Our Team
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Hi, I’m Lisha, a postdoctoral fellow working on the development of liposomes, niosomes and other products for Suncor. I completed my PhD thesis at University of Alberta on liposome production to deliver multiple bioactives. In addition to my research, I love hiking and playing Arena of Valor and League of Legends.
Dr. Lisha Zhao
Hey! I’m Afshin, a postdoctoral fellow in the Hoare Lab working on developing microfluidic technologies for synthesis of smart materials. I completed my PhD at ETH Zurich (Switzerland), where I developed different microfluidic platforms for controlled synthesis of advanced materials. I am also passionate about entrepreneurship. Outside of the lab, I am a fan of soccer and enjoy traveling, hiking, and watching never-ending thriller TV series!
Dr. Afshin Abrishamkar (he/him)
Ph.D. Students
Hey everyone! I’m Matt, a PhD Candidate currently researching size-switching nanogels to make chemotherapeutic more effective, efficient, and safe. My undergrad degree is in Chemical Biology from McMaster University, which basically just means I like drawing hexagons and making them react. Outside of the lab I love learning new languages (ciao!) and crying while watching soccer.
Matt Campea (he/him)
Hi! I’m Samaneh, a PhD candidate in our lab. I’m working on injectable hydrogels for tissue engineering applications. I also work in a collaborative industry project with Ceapro Inc. And use the Pressurized Gas eXpanded liquids (PGX) technology to create wound dressings for antibiotic resistant infections. I’m passionate about diversity, inclusion, and equitable leadership. I also dabble in social media and mental health blogging.
Samaneh Toufanian (she/her)
Hey! I’m Sadru, a PhD student co-supervised by Dr. Hoare! My research focuses on combining bacteriophage work from one lab with the hydrogel materials in Dr. Hoare’s lab to fight antimicrobial resistant infections. Science is my first love, but my second love is dad jokes. I also enjoy rock climbing, coffee, and deep dives into the nerdy corners of YouTube.
Sadru Walji (he/they)
Hello! I’m currently a graduate student in Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University under the co-supervision of Dr. Todd Hoare and Dr. Ram Mishra. I completed my undergraduate in Nanotechnology Engineering at the University of Waterloo. My current research involves the use of nanoparticle network hydrogels as drug delivery systems for various neurological conditions.
Andrew Lofts
Hi! I’m Norma, a PhD candidate working on the development of functional bioinks for 3D bioprinting applications. I completed my undergraduate studies in Biotechnology Engineering at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico. In my free time, I enjoy reading, discovering new coffee shops and visiting museums.
Norma Garza Flores
Hi! I’m Eva, a PhD candidate focusing on bioink development for 3D bioprinting applications. I am a Chemical and Bioengineering graduate from McMaster University, followed by a one-year accelerated Masters thesis in the area of drug delivery. Outside of research, I’m an avid outdoor enthusiast and love exploring the many scenic trails that Hamilton has to offer!
Eva Mueller
Hey! I’m Ridhdhi, a PhD student co-supervised by Dr. Hoare and Dr. Sheardown! I am working on developing nano-sized drug carriers for efficiently delivering drugs to the front of the eye. I am a “Mac-Lifer” that also completed her undergrad in Chemical and Bioengineering at McMaster University. Outside of the lab, I love trekking up mountains or through forests, running, and hiking!
Ridhdhi Dave
Hi, I am Survanshu, a Ph.D. student working on developing hybrid polymeric materials for improved biosensing co-supervised by Dr. Todd Hoare and Dr. Leyla Soleymani. I completed my M.Tech degree in Biomedical Engineering from IIT Bombay, India, and holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology Engineering. Outside of the lab, I like to watch anime and thriller/horror movies, and play chess and table tennis
Survanshu Saxena (he/him)
M.A.Sc Students
Hello everyone! I’m Gurpreet, a Master’s student currently working on developing an anti-infective surface coating for medical devices and PPE to eliminate surface transmission of bacteria and viruses. I just completed my B.A.Sc. degree in Nanotechnology Engineering at University of Waterloo with a focus in nanobiotechnology and nanomaterials. In my free time I love roller skating, hiking to find beautiful views and creating new makeup looks!
Gurpreet Kaur Randhawa (she/her)
Hello! I’m Chloe, a Master’s student focusing on electrospun, multi-layered, aligned cell scaffolds for use in regenerative medicine. I am a recent Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering graduate from McMaster. Outside of the lab I love to cook, workout, and play board games with my friends!
Chloe Dawson (she/her)
Undergraduates
I am a Chemical & Bioengineering student at McMaster entering my final year of the program. I am passionate about using my engineering skills to find ways to improve medicine and public health. I have previously done an internship at Sanofi Pasteur's vaccine manufacturing plant, and am now working with Matt on his nanoparticle drug delivery project for cancer therapy. Outside of science, I love to play sports like soccer, hike, play with my dog and go to the beach!
