Home of InterVac International Vaccine Centre

Name

Group

Position

Phone

Office

Allan, Brenda

Bacterial Vaccine Development

Research Scientist

966-1522/966-7467

109

Email:Contact

Dr. Brenda Allan

Bacterial Vaccine Development Group
Position: Research Scientist
Office: 109
Office Phone: 966-1522/966-7467
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Originally from Ontario, Brenda has a BSc in Biology from the U of Waterloo,a M Sc in Microbiology from the U of Guelph and PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Queen’s University. She joined VIDO-InterVac in 1989 as a post-doctoral fellow.

Brenda became a Professional Research Associate at VIDO in 1992 and an Adjunct Professor for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. Brenda has trained and mentored many graduate students and scientists, and has contributed to 29 research publications.

Anand, Sanjeev

Vectored Vaccines

Graduate Student

966-7499

Email:Contact

Sanjeev Anand

Vectored Vaccines Group
Position: Graduate Student
Office: 30
Office Phone: 966-7499
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

To be provided.

Arsenault, Ryan

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence

Graduate Student

966-7472

Email:Contact

Ryan Arsenault

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence Group
Position: Graduate Student
Office: 60
Office Phone: 966-7472
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Ryan has a BSc in Biochemistry from the U of S and is presently working on his PhD in Biochemistry in Scott Napper's lab. This has allowed Ryan to develop expertise in peptide array kinome analysis.

Arsic, Natasa

Admin

Research Technician

966-1556

A221

Email:Contact

Natasa Arsic

Admin Group
Position: Research Technician
Office: A221
Office Phone: 966-1556
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

RESPONSIBILITIES:
♦ Manager, Inclusion body hepatitis virus vaccine development project.

EDUCATION:
♦ Ph. D (Veterinary virology), the University of Minnesota, USA.

♦ DVM and M.Sc (Microbiology), The University of Veterinary Sciences. Lahore. Pakistan

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

2004-Present. VIDO Research Scientist II

2002-2004. VIDO Research Scientist I

EXPERTISE

Viral pathogenesis, Immune modulation and vaccine development.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
♦ Analysis of transcriptional regulation of avian infectious bronchitis virus infection in chicken lungs.

♦ Identification of CpG ODN based innate immune activation biomarker in porcine.

♦ Investigated into in-vitro and in-vivo transcriptional regulation of CpG ODN induced immune activation in pigs.

♦ Identified the molecular basis of CpG ODN induced immune activation and inhibition of avian respiratory viruses replication in chickens.

CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS

♦ Molecular basis of avian viral pathogenesis and immune modulation.

Taseen joined VIDO-InterVac in September 2004 as a PhD graduate student under the supervision of Drs. Andrew Potter and Wolfgang Koster working on Salmonella project. Now a post-doctoral fellow, Taseen has undergraduate degress in Biochemistry and Microbiology and has done some teaching in the department of Veterinary Microbiology and Kelsey College. In 2009,Taseen received the Vetoquinol Epidemiology/Food Safety Award awarded through WCVM.Taseen is very passionate about his research and he is also very interested in becoming a Clinical Microbiologist in the future.

Dev, Sidharath

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence

Graduate Student

966-2878/966-1553

Email:Contact

Sidharath Dev

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence Group
Position: Graduate Student
Office: 58
Office Phone: 966-2878/966-1553
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

To be provided.

Dillon, Joanne

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence

Research Scientist

966-1535/966-1553

A218

Email:Contact

Dr. Joanne Dillon

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence Group
Position: Research Scientist
Office: A218
Office Phone: 966-1535/966-1553
Email: Contact

Biography

Jo-Anne Dillon joined the University of Saskatchewan in September of 2004 as Dean, College of Arts and Science. Since 2004, Dr. Dillon has been a professor in the Department of Biology, an adjunct professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and a member of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Saskatchewan. Throughout her career, Dr. Dillon has balanced her professional activities with the challenges of leadership and administration. Dr. Dillon, an Associate at the Royal Conservatory (A.R.C.T), University of Toronto, completed her undergraduate training at the University of Toronto and her M.Sc. and Ph.D. at Queen's University. After completing postdoctoral studies in the Department of Biophysics and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Dillon returned to Canada to establish the Antimicrobials and Molecular Biology Division at Health Canada. She later established and directed the National Laboratory for Sexually Transmitted Diseases at Health Canada. Dr. Dillon subsequently held several positions at the University of Ottawa including-Professor and Chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Inaugural Director of the Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology. She has led several national and international organizations, has consulted widely with national and international institutions, and is the author of numerous publications. Dr. Dillon has earned many academic awards. She has received the Roche Diagnostic/Canadian Society of Microbiologists award for 2007, as an outstanding Canadian microbiologist.

Patricia holds MSc and PhD degrees in immunology from the Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (School of Biological Sciences of the National Poly-Technical Institute) in Mexico City.

Shirley completed a BSc at the University of Saskatchewan and joined VIDO in 2005. She started with the Equine Research Group and joined the Viral Pathogenesis and Vaccine Development Group in 2009. Shirley has broad technical expertises, from handling horses, flow cytometry, cell culture, and various gene expression assays.

