Trainee Association
The GlycoNet Trainee Association (GTA) is composed of the students, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and research associates affiliated with the Canadian Glycomics Network.
GlycoNet Trainee Association Executive Committee
The GTA Executive Committee (GTA-EC) represents the interests of all members of the Association. In addition to providing a trainee perspective to the GlycoNet training program, the Committee facilitate networking events and meetings, contribute to Network communications, and work to promote GlycoNet to the broader community. The GTA-EC meets regularly to discuss ideas and issues that matter most to the next generation of Canadian glycoscientists, and to help ensure that GlycoNet trainees have access to a diverse set of opportunities during their time in the Network.
Terms of Reference
The GTA 2025 Executive Committee (GTA-EC)
Ellen Hayhoe • Chair
I am a PhD student in Dr. Lisa Willis’ lab at the University of Alberta, where my research focuses on the structure, function, and biological roles of short-chain sialic acids (oligoSia). My current project centers on the development of new methodologies to study oligoSia with the aim of understanding how these unique glycan structures contribute to red blood cell biology. By combining biochemical, molecular, and analytical approaches, I aim to uncover new insights into the red blood cell glycocalyx and the broader implications of oligoSia in health and disease. When I’m not at the lab, I enjoy running, baking, and reading.
Cole Garnier • Vice-Chair
I am a second-year MSc student in Dr. Chantelle Capicciotti’s group at Queen’s University. I completed my BScH in Biochemsitry at Queen’s in 2024, with an undergraduate thesis using photo-crosslinkable sialic acid derivatives to capture binding interactions with proteins. I now focus on using these probes to capture these binding events on immune cells and examining the downstream cellular effects of these interactions. Outside of the lab you can find me running, reading, or discovering new music!
Blake Soares • Secretary
I am a MSc candidate in the Peter Davies Lab at Queen’s University. I received a BScH with a specialization in Biochemistry from Queen’s University, where I did my fourth year thesis project with Peter Davies. I am currently investigating how bacterial pathogens like Vibrio vulnificus bind and colonize their hosts through glycan-binding interactions mediated by adhesin proteins. Additionally, we are trying to develop and test glycomimetic compounds that can inhibit these interactions to attenuate biofilm formation. This is one of the strategies designed to help counter the loss of antibiotic efficiency that has become a problem for combating bacterial infections. If I’m not in the lab, I am usually playing guitar, watching soccer or football, or playing video games!
Parandis Daneshgar • Communications Officer
I’m Parandis Daneshgar, a Research Associate at UBC Okanagan in Dr. Zandberg’s group, where I began my journey in the fascinating field of glycoscience—an area so fundamental to life that it has been described as biology’s “dark matter.” I am involved in multiple glycoscience projects, focusing on the glycomic analyses of the O- and N-glycans present on the mucus protecting the gut and airways as well as specializing in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and carbohydrate enzymology. Currently, my glycomics research uses high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to better understand the roles mucus-linked glycans play in regulating the interactions between the gut microbiome and host immune system. My research also focuses on developing glycomic tools for early, selective detection of gut and airway diseases. I am also very interested in the roles played by HMOs in infant development, immune modulation, and how maternal health influences breastfed infants’ health physically and mentally. Overall, a major goal of my current work is to develop new analytical and biochemical approaches to study glycan structures and uncover their biological relevance.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring new places and engaging in creative projects such as pottery. I’m excited to contribute to the GTA-EC and support a positive and collaborative environment for all trainees.
Priyal Priyal • Communications Officer
I completed my MSc in Parasitology at the Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, where I am now a PhD candidate in the Long lab. My research focuses on Schistosoma mansoni, the causative agent of schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease. My thesis aims to investigate glycans, specifically sialic acids, on S. mansoni extracellular vesicles and their role in host-parasite interactions. Outside the lab, I like cooking and exploring nature.
Faezeh Jame-Chenarboo • EDI Committee Representative
Faezeh Jame-Chenarboo is a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. David Vocadlo’s laboratory at Simon Fraser University. She completed her Ph.D. in Prof. Lara Mahal’s laboratory at the University of Alberta, where she led projects on gene regulation of several glycogenes. Her doctoral work contributed to advancing our understanding of RNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms in glycosylation, especially sialylation. In her postdoctoral research, Faezeh is expanding her expertise into new areas at the interface of chemical biology and neurodegenerative diseases.
Beyond her research, Faezeh is dedicated to community building and trainee development. She has served on several trainee communities including the Graduate Students’ Association Labour Relations Committee, GlycoNet Trainee Association Executive Committee (GTA-EC). She looks forward to contributing to the GTA-EC by supporting collaborative, inclusive, and impactful trainee initiatives.