Kevin Gulo
Hi everyone! I'm Mya, a fourth-year student in the Integrated Science program, concentrating in Chemical Biology. I am very interested in the applications of chemistry in the biomedical field, and I am excited to explore this further through my thesis in the Hoare Lab, which is focusing on creating an anti-infective surface coating to reduce transmission of bacteria. Outside of the lab, I love reading and learning how to bake!
Mya Sharma
Hey everyone! I’m Colin, an undergraduate Co-Op student in the Hoare lab, and I’m working on the development and testing of anti-infective coatings. I’m currently in my third year of the Chemical Biology program here at McMaster and have an interest in finding ways to improve medicine and public health. In my personal life, I enjoy reading, sports and being in the company of friends!
Colin Stark
Hello! I'm Sim, a fourth-year student in the Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization program. I have a strong interest in bacteria and the development of novel formulations for varied purposes. I find this area has a remarkable convergence between biology, chemistry, and design, which I find to be very interesting. Through my thesis in the Hoare Lab, I will focus on both the creation of an anti-infective surface coating and test it for hydrophobicity. My other interests include everything from global politics, history, dinosaurs, aviation, automobiles, and astronomy among other topics.
Simranjeet Singh (he/him)
Hey! I'm Cynthia, a final year Chemical Bio Engineering student at McMaster. I worked in the Hoare lab during the summer after my second year and I'm excited to be returning to work on my undergrad thesis with Dr. Abrishamkar where I'll be exploring microfluidic encapsulation of cells. In my free time I love to be outdoors hiking, road cycling or paddle boarding!
Cynthia Pham (she/her)
Hi! I’m Amber, a final year Chemical and Bioengineering student. I’m interested in using engineering to innovate solutions to current problems in healthcare. I’ll be working with Andrew on my undergraduate thesis to develop and optimize a starch nanoparticle-based drug delivery system for treatment of neurological conditions. I like coffee (a lot), swimming, hiking, and spending time with my friends, family and my 2 dogs.
Amber Monteiro (she/her)
Hello! I’m Meghan, a 3rd year Biochemistry Co-op student in the Hoare Lab. I am working with Dr. Fei Xu on developing hydrogels with anti-infective properties that can support tissue regeneration and bacterial growth prevention. Outside of the lab, I love weightlifting and hiking, as well as playing guitar and singing. Always willing to geek out about science and marvel!
Meghan Kostashuk
Hi! I'm a 4th year Chemical Biology Co-op student conducting my thesis in the Hoare Lab. Outside of the lab, I'm fascinated by scientific communication and educating others about care chemicals in misinformation-rampant consumer-centric industries (like skincare!). I have a long-haired cat called Archie and a cockapoo named Bailey (still probably more a cat person). You’ll usually find me at my desk watching a different K-drama everyday.
Chloe Wu (she/her)
Hello! I am a second year chemical engineering student at the University of Waterloo. I am interested in studying the utilization of chemistry and material science in order to reconstruct our energy systems. I will be working on developing a anti-infective coating that reduces the transmission of bacteria and I hope to learn the immense potential material science can have in diverse applications. Beyond chemistry, I enjoy reading, soccer, and cooking with my family.
Madeline Sain (she/her)
Hi! I’m Thomas, a third-year Chemistry student at McMaster working in the Hoare lab as a co-op student. As a chemist, I work mainly in the synthesis of polymers for use in other projects, and I collect data to characterize each polymer I have made. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, running, and reading sci-fi or fantasy novels.
