Ninoschka D'Souza
PhD Year 2
I graduated with a MSc in Kinesiology and Health Science under Dr. Anthony Scimè, where I studied molecular mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration and aging. In the period following this, as a Research Associate to Dr. Riddell, I worked on pre-clinical drug development research for hypoglycemia prevention in type 1 diabetes, culminating in Phase 1 clinical trial studies currently underway. For my PhD, my research will focus on further pre-clinical investigations of the same drug, a somatostatin type 2 receptor antagonist (SSTR2a), for hypoglycemia prevention in type 2 diabetes. In addition, I will investigate the efficacy of sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors in hypoglycemia prevention in a pediatric population with type 1 diabetes. Outside of the lab, I enjoy travelling, cooking, reading, and trying new foods.
Emily Hoffman
PhD Year 2
I received a BSc in Biology from the University of Guelph and a BA in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University. Joining the Riddell Lab as an undergraduate student, I collaborated with a biotechnology company to develop a protocol for the extraction and quantification of pancreatic hormones. I continued in the lab as a research assistant and now graduate student, investigating somatostatin as a hormonal mediator of counterregulatory dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. To help alleviate the disease burden, I am evaluating the therapeutic potential of somatostatin receptor type-2 antagonists (SSTR2a) for the prevention of hypoglycemia in diabetic individuals. In my free time, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee and watching Jeopardy.
Maya El-Zahed
MSc Year 2
I obtained a BSc in Kinesiology from McMaster University, where my interest in studying the health and function of skeletal muscle in diseased states was piqued. Joining the Riddell Lab as a graduate student has given me the opportunity to investigate how muscle physiology differs in the skeletal muscle of individuals with type 1 diabetes. My research currently aims to improve our understanding of how certain metabolic molecular factors function in animal models of type 1 diabetes. During my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, reading, and hanging out with loved ones.
Sara Atherley
MSc Year 1
I graduated with a BSc Honours in Biology from York University, where I researched hypoglycemia prevention in type 2 diabetes. For my current research, I am examining both sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, a common glucose-lowering therapy, to determine the effects with high-intensity exercise in type 2 diabetes models. In my spare time, I enjoy figure skating, reading, and spending time with my family.
Lauren Turner
MSc Year 1
I graduated with a BSc in Kinesiology from McMaster University, where I researched blood pressure and muscle health differences in individuals with type 1 diabetes compared to controls. Being a part of the Riddell Lab as a Masters student, my research will focus on examining different strategies to improve blood glucose control and regulation during exercise in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Outside of the lab, I love running, playing with my dog, and trying out new donut spots around Toronto.
Dorsa Shakeri
Undergraduate Honours Thesis
I am currently completing a BSc Honours in Specialized Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. For my honours thesis, I am researching the effects of empagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, on the skeletal muscle health of rats with type 1 diabetes, including investigating markers of angiogenesis and mitochondrial content. I am also interested in and working on future ambulatory glucose profile ideas to be utilized in health care settings. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, playing different sports with my friends, travelling, and spending time with my family.
