Café Scientifique - Understanding Our Immune System: A Graduate Student Perspective

In recognition of the International Day of Immunology on April 29, 2013, graduate students from the University of Manitoba's Department of Immunology discussed their research on the inner workings of the immune system. Providing a unique student perspective on the research endeavor, the session touches on a number of areas in which the immune system impacts health. The discussion highlights both the research trainee experience and our need to understand both the beneficial and harmful sides of the immune system.

Presenters:
Dr. Christopher Wiebe
M.Sc. Candidate, University of Manitoba
Researching factors affecting rejection of kidney transplants.

Samantha Pauls
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Manitoba.
Researches signaling networks controlling activation of B lymphocytes.

Natascha Fitch
M.Sc. Candidate, University of Manitoba.
Researches the measurable effects of vitamin D on immune cell function.

Hesam Movassagh
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Manitoba.
Researches mechanisms controlling recruitment of immune cells to inflamed airways in allergic asthma.

Rebecca Dielschneider
M.Sc. Candidate, University of Manitoba.
Examines disruptions in signaling networks in leukemia cells and new treatment strategies based on targeting the abnormal networks.

Moderator:
Dr. Aaron Marshall
Professor, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
Canada Research Chair in Molecular Immunology Studies the signaling networks that control the activities of B lymphocytes and other immune cells. Dr. Marshall teaches and mentors young scientists in several biomedical science programs at the University of Manitoba.