• Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Physics (1994) at University of Bucharest
• Master of Science, Chemistry (Bio-membranes) (2001) at University of Montreal

I manage the Kizhakkedathu lab, and also research modification and functionalization of blood and artificial cell surfaces

My research focuses on engineering blood cell surfaces through enzymatic modification and polymer grafting, with the goal of converting A and B red blood cells into the universal donor O type. Another key aspect of my work is adapting and validating automated blood-washing techniques to integrate with our technology while maintaining the sterility and quality of the modified red blood cells.
In my previous role, I investigated the interactions between artificial cells and blood cells. I developed various synthetic lipid-based nanoparticles, both as model membranes and as lipid-based carriers.
During my M.Sc., I studied the kinetics of melittin, a peptide derived from bee venom, and its interaction with synthetic lipid membranes. I explored how different lipid compositions influence the rate of melittin’s insertion and folding within bilayers, demonstrating the critical role of lipid composition in modulating these processes.

• Bachelor of Polymer Physics and Chemistry (2000) at Beijing Normal University, China
• PhD in Polymer Physics and Chemistry (2007) at Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
• Postdoc at Centre for Blood Research (2013-2018), The University of British Columbia, Canada

I am a polymer and surface chemist specializing in the interaction between polymeric biomaterial surfaces and biological systems.

My major research interests involve creating new synthetic polymers and surface conjugation technologies to improve medical device performance by preventing surface-induced adverse responses. Additionally, I am enhancing the biofunctionality of these coatings by attaching bioactive molecules, while maintaining hemocompatibility.

• Irkutsk State University, Russia, BSc in organic chemistry

I oversee synthesis and characterization of polymers and conjugates in the lab

The most recent projects I am working on are development of immuno-suppressing sugar conjugates, development of HPOD polymers, synthesis of polycationic inhibitors and their characterization. I am also doing maintenance of GPC instrument and molecular weight analysis for the lab and external users.

I enjoy camping, gardening and taking yoga classes. I love spending time with my little grandson!

• Bachelor of Chemistry 2005 at Shahid Beheshti University of Iran
• Master of Organic Chemistry 2007 at Tarbiat Modares University of Iran
• PhD of Organic Synthesis 2011 at Tarbiat Modares University of Iran

I research the fabrication of biomaterials designed for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering

Nasrin was born and raised in Qom, Iran, a city located near the beautiful Tehran, capital of Iran. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran in 2005. Immediately afterward, she began her graduate studies at Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran, focusing on organic synthesis during her master’s and PhD programs.
In October 2011, shortly after defending her PhD thesis, Nasrin joined the Chemistry Department at the University of Qom as an Assistant Professor, where she had received her PhD scholarship funding. During her tenure, she led pioneering research on the fabrication of polymer-based biomaterials for anticancer drug delivery. She also successfully supervised several students to graduation, several of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to the medical industry.
After being promoted to Associate Professor in 2021, Nasrin decided to move to Canada to further pursue her collaborative research interests in tissue engineering. With her family, she moved to Vancouver, and in August 2022, she joined the Mend The Gap project team as a Research Associate under the supervision of Prof. Karen Cheung and co-supervision of Prof. Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu. She is currently working on developing injectable peptide-modified biomaterials for spinal cord injury repair.

Beyond Chemistry, Nasrin enjoys spending quality time with her husband and child at home. She has a particular interest in online shopping, especially kids’ clothes, finding adorable outfits for her little one. Nasrin is also committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, dedicating time to early-morning workouts and enjoys walking around the beautiful scenery of Vancouver. In her free time, she loves exploring local cafes, and occasionally diving into a good book. Nasrin also values staying connected with friends and family back home, cherishing the traditions and culture that continue to shape her life.

• Bachelor of Microbiology and Immunology 2023 at University of British Columbia

I am currently working on the universal blood project

My long-term research interests focus in the field of life sciences and involve the development of effective interventions to improve people’s health. My undergraduate experience provided me with strong background in microbiology and molecular biology. Currently, as a Research Assistant in the Kizhakkedathu’s lab, I am working on the universal blood project that utilize effective enzymes to convert red blood cells to universal O type, which could increase the supply of blood for transfusion. I am in charge of performing enzymatic conversion and appropriate assays to characterize the enzyme-converted blood product.

• Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry 2021 at The University of British Columbia

I work in enzymatic conversion of blood types to O type for transfusion and organ transplants.

I am a Research Assistant/Technician at both Dr. Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu’s Laboratory and Avivo Biomedical Inc., where she contributes to the development of enzyme products for converting blood types to O type for transfusions and organ transplants. At Avivo, she has experience in enzyme expression, purification, activity assays, and synthesizing the necessary substrates. In Jay’s lab, her current projects have a focus on immunohistochemistry, serological studies, and gene silencing techniques.

• Bachelor and Master’s(1st) in Biotechnology (2012, 2016) at the Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Bangladesh;
• Master’s(2nd) in Materials Science (2018) at the University of Tsukuba, Japan;
• PhD in Biomedical Engineering (2022) at the University of Calgary, Canada

I am interested in Bioengineering, Polymer Chemistry, Biomaterials, Regenerative Medicine

My research journey began in my third year as an undergraduate when isolating DNA from plant cells in a Molecular Biology class sparked my passion for lab-based research. This led me to Japan in 2015, where I completed my master’s thesis on developing micromotors for biosensing applications in a multidisciplinary lab. My excitement for combining diverse scientific fields continued through my PhD in Calgary, where I developed smart hydrogel scaffolds for cartilage tissue regeneration. Now, as a Postdoctoral researcher, I am focused on developing polymer-based glycoconjugates for organ engineering to prevent transplant rejection. I am driven not only by the technical challenges but also by the potential to solve complex problems and translate innovative solutions from the bench to the bedside. Multidisciplinary research excites me as it bridges fields like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, providing diverse approaches to tackle critical human challenges.

Outside the lab, I enjoy staying active and engaging in a range of extracurricular activities. I love playing cricket and occasionally ping-pong, going biking, and participating in various voluntary activities, including science-related outreach programs. These activities help me stay balanced and contribute to the community in meaningful ways.

• Bachelor of Science (2010) at University of British Columbia
• Master of Science in Craniofacial Science (2016) at University of British Columbia
• PhD, in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (2023) at University of British Columbia

I am developing cell surface engineering techniques to generate universal blood

My long-term research interests involve the development of immune modulation-based cell-surface engineering technologies and understanding of their effect on humoral immunity to minimize the inflammatory immune response. My academic training and research experience to date have provided me with an excellent background in molecular biology and immunology. For my master’s project, I studied the effect of surface topography on macrophage polarization-mediated immune modulation. This project provided me with technical and conceptual training in interdisciplinary approach-based research projects focusing on building a comprehensive understanding of biomedical surface modifications and their effect on immune response. After completing my MSc in Craniofacial Science from UBC, I joined the Kizhakkedathu research team to keep moving forward with my research interest in immune modulation. For my PhD and postdoctoral studies, I am focusing on developing enzyme-mediated cell surface engineering techniques to generate universal donor red blood cells. By implementing a combination of two different cell surface engineering techniques involving enzymatic remodeling of A/B-antigen technology in conjunction with a newly developed RBC polysialylation strategy, enzymatic remodeling of both major blood antigen A/B and minor blood antigen RhD was achieved. The method and knowledge developed in this study will help increase the overall “true” universal blood supply and are expected to increase the utilization of the collected blood while decreasing the risks associated with ABO mismatched transfusions.

During my free time I enjoy doing yoga and watching movies. I also enjoy traveling and learn about different cultures!

• Bachelor of Polymer Science and Engineering (2012-2016) at Sichuan University
• Phd in Materials Science (2016-2022) at Sichuan University
• Joint Training Phd on Antithrombotic Surfaces (2019-2021) at UBC
• Postdoctoral fellow (Ongoing) at UBC

Understand how coagulation proteins interact with surfaces and design antithrombotic surfaces based on these interactions.

Studying how proteins interact with material surfaces lies at the very heart of blood-contacting materials research. Without this foundational knowledge, it would be nearly impossible to rationally design such materials. My research begins with the intricate interplay between materials and coagulation proteins, aiming to uncover the underlying principles and harness them to create superior antithrombotic materials.

