Our Team

Dr. Stuart Turvey

Principal Investigator

As a pediatric immunologist and clinician-scientist, I study two major health problems that are informed by clinical realities and that have immune system dysfunction as key to their pathogenesis:

• Asthma: the most common chronic non-communicable disease of childhood; and
• Primary immunodeficiency diseases: devastating and often life-threatening genetic disorders in which parts of the immune system are missing or dysfunctional. 

My research approach is sensitive to the child's developmental course and aims to define the underlying cellular, molecular, and genetic abnormalities responsible for disease. The new knowledge we generate improves diagnosis and disease management. Ultimately, our work identifies new, individualized strategies to treat these challenging chronic child health conditions.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, gardening and spending time with my family.

Dr. Bhavi Modi

Research Associate

I am a human geneticist by training with over six years of experience in women's health research. My doctoral work involved investigating the genetic mechanisms of complex female reproductive disorders and pregnancy complications. My current postdoctoral research in Turvey and Wasserman labs focuses on utilizing applied genome analysis methods towards the study of rare genetic disorders. These projects allow me to integrate next-generation analysis techniques with biological theory for a more functionally informative approach that has a better chance of impacting healthcare management. My work is driven by a keen passion to help families going through diagnostic odysseys — a passion that is fueled by personal experiences. This makes coming to work an exciting and gratifying experience.

Outside of the lab, I love spending time with my family. I am an avid reader, I love to sketch and paint, build elaborate puzzles and work on small home decor projects.

Dr. Charisse Petersen

Research Associate

I have a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology and consider myself to be an advocate for tiny humans and tiny microbes alike! Despite their bad reputation, the vast majority of bacteria that we like to call ‘germs’ are non-pathogenic and likely even helpful. This especially includes the ones that colonize us as infants and create little communities on and inside our body. These bacteria belong to our ‘microbiota’, and they help infants develop into healthy children and adults. They make sure we get important nutrients from our food to help us grow. And they even train our immune system how to know which signals, or antigens, are harmful or not to prevent the development of asthma and allergies. The best part of my job is working with studies like the CHILD study to shine a light on all the wonderful things that our microbiota does. The more that we know, the better we are at protecting these important bacteria in order to keep infants and children healthy.

In my free time (what’s free time?!) I can be found chasing my two tiny humans around and playing in the garden.

Darlene Dai

PhD Student

I am a biostatistician with more than 5 years of experience in analyzing and interpreting data. I specialize in using high dimensional genomic, proteomic, and clinical data to derive clinically useful diagnostic or prognostic tests.

I hold a bachelor of statistics from Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, China and completed a master's degree in statistics at the University of British Columbia in 2013. I enjoy eating, drawing, travelling and watching movies!

Courtney Hoskinson

PhD Student

Prior to moving to Vancouver and pursuing PhD studies at UBC, I obtained my BSc in biology from Pepperdine University (California, USA). I currently study associations between microbial populations found in the gut and the occurrence of chronic allergic diseases within the CHILD study cohort. My work focuses on identifying therapeutic targets for prediction and prevention in order to, hopefully, help children and families live fuller lives without the burden of these conditions.

In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and visiting coffee shops to have a nice latte and read.

Simran Samra

PhD Student

I completed a bachelor’s degree in Honours Biochemistry and a master’s degree in Experimental Medicine from the University of British Columbia. After my master’s degree, I wanted to pursue disease-oriented medical research. Thus, I joined the Rare Diseases Discovery Hub at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Working at the Hub on projects that had the potential to directly improve a patient’s life was very fulfilling and made me realize my passion for precision medicine. 

In May 2023, I started my Ph.D. training under the supervision of Dr. Stuart Turvey. My project focuses on using precision medicine in pediatrics to discover and characterize novel monogenic disorders. This research will help further our understanding of human biology, improve patient care, and optimize treatments.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, and trying new restaurants and cafes.

Awards:
UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (2022)

Maryam Vaseghi

MD/PhD Student

I completed my BSc in bio-psych and my MSc in medical sciences both at McMaster University before moving to UBC. I am currently an MD/PhD student at the Turvey Lab. During my undergrad and master's I became very interested in immunology, so I decided to pursue doctoral studies, studying more immunology! My research at the Turvey lab focuses on discovering and understanding gene mutations that result in primary immunodeficiencies leading to severe allergic/atopic conditions from birth, also known as primary atopic disorders (PADs). Our aim is to screen for children born with PADs across Canada, find the molecular cause of their previously undiagnosed atopic condition, perform functional characterization of their immune cells and potentially, repurpose existing therapeutics to treat their condition.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, dancing, practicing taekwondo and going on long walks around Stanley Park!

Awards:
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (2021)
Faculty of Medicine Graduate Award (2019)
UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (2020)

Alex Dempsey

Research Assistant

I am a research assistant for the CHILD cohort study. My main roles in the study are scheduling and running the 13-year visits, gathering data and samples from our participants, and processing samples for long-term storage in the lab. I particularly enjoy working with children and contributing to such a large and influential study. Outside of work, I enjoy Dungeons and Dragons, cooking, and various crafts.

