Members

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Eman Radwan

🎓 Mini-Masters, Team Cottrell 2023

Hi there! My name is Eman. I am a PhD student in Dr. Cottrell's lab. I completed my MD and Pathology training at Alexandria University, Egypt. I then worked there as a research and teaching assistant for 4 years. I am passionate about observing the tumor microenvironment of aggressive cancers that are resistant to conventional types of therapy and investigating the pathological response of tumors treated with immunotherapy. For my PhD I am studying the expression of immune checkpoint molecules to identify tumor immune microenvironment phenotypes in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma using multiplex IHC/IF. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking especially baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
🍪📕💑

Michael Fotheringham

🎓 MSc. Grad, Team Cottrell 2023
Hi, I’m Michael! I came to the Cottrell Lab as an undergrad seeking an honours thesis mentor and was compelled to stay for grad school by questions left unanswered. I just wrapped up a MSc thesis evaluating tissue microarrays against whole-slide imaging in quantifying immune markers in lung cancer. My current focus as a PhD candidate is to continue to investigate the tumour-immune landscape of lung cancer using multiplex immunofluorescence technologies and by leveraging publicly available data. On the horizon somewhere is a real job, but for the time being, I’ll still cling to the daydream of becoming a massive rock n’ roll guitarist. Besides playing guitar, I like watching and playing hockey, fishing, and figuring out puzzle games.
🏒🧩🎸

Julia Schuurmans

Hi there, I am Julia! I am in the first year of my masters in Dr. Cottrell's Lab. I completed my Bachelors of Science with a Major in Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University where I quickly developed a passion for cancer research and understanding the tumor-immune interactions in the TME (Tumor Microenvironment). My masters project focuses on identifying and analyzing a panel of biomarker expression patterns in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma using multiplex immunofluorescence. Overall, the goal of my research is to identify tumor profiles that respond to immunotherapy. Outside the lab I compete on the Queen's Varsity Rowing team and spend my free time exploring Kingston and the surrounding area with friends.

🚣 ☕ 🗺️

Jaxen Smith

Hey there! My name is Jaxen, and I am a new MSc student under the co-supervision of Dr. Cottrell and Dr. Simpson. I just finished up my Bachelor of Medical Science with an Honours Specialization in Pharmacology at Western University. My current research focuses on digital pathology and the use of AI to develop biomarkers to help guide patient treatment. I hope to continue on as a PhD student and one day become a professor. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing basketball, watching hockey and UFC, and spending time with my family
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Undergraduate Students

Phoebe Ji

Hi there! My name is Phoebe and I am completing my third-year in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at Queen’s University. I have been with the Cottrell Lab since May 2022. My role involves analyzing multiplex immunofluorescence images using AI algorithms, along with identifying neutrophils on human tissue slides. My 3rd yr thesis project was focused on neutrophils and tertiary lymphoid structures with the Cottrell Lab. I have always been passionate about cancer treatment, so I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the future of cancer research. I won the QCRI Summer 2024 award. As an aspiring physician-scientist, I am looking forward to continuing to gain valuable skills under the guidance of Dr. Cottrell and senior lab members. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading and writing novels. Some of my other hobbies include playing piano and singing!

🎼 🎹

Kyran Sachdeva

Hey, I’m Kyran! I am finishing my 3rd year in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at Queen’s University. I began working with the Cottrell Lab at the beginning of June 2022 as a summer research student. In 2023 I received the QCRI Weaver/Howe Studentship to work on a neutrophil project and continued that work on a 3rd year thesis project. Throughout my time at the lab, I have enjoyed learning more about using a method called pixel analysis to analyze multiplex immunofluorescence images. In addition, it has been interesting to learn how to stain and scan slides. I’m eager to discover more about how the research being done here can be used to help improve cancer treatment. Although my plans are constantly changing, I currently want to pursue a career in research as a graduate student or in medicine. While not volunteering or working in the lab, I love hiking in the summer, baking and reading.

🥾 📚

Olamide (Mide)
Olanrewaju

Hello, I am Olamide (Mide) Olanrewaju and I am a 4th year student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at Queen’s University. Currently, I work in the Cottrell laboratory as a SWEP student during the summer. This year, I am also doing a thesis project during the school year. In the lab, I have performed tasks like phenotyping, pixel analysis and data analysis via coding under the tutelage of senior lab members. I am interested in going into the field of medicine and specializing in a field (maybe family/sports medicine). Though my plans have developed over time, I am looking at potentially pursuing further research in pathology, epidemiology or physiotherapy. Some of my hobbies are gaming, watching/playing basketball, Netflix, casual gaming and reading.
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Alex Uriarte

Hello! My name is Alex and I am a second year Life Sciences student specializing in cancer research. I began working at the Cottrell lab as a research assistant in May 2023 and will be staying with the lab during the school year as a volunteer. During my time at the lab, I have learned a lot about non-small cell lung cancer and immunotherapy, as well as developed skills relating to different tissue staining techniques and histopathologic scoring. As an aspiring oncologist, I look forward to continuing to develop these skills under the guidance of Dr. Cottrell and senior lab members. In my free time I love to play sports, especially basketball, as well as spend time with friends and family.

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Recent Achievements and Awards

Julia Schuurmans

CIHR Canadian Graduate Scholarship Master’s (CGS M) - 2024-2025

Mide Olanrewaju

QCRI/Craig Jury Memorial Summer Studentship in Cancer Research from the Queen’s Cancer Research Institute – Summer 2024

Phoebe Ji

QCRI/Craig Jury Memorial Summer Studentship in Cancer Research from the Queen’s Cancer Research Institute – Summer 2024

Emily Cohen

Cancer Biology Undergraduate Research Award from Queen’s University Arts and Science – April 2021
Duncan and Urlla Carmichael Fellowship from Queen's University - 2021-2022
QCRI/Craig Jury Memorial Summer Studentship in Cancer Research from the Queen’s Cancer Research Institute – Summer 2021
CIHR Canadian Graduate Scholarship Master’s (CGS M) - 2022-2023

Kyran Sachdeva