Our editorial board is composed of senior undergraduate students with extensive research experience. They are passionate about making publishing opportunities accessible for all undergraduates.
Melanie Chan
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Melanie (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year Microbiology & Immunology student at the University of British Columbia. She is interested in using our existing understanding of diseases, particularly cancer, to inform drug development and treatment plans to improve patient outcomes. Currently, she is investigating the role of lactic acid suppression in cancer treatment, and how a drug developed for this purpose could work in tandem with existing anti-cancer drugs for a greater effect. When she has free time, Melanie enjoys studying languages, creating art, and writing poetry.
Anna Divinagracia
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Anna (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year Biochemistry student at the University of British Columbia. She is highly interested in the intersections of biochemistry and archaeology, specifically in ancient DNA and ancient diseases, 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.
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 Editor, Co-Editor-in-Chief, then Senior Advisor of CJUR for the past three years. In the past, she has researched the physiological bases of memory and learning in rodents, 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.
Paniz Ghavimi
Senior Advisor
Paniz (she/her/hers) recently completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of British Columbia with a focus in Cell and Development Biology. She is interested in learning about the pharmacology of the circulatory and cardiovascular systems and is hoping to continue with graduate studies to gain a deeper understanding of this field. 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
Senior Advisor
Mido (she/her/hers) recently graduated from the B.Sc. Pharmacology program and is an incoming first year medical student at UBC. During undergrad she was involved in different kinds of research along the drug development pipeline before discovering a love for clinical research, which led her to work in the BC Children’s ED and the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. She is currently helping with a sepsis protocol QI project in the BCCH ED. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and cooking with friends.
Maria Cheema
Editor
Maria (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year Biology student at the University of British Columbia. Her current research interests include plant genomics and advancing clinical care. Specifically, she is interested in improving health outcomes for patients through the creation of accessible resources and knowledge translation. In her free time, Maria enjoys creating and sharing art, learning languages, and playing volleyball with her friends!
Viola Chen
Editor
Viola (she/her/hers) is a second-year Neuroscience student at the University of British Columbia. She is particularly interested in the clinical applications of neuroimaging and translational research, bridging experimental techniques to patient care. Most recently, her research has focused on using hyperpolarized xenon MRI to image early-onset effects of multi-substance smoking in youth populations. In her free time outside of work, Viola enjoys filmmaking, as well as writing and performing original theatre one-acts.
Emma Lo
Editor
Emma (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year Biochemistry student at the University of British Columbia who is interested in genomics and understanding how biological systems are regulated at a molecular level. Her current research is focused on studying mobile genetic elements, specifically retrotransposons, and factors involved in their targeting. In her free time, Emma likes to read, sketch, and teach herself new musical instruments and languages.
Heather Lu
Editor
Heather (she/her/hers) is a fifth-year Neuroscience student at the University of British Columbia. She is interested in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical care. Her current research examines the relationship between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of academics and work, Heather loves baking, going on runs, and exploring new restaurants and cafés with friends.
Sarina Saffarian
Editor
Sarina (she/her/hers) is a fifth-year Biology student at the University of British Columbia. She has a keen interest in the cellular and molecular processes that drive disease and is curious about how these insights can be applied to develop therapeutic strategies. Her current research investigates the role of nucleolar proteins in cancer progression, exploring the underlying mechanisms involved in aggressive cancer types. Outside of academics, Sarina enjoys learning to play the guitar, finding calm moments immersed in nature, and cherishing time with family and friends.
Shona Sinclair
Editor
Shona (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year student in Physics and Mathematics at UBC, interested in biophysics and mathematical modelling for biology. Her recent work has been in structural biology. Shona likes field hockey and soccer, and plays acoustic guitar in her free time.
Anastasia Tountas
Editor
Anastasia (she/her/hers) is a fifth-year Biology student at the University of British Columbia, her main interests being in developmental biology, bioinformatics, and genetics. Her current research uses genetic analysis to investigate cell-extracellular matrix adhesions and their relevance to human health and disease. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, reading, and hiking with friends.
Rachel Zhao
Editor
Rachel (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year Computer Science student at the University of British Columbia. Her research interest lies in data science and machine learning/AI applications in health, to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Most recently, her research investigates risk factors for mortality among people with Schizophrenia during the 2021 Heat Dome using administrative health data. Outside of school and work, Rachel enjoys going on long walks with music, reading, and travelling to new places.