People

CURRENT LAB MEMBERS

Jeffrey Lin
PhD Candidate

I study the relationship between insulin and pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada. Many individuals with PC also experience comorbid conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance, leading to elevated insulin levels in the body. Pancreatic tumors in those patients likely live in an environment with high concentrations of insulin because insulin is produced in the pancreas. There is growing evidence that increased insulin can make PC cells more aggressive and faster-growing. However, the precise mechanisms by which insulin affects PC are poorly understood. It is important to understand what insulin does to PC cells and whether it needs to be controlled in the patients because current clinical practice does not consider patients’ insulin levels during treatment. I hypothesize that insulin promotes PC progression by altering tumor metabolism and will test the hypothesis using a combination of cell culture, mouse models, and bioinformatics approaches.

Ian Wood
MSc Student

I'm a MSc student studying the role of Kras and Pten on IPMN initiation and the immune system. The lab is a great, supportive environment with a wide variety of expertise. Outside the lab, I also enjoy illustration and snowboarding.

Irene Li
Laboratory Manager

I am currently a 4th-year student in Cell & Developmental Biology in my first Co-op term working in the lab; trying to explore the extensive field of life sciences. Before focusing on my current major, I studied Biochemistry and was accepted into Forensic Science. My personal interest in pancreatic diseases stems from my family's medical history, which prompted me to join the lab. I am also an advocate for environmental sciences and conservation, so please be mindful/respectful when using single-use lab consumables - I will have my eyes on you. In my spare time, I like to hang out with my friends with all kinds of activities, like discovering good eating spots, playing board games, hiking, swimming, and snowboarding.

Marcelo Ferraz Reinaldo
Laboratory Manager

I am a Microbiology and Immunology undergraduate student in my first Co-op term. Throughout my undergrad, I have and continue to be fascinated by the world of microbes and the immune system. I have hands-on experience in murine macrophage signaling and fish pigmentation, and also in the intricacies of LPS-induced cellular signalling. When I’m not in the lab, you can find me volunteering at long-term care homes or supporting my local food bank.

Aman Mohammed
Honours Undergraduate Student

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student completing my Honours degree in CAPS, with a passion for advancing our understanding of neoplastic diseases. Currently, I am assisting with Jeffrey's project, focusing on mouse-related work to study the effect of hyperinsulinemia on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Outside of the Kopp lab, I conduct LCMS analyses for the National Drug Driving Study, investigating the role of cannabis in impaired driving. In addition research, I enjoy running and fishkeeping.

Aeron Salac
Honours Undergraduate Student

I am a fourth year honours student in Cell and Developmental Biology with a strong interest in learning about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie embryogenesis and organ development. Currently, I am helping put together a manuscript on prior work done in the lab concerning the cell autonomous and cell non-autonomous role of YAP1. For my honours project, I am investigating the proliferation and differentiation behaviour of pancreatic progenitor cells after YAP1 maintenance and downregulation. Outside of the lab, you can find me doing yoga, dancing, cooking and going on hikes!

Tiffany Chen
Undergraduate Student

I'm Tiffany, an undergrad research assistant majoring in Chemical Biology with a minor in Applied Animal Biology. My research focuses on investigating the sex differences in insulitis using NOD mice with an interest in understanding the mechanisms of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. I am particularly interested in histology work and am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this research environment. Outside the lab, I am an avid cat enthusiast, proud to care for more than five cats, and enjoy learning about various breeds such as the Devon Rex and Bengal. Additionally, I have a deep interest in exploring global cuisines and culinary arts.

Riley Lam
Undergraduate Student

My name is Riley, and I am a second year undergraduate student studying pharmacology. As a research volunteer, I am gaining valuable experience in the field of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma while also balancing my roles as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Outside the lab, I am a dedicated musician, playing both the saxophone and clarinet. Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for culinary arts and aspire to explore diverse cuisines from around the world.

Claire Li
Undergraduate Student

I am an undergraduate student at UBC majoring in Biology, currently working as a volunteer at the Kopp lab. I am working on a project studying the effects of the deletion of the p16 tumor suppressor gene on pancreatic tumor growth in mice. In the near future, I hope to participate in more projects that will allow me to further explore my interest in cell and developmental biology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going to cafes and shops around Vancouver, especially little bookstores!

Kopp Lab Alumni

Kevin Wang, BSc, Lab Manager
Priyansh Mahey, BSc
Liam Chen, BSc
Ken Chu, MSc
Titne Ruiter, MSc
Grace Dong, BSc
Yan (Angela) Dou, MSc
Brian Daly, Lab Manager
Shihao (Andy) Wang, PhD
Anni Zhang, PhD
Shilpa Patil, Postdoc
Allyson Schweitzer, MSc, Lab Manager
Annice Li
Justin Chhuor
Wesley Hunt
Kayla Bolduc, BSc, Lab Manager
Clare Hii, BSc
Chloe Hiu Shan Tam, BSc
Corbin Nold
Harleen Kaur Hehar, BSc
Lorenzo Lindo, BSc
Soheila Zarei, MSc
Farnaz Taghizadeh, Technician
Atefeh Samani, BSc
Alex Lee, MSc
Karnjit Sarai, BSc
Jason (Yu) Cao, Technician