Erika Sifuentes

Clinical Research Coordinator for the CHILD study

I’m responsible for the CHILD team, which makes sure that our study participants from B.C. attend their follow-ups. Together we perform their clinical assessments. Broadly speaking, I organize our team and the activities prior, during and after these assessments. I completed a Pediatrics specialty and an Allergy & Immunology subspecialty in Mexico City. I am passionate about pediatric health and how incredible our immune system is. I like to think that when I interact with our young participants (and their families) I’m spreading my fascination for research, ensuring they have a positive experience, and encouraging them to continue to take part in our study.

I enjoy cooking/baking (foodie under construction), exercising, reading, and going for walks with my husband.

Ethel Wai

Research Assistant

I am a research assistant for the CHILD Cohort Study. I completed my BSc in Biology from UBC with a focus on ecology and marine biology. Although my background is very different to projects done in the Turvey Lab, it gives me an interdisciplinary approach to research, which I find important in science. Outside of lab time, I enjoy baking bread, crocheting, and cafe hopping.”
 

Jennifer Vanderlei

Administrative Assistant

In my current administrative role, I provide support to Dr. Stuart Turvey and Kate Del Bel. I am responsible for managing Dr. Turvey's calendar and scheduling tasks until Spring 2024. With an extensive background in health care administration and a degree in psychology and rehabilitation sciences, I find joy in working with families, particularly children — an interest that aligns well with my role as a parent to young twin boys who keep me engaged outside of work. My personal interests include listening to music, cooking, tabletop games, reading, and exploring new hobbies, often inspired by my family's shared interests.
 

Jill Lim

Research Assistant

I am currently a research assistant in the Turvey Lab, actively contributing to the CHILD cohort Study. My academic background lies in Psychology, which I pursued at UBC. Throughout my studies, I unearthed a passion for both clinical research and laboratory work, along with a keen interest in engaging with study participants. What captivates me the most about the CHILD Study is the chance to connect with and learn from families across British Columbia.

Outside the realm of academia, I immerse myself in rock climbing, indulge in various craft projects, and find relaxation in reruns of my favorite TV shows.

Joshua Dalmann

Research Technician

As a lab technician and research coordinator assistant in the Rare Disease Discovery Hub, I am working in an environment that caters to two of my passions; science and working with people. On any given day, I may spend time researching while in the lab, or have the opportunity to to interact with our involved families or network of participating physicians, scientists, and other medical professionals. I have a BSc in Biology from UBC with a focus in cell and developmental biology.

When not in the lab, I love to be outside; skiing, hiking, swimming, or mountain biking (ideally with my dog along).

Kate Del Bel

Research Manager

As the research manager of the Turvey Lab, I ensure that all lab operations run smoothly. I have my BSc in molecular biology and genetics from the University of Guelph and an MSc in microbial molecular genetics from the University of Calgary. This background training has led me to focus my research on rare diseases and their genetic causes. I am passionate about translational research and the opportunity to find answers and possible treatments for BC Children's Hospital patients and families.

When I am not in the lab, I enjoy reading, crafting and spending time with my family.

Kiana Rashidi

Research Assistant

I am an undergraduate student studying honours psychology and honours computer science at UBC. As a Work Learn student in the lab, I have been involved in developing a genomic analysis pipeline for rare disease diagnosis that will help us find answers for families and children at the BC Children’s Hospital. Broadly, I am interested in pursuing medicine and computer science to develop software that can help provide more personalized care to patients in various stages of diagnosis and treatment. Outside of research and school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking photos of birds and flowers, and recently film photography!

Liam Golding

Research Assistant

I completed my Master's of Science in Immunology at the University of British Columbia in May 2023. I currently work as a research assistant in the Turvey lab where I work in the Rare Disease Discovery Hub. I'm passionate about helping the younger generation prosper, combining my interests in experimental human biology and the complex world of bioinformatics. Outside of the lab I have many hobbies, namely skiing, mountain biking, and exploring the night life and live music scenes of cities like Vancouver.

Loryn Byres

Research Coordinator for the RDDH

As the research coordinator for the Rare Disease Discovery Hub my role involves connecting with the families, clinicians, and research scientists to keep each case moving forward. I value the opportunity to support these families and to be part of improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of rare diseases. I graduated in 2022 with a MSc in Genetic counselling from the University of British Columbia, and am a board certified genetic counsellor. Prior to pursuing genetic counselling, I completed a BSc in Integrated Science at McMaster University, and an MSc in Molecular genetics, from the University of Toronto. In my free time I enjoy reading, baking, and hiking.

Rajdeep Dhillon

Research Assistant

I am an undergraduate science student at the University of British Columbia, specializing in Biology. My academic pursuits are driven by a passion for understanding the intricacies of life at a molecular level, and I aspire to contribute to the field of medicine in the future. Beyond my studies, I find joy in taking leisurely walks with my canine companion, Ace, and indulging in some well-deserved relaxation by watching Netflix.

Valerie Tolsma

Administrative Assistant

I like to think that I'm the most important member of the Turvey lab — other than Turvey himself, of course. In my role as chief of scheduling, I am responsible for managing Dr. Turvey's calendar. He has entrusted me with his most precious resource — time. Stuart is my boss, yet I control him. It's a paradox that works!