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.

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.

Bianca Ribeiro de Souza

Bianca Ribeiro de Souza, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow (PATH)

Email: bianca.ribeiro@bcchr.ca

About Me

Coming from a cancer histopathology background, my work aims to integrate spatial biology and proteomics to identify clinically meaningful signatures in neuroblastoma (the most common extracranial childhood tumor) that may help refine prognostication, better understand disease progression, and inform precision oncology strategies. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy playing piano and my guitar and biking around Vancouver with my husband.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


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