Katrina Pegg • Webinar Series Representative
I am a microbiology and molecular biology researcher specializing in bacterial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, and the biochemical mechanisms underlying Clostridium difficile infections. I am currently completing my Master’s degree in Integrative Biology at Wilfrid Laurier University under the supervision of Dr. Joel T. Weadge, continuing a long-standing research mentorship that began during my Honour’s B.Sc. at the same institution. Outside of my research and academic journey, I enjoy connecting with nature, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Adam MacKay • Webinar Series Representative
I am a PhD student jointly supervised by Dr. Alex Baker and Dr. Alison Thompson in the Department of Chemistry at Dalhousie University. In 2025 I completed my MSc under the supervision of Dr. France-Isabelle Auzanneau at the University of Guelph, where my project involved the total synthesis of protected Tumor-Associated Carbohydrate Antigen Lewis Y. My current project involves the synthesis of a fluorescent molecule that we will use to conjugate to a variety of synthesized non-canonical amino acids using click chemistry. Conjugating a fluorescent molecule to a non-canonical amino acid will allow us to track, visualize, and better understand protein loading.
Anjali Parthasarathy • Symposium Committee Representative
I am currently a first-year MSc student in Dr Wisnovsky’s lab at the University of British Columbia, working on Siglecs. I completed my undergraduate degree in biochemistry and immunology, also at UBC. My project currently involves understanding the effects of the Siglec signalling on the immune axis. Siglecs are a family of immune receptors that play vital roles in immune inhibition, and understanding their functions helps us further decode the effects of glycosylation on immune cells. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking, watching Formula One and reading.
Past GTA-EC
- Nicholas See, Chair, Simon Fraser University
- Zeinab Jame-Chenarboo, Vice-Chair & Symposium Committee & Webinar Series Representative, University of Alberta
- Kirsten Campbell, Secretary, McGill University
- Ellen Hayhoe, Communications Officer, University of Alberta
- Madeleine Cook, Communications Officer, Queen’s University
- Faezeh Jame-Chenarboo, EDI Committee Representative, Symposium & Webinar Series Representative
- David Firer, Chair, McGill University
- Ninoschka D’Souza, Communication Officer, York University
- Jackline Irungu, Communication Officer, University of British Columbia, Okanogan
- Natalie Stewart, Symposium Committee Representative, University of British Columbia
- Joshua Kofsky, EDI Committee Representative, Queen’s University
- F. Ifthiha Mohideen, Chair, University of Alberta
- Jackline Irungu, Vice-Chair, UBC Okanagan
- Natalie Stewart, Secretary, University of British Columbia
- Taylor Gray, Communications Officer, UBC Okanagan
- Dulce Valdez, Communications Officer, Concordia University
- Ninoschka D’Souza, University Ambassador Representative, Zucara Therapeutics
- David Firer, Symposium Committee Representative, McGill University
- Joshua Kofsky, EDI Committee Representative, Queen’s University
- Jolene Garber, Chair, UBC Okanagan
- Joshua Kofsky, Vice Chair, Queen’s University
- F. Ifthiha Mohideen, Secretary, University of Alberta
- Jaime Van Loon, Communications Officer, University of Toronto
- Emily Rodrigues, Symposium & Webinar Series Representative, University of Alberta
- Ninoschka D’Souza, University Ambassador Representative, Zucara Therapeutics
- Emily Rodrigues, Chair, University of Alberta
- Marie Boddington, Queen’s University
- Nakita Buenbrazo, McMaster University
- Revathi Reddy, University of Alberta
- Reilly Pidgeon, McGill University
- Omozogie Paul Aigbogun, University of Saskatchewan
- Jolene Garber, University of British Columbia and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Ryan Sweeney, Chair, University of Alberta
- Nolan Frame, University of Guelph
- Akay Akohwarien, University of Saskatchewan
- Revathi Reddy, University of Alberta
- Emily Rodrigues, University of Alberta
- William Scott, Wilfrid Laurier University
- Roger Ashmus, Chair, Simon Fraser University
- José Campos, University of Toronto
- Jennifer Crha, University of Guelph
- Hanna Ostapska, McGill University
- Alena Pratasouskaya, Wilfrid Laurier University
- Ryan Sweeney, University of Alberta
- Erum Razvi, Chair, Hospital for Sick Children
- Roger Ashmus, Simon Fraser University
- Ben Dai, University of British Columbia
- Carmanah Hunter, University of Alberta
- Ali Nejatie, Simon Fraser University
- Hanna Ostapska, McGill University
- Alena Pratasouskaya, Wilfrid Laurier University
- François Le Mauff, Chair, McGill University
- Andrew Alexander, University of British Columbia
- Perrin Baker, Hospital for Sick Children
- Benjamin DiFrancesco, University of Toronto
- Pravan Kondapi, University of Alberta
- Erum Razvi, Hospital for Sick Children
- Lisa Willis, University of Toronto
- Lisa Willis, Chair, University of Toronto
- Omar El-Halfawy, McMaster University
- Perrin Baker, Hospital for Sick Children
- Tianlin Guo, University of Alberta
- François Le Mauff, McGill University
- Christian Lizak, University of British Columbia