Hedlin, Peter

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence

Graduate Student

966-7472

N/A

Peter Hedlin

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence Group
Position: Graduate Student
Office Phone: 966-7472
Fax: 966-7478

Biography

Peter has B.Sc and M.Sc degrees in Microbiology and Immunology from the Uof S. He is completing his PhD degree under Scott Napper’s supervision. Peter’s research focus is development of an immunogenic PrPSc epitope for use as a therapeutic tool for prion diseases.

To be provided

Hodgson, Paul

Admin

Associate Director -Business Development

966-1523

151

Email:Contact

Paul Hodgson

Admin Group
Position: Associate Director -Business Development
Office: 151
Office Phone: 966-1523
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Steve was raised in Kenya. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science and Technology and majored in Medical Biotechnology from Maseno University. Steve is presently a graduate student with the Dept. of Vaccinology and Immuno-therapeutics under the supervision of Dr. George Mutwiri.

Kirchmeier, Dee

Admin

Accounting Clerk

966-7505

104

Email:Contact

Dee Kirchmeier

Admin Group
Position: Accounting Clerk
Office: 104
Office Phone: 966-7505
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

As the Accounting Clerk, Dee is VIDO-InterVac’s key contact person for paperwork associated with purchasing of goods and supplies. She reviews all purchases to verify proper recording of financial codes and signatures, and ensures transactions comply with financial standards and procedures. Dee joined VIDO in 1980.

Koester, Wolfgang

Bacterial Vaccine Development

Research Scientist

966-7479/966-9871

Email:Contact

Dr. Wolfgang Koester

Bacterial Vaccine Development Group
Position: Research Scientist
Office: 3
Office Phone: 966-7479/966-9871
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Wolfgang Köster is a Research Scientist at the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK. He currently holds the NSERC/Bioniche Associate Industrial Research Chair in Vaccines to Reduce Food and Water Contamination.

Wolfgang completed his PhD in Biology and Microbiology at University of Tübingen, Germany. He then worked in many organizations including University of Virginia, Institut Pasteur, and Swiss Federal Institute for Envrionmental Science and Technology. From 1999-2003 he served as Swiss Delegate and “Invited Expert” at various events related to safe drinking water of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Köster has supervised 3 Post Doctoral Fellows, 10 PhD students, 6 Masters/Diploma students, a number of technicians and numerous undergraduate students. He is experienced in teaching lectures, seminars and practical courses at all University levels in the areas of microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and environmental sciences.

Dr. Wolfgang Köster (Koester)

RESPONSBILITIES:
♦ Project Leader, Food and Water Safety Vaccines

♦ Adjunct Professor, Veterinary Microbiology, WCVM

EDUCATION:
♦ University of Tübingen, Germany, 1983 (MSc equivalent)

♦ University of Tübingen, Germany, 1987 (PhD equivalent)

♦ University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA, 1988 (Post-doctoral fellow)

♦ University of Tübingen, Germany, 1989-1991 (Post-doctoral fellow)

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

♦ University of Tübingen, Germany, 1991-1997 (Assistant Professor equivalent)

♦Institut Pasteur, Paris, France, 1998-1999 (Visiting Scientist, Fellowships from CNRS and Institut Pasteur)

♦ ETH Zurich, Switzerland , 1999-2002 (Lecturer)

♦ Swiss Federal Institute for Environmental Science and Technology, Switzerland , 1999-2004 (Senior Scientist)

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
♦ Swiss Delegate and "Invited Expert" at various events related to safe drinking water of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Health Organization (WHO); co-editor of guideline "Assessing microbial safety of drinking water"

♦ Developed molecular detection methods for microbes in aquatic environments and drinking water

♦ Studied iron homeostasis and analyzed transport mechanisms at the molecular level in Gram negative bacteria

♦ Experienced in teaching lectures, seminars and practical courses at all University levels in the areas of microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and environmental sciences at Institutions in Germany, France, Switzerland and Canada

CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS:

♦ Develop intervention strategies against pathogenic bacteria (currently focusing on Salmonella spec.) in water, food and food producing animals

♦ Study bacterial virulence factors involved in host-pathogen interactions (e.g. Salmonella spec -chicken)

EXPERTISE:

♦ Microbiological aspects of food and water safety

♦ Development of vaccines against bacterial pathogens

♦ Microbiological aspects of zoonotic and waterborne diseases

♦ Virulence mechanisms of bacterial pathogens

♦ Transport mechanisms across bacterial membranes including both import and export systems

♦ Metal homeostasis in bacteria and unicellular green algae

Labach, Karen

Admin

Acquistions Clerk

966-7503

104

Email:Contact

Karen Labach

Admin Group
Position: Acquistions Clerk
Office: 104
Office Phone: 966-7503
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Karen handles acquisition of all items and materials required at VIDO-InterVac. This involves working closely with VIDO-InterVac staff and with suppliers, Karen ensures purchase needs are addressed in a cost effective and timely manner. As part of this, Karen gathers purchase specifications, prepares and submits tenders, review quotes, negotiates contracts and tracks deliveries to ensure VIDO-InterVac staff and students have the materials needed for their research projects. Karen joined VIDO in 1999.

