Dr. Stuart Turvey

Principal Investigator

As a pediatric immunologist and clinician-scientist, I study two major health problems that are informed by clinical realities and that have immune system dysfunction as key to their pathogenesis:

• Asthma: the most common chronic non-communicable disease of childhood; and
• Primary immunodeficiency diseases: devastating and often life-threatening genetic disorders in which parts of the immune system are missing or dysfunctional. 

My research approach is sensitive to the child's developmental course and aims to define the underlying cellular, molecular, and genetic abnormalities responsible for disease. The new knowledge we generate improves diagnosis and disease management. Ultimately, our work identifies new, individualized strategies to treat these challenging chronic child health conditions.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, gardening and spending time with my family.

Dr. Massimo Mangino

Research Associate

I hold a PhD in Medical Genetics and, over the past 25 years, I have transitioned into the field of computational science. During this time, my work has focused on uncovering potential causal mechanisms behind common complex diseases. My expertise spans project design and management, data analysis, result interpretation, and the application of cutting-edge genetic analysis tools. With over 300 published scientific papers, I have been honored to be among the top 1% Highly Cited Researchers.

Currently, in Professor Turvey's lab, I apply advanced whole-genome analysis techniques to uncover novel causes of rare genetic disorders.

Beyond science, I have a passion for cooking, baking, repairing broken items, spending quality time with my family, and playing video games.

Dr. Bhavi Modi

Research Associate

I have a PhD in Human Genetics and have worked at the interface of genetics and healthcare over the past decade. My current research in Turvey lab focuses on utilizing applied genome analysis methods towards the study of rare genetic disorders. These projects allow me to integrate next-generation analysis techniques with biological theory for a more functionally informative approach that has a better chance of impacting healthcare management. I am driven by a keen passion to help families going through diagnostic odysseys — a passion that is fueled by personal experiences. This makes coming to work an exciting and gratifying experience. I also work with national and international partners towards coordinating the development and operation of multiple precision health-related projects at BCCHRI and across Canada. Outside of the lab, I love spending time with my family and reading.

Dr. Charisse Petersen

Research Associate

I have a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology and consider myself to be an advocate for tiny humans and tiny microbes alike! Despite their bad reputation, the vast majority of bacteria that we like to call ‘germs’ are non-pathogenic and likely even helpful. This especially includes the ones that colonize us as infants and create little communities on and inside our body. These bacteria belong to our ‘microbiota’, and they help infants develop into healthy children and adults. They make sure we get important nutrients from our food to help us grow. And they even train our immune system how to know which signals, or antigens, are harmful or not to prevent the development of asthma and allergies. The best part of my job is working with studies like the CHILD study to shine a light on all the wonderful things that our microbiota does. The more that we know, the better we are at protecting these important bacteria in order to keep infants and children healthy.

In my free time (what’s free time?!) I can be found chasing my two tiny humans around and playing in the garden.

Dr. Leandro B R Silva

Research Associate

Leandro joined the team in December 2024.

Duha Awad

PhD Student

My research interests stem from my fascination with microbes, particularly bacteria, and their dual role in causing disease and shaping our health. Currently, I am working on a project examining the relationship between infant gut microbiome development and neurodevelopment in children. Prior to joining the Turvey lab, I completed an M.Sc. in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University, following my B.Sc. in Biomedical Science from Qatar University.

Beyond research, I actively volunteer with community organizations and mutual aid groups. In my leisure time, I enjoy exploring new activities (snowboarding this year!), connecting with family, and gaming with friends.

Darlene Dai

PhD Student

I am a biostatistician with more than 5 years of experience in analyzing and interpreting data. I specialize in using high dimensional genomic, proteomic, and clinical data to derive clinically useful diagnostic or prognostic tests.

I hold a bachelor of statistics from Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, China and completed a master's degree in statistics at the University of British Columbia in 2013. I enjoy eating, drawing, travelling and watching movies!

Courtney Hoskinson

PhD Student

Prior to moving to Vancouver and pursuing PhD studies at UBC, I obtained my BSc in biology from Pepperdine University (California, USA). I currently study associations between microbial populations found in the gut and the occurrence of chronic allergic diseases within the CHILD study cohort. My work focuses on identifying therapeutic targets for prediction and prevention in order to, hopefully, help children and families live fuller lives without the burden of these conditions.

In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and visiting coffee shops to have a nice latte and read.

Simran Samra

PhD Student

I completed a bachelor’s degree in Honours Biochemistry and a master’s degree in Experimental Medicine from the University of British Columbia. After my master’s degree, I wanted to pursue disease-oriented medical research. Thus, I joined the Rare Diseases Discovery Hub at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Working at the Hub on projects that had the potential to directly improve a patient’s life was very fulfilling and made me realize my passion for precision medicine. 

In May 2023, I started my Ph.D. training under the supervision of Dr. Stuart Turvey. My project focuses on using precision medicine in pediatrics to discover and characterize novel monogenic disorders. This research will help further our understanding of human biology, improve patient care, and optimize treatments.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, and trying new restaurants and cafes.

Awards:
UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (2022)

Mattison Stojcic

PhD Student

I have obtained my bachelor’s degree from Simon Fraser University where I majored in Biomedical Physiology, minored in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, and completed a certificate in Chinese studies. Over the course of my undergraduate studies, I found my passion for immunology which led me to the Turvey Lab. I am currently pursuing a direct PhD in Experimental Medicine focused on understanding new immune system disorders in children. This research involves both working with patients, doctors, and global collaborators on tracking a disease clinically, as well as wet lab work where I conduct experiments to further understand how these diseases occur. My research projects also allow us to model these diseases in the lab and test new treatment options which could be of direct benefits to patients.

In my free time, I love reading, baking, trying new foods, exploring coffee shops and finding unique places in the world through travel!

