The Team

May 2025 - Group Photo

Current Members

Philipp Lange

Philipp Lange, PhD

Principal Investigator

Email: philipp.lange@ubc.ca
Phone: 604–875–2000 ext: 6015

Kirsty Ferguson

Kirsty Ferguson, PhD

Research Associate (ACCESS)

Email: kirsty.ferguson@bcchr.ca

About Me

As part of the proteomics-guided precision oncology team, I interpret and distill our data into reports, presenting them to our clinical colleagues. I also focus on Research Communications and Engagement, from scientific writing to using creative methods to open dialogues with patients and families. Outside the lab, I love poetry and photography, and design wellbeing resources for my family’s mental health charity.

Enes Kemal Ergin

Enes Kemal Ergin, PhD

Research Technician (Bioinformagician)

Email: eergin@bcchr.ca

About Me

I specialize in computational bioinformatics, developing advanced statistical and machine learning methods to analyze complex proteomics datasets. My current research focuses on harmonizing diverse datasets to create comprehensive proteome-level reference databases, similar to existing genomic and transcriptomic resources. Outside the lab, I’m an avid enthusiast of comics, fantasy and sci-fi media, and I enjoy both playing and developing various tabletop and video games, with a particular focus on story-driven RPGs.

Erik Gomez

Erik Gomez, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow (PATH)

Email: erik.gomezcardona@bcchr.ca

About Me

My research focuses on the application of chemical tools to study post-translational modifications, with a particular focus on proteolysis in pediatric malignancies. I’m also interested in new separation techniques that can be coupled with mass spectrometry to analyze protein-protein interactions. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing board games, watching horror movies, and taking long walks with my dog.

Sharvari Somayaji

Sharvari Somayaji

PhD Student (Joint with Kaigala Lab, BMEG)

Email: somayaji@student.ubc.ca

About Me

I work on integrating microfluidic tools with mass spectrometric techniques to spatially probe microscale regions of cell monolayers and tissues, and analyze their proteomic profiles. The aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of heterogeneous cell populations within the tumour microenvironment, which can ultimately inform better treatment strategies for these pathologies. Apart from work, I enjoy singing, storytelling, practicing yoga, hiking, travelling, and playing table tennis and board games.

Maria Jose Garcia

Maria Jose Garcia

PhD Student (Joint with Reid Lab, EXMD)

Email: mariajose.garcia@bcchr.ca

About Me

My research focuses on investigating how early-life infections can impact B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) progression and how we can utilize these immune responses to induce anti-leukemic activity. I aim to utilize both in vivo and in vitro models to generate key insights for B-ALL prevention and explore a potential new clinical application of immune system modulation in treating children with B-ALL. Outside the lab, I enjoy crochet, baking and reading fiction.

Brenda Tse

Brenda Tse

Research Manager

Email: brenda.tse@ubc.ca
Phone: 604-875-2000 ext: 4904

About Me

I oversee the research operations of the laboratory, with responsibilities that include grant and budget management, human resources coordination, and administrative support. I work closely with the Principal Investigator and research team to ensure the efficient execution of research projects. Outside of the lab, I enjoy travelling, running, and reading.

Verena Goebeler

Verena Goebeler, PhD

Senior Research Technician (BRAvE)

Email: verena.goebeler@bcchr.ca

About Me

I specialize in laser capture microdissection (LCM) and proteomics, techniques I use to uncover the molecular signatures of cancer. My work is integral to the field of precision oncology, as I use advanced methods to isolate specific cell populations from tissue samples. This enables detailed proteomic analysis, providing critical insights into the unique protein profiles of tumours. The data I generate directly supports the development of personalized treatment strategies. I enjoy collaborating with other scientists to advance our collective research, and in my free time, I find balance and clarity on the open road—a passionate cyclist, rain or shine.

Jehan Nazri

Jehan Nazri

Research Technician (Mass-spec magician)

Email: jehan.nazri@bcchr.ca

About Me

As the mass spec technician of the lab, my role involves day-to-day operation and maintenance of our mass spectrometer instruments, in addition to supporting various other activities of the lab and its members. I am also focused on developing new targeted proteomics methods, using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), to quantitatively assess relevant players of key signalling pathways in pediatric cancers. When I am not in the lab, I enjoy composing floral arrangements and catching a play at the theatre.

Agustina Conrrero

Agustina Conrrero

Research Technician (Bioinformagician)

Email: agustina.conrrero@bcchr.ca

About Me

As a bioinformatician, I make sense of proteomics data – turning raw numbers into clear patterns, insightful plots, and stories that can be shared. Beyond research, I enjoy spending time upside down practicing handstands, exploring trails, and cultivating a small jungle of indoor plants at home.

Farah Jayousi

Farah Jayousi

PhD Student (CELL)

Email: farah.jayousi@bcchr.ca

About Me

My research focuses on uncovering the heterogeneity of pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in an effort to predict or prevent relapse. Outside the lab, I enjoy water sports, reading sad novels, and solving puzzles.


Alumni

Staff

Junia Myung, PhD

Senior Research Technician (Analyst), 2023-2025

Janice Tsui

Research Technician (Mass Spectrometry), 2018-2023

Siyuan Chen

Research Technician (Statistician), 2020-2021

Currently a PhD student of Biostatistics at Penn State University.

Erin Kim

Research Technician (Pathology), 2017-2019

Currently a Research Associate at bioLytical Laboratories.

Charlie Kuan

Research Technician (Mass Spectrometry), 2015-2017

Currently a Field Service Engineer at Agilent.


Postdoctoral Fellows

Georgina Barnabas, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow (PATH), 2021-2025

Currently a Scientist (Molecular Pathology) at Vancouver General Hospital.

Anuli Uzozie, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow (PATH), 2017-2021

Currently an Assistant Professor of Teaching & BMLSc Program Director at the University of British Columbia.

Graduate Students

Moones Yadegari

Masters Student (PATH), 2021-2024

Currently a Research Scientist at BCCHR.

Lina Jenane

Masters Student (CELL), 2021-2024

Currently a Medical Student at VCU School of Medicine.

Lorenz Nierves, PhD

PhD Student (PATH), 2016-2023

Currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Amanda Lorentzian, PhD

PhD Student (CELL), 2017-2023

Currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at Genentech.

Samuel Weng

Masters Student (PATH), 2016-2019

Currently the Director of Proteomics at the University of Chicago.

Theodore Smith

Masters Student (BIONF), 2017-2019

Kai He

Masters Student (DS), 2016-2017

Currently a Data Scientist at ByteDance.

Amanda Davison

Masters Student (PATH), 2014-2016

Currently an Executive Assistant at Colliers.


Undergraduate Students

Kimia Rostin

Co-op Student (Bioinformatics), 2022-2023

Currently a Medical Student at the University of British Columbia.

Quentin Michalchuk

Co-op Student, 2021-2022

Currently a Medical Student at the University of British Columbia.

Tina Cheng

Co-op Student, 2018-2019

Currently a PhD Student at Duke University.

Vivian Cheng

Co-op Student, 2016-2017

Currently a Genetic Counsellor Educator at BC Cancer.

Princess Lafayette

Co-op Student (Bioinformatics), 2016-2016

Currently a Senior Software Engineer at Shogun.

Ronald Monillas

Co-op Student (Bioinformatics), 2015-2016

Currently a Senior Data Analyst at Realtor.com.

Fiona Wong

Co-op Student, 2015-2016

Currently a Quality Assurance Manager at STEMCELL Technologies.

Ivy Jiao