Congratulations to the recipients of the VCHRI Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge and Skills (SPARKS)!
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) is committed to fostering a culture of mentorship and supporting the next generation of health researchers through the Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge and Skills (SPARKS). This program offers a unique opportunity for a select group of highly qualified undergraduate and medical students to explore their interest in health research and gain hands-on experience by undertaking a summer project with a VCHRI principal investigator.
The 2026 VCHRI SPARKS recipients are:
Supervisor: Dr. Michael Cox
Project: Characterizing the histopathology of prostate cancer metastasis in bone
“Almost 90 per cent of patients with advanced prostate cancer develop bone metastasis, leading to fractures and other skeletal injuries. Under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Cox, I will examine how prostate cancer cells interact with bone cells to uncover the mechanisms driving bone metastasis. Our findings could help identify new therapeutic targets and support more effective management of prostate cancer.”
Supervisor: Dr. Nathaniel Moulson
Project: Utility of portable oxygen uptake devices in cardiac rehabilitation
“Personalized cardiac rehabilitation requires measuring an individual’s peak oxygen uptake. By evaluating a portable device that assesses oxygen uptake during standard exercise tolerance tests, I will support Dr. Nathaniel Moulson’s team in developing an accessible, cost-effective solution for obtaining more accurate physiological data that could help tailor rehabilitation and improve patient outcomes.”
Supervisor: Dr. Min Hyung Ryu
Project: PM2.5 exposure in 3D human lung organoids: Characterizing pro-fibrotic cellular responses
“Fine particles from air pollution and wildfire smoke are increasingly recognized as contributors to fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Using 3D lung models, I will investigate how environmental exposures influence cellular pathways involved in lung injury. Under Dr. Ryu’s guidance, I look forward to gaining hands-on experience in translational research focused on environmental risk factors affecting respiratory health.”
Supervisor: Dr. Emily Brigham
Project: FIRE Diet — Food as an intervention to reduce the effects of woodsmoke exposure on respiratory health
“Exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to increased respiratory health risks. Working with Dr. Emily Brigham, I will explore whether targeted dietary interventions rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammatory and physiological responses to woodsmoke exposure. I am eager to contribute to research that could help improve resilience to air pollution.”
Supervisor: Dr. Lara Boyd
Project: Gamified rehabilitation for stroke recovery in rural and remote settings
“80 per cent of Canadian stroke survivors experience long-term functional disability that affects their quality of life. By studying the results of a portable game-based rehabilitation program, I hope to deepen our understanding of the neurobiological changes and inform stroke recovery. I am proud to contribute to research in Dr. Lara Boyd’s lab, creating opportunities for personalized rehabilitation in remote and rural settings.”
Supervisor: Dr. Jonathan Misskey
Project: Outcomes of Jetstream atherectomy in isolated popliteal artery lesions: A retrospective cohort study
“Peripheral artery disease occurs when plague buildup narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the limbs. When it affects the popliteal artery behind the knee, treatment can be challenging due the vessel’s unique biomechanics and risk of recurrent narrowing. Under the supervision of Dr. Jonathan Misskey, I will evaluate outcomes following Jetstream atherectomy. I hope this work will contribute to improved, patient-centred vascular care.”
Supervisor: Dr. William Connors
Project: Demographic characterization of patients with missed OPAT appointments across Vancouver Coastal Health
“The Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy program allows patients with serious infections to receive intravenous antibiotics treatment without staying in the hospital. Despite its safety and effectiveness, treatment success highly depends on patient adherence. Guided by Dr. Will Connors, I will identify demographic predictors of missed appointments with the goal to strengthen care continuity and support more efficient use of outpatient care resources.”
Supervisor: Dr. Mostafa Fatehi
Project: Impact of rurality on survival and complications in high-grade glioblastoma
“Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain cancer in adults, requiring timely access to specialized care that is often more difficult to access in rural communities. Mentored by Dr. Mostafa Fatehia, I will analyze how geographic residence and travel distance to neurosurgical centres influence patient outcomes. I am proud to contribute to research that could improve access to care across British Columbia.”
Supervisor: Dr. Eitan Prisman
Project: Virtual surgical planning in mandible reconstruction with the fibula or scapula free flap: An interim analysis of a multicentre, randomized controlled clinical trial
“Approximately 10 per cent of oral cavity cancers spread to surrounding facial bones, requiring complex reconstructive surgery using a patient’s donor bone. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) with 3D-printed cutting guides has emerged as a promising technique that enhances surgical precision. I appreciate the opportunity to support Dr. Eitan Prisman’s team in evaluating VSP’s impact on patient outcomes and advancing head and neck cancer research.”
Supervisor: Dr. Andrea MacNeill
Project: How can circular economy principles be applied within health systems to inform a context-specific framework for VCH?
“Recognizing the interconnectedness of human and environmental health, Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to embedding planetary health principles and reducing its environmental impact. Under Dr. Andrea MacNeill’s guidance, I will identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency within the health system. I hope our findings will help enhance service delivery and strengthen system resilience across VCH.”
Supervisor: Dr. David Huntsman
Project: STIM1-mediated suppression of STING signaling in low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma
“Low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is a rare form of ovarian cancer that affects younger women and is highly resistant to treatment. Using proteomics data, I will investigate how protein STIM1 may interfere with the body’s STING immune pathway, which helps to identify and fight cancer. Understanding this interaction could reveal new ways to restore anti-tumor immunity. I am honoured to work in Dr. David Huntsman’s lab to help advance women’s health.”
SPARKS is made possible with the generous support of the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in partnership with VCHRI.
