Meet the Team
Jinny Tsang
PhD Student
Research
Jinny graduated with an HBSc from the University of Toronto with a double major in Human Biology and Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Disease. Driven by a passion for medicine and a strong interest in mucosal immunology, her current research focuses on the immune impact of penile-vaginal sex in male-and-female couples in Uganda—a population where heterosexual transmission remains the most common mode of HIV acquisition globally. Specifically, she investigates site-specific immune changes in the penis and vagina following sex, the exchange of the genital microbiome between partners, and how treatment for bacterial vaginosis may influence post-sex inflammation. Through this work, Jinny aims to better understand the biological factors that increase HIV susceptibility and contribute to potential HIV prevention strategies that address the genital immune milieu.
Other interests
In Jinny's spare time, she loves to stay active by weightlifting, running, and swimming, or relax by reading, knitting, and baking sourdough bread. On the weekends, you will likely find her spending time with friends and family, baking cakes and focaccia bread for gatherings, or lying on her couch and socially detoxing.
Diana Yang
PhD Student
Research
Diana Yang is a 5th-year PhD student in Immunology. She earned her BSc in Biological Sciences from Simon Fraser University, where she first developed her interests in infectious diseases and human pathogens. As part of her doctoral studies, Diana is interested in exploring how pre-existing human immune parameters may offer protection against subsequent viral respiratory infections. Diana hopes her research will contribute to the ongoing work on emerging zoonotic pathogens of concern.
Other interests
Outside of her studies, Diana is passionate about community building and foraging. When she is not in the lab, you can find her serving up yummy treats at the local HIV specialty hospital, Casey House.
Hometown: Burnaby, BC
Alumni List
Gradaute Students
Marcio Gabriel Amancio de Carvalho, MSc in IMS (2022-2025)
Eric Armstrong, PhD in IMS (2018-2023) | PDF, Coburn Lab (UHN)
Avid Mohammadi, PhD in IMS (2015-2022)| Technical Support Specialist, Standard BioTools
Yoojin Choi, PhD in Immunology (2015-2021)| Neurosurgery Resident, UBC
Rodney Rousseau, PhD in Immunology (2014-2020) |Project Director, AstraZeneca
Ronald Galiwango, PhD in Immunology (2014-2019) |Scientific Research Director, Rakai Health Sciences Program
Sergey Yegorov, PhD in Immunology (2013-2018) |Assistant Professor, Nazarbayev University
Vineet Joag, PhD in Immunology (2012-2017) | Assistant Professor, University of Washington
Brett Shannon, PhD in Immunology (2011-2017) | Associate Director, Gilead
Jessica Prodger, PhD in Immunology (2009-2014) | Assistant Professor, UWO
Brendan Osborne, PhD in IMS (2009-2014) | Therapeutic Area Head, Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Connie Kim, PhD in IMS (2009-2014) | Global Medical Affairs Director, Gilead Sciences
TJ Yi, PhD in Immunology (2008-2013) | Associate Head Immunology, Krembil Foundation
Lucy Shin, PhD in IMS (2006-2012) | Senior Strategy Lead, eHealth Ontario
Duncan Chege, PhD in IMS (2006-2012) |Regional Engagement Manager in Public Health, IQVIA Middle East and Africa
Prameet Sheth, PhD in IMS (2003-2009) | Director of Molecular Microbiology and Infectious Disease Sequencing, Queen's University
Postdoctoral Fellows
Danila Leontyev (2013-2016) | Senior Research Associate, Russian Ministry of Health
Andrea Conroy (2012-2015) | Associate Professor, Indiana University
Lyle McKinnon (2009-2013) | Associate Professor, University of Manitoba
Shehzad Iqbal (2006-2008) | Global Medical Lead, Moderna
Anu Rebbapraganda (2004-2007) | Scientific Director, Horlogic Diagnostics
Other
Sierrah Laurent, Undergraduate Research Student (2024-2025) | Research Assistant, The BHEL - University of Toronto
Suji Udayakumar, Research Assistant (2022-2023) | Medical Student, McMaster University
Erin Day, Msc Practicum student (2021-22)| Medical Student, UofT
Charlie Fang, Lab Tech | Medical Student, UWO
Marie-Christine Perry, Co-supervised MSc (2018-2020) | Tech Lead, BenchSci
Lonnie Embleton, Co-supervised PhD (2015-2019) | Assistant Professor, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Jessica Prodger, Co-supervised PDF (2014-2017) | Assistant Professor, UWO
Connie Kim, Co-supervised PDF (2014-2016) | Global Medical Affairs Directory, Gilead Sciences
James Isaih Obila Onyango, Co-supervised graduate student (2012-2016) | Lecturer, Daystar University
Taha Hirbod, Co-supervised PDF (2007-2009) |Director of Crisis Preparedness, Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare
Darrell Tan, Co-supervised PhD (2007-2012) | Clinician-Scientist, St. Michael's HospitalSherzana
Sunderji, Research Assistant (2005-2006) | Pediatric Cardiologist, UC Davis
Chris Pettengel, Research student (2005-2006)
Anthony Sheung, Research Assistant (2005-2006)
Taha Hirbod, Co-supervised PhD (2000-2006) |Director of Crisis Preparedness, Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare
Tara Beattie, Co-supervised PhD (2000-2006) | Associate Professor, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygeine
Kamnoosh Shahabi | Teaching Labs Coordinator, UTSG