Maya Kallner, Former Research Outreach Coordinator
With a BA Honours Specialization degree in Clinical Kinesiology from Western University and a background working as a Rehabilitation Assistant in longterm care Maya understands the impact that Alzheimer’s can have on individuals and communities. With experiences in outreach and research throughout my undergraduate degree she was excited to tie these with my passion for learning more about and supporting individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s in the Abdelrahman lab at UBC. Maya’s role included reaching out to those who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s, within and outside of our community, to see how our research can support them and their loved ones.
Eleen Yang, Former Undergraduate Student
Eleen received a BSc in Pharmacology. Her research interests are centered around neurological disorders, including trauma, neural developmental, and dementia-related conditions. Her research involved using invasive intraparenchymal monitoring to improve traumatic brain injury management in the intensive care unit, as well as exploring potential therapeutics for Alzheimer’s. Because of her research, she has a deep appreciation for what the brain is capable of which has led her to become passionate about teaching at all levels from early childhood education to university. Apart from research, Eleen plays tennis whenever the weather allows and volunteers at the local temple.
Keren Chen, Former Undergraduate Student
Keren received a BSc in Pharmacology. Keren’s interest in Alzheimer’s Disease research began when she lost her grandmother to the disease. She conducted a self-directed project on a GPCR involved with memory, to understand how its function is disrupted in Alzheimer’s Disease. In her free time, Keren enjoys weight-lifting, running, and drawing.
Selina Park, Former Undergraduate Student
Selina received a BSc in Pharmacology. Her research interest is glutamate receptors and she was the first person to join the Abdelrahman lab. In her free time, Selina likes to read comics and watch Haikyu!!.
Sarah Lim, Former Undergraduate Student
Sarah received a BSc in Integrated Sciences, focusing on Microbiology and Neurobiology. Her research interests included exploring the multifactorial origins of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, specifically the role of the gut microbiota. She loves all kinds of waffles, especially when paired with ice cream. In her free time, she enjoys bullet journaling and collecting Smiskis.
Kevin Low, Former Undergraduate Student
Kevin is a fifth-year Biochemistry Honours student. His research interests include investigating the biochemical mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions. He is currently conducting a directed studies project in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, exploring how GPCR signalling in astrocytes is affected by amyloid-beta. Outside the lab, he loves crocheting and reading manga, specifically Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
Alaana Shamji, Former Undergraduate Student
Alaana is a third-year Integrated Sciences undergraduate student specializing in Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pathology. She is passionate about researching Alzheimer’s disease due to her grandmother’s recent diagnosis of early dementia. Currently, Alaana is conducting a self-directed project on how tau protein interferes with a GPCR, and how a new drug may counteract these effects. She aims to pursue a career in brain research and medicine. In her free time, Alaana enjoys hiking and photography.
Tala Bagh, Former Undergraduate Student
Tala is a fifth-year Behavioral Neuroscience undergraduate with a deep passion for understanding neurodegenerative diseases. Her interest lies in exploring these conditions through both clinical and pre-clinical research, driven by her personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease, which has profoundly impacted close members of her family. This firsthand experience has fueled her commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to meaningful research in the field.
Julia Wilson, Former Undergraduate Student
Julia is a fourth-year Integrated Sciences student studying Neuroscience, Immunology and Nutrition. After the passing of a family member from Parkinson’s disease, she became interested in the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases and their treatment strategies. She is currently investigating how aptamer-based biosensors can detect neurotransmitter fluctuations in Alzheimer’s disease. In her free time, she loves to ski and go on hikes!
Leina Shabaan, Former Undergraduate Student
Leina is a fourth-year Neuroscience student currently completing her capstone project in the lab, where she’s exploring her interest in neurodegenerative diseases and the biological mechanisms that underlie them. She enjoys learning new technical skills in the lab, expanding her understanding of neuroscience research. In her free time, Leina enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, hiking, and catching up on the latest in Formula 1!
Abigail Li, Former Undergraduate Student
Abigail is a fourth-year undergraduate student specializing in Honours Pharmacology. She developed an interest in Alzheimer’s disease after a relative was diagnosed, which inspired her to explore its mechanisms, symptoms, current treatments, and future therapeutic potential. Her favorite things are cats and ice cream, and outside the lab she enjoys playing piano, knitting, crocheting, and exploring new ice cream shops. Her current favorite song is https://youtu.be/rVpOwQMpJO0?si=exSJPKI2xR5Plqm8.
Ray Wang, Former Undergraduate Student
Ray is a fourth-year pharmacology student completing his honours thesis at Abdelrahman lab. He is passionate aboutthe development of therapeutics for neurological disorders and is currently investigating the role of mGluR5 in Alzheimer’s Disease pathogenesis. In his free time, he loves making music with his friends, looking for beautiful scenery, and watching anime, his favourite one being: Sora yori mo Tooi Basho.
Ava Alexander, Former Undergraduate Student
Ava is a fourth-year Neuroscience student completing her capstone project in the lab. She is passionate about understanding the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease and exploring their potential therapeutic targets. In her free time, Ava enjoys playing soccer and spending time outdoors!
Kaitlyn Uy, Former Undergraduate Student
Kaitlyn is a third-year Integrated Sciences student specializing in neuroscience and genetics. She has a keen interest in neurodegenerative disorders, especially in areas of brain dysfunction and recovery, and what genetic mechanisms underlie these traits. In her spare time, she enjoys reading mystery novels and illustrating zines!