Principal Investigator - PhD DVM
Zakia received her DVM degree at the Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers and a Master’s degree in Immunology from Paris Descartes University and Paris-Est Créteil University. In late 2010, Zakia embarked on her doctoral studies in human immunology, in the lab of Dr. Christelle Retière at the University of Nantes and the Établissement Français du Sang. During her doctoral work, Zakia studied NK cell immunity to CMV. In 2014, Zakia joined the laboratory of Dr. Peter Parham at Stanford University, where her research took an unexpected path investigating γδ T cell immunity to viral infections and cancer.
Master's Student
Marilee's project focuses on immunoprofiling of human γδ T cells. She is very detail-oriented and willing to learn anything related to her research project. In her spare time, you can find her in Gatineau Park.
PhD Student
Yeganeh received her undergraduate degree in Medical Laboratory Science from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and a Master's degree from the University of Ottawa. She always seeks new opportunities for learning. Motivated by her passion for Immunology, she is now embarking on her graduate studies investigating the phenotypic and functional characteristics of γδ T cell-derived extracellular vesicles. Beyond the lab coat, she is a cat person and enjoys taking care of her plants.
Master's Student
Rian is an Ottawa native and completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Ottawa in Biomedical Science. He is thrilled to be continuing his education and honing his research skills by pursuing a Masters’ Degree in Immunology. His project involves harnessing the abilities of gamma-delta T cells to selectively target solid tissue cancers. In his spare time, Rian is a trained classical pianist as well as an avid Dungeons & Dragons player.
Honours Student
Angelique is a fourth-year undergraduate student in Translational and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa. She is currently completing her Honours project on the expression of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors on gamma delta T cells. Passionate about human physiology, Angelique is eager to deepen her knowledge of immunology and explore its therapeutic applications. Outside the lab and classroom, she enjoys staying active at the gym and baking sweet treats for her friends and family.
Remote team member
Although Taffy has never set paw in the lab, he provides unwavering remote support from home. His main responsibilities include offering emotional stability during grant deadlines, reminding his human to take breaks and contributing valuable insights during online calls (usually by barking at the delivery drivers).
ALUMNI
Master's student & Lab Technician
Undergraduate student