A student-led publication that aims to highlight research by undergraduate students of all disciplines
Being able to publish your work is one of the most important skills for a successful academic researcher. However, at the undergraduate level these opportunities are scarce and difficult to access. This problem is compounded by the fact that many competitive scholarships and graduate programs require a strong publication record as an undergraduate.
CJUR was founded in 2015 by a group of undergraduate students at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada with the hopes of providing an accessible platform for undergraduates to gain experience in academic publishing.
Editorial board
Our editorial board is compromised of senior undergraduate students with extensive research experience. They are passionate about making publishing opportunities accessible for all undergraduates.
Paniz Ghavimi
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Paniz is a fourth-year student studying Cell and Development Biology at the University of British Columbia. She is additionally interested in learning about the pharmacology of the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. She is currently completing an internship, where she is investigating and exploring links between coagulation and insulin signalling pathways. During her free time and outside of school, Paniz enjoys kayaking, travelling, and getting ice cream with friends.
Mido Luo
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Mido is a fourth-year pharmacology student at the University of British Columbia. She is interested in clinical drug research and is currently involved in studies on cannabis, antipsychotics, and mapping various health measures in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside population. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and podcasting with friends.
Si-ah Choi
Senior Advisor
Si-ah recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Honours Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia, having acted as both an Editor and Co-Editor-in-Chief of CJUR for the past two years. She is interested in neurological disorders and behavioural neuroscience, and is currently studying physiological bases of memory and learning in rodents. In the past, she has researched the role of the complement system in patients with psychiatric disorders, as well as assisting with the development of automated neuronal segmentation and reconstruction through machine learning. Outside of work and school, Si-ah likes to spend her time watching k-dramas, crocheting, and searching for new songs to listen to.
Emma Lam
Senior Advisor
Emma is a 4th year undergraduate student studying Honours Animal Biology at the University of British Columbia. Her research interests include behavioural ecology and social behaviour in nonhuman animals. She is currently working in an animal cognition lab studying the role that cognition plays a role in the success of raccoons in urban areas. She is also finishing up projects in a behavioural neuroscience lab investigating the relation between steroids produced in the brain and territorial aggression in song sparrows. In her free time, Emma enjoys reading and taking long walks in the forest listening to science podcasts.
Carmen Choo
Editor
Carmen is a fourth-year biochemistry student interested in learning more about developmental and neuroimmunological disorders. She is researching how early-life immune challenges affect corticosteroids in adulthood. Outside of research, Carmen enjoys trying new restaurants and paddleboarding!
Anna Divinagracia
Editor
Anna is a third-year Biochemistry student at the University of British Columbia. She is highly interested in the intersections of biochemistry and archaeology, specifically in ancient DNA, proteins, and viruses to understand the evolution of humans and nonhumans. Currently, she is exploring past human-animal interactions in Peru. Beyond research and academics, Anna is a self-proclaimed cinephile and theatre lover, occasionally writing in-depth reviews.
Daniyal Imran Aleem
Editor
Daniyal is a third-year Integrated Sciences student specializing in neuroscience, immunology, and pathology. His primary focus lies in neurodegeneration, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Presently, he conducts research at Vancouver General Hospital, investigating demyelination and remyelination post-spinal cord injury, alongside exploring clinical therapies involving electrical stimulation. Beyond academia, Daniyal enjoys music, playing both guitar and bass, with a strong affinity for rock, jazz, and blues genres.
Megan Macfarlane
Editor
Megan is a fourth-year student Majoring in Psychology and Minoring in Interpersonal Development. She is interested in learning about the impacts of the factors influencing the generational transmission of psychopathology, as well as how nature impacts mental health. She is currently volunteering at a clinical psychology research lab at UBC, where she is investigating how cognitive training impacts rumination as well as how childhood trauma moderated by parenting style affects social anxiety symptoms. During her free time she enjoys backpacking, traveling, playing soccer, going to the beach, nature photography, and studying at cafes!
Anjali Parthasarathy
Editor
Anjali is a fifth-year Integrated Sciences student focusing on biochemistry and immunology. She is interested in studying immune-oncology and the role played by the immune system in the tumour microenvironment to understand potential avenues for immunotherapy. Currently, she is researching the role of sialic acid proteins (Siglecs) and their anti-immune role in cancer. Outside of work and research, Anjali enjoys hiking, Formula One and chess.
Nicholas Samuelson
Editor
Nicholas is a fourth-year Cellular, Anatomical, & Physiological Sciences (CAPS) student at the University of British Columbia. His primary research interests are in the fields of neuroimmunity and hematopoiesis. Currently, his work in the Tanentzapf Lab aims to characterize how sweet-sensing neurons can modulate rates of blood cell differentiation in Drosophila melanogaster. Nicholas is also interested in student advocacy and serves as Associate Vice-President Academic of the Science Undergraduate Society. In this role, he oversees committees focused on promoting the academic, social, and physical well-being of UBC’s science students. Outside of academics, he enjoys running in Pacific Spirit Park, skiing in Whistler, and travelling to new countries.
Shona Sinclair
Editor
Shona is a third-year student in Physics and Mathematics. She is interested in the applications of physics and math to biology, and her current research is in mathematical modelling for cell biology. Shona is also a member of the JV field hockey team, and enjoys playing soccer and Spikeball in her free time.
Crystal Shan
Editor
Crystal is a fourth-year Biochemistry student at the University of British Columbia. She is interested in genetics and computational biology. During her Co-op, she explored the multi-omic features of HPV integration in cervical cancer, and she is investigating the 3D genome landscape of HPV integration for her directed studies. Outside of school, Crystal loves baking and watching sunsets in summer.