Thomas Kalab
Alumni
Maryam Badv
Ph.D (2013 - 2022)
Diane Kim (she/her)
Undergraduate (2021)
Laura Neely
Undergraduate (2021)
Isabelle Poulin (she/her)
Undergraduate (2021)
Zheng Fu Zhou
Undergraduate (2020 - 2021)
Michael Majcher
Ph.D (2014 - 2021)
Michael Kiriakou
M.A.Sc. Student (2018 - 2020)
Elizabeth Keane
Undergraduate (2020)
Dabeer Abdul-Azeez
Undergraduate (2020)
Bridget Latka
Undergraduate (2020)
Dr. Zhicheng Pan
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2018 - 2020)
Albert Stancescu
Undergraduate (2019 - 2020)
Cecilia Tran
Undergraduate (2019 - 2020)
Victoria Kirkness
Undergraduate (2019 - 2020)
Sophia Emerson
M.A.Sc. Student (2018 - 2019)
Shalimar Ramos
Undergraduate (2019)
Terrel Marshall
Undergraduate (2019)
Dr. Somiraa Said
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2017 - 2019)
Alan Mo
Undergraduate (2018 - 2019)
Kelli Johnson
M.A.Sc. Student (2016 - 2018)
Amy Ling
Summer Student (2018)
Laura Carter
Summer Student (2018)
Dr. Lukas Sadowski
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2015 - 2018)
Dr. Wenwen Xu
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2017 - 2018)
Abigail Go
Undergraduate (2018)
Nazrin Azeez
Undergraduate (2017 - 2018)
Dr. Rabia Mateen
Ph.D (2011 - 2018)
Annika Yardy
Undergraduate (2017)
Kaylie Lau
Undergraduate (2017)
Dr. Brandon Corbett
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2016 - 2017)
Dr. Julijana Milosevic
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2015 - 2017)
Maria Budi Hartono
Undergraduate (2016 - 2017)
Henry Yu
Undergraduate (2016 - 2017)
Ali Abu Helal
Undergraduate (2016 - 2017)
Meghan Rothenbroker
Undergraduate (2016 - 2017)
Ashutosh Kulkarni
M.A.Sc. Student (2014 - 2017)
Ivan Urosev
M.A.Sc. Student (2014 - 2016)
Xudong Deng
Ph.D (2012 - 2016)
Donovan Ramkishun
Undergraduate (2015 - 2016)
Dr. Scott Campbell
Ph.D (2010 - 2016)
Juhina Elmajdoub
M.A.Sc. Student (2014 - 2015)
Dr. Daryl Sivakumaran
Ph.D (2010 - 2015)
Katya D’Costa
Undergraduate (2014 - 2015)
Juhina Elmajdoub
M.A.Sc. Student (2014 - 2015)
Sahar Mokhtari
M.A.Sc. Student (2012 - 2014)
Andrew McMillen
Undergraduate (2014)
Rowen Moon
Undergraduate (2012 - 2014)
Justin Piazza
M.A.Sc. Student (2012 - 2013)
Dr. Hongxia Guo
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2011 - 2013)
Sahar Mokhtari
Undergraduate (2012)
Paniz Sheikholeslami
M.A.Sc. Student (2010 - 2012)
Hua Tong
Undergraduate (2012)
Janine Ho
Undergraduate (2011 - 2012)
Jenny (Mayra) Tzoc
M.A.Sc. Student (2009 - 2011)
Elysia Jellema
Undergraduate (2010 - 2011)
Syed Usman Ahmed
Undergraduate (2009 - 2011)
Robert Fuller
Undergraduate (2011)
Hamzeh Qureshi
Undergraduate (2009 - 2010)
Dr. Madeline Simpson (she/her)
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2014 - 2021)
Couper Smith
Undergraduate (2021)
Dr. James Bodnaryk
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2020 - 2021)
Evelyn Cudmore (she/her)
Undergraduate (2021)
Jonathan Que
Undergraduate (2019 - 2021)
Angela Pollinzi
Undergraduate (2019 - 2021)
Dr. Xiaoyun Li
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2018 - 2020)
Maya Ziolkowska
Undergraduate (2019 - 2020)
Riyadh Baksh
Undergraduate (2020)
Maggie Zhu
Undergraduate (2020)
Dr. Zohreh Farsangi
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2018 - 2020)
Parmida Amid
Undergraduate (2019 - 2020)
Lucas Jarrett
Undergraduate (2019 - 2020)
Coulter Montague Szakaly
Undergraduate (2018 - 2020)
Ali Affar
M.A.Sc. Student (2017 - 2019)
Menatalla Ellag
Undergraduate (2019)
Anna Basatskaya
Undergraduate (2019)
Kevin De France
Ph.D (2014 - 2019)
Vishrut Panchal
Undergraduate (2018 - 2019)
Nicola Muzzin
M.A.Sc. Student (2016 - 2018)
Angus Lam
Undergraduate (2014 - 2018)
Juliana Onesi
Summer Student (2018)
Dr. Emilia Bakaic
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2012 - 2018)
Karishni Ramamoorthi
Undergraduate (2017 - 2018)
Ugonwa Echendu
Undergraduate (2017 - 2018)