Awards:
UBC Experimental Medicine Entrance Award (2024)

Maryam Vaseghi

MD/PhD Student

I completed my BSc in bio-psych and my MSc in medical sciences both at McMaster University before moving to UBC. I am currently an MD/PhD student at the Turvey Lab. During my undergrad and master's I became very interested in immunology, so I decided to pursue doctoral studies, studying more immunology! My research at the Turvey lab focuses on discovering and understanding gene mutations that result in primary immunodeficiencies leading to severe allergic/atopic conditions from birth, also known as primary atopic disorders (PADs). Our aim is to screen for children born with PADs across Canada, find the molecular cause of their previously undiagnosed atopic condition, perform functional characterization of their immune cells and potentially, repurpose existing therapeutics to treat their condition.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, dancing, practicing taekwondo and going on long walks around Stanley Park!

Awards:
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (2021)
Faculty of Medicine Graduate Award (2019)
UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (2020)

Rajdeep Dhillon

Research Assistant

I am an undergraduate science student at the University of British Columbia, specializing in Biology. My academic pursuits are driven by a passion for understanding the intricacies of life at a molecular level, and I aspire to contribute to the field of medicine in the future. Beyond my studies, I find joy in taking leisurely walks with my canine companion, Ace, and indulging in some well-deserved relaxation by watching Netflix.

Kiana Rashidi

Research Assistant

I am an undergraduate student studying honours psychology and honours computer science at UBC. As a Work Learn student in the lab, I have been involved in developing a genomic analysis pipeline for rare disease diagnosis that will help us find answers for families and children at the BC Children’s Hospital. Broadly, I am interested in pursuing medicine and computer science to develop software that can help provide more personalized care to patients in various stages of diagnosis and treatment. Outside of research and school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking photos of birds and flowers, and recently film photography!

Alex Dempsey

Research Assistant

I am a research assistant for the CHILD cohort study. My main roles in the study are scheduling and running the 13-year visits, gathering data and samples from our participants, and processing samples for long-term storage in the lab. I particularly enjoy working with children and contributing to such a large and influential study. Outside of work, I enjoy Dungeons and Dragons, cooking, and various crafts.

Liam Golding

Research Assistant

I completed my Master's of Science in Immunology at the University of British Columbia in May 2023. I currently work as a research assistant in the Turvey lab where I work in the Rare Disease Discovery Hub. I'm passionate about helping the younger generation prosper, combining my interests in experimental human biology and the complex world of bioinformatics. Outside of the lab I have many hobbies, namely skiing, mountain biking, and exploring the night life and live music scenes of cities like Vancouver.

Jill Lim

Research Assistant

I am currently a research assistant in the Turvey Lab, actively contributing to the CHILD cohort Study. My academic background lies in Psychology, which I pursued at UBC. Throughout my studies, I unearthed a passion for both clinical research and laboratory work, along with a keen interest in engaging with study participants. What captivates me the most about the CHILD Study is the chance to connect with and learn from families across British Columbia.

Outside the realm of academia, I immerse myself in rock climbing, indulge in various craft projects, and find relaxation in reruns of my favorite TV shows.

Cassie McDonald

Genetic Counsellor

As the genetic counsellor and coordinator of the Rare Disease Discovery Hub, I'm generally responsible for keeping the team organized and speaking with our participants and their referring doctors. I completed my Master of Science in Genetic Counselling at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, after obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Biology from UBC. I'm thrilled to be working in research at BCCHRI again, after working here as a technician and co-op student before graduate school. In my free time, I love getting outside the city, exploring nature, driving in rallies, and swimming in the ocean.

Erika Sifuentes

Clinical Research Coordinator for the CHILD study

I’m responsible for the CHILD team, which makes sure that our study participants from B.C. attend their follow-ups. Together we perform their clinical assessments. Broadly speaking, I organize our team and the activities prior, during and after these assessments. I completed a Pediatrics specialty and an Allergy & Immunology subspecialty in Mexico City. I am passionate about pediatric health and how incredible our immune system is. I like to think that when I interact with our young participants (and their families) I’m spreading my fascination for research, ensuring they have a positive experience, and encouraging them to continue to take part in our study.

I enjoy cooking/baking (foodie under construction), exercising, reading, and going for walks with my husband.

Valerie Tolsma

Administrative Assistant (part time)

I have the dubious distinction of being the Turvey Lab’s most senior staff member, both in chronological age and job tenure. I’m honoured to work with this team of enthusiastic, brilliant young people, and I’m continually inspired by our synergy!

Jennifer Vanderlei

Administrative Assistant

I work behind the scenes to keep our lab running smoothly by supporting our Principal Investigator with scheduling, meeting coordination, and essential administrative tasks that drive our research forward. I'm proud to be part of an exceptional team that values precision and innovation.

Outside of work, I am passionate about engaging with families and children—a passion that resonates with my role as a parent to energetic twin boys. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, experimenting with new recipes, diving into tabletop games, reading, and exploring fresh hobbies inspired by my family's adventures.

Ethel Wai

Research Assistant

I am a research assistant for the CHILD Cohort Study. I completed my BSc in Biology from UBC with a focus on ecology and marine biology. Although my background is very different to projects done in the Turvey Lab, it gives me an interdisciplinary approach to research, which I find important in science. Outside of lab time, I enjoy baking bread, crocheting, and cafe hopping.
 

David Yao

Research Assistant

I completed my BSc in Immunology and Infection at the University of Alberta. During my undergraduate studies, I had the pleasure of working in multiple research labs, honing my passion for immunology and the development of new therapeutics and vaccines. I am also passionate about working with patients and collaborating with other scientists to advance precision medicine.

In my free time, I enjoy a good game of chess, basketball, or any physical activity!