Lai, Ken

Immune Modulation

Technician

966-1530

A133

Email:Contact

Ken Lai

Immune Modulation Group
Position: Technician
Office: A133
Office Phone: 966-1530
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Dr. Qiang Liu's research is on elucidating molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis. Special research areas are human hepatitis viruses including hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus. He received his BSc and MSc degrees at Nankai University in China and PhD at Justus Liebig University in Germany. Dr. Liu is an adjunct professor at the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. He is an associate member of the Biomedical Engineering Division, College of Engineering. In addition, Dr. Liu is a mentor of the National CIHR Research Training Program in Hepatitis C (NCRTP-HepC).

Qiang Liu, Ph.D.

RESPONSBILITIES:
♦ Project Leader, Hepatitis C Viral Pathogenesis

♦ Member, College of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Saskatchewan

♦ Member, VIDO-InterVac Local Safety Committee

♦ Adjunct Professor, Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Veterinary Microbiology

EDUCATION:
♦ Ph.D., Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany

♦ M.Sc. and B.Sc., Microbiology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
♦ Demonstration of HCV genotype-specific mechanisms in causing steatosis (fatty liver disease)

♦ Identification of a unique amino acid residue of HCV-3a core protein essential for modulating lipogenic gene expression

♦ Identification of the role of the PI3K-Akt-2 pathway in SREBP-1 activation by HCV

♦ Development of a novel experimental system for studying HCV protein translation

CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS

♦ Signal transduction pathways regulating HCV pathogenesis

♦ Host and viral factors modulating HCV protein translation

♦ Synergistic pathogenesis of HBV and HCV

Lobanova, Liubov

Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development

Graduate Student

966-1563/966-1579

A332

Email:Contact

Liubov Lobanova

Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development Group
Position: Graduate Student
Office: A332
Office Phone: 966-1563/966-1579
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Liubov was born in Vladimir, Russia where she completed her edu-cational studies. She also attended the Ivanovo State University, where she completed her Bachelor and Masters degrees within the Department of Biology and Chemistry.

Lu, Xinya

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence

Post-doctoral fellow

966-7487/966-1529

137

Email:Contact

Dr. Xinya Lu

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence Group
Position: Post-doctoral fellow
Office: 137
Office Phone: 966-7487/966-1529
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Sheryl is a Post-Doctoral fellow under the supervision of Dr. Sylvia van den Hurk. She received a PhD in University of Queensland in 2009 in which she developed a rapid diagnostic assay to detect flavivirus infections (including West Nile virus). She also received a Master degree in Professional Education and Training (Flexible, Online and Distance Education) at Deakin University in 2005. Her expertise is microarray analysis, real-time PCR, and online course development.

Makadiya, Niraj

Pathogenomics

Graduate Student

966-7472/966-7499

Email:Contact

Niraj Makadiya

Pathogenomics Group
Position: Graduate Student
Office: 60
Office Phone: 966-7472/966-7499
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Post-doctoral fellow

966-1576

A142

Email:Contact

Dr. Sonja Mertins

Pathogenomics Group
Position: Post-doctoral fellow
Office: A142
Office Phone: 966-1576
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

To be provided.

Mezaros, Kane

Clinical Research Pathogenomics & Epidemiological Services

Animal Technician

966-1937

166

Email:Contact

Kane Mezaros

Clinical Research Pathogenomics & Epidemiological Services Group
Position: Animal Technician
Office: 166
Office Phone: 966-1937
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Dr. Mutwiri earned his DVM from the University of Nairobi, Kenya in 1985 and his PhD from the University of Guelph, Ontarion Canada in 1994. He did postdoctoral training at the University of California before joining VIDO. Currently, he is a Senior Scientist and Manager for Immune Modulation Program. Dr. Mutwiri is also a Professor at School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan. His research interests are immunology, infectious diseases, vaccinology and immunotherapeutics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
♦ Program Manager, Immune modulation

♦ Principle Investigator, CpG Immune Modulation, Polyphosphazene

♦ Member, Science Management Team

♦ Professor, School of Public Health

♦ Member, Executive Director's Advisory Council, School of Public Health

EDUCATION:

♦ University of California, San Diego. Postdoctoral research training 1994-97

♦ Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada. Ph.D Immunology 1994

♦ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya. DVM 1985

Napper, Scott

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence

Program Manager and Research Scientist

966-1546/966-1555

A236

Email:Contact

Dr. Scott Napper

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence Group
Position: Program Manager and Research Scientist
Office: A236
Office Phone: 966-1546/966-1555
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Dr. Scott Napper holds a joint position at the University of Saskatchewan as an Associate Professor of Biochemistry as well as Senior Scientist and Program Manager of Emerging Diseases at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO). A protein biochemist by training, his research interests are based in the application of structure activity investigations within the context of infection and immunity. Specifically, his currently active research programs include structural modifications of host defense peptides for immunotherapeutic applications (vaccine adjuvants and