Haniah Shaikh
Undergraduate (2017 - 2018)
Jonathan Dorogin
M.A.Sc. Student (2016 - 2018)
Ashlyn Leung
Undergraduate (2017)
John Vairo
Undergraduate (2017)
Dr. Vitaliy Kapishon
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2015 - 2017)
Sydney Bell
Undergraduate (2016 - 2017)
Kaleela Kadir
Undergraduate (2016 - 2017)
Katelyn Chan
Undergraduate (2015 - 2017)
Zixin Zhang
Undergraduate (2016 - 2017)
Ashutosh Kulkarni
M.A.Sc. Student (2014 - 2017)
Helen Dorrington
M.A.Sc. Student (2015 - 2016)
Courtney van Ballegooie
Undergraduate (2014 - 2016)
Dr. Jianfeng Zhang
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2015 - 2016)
Haiming Luo
Undergraduate (2015 - 2016)
Ivan Urosev
M.A.Sc. Student (2014 - 2016)
Spencer Imbrogno
Undergraduate (2015)
Dennis Kinio
Undergraduate (2012, 2014-2015)
Owen Barrigar
Undergraduate (2015)
Cameron Shaw
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2014)
Danielle Maitland
M.A.Sc. Student (2012 - 2014)
Jacqueline Chau
Undergraduate (2014)
Rebecca Chu
Undergraduate (2012 - 2014)
Jared Gour
Undergraduate (2013)
Tyler Homer
Undergraduate (2012 - 2013)
Pardis Assi
Undergraduate (2012)
Leah Kesselman
Undergraduate (2009 - 2012)
Miles Montgomery
Undergraduate (2011 - 2012)
Thomas Oszustowicz
Undergraduate (2011)
Steven Zhao
Undergraduate (2011)
Thaksena Rangaranjan
Undergraduate (2011)
Sabika Raza
Undergraduate (2010 - 2011)
Chris Ewaschuk
Undergraduate (2009 - 2010)
Cameron MacLean
Undergraduate (2009 - 2010)
Dr. Ali Akbari
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2014 - 2021)
Melanie Chung (she/her)
Undergraduate (2021)
Blake Patterson
M.A.Sc. Student (2018 - 2021)
Makenzie Lamb
Undergraduate (2020 - 2021)
Elizabeth Keane (she/her)
Undergraduate (2020 - 2021)
Mina Yeganeh
Undergraduate (2020 - 2021)
Yang Lu
M.A.Sc. Student (2018 - 2020)
Elizabeth Keane
Undergraduate (2020)
Alexandra Colville-Reeves
Undergraduate (2020)
Nicholas Carbonara
Undergraduate (2020)
Olivia Waite
Undergraduate (2019 - 2020)
Yasamin Allahverdi
Undergraduate (2019 - 2020)
Yulia Shcherbakova
Undergraduate (2020)
Shilpa Bhardwaj
Undergraduate (2019 - 2020)
Ali Babar
M.A.Sc. Student (2017 - 2019)
Mosana Abraha
Undergraduate (2019)
Kathryn Whitesell-O’Melia
Undergraduate (2019)
Francesco Vito
Undergraduate (2018 - 2019)
Alexander McKay
Undergraduate (2018 - 2019)
Ana Arezina
Undergraduate (2016 - 2018)
Lauren Weir
Summer Student (2018)
Gero Padberg
Summer Student (2018)
Rabia Mateen
Ph.D (2011 - 2018)
Jennifer Boughton
Undergraduate (2017 - 2018)
Ahmed Koasmh
Undergraduate (2018)
Jacob Saunders
Undergraduate (2018)
Michel Syriani
Undergraduate (2017)
Troy Stoner
Undergraduate (2017)
Seamus Ingram
Undergraduate (2017)
Trevor Gilbert
Ph.D (2010 - 2017)
Francis Yavitt
Undergraduate (2013 - 2017)
Mimi Deng
Undergraduate (2016 - 2017)
Carter McInnis
Undergraduate (2016 - 2017)
Caleb Seo
Undergraduate (2016 - 2017)
Dr. Trevor Gilbert
Ph.D (2010 - 2017)
Helen Dorrington
M.A.Sc. Student (2015 - 2016)
Scott Campbell
Ph.D (2010 - 2016)
Jenny Chen
Undergraduate (2014 - 2016)
Dr. Xudong Deng
Ph.D (2012 - 2016)
Dr. Varvara Pokrovskaya
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2015)
Ian Gough
Undergraduate (2015)
Samuel Suntharalingham
Undergraduate (2014 - 2015)
Sahil Azeez
Undergraduate (2012 - 2015)
Sara Amjad
Undergraduate (2014)
Stephanie Truelove
Undergraduate (2014)
Mathew Patenaude
Ph.D (2009 - 2014)
Danielle Maitland
M.A.Sc. Student (2012 - 2014)
Dr. Niels Smeets
Post-Doctoral Fellow (2011 - 2013)
Helen Dorrington
Undergraduate (2012 - 2013)
Ahmed Eltom
Undergraduate (2012)
Danielle Maitland
Undergraduate (2009 - 2012)
Iza Noor
Undergraduate (2011 - 2012)
Genevieve Conant
Undergraduate (2011)
Ho Mak
Undergraduate (2011)
Sonia Nijampatnam
Undergraduate (2010 - 2011)
Benjamin Greenlay
Undergraduate (2010 - 2011)
Stuart Young
Undergraduate (2010)
Pamela Schimmer
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