• B.Sc., Physics (minor in Chemistry) (2016) at Bogazici University
• M.Sc., Biomedical Engineering (2018) at Bogazici University
• Ph.D., Experimental Medicine (2024) at The University of British Columbia

I am interested in the design and development of novel universal blood filtration materials

My research background has been mainly on the design and development of a variety of functional biomaterials with applications in different areas of medicine including dentistry, dermatology, and urology. My current research focuses on developing novel blood filtration materials for safe transfusion of universal type O blood. This work integrates advanced biomaterials engineering with surface chemistry to allow for safe and efficient conversion of all blood types to universal type O donor, thereby addressing a critical need in emergency medicine and transfusion science.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, keeping active and engaged in the lovely UBC community, as well as dabbling in literature!

• BSc (Hons.) of Biochemistry with minor in Chemistry (2021), Queen’s University
• Thesis Title: Next-Generation Blood Storage Bags for Better and Safer Transfusions
• Co-supervised by Dr. Dana Devine

I am investigating biocompatible materials, blood banking and transfusion quality, protein biochemistry, cell physiology

The objective of my research is to develop novel materials for blood storage, with a particular focus on platelet storage. Blood products, especially platelets, are in chronically short supply due to a combination of deterioration throughout storage and bacterial contamination. In my thesis, we are leveraging substrate-independent polymer coatings to passivate the surface of blood-contacting plastics, thereby protecting the cells stored within from damage. I am also developing antimicrobial versions of these coatings that can kill any contaminant bacteria. In tandem, my goal is to create self-sterilizing storage units that extend blood cell shelf life, and improve both transfusion quality and safety.

• Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (2019) at Sharif University of Technology
• Master of Materials Science (2021) at Technische Universität Darmstadt and Univeristé catholique de Louvain
• Ph.D. Candidate in Pathology and Labratory Medicine (in progress) at University of British Columbia

I am working on cell surface engineering of T cells with immunomodulatory synthetic and biopolymers to improve T cell-based therapeutics

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine with a background in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. The focus of my project is to investigate various strategies to engineer the surface of T cells with immunomodulatory synthetic and biopolymers to develop novel approaches to improve adoptive T cell transfer and CAR T cell therapy.

• Bachelor of Chemistry at Babolsar University, Iran
• Master of Organic Chemistry, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran

I am interested in immunomodulation through cell surface engineering

After completing his studies, Hassan worked in several academic and research institutions, where he contributed to the development of novel polymer-based materials. His work focused primarily on the design and synthesis of advanced smart polymer and nanomaterials with controlled properties, exploring how these materials could be tailored for specific biomedical applications.
Hassan’s research interests naturally evolved toward biomaterials—a growing field with immense potential to revolutionize healthcare. Driven by the idea that chemistry could offer solutions to some of the most pressing medical challenges, Hassan focused on developing biocompatible materials that could improve patient outcomes. His expertise in polymers and nanomaterials provided a solid foundation for designing materials capable of interacting with biological systems, from drug delivery to tissue regeneration.

• Bachelor of [polymer engineering] (2018) at [AmirKabir university of Technology
• Master of [Pathology and Laboratory medicines] (in progress) at [University of British Columbia]

I am developing of anti-bacterial coatings for storage blood bags

I am a graduate of Amir Kabir University of Technology in Iran, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering and Coating Science. During my undergraduate studies, I focused on anti-corrosion coatings, specifically utilizing resin based zinc-rich formulations. This project sparked my interest in material science, particularly in how coatings can address critical issues in various applications.
Building on this foundation, I pursued a Master’s degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I joined Dr. Jay’s lab to explore biocompatible coatings with applications in medical devices. My current research focuses on developing antibacterial coatings for blood storage devices, with the goal of improving the safety and efficiency of blood transfusions by inhibiting bacterial proliferation. This work is particularly relevant in the context of enhancing the sterility and shelf-life of blood products, addressing a pressing challenge in healthcare.
My motivation for pursuing research in this field stems from a desire to develop innovative solutions that improve public health. I am particularly focused on advancing biocompatible coatings to enhance the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. Through my research, I aim to contribute to the development of safer, more reliable technologies in healthcare.

