March Edition #2 | URSA Events, Research Opportunities, and More! 🔎🌐
Written by: Emily Martin, Hira Abid
Hey U of T Community!
Welcome to the second March edition of the URSA newsletter! 🎉 Stay in the know and read all about upcoming research opportunities, URSA events, and the latest campus news. 🌟 Check it out and stay connected with all that's happening in our vibrant research community! 💡
In This Issue:
URSA Updates
Research Opportunities on the Horizon
What’s new on Campus?
Publication Highlights
Summer Mentorship Program | March 28, 2025 ⭐️
🚀 Introducing the UofT URSA Graduate-to-Undergraduate Mentorship Program!
Are you an undergraduate student exploring your path to graduate school? URSA is excited to launch the Graduate-to-Undergraduate Mentorship Program this summer! This initiative connects you one-on-one with a UofT graduate mentor in your field of interest—whether it's public health, biochemistry, or beyond. Take the next step in your academic journey and apply now!
Program Benefits:
📚 Personalized mentorship from a UofT graduate student
🎓 Monthly check-ins with discussion prompts and tailored guidance
☕ Exclusive networking opportunities through program events
⏳ Time Commitment: ~1 hour/month (May–August 2025)
📅 Apply by: March 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM
Questions? Email us at uoftursa@gmail.com.
We got featured in The Varsity!
In February, we hosted the Synergy Cancer Research Conference, bringing together over 200 attendees to explore the latest advancements in cancer research.
We’re excited to share that Synergy was recently featured in The Varsity, UofT’s leading student publication!
The conference welcomed two leading cancer researchers, Dr. Helen Dimaras and Dr. Lincoln Stein, who delved into topics ranging from AI-driven cancer diagnostics to eye cancer research shaping global oncology practices.
Read more about these inspiring discussions in The Varsity:
📌AI and cancer diagnosis at URSA’s Synergy conference: https://lnkd.in/g4xhKe8g
📌How eye cancer research is being used to improve oncology worldwide: https://lnkd.in/gtvBKwf7
MSc or PhD Graduate Student Opportunity in the Goncheva Lab at the University of Victoria
Here is an exciting opportunity for graduate students! Read below for more details.
Are you passionate about infectious disease research? Do you want to work at the cutting edge of virus-bacteria interactions? Come and join us in the vibrant, West Coast living experience of Victoria, BC, where groundbreaking science meets breathtaking scenery! See more about us at the website.
🔬 About the Project
Our lab at the University of Victoria examines the complex disease that occurs during co infection between Influenza A Virus (IAV) and Staphylococcus aureus. We aim to unravel the intricate, multi-directional interactions between the virus, bacteria, and host—and we need you to be part of it!
📢 We Are Hiring: MSc or PhD Graduate Student (Start: May or September 2025)
Location: University of Victoria, BC, Canada (in person)
Minimum Stipend: $31,000 CAD per year
Eligibility: Open to Canadian citizens & permanent residents only
Requirements: BSc (or near completion) in Microbiology, Virology, Bacteriology, Biochemistry, or a related field
Admission: Must meet entry requirements for the relevant graduate program at UVic.
What We’re Looking For
Experience in virology? Huge plus! Influenza A virus expertise will be prioritized
Animal work experience or strong desire to conduct animal studies? Priority given!
Passion for viral-bacterial co-infections? We want to hear from you!
Experience with independent lab projects (Honours or similar).
📅 Application Details
Deadline: March 31st, 2025
Submit: CV + Cover Letter (highlighting your interest & experience)
Email: gonchevalabuvic@gmail.com
Shortlisted candidates notified by: April 15th, 2025
Zoom interviews: late April 2025
Summer Research Courses
There are several opportunities for students to complete summer research courses at U of T.
Here is a link to all the Arts & Science Research Courses.
Paths in Healthcare: A multi-disciplinary discussion
March 28th, 2025, 6:30-8:00 pm | BA2155 📍
The Healthcare Students' Association is hosting a panel discussion featuring current students and professionals who will share their experiences, challenges, and insights into non-MD career paths in healthcare. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse opportunities available in the fields.
HBSU | A Night At The Masquerade 🎭
April 4, 2025, 8-11 pm | 955 Bay St 📍
The Human Biology Students’ Union is excited to announce our annual formal! Come out with your friends to the biggest Life Sciences formal of the year to enjoy tons of food, drinks, desserts, and music. Admission comes with alcoholic drinks, food and desserts, non-alcoholic drinks, and free masks for our masquerade! Tickets are $30 per person, and they are first-come, first-served. 🎩
Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Nada Jabado
Pioneering Pediatric Brain Cancer Research
For Women's History Month, we celebrate Dr. Nada Jabado, an esteemed pediatric neuro-oncologist and researcher whose groundbreaking work has transformed our understanding of brain tumors in children. Based at McGill University and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Dr. Jabado has been at the forefront of advancing treatments for pediatric gliomas, some of the most aggressive and fatal brain cancers affecting young patients.
A Trailblazer in Cancer Research
Dr. Jabado is best known for her discovery of histone mutations (H3K27M and H3.3 mutations) in pediatric high-grade gliomas (HGGs), fundamentally reshaping how researchers approach these cancers. Her work demonstrated that pediatric and adult gliomas have distinct molecular and genetic profiles, highlighting the need for age-specific treatment strategies. This paradigm shift has influenced targeted therapy development, offering new hope for children diagnosed with these devastating diseases.
A Passion for Precision Medicine
Dr. Jabado's research emphasizes epigenetics, how chemical modifications to DNA influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself. By identifying epigenetic vulnerabilities in pediatric gliomas, her team is working to develop precision medicine approaches that target these specific cancer-driving mechanisms. Her work has been instrumental in designing novel therapeutic interventions and fostering collaborations that bring research from the lab to the clinic.
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Jabado’s contributions to pediatric oncology have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious UNESCO–L’Oréal For Women in Science Award in 2024. This international award recognizes outstanding women researchers who have made significant advances in science. Her recognition underscores her pioneering role in cancer research and her commitment to improving pediatric brain cancer treatments through innovative and personalized approaches.
Advocacy and Mentorship
Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Jabado is a passionate advocate for women in STEM and emerging researchers in oncology. She has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows, emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in scientific research. Her leadership in pediatric oncology has earned her numerous awards, including recognition from the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and prestigious funding from organizations such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Genome Canada.
Legacy and Impact
Dr. Nada Jabado's work has not only advanced our understanding of pediatric brain tumors but has also set the stage for more effective, less toxic treatments that could improve survival rates and quality of life for affected children. Her commitment to scientific innovation and patient-centered research continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals.
As we celebrate Women's History Month, we recognize Dr. Jabado’s extraordinary contributions to pediatric cancer research and her unwavering dedication to transforming the landscape of childhood brain tumor treatment. Her work is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of human health.