
Current Members

Philipp Lange, PhD
Principal Investigator
Email: philipp.lange@ubc.ca
Phone: 604–875–2000 ext: 6015

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, 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, 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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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