design at Scripps Research (US) under Dr. Dennis Burton. Briefly returning to the Research Center Borstel for postdoctoral work in 2002, he rejoined the Burton laboratory in 2003 as a senior postdoctoral fellow. Dr. Pantophlet joined Simon Fraser University as an Assistant Professor in 2008 and also holds an Associate Membership position in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.
Current Team
Research Assistant/Technician IV (2026–present)
Research Assistant/Technician II-III (2020-2025)
Research Assistant (2019-2020)
kwn5@sfu.ca
Research
I joined the Pantophlet Lab in 2019 and have advanced through several research assistant roles. My technical contributions include antigen expression and purification, mammalian cell culture, and flow cytometry, supporting lab projects focused on improving antiviral vaccines and antibody strategies, especially against viral pathogens like betacoronaviruses, HIV-1, and influenza. Besides experimental work, I serve as a technical lead in the lab, offering troubleshooting support, onboarding and training for new team members, and operational guidance to keep instrumentation, workflows, and research activities running smoothly. I value fostering a collaborative environment and actively support the scientific and technical success of the group.
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.
Research Scientist (2025-present)
shannon_coleman@sfu.ca
Research
I completed my PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, with interests in infectious diseases and immune responses. My technical background spans molecular biology, cell culture, flow cytometry, and scientific communication. In the Pantophlet Lab, I contribute to the development and execution of assays to evaluate antibody function and specificity, including neutralization and binding readouts against viral antigens. These data will help guide downstream selection and characterization of antibody candidates.
Other Interests
Outside the lab, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and camping. I also have two pet birds and like to grow plants, cook, and read fiction in my spare time.
Research Assistant/Technician III (2026-present)
luciano_costa_e_silva@sfu.ca
Research
I bring expertise in antibody discovery and engineering to support the lab’s viral immunogen and broadly neutralizing antibody programs. My work focuses on the design, selection, and optimization of antibody therapeutics. I contribute to multiple ongoing projects, including the development of cross-neutralizing antibodies against human parainfluenza viruses (HPIV), the engineering of influenza antibodies for enhanced cross-reactivity, and the characterization of coronavirus-directed responses. I also support the lab’s efforts in the development of mRNA-based antibody delivery systems. My experience in biophysical characterization techniques, including biolayer interferometry and size exclusion chromatography, helps bridge structural insights with functional antibody properties to guide rational immunogen design approaches.
Other Interests
Outside of science, music and sport have been defining threads throughout my life. Growing up in Brazil, I was on track for a career in professional soccer — until, at 17, I picked up an electric guitar and everything changed. Though neither path became a profession, both left lasting marks. I play guitar almost daily, treating it as a creative practice and a way to think differently. I also read widely — across philosophy, religion, economics, and the arts — driven by a genuine curiosity about the world and the questions that don’t have easy answers.
Undergraduate research intern (2026-present)
trung_tin_pham@sfu.ca
Research
I am an undergraduate Health Sciences major concentrating in Life Sciences. My research interests focus on infectious disease immunology, antibody responses to viral pathogens, and vaccine development against emerging infectious diseases. I am particularly interested in how antibodies recognize viral surface glycoproteins and how these interactions can inform next-generation vaccine design. Through my previous research experience in cell biology and biotechnology, I have developed practical laboratory skills in mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques. I joined the Pantophlet Lab to deepen my understanding of antibody discovery and vaccine immunology while gaining hands-on research experience. As an undergraduate volunteer, I support routine laboratory operations and look forward to developing additional skills in immunological and biochemical research techniques.
Other Interests
Outside the lab, I stay active by hiking and rock climbing, and I unwind by listening to music and reading, especially scientific papers that let me explore new ideas and learn about the latest research. I also really enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family, whether it’s catching up, sharing a meal, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
Undergraduate research intern (2026-present)
aubrey_mae_estero@sfu.ca
Research
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a joint major in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Business Administration. Through my coursework in molecular biology, biochemistry, and laboratory techniques, I developed an interest in research, particularly immunochemistry and the practical applications of antibodies. I am fascinated by how antibodies can be used to study biological processes and how this insight can contribute to developing new approaches to preventing and treating diseases. I joined the Pantophlet Lab to deepen my understanding of antibody research and gain hands-on research experience. As an undergraduate volunteer, I support routine laboratory operations, including preparing and maintaining supplies, sterilizing equipment, and helping keep the workspace organized and safe. I look forward to expanding my laboratory skills and contributing to research experiments as I gain experience.
