Research Staff
Steve Callaghan
Lab Manager
Steve has been with the Faculty of Medicine for 25 years. During this time he was manager for the Canadian Stroke Networks Adenovirus Core Facility, and Lab Manager for Dr. David Park, former director of the uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute. Steve has also been a member of several health and safety committees, a member of the hazmat team and a member the procurement services evaluation project group.
Steve has joined the Rousseaux Lab looking to expand his knowledge in the latest molecular biology techniques including gene editing and flow cytometry.
Outside of the lab, he spends his time with his family camping, hiking and related outdoor pursuits.
Dalia Hourani, B.Sc.
Research Assistant
​Dalia Hourani is from Ottawa, Ontario and completed her undergraduate degree with a major in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a minor in Classical Studies at the University of Guelph. Dalia joined the Rousseaux Lab excited to learn about all aspect of working in a research lab. In her free time Dalia enjoys reading and playing video games.
Post-docs and Research Associates
Tahir Ali, Ph.D.
Tahir Ali, originally from Pakistan, earned his Ph.D. in Neurosciences from Gyeongsang National University, South Korea. He began his professional journey as a postdoctoral researcher in South Korea. Seeking further opportunities, he moved to Canada, where he joined the University of Calgary for a second postdoctoral fellowship. During his time at University of Calgary, he was highly productive, contributing significantly to scientific publications and earning accolades, including the prestigious CIHR-Banting Fellowship.
Tahir’s research has consistently focused on identifying novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers, as well as developing innovative treatments for age-related and protein-misfolding neurodegenerative diseases. To further his long-term goals, he joined Dr. Rousseaux’s lab, where he will explore the role of TDP-43 SUMOylation in ALS and FTD, particularly within the context of different environmental and genetic stressors. Outside the lab, Tahir enjoys spending time with his family.
Krishna Bhattarai, Ph.D.
Krishna Bhattarai completed his Ph.D. in Health Sciences at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, where his research focused on the role of cellular stress in regulating protein synthesis through the alteration of RNA-binding protein localization. His diverse scientific background includes experiences in medical laboratory technology, human genetics, insect biochemistry, and RNA translation across Nepal, the United States, and Canada. A native of Nepal, Krishna is passionate about furthering his research career and applying his expertise to uncover the mechanisms driving neurodegenerative diseases. He joined the Rousseaux lab to explore how post-translational modifications of proteins, particularly under cellular stress conditions, contribute to the pathology of neurodegenerative disorders. Outside of his research, Krishna enjoys CrossFit, traveling, and watching documentaries.
Konrad Ricke, Ph.D.
Parkinson Canada Basic Research Fellowship
​Konrad is from Cologne (Köln), Germany, where he did his PhD on mitochondrial impairment in Parkinson’s disease. He showed that mitochondrial dysfunction together with cell type specific characteristics induce the selective vulnerability of neurons in the substantia nigra. Being born in Montréal, Konrad decided to proceed his scientific career in his country of birth and will now incorporate his expertise in mitochondrial biology into projects of the Rousseaux lab. In his spare time, Konrad enjoys canoeing, hiking, cooking and spending time with his family.
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Graduate Students
Devin Brain, B.Sc.
MSc Student (Neuroscience)
CIHR CGS-M Scholarship
Devin is from Rockland, Ontario and completed her B.Sc. in Translational and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa. She joined the Rousseaux Lab during undergrad with an interest in the molecular causes of neurodegeneration. She is now pursuing graduate studies in the lab, looking a nuclear alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease. Devin trained in ballet for over 14 years and enjoys reading, hiking, and painting in her free time.
Emma Green, B.Sc.
PhD Student (Neuroscience)
Emma is from Toronto, Canada and is a recent Molecular Biology and Genetics graduate from the University of Guelph. She has previously worked in a molecular neuroscience lab, where she discovered a big interest in Parkinson’s disease research! She is excited to learn new techniques and expand her experience in academia. Outside the lab, Emma enjoys spin classes, reading and drinking coffee.
Veronica Grybas, B.Sc.
