What are stem cells, and why is Joe Rogan saying you should inject them into your body?? Despite stem cells being one of the hottest areas of research in Toronto and around the world, there's a lot of false information about what they are and what they can do – some of it even dangerous. Join us for an engaging panel discussion where you'll learn about stem cells from researchers at the cutting edge of this field and take a look at what the future might hold. Ask them your questions to cut through the hope and hype of stem cells and learn how to spot the red flags that scream stem cell scam!
Moderator
Dr. Samantha Yammine, PhD (she/her) is a Neuroscientist, Science Communicator, and Digital Media Producer. She earned her PhD from the University of Toronto researching how stem cells build the mammalian brain before birth and maintain it throughout adulthood.
Samantha is passionate about empowering people to explore science by making it more familiar, accessible, and inclusive. She loves engaging folks with anything science, anywhere & everywhere – she’s a frequent guest on CBC Radio, and has worked with the likes of AsapSCIENCE, TVO Kids, Leafs Nation Network, and 3M to bring science entertainment to the masses. As @science.sam on Instagram, she’s created space for continued, multi-way dialogue about science that transcends geographical borders and the traditional gate-keeping of academia. Learn more about her at heysciencesam.com.
Panellists
Dr. Nika Shakiba is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Biological Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her work applies synthetic biology principles to engineer stem cell behaviour. She completed her doctoral training in Dr. Peter Zandstra’s Stem Cell Bioengineering lab at the University of Toronto, where she focused on the process of reprogramming skin cells to become stem cells. Nika has a passion for outreach and mentorship, always looking for new people to talk to about science.
Dr. Lise Munsie is a Senior Development Manager at CCRM (Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine), a not-for-profit organization located in downtown Toronto, focusing on the development and commercialization of cell and gene therapies, and regenerative medicine technologies. Dr. Munsie received her PhD at McMaster University in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical science, focusing on drug discovery efforts in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Huntington’s Disease. Following this, she held a post-doctoral research fellowship at the Centre for Applied Neurogenetics at the University of British Columbia where her studies focused on the genetic causes of Parkinson’s Disease.
Síofradh McMahon is the Senior Manager, Clinical Translation and Regulatory Affairs at CCRM. Siofradh works with academic and industry partners to advance promising products and technologies to commercialization. Having worked worldwide, Síofradh brings more than a decade of experience in pharmaceutical and biotech regulatory affairs and policy. She is an active member of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine’s Regulatory and Value & Access working groups and lends her expertise to groups in Canada too.