I’m Parisa Golesorkhi, born on April 9, 1995, in Tehran, the vibrant capital of Iran. I moved to Canada in 2018, and while I love my new home, I deeply miss my family, especially my younger sister, who still lives in Iran.

When I’m not in the lab, you can find me enjoying the best of Vancouver’s seasons. In summer, I’m all about swimming, paddleboarding, and hiking—exploring the breathtaking landscapes of BC. Come winter, I trade my hiking boots for a snowboard and embrace the slopes. I also love hosting cozy game nights with friends.

A fun fact about me: I’m passionate about baking! From whipping up delicious cakes to carefully decorating them, it’s my favorite creative outlet (and a tasty one too).

• Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences at Chang Gung University (2020)
• Master of Molecular and Celluar Biology at National Taiwan University (2022)
• PhD student, in Pathology and laboratory Medicine at University of British Columbia (in progress)

I am researching immune complex destabilizing polyanion-binding inhibitors in the prevention and
treatment of HIT

I earned my Master’s degree from National Taiwan University, where I studied the interaction between proteins and mRNA during the translational stage using single-molecule techniques. I am deeply passionate about advancing human health through innovative therapeutic strategies. Therefore, I am excited to join Dr. Kizhakkedathu’s lab to study blood-related disorders and explore potential treatments.

PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering (2023-Current) at University of British Columbia
BSc Materials Science and Engineering (2022) at Virginia Tech

Research Areas: Glycocalyx Engineering, Synthetic Biology, Gene Therapeutics

Bryce came to the Kizhakkedathu lab at UBC having researched the immunology of liver transplant rejection and microfluidic bioartificial livers at USC Keck School of Medicine. His undergraduate degree was in Materials Science and Engineering, with research focuses on biomaterials. Here at UBC, he researches genetic strategies of perturbing specific components of the glycocalyx to promote allotransplant tolerance. Outside of the lab, Bryce reads a healthy amount of SciFi and if he’s not culturing cells in the BSC, he’s culturing sourdough starter for his projects in the kitchen at home.

Follow him on
X(Twitter): @BryceRoper6
Bluesky: @bryceroper.bluesky.social
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=IY4RNY0AAAAJ&hl=en

• Bachelor of Chemistry at The University of Manchester, UK
• Master of Chemistry at The University of Manchester, UK

Currently, at the Kizhakkedathu and Straus’ Lab, I am engaged in two key projects:

(i) Developing a heart-targeting iron chelator to prevent and treat iron overload specifically in cardiac tissues.
(ii) Investigating immunothrombosis treatment and prevention strategies using Rapidly-Excreting Polycationic Nucleic Acid Inhibitors, which also aim to reduce the risks associated with nano-toxicity, besides maintaining heamostasis.

I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The University of Manchester, achieving First Class Honours. During my undergraduate studies, I conducted research under Dr. Lu Shin Wong, focusing on the synthesis of organosiloxanes. My Master’s research, guided by Dr. Andrew Reagan, explored the novel [2,3]-Wittig rearrangement of acetal substrates. I began my PhD journey at UBC in January 2022 and successfully achieved candidacy by December 2023.

I’m passionate about staying active, often hitting the gym, hiking, or cycling. Besides working in the lab, I am also a Senior Residence Advisor at UBC, leading a team of Residence Advisors in organising engaging events for residents, guiding them through university life, and maintaining residence standards

• Bachelors in Biotechnology at Tec de Monterrey (2017)
• Masters in Biological and Bioprocess Engineering at the University of Sheffield (2021)

José Ausencio Álvarez Huerta was born and raised in Mexico. He received a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology Engineering from Tec de Monterrey in 2017 with a minor in Bioprocesses. José worked in the university’s Molecular Isolation Laboratory for the isolation of bioactive compounds sourced from flora native to the region. In 2021, José received a master’s degree from the University of Sheffield in Biological and Bioprocess Engineering, graduating with first class honors. Currently, José is working towards his PhD under the joint supervision of Prof. Jay Kizhakkedathu and Prof. Suzana Straus, focusing on the development of antimicrobial peptides for applications in the surface functionalization of medical devices. His research interests include peptide synthesis and antibiotic development. In his free time, he can be found walking through the woods or reading a good fiction book.