Other Interests
Outside of academics, I enjoy traveling, playing badminton, and staying at home. Yes, I can combine traveling and staying at home in one sentence! I recently traveled to Korea and Vietnam, where I enjoyed experiencing different cultures and grew even more interested in exploring new places. When I’m back home in Burnaby, I like to relax, watch Korean dramas, and order takeout. Oh, and I also enjoy scrolling through Facebook Marketplace!
Undergraduate research intern (2026-present)
baljot_reehal@sfu.ca
Research
I am an undergraduate Health Sciences major at SFU. My research interests focus on immunology, infectious diseases, and the molecular mechanisms underlying host–pathogen interactions. Through my coursework in immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, I have developed a particular interest in how the immune system recognizes and responds to viral infections. My laboratory courses have also given me hands-on experience in protein analysis, purification, and biochemical techniques. I joined the Pantophlet Lab to deepen my understanding of antibody discovery and infectious disease immunology while gaining hands-on research experience. As an undergraduate volunteer, I support routine laboratory operations, including preparing and maintaining supplies, sterilizing equipment, and keeping the workspace clean and organized. I look forward to further developing my laboratory skills and contributing to research experiments as I gain experience.
Other Interests
In my free time, I enjoy exploring new restaurants and cafés with family and friends, going for walks outdoors, swimming, and traveling to different parts of the world to experience other cultures.
Past Lab Members
| Palak Palak, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2026) |
| Tina Behzadan, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2026) |
| Deeqa Mahamed, PhD | Staff Scientist (2026) |
| Kennedy Hoven, MSc | Research Scientist (2025-2026) |
| Nikita Shlyapnikov, MSc | Research Assistant/Technician II (2025-2026) |
| Sana Mostofizadehghalamfarsa, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2025-2026) |
| Dylan Kormendy, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2025-2026) |
| Kesha Patel, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2025-2026) |
| Shinnosuke Kawakami, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2025) |
| Arzel Luis Esguerra, BSc | Postgraduate research intern (2025) |
| Lauren Kazak, BSc | Postgraduate research intern (2025) |
| Craig Robb, PhD | Research Associate (2025-present) |
| Ming-Hsi (Linda) Kang, PhD | Research Associate (2025) |
| Emily Kon, BSc | Research Assistant/Tech 2 (2024-2025) |
| Sarah Eljazam, BSc | Postgraduate research intern (2024-2025) |
| Annabella Wang, Undergraduate Student |
BSc Honours student (2025)
Undergraduate research intern (2024) |
| Ronald Ye, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2024-2025) |
| Ali Nejatie, PhD | Research Associate (2024-2026) |
| Andrii Yevchuk, Postgraduate Student | MITACS Globalink Research Intern (2024) |
| Kiana Roshanzamir, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2024) |
| Nicole Goussiatiner, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2024) |
| Sue Kang, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2024) |
| Sayma Hussain, BSc | Postgraduate research intern (2024) |
| Jason (Myung Ho) Eom, Undergraduate Student | HSCI 489 Undergraduate student researcher (2024) |
| Ines Ciccateri, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2024) |
| Ernest Hoptioncann, Undergraduate Student | HSCI 489 Undergraduate student researcher (2024) |
| Angela Omrani, BSc |
Graduate student (2024-2026)
BSc Honours (2024) |
| Phuong Nghi (Krystal) Bui, BSc | Graduate research intern (2023-2024) |
| Sadra Afshar Moghaddam, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2023-2024) |
| Angela Wiehahn, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2023-2024) |
| Muskanpreet Jammu, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2023) |
| Richard Alex, Undergraduate Student | Co-op Lab Assistant (2023) |
| Harleen Buttar, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2023) |
| Irene Cheng, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2023) |
| Bennett Lee, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2023) |
| Nadia Ahmed, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2023) |
| Hana Moosaakbari, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2022-2023) |
| Yuchen (Olivia) Xing, BSc |
Research Assistant/Technician III (2026)
Lab Assistant/Research Assistant/Technician I-II (2023–2025) Undergraduate research intern/ (2022–2023) |
| Nathaniel Cortese, Undergraduate Student |
Undergraduate research intern (2023)
BISC 499 Undergraduate student researcher (2022) BISC 498 Undergraduate student researcher (2022) |
| Tina Nguyen, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
| Brenna Lee, Undergraduate Student |
Undergraduate research intern (2022)
Co-op Lab Assistant (2022) |
| Mackenzie Sturn, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
| Abhimanyu Minhas, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
| Sarah Wong, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
| Isabel Laprise, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
| Mariam Hakimi, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
| Angelica Macapagal, Undergraduate Student | Undergraduate research intern (2022) |
| Manjot Sidhu, Undergraduate Student | 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 |
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 |
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) |






