Training & Online Graduate Course

CIRTN-R2FIC CREATE Training Program

The CIRTN-R2FIC CREATE program, in partnership with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and JDRF Canada, provides undergraduate, graduate, and
postdoctoral trainees with funding support and access to enhanced training, placement programs, and internships.

View the program information page for full program details and how to apply!

Annonce du programme CIRTN-R2FIC CREATE, en partenariat avec le Conseil des Recherches in Sciences Naturelles et du Génie du Canada et FRDJ Canada! Cela offre aux stagiaires de premier cycle, des cycles supérieurs et postdoctoraux un soutien financier et un accès à des programmes de formation et d’échange améliorés.

Consultez la page d’information sur le programme pour connaître tous les détails du programme et savoir comment postuler !

National Graduate Course in Islet Biology

We are excited to announce that our for-credit online course for graduate students interested in islet biology is once again being offered by the University of Toronto in 2024.

This course consists of two modules (both modules must be taken for credit):

BCH2139 – Islet Biology I: Gene to Cell to Organ to Disease

BCH2140 – Islet Biology II: Beyond Glucose Control: Molecular Targets, Diagnostics and Cutting-edge Technologies

Lectures in each module cover a wide array of islet biology topics and have been delivered by over 20 CIRTN-R2FIC members.

Deadline to request the course is: November 10, 2023

Course begins: January 10, 2024 1-3 PM EST

For more information, please visit the links above or contact course coordinators Rob Screaton and Erin Mulvihill.

Highlighted Trainees

Jasmine Pipella

MSc Candidate, Thompson Lab

 

Training: University of Jamestown (2017-2021) – Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Honors) and minor in Psychology; University of Manitoba (2021-2022) – Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Medical Physiology and Pathophysiology; University of Manitoba (2022-current) – Master of Science in Physiology

Awards: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship Award

Project: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is classified as a chronic autoimmune disease, characterized by an insulin deficiency caused by the destruction of pancreatic B-cells. Teplizumab, which is an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, is a potential T cell immunotherapy for T1D currently in clinical trials. However, the mechanism and impact it has on beta cell function is unclear. Previous work in our lab has shown that there is an accumulation of senescent beta cells seen in T1D. I am using a mouse model to study the impact of anti-CD3 antibody therapies on beta cell function to determine if they can reduce the senescent beta cell accumulation seen in T1D.

Techniques: Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests, Pancreas perfusions and islet isolations, Immunohistochemistry, Luminex, qRT-PCR, Flow cytometry

About: I love being outside – whether it’s camping, hiking, or spending the summers tree planting in BC/AB. I enjoy playing softball and even spent time playing competitively during undergrad. Now, I spend time coaching young softball teams in MB. In my free time I also love cooking and photography!