PhD Student (Neuroscience)
Veronica is from Brampton, Ontario and received her B.Sc. in Neuroscience and Biology from Carleton University. During her undergrad, she was involved in research analyzing sex differences in alternative splicing during postnatal development. In her undergraduate co-op placement with Health Canada, Veronica was also involved in research developing Adverse Outcome Pathways relating to health effects of space travel. She is excited to expand her lab skills and learn more about neurodegenerative diseases in the Rousseaux Lab. Outside of the lab, Veronica enjoys playing soccer and going to spin class.
Alfred Maluach, M.Sc.
PhD Student (Neuroscience)
Alfred is originally from South Sudan but received both his B.Sc. in Pharmacology andM.Sc. in Pharmacology with Collaborative Specialization in Biomedical Toxicology, fromthe University of Toronto. He joins the Rousseaux Lab with previous research & work experiences in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases labs. These opportunities not only piqued his interests in neuroscience and neuropathology but also left him with more questions than answers within the field. He is excited to embark on finding some answers to the basic yet elusive questions, such as why do neurons die ? and how can dying neurons be pharmacologically rescued? Outside of the lab, he enjoys watching Arsenal and Toronto FC games and comedy shows.
Benjamin Nguyen, M.Sc.
PhD Student (Neuroscience)
Ben is from Atlanta, Georgia and completed his BSc and MSc in biomedical sciences at the University of Georgia in the US. There, he participated in blood-brain barrier research regarding stroke and Alzheimer's, which nurtured his passion for neuroscience and led him to join the Rousseaux Lab. He is eager to further his knowledge in cellular and molecular neuropathology to help push the boundaries of science and further our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and its causes. Outside of the lab, Ben can be found doing videography, exploring new restaurants, and learning the in's and out's of being a Canadian.
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Terry Suk, B.Sc.
PhD Student (Neuroscience)
ALS Canada-Brain Canada Trainee Grant, CNMD STaR Award
Terry has always had an interest in science and learning how things work. During his undergrad at Western, he discovered his love for genetics leading him to join the Rousseaux Lab for graduate studies. Here, he hopes to further pursue his interests in understanding genetic effects on complex diseases and discovering new targets to help prevent and treat such diseases. Outside of the lab, he spends his time playing a variety of instruments, hiking, exploring the outdoors, and playing volleyball.
Jenny Zhang
Joint BSc/MSc Student (Neuroscience)
Jenny is currently an integrated BSc-MSc student studying Translational and Molecular Medicine/Neuroscience at the University of Ottawa. Throughout her undergraduate career, she has developed a strong interest in studying the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. She is passionately working towards uncovering the intricate molecular pathways involved with ALS. In her free time, she enjoys playing/teaching piano, working on science-related projects, and rock climbing.
Undergraduate Students
Aysha Aftab
Honours student (TMM)
Aysha is an undergraduate student studying Translational and Molecular Medicine. She’s excited to learn more about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to pathology in Parkinson’s disease, while learning new lab techniques throughout her Honours project. In her spare time, Aysha enjoys doing art, biking, and relaxing with friends and family.
Past trainees (and where they are now)
Caroline Part, MSc (PhD student, uOttawa/CHEO-RI, Lochmüller lab)
Alexandro Caballero Gomez, MSc
Haley Geertsma, PhD (Postdoc; CHEO-RI, Lochmuller lab)
Philippe Corbin, BSc (uOttawa Medical School)
Amanda Bruce, BSc (Genetics Assistant, Peterborough Regional Health Centre)
Ariana Kokkinakis (uOttawa Medical School)
Zoe Fisk (Research Assistant, DZNE, Bonn, Germany, Di Monte lab;)
Hritvic (Ricky) Chaudhary (uOttawa Medical School)
Trina Nguyen, BSc (uOttawa Medical School)
Hayley Lee, BSc (USask Dental School)
Nicholas Valentino, BSc (MSc student, uOttawa, Gibbings lab)
Anjali Patel, BSc, MSc (Research Assistant, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute)
Meghan Heer, BSc (PA School, University of Toronto)
Jean-Louis Parmasad, BSc (uOttawa Medical School)
Emily Macinnes, BSc Hon (Trinity College Medical School)
Michelle Séguin, BSc (uOttawa, Occupational Therapy)
We are always on the lookout for inquisitive and hard working scientists! Contact us if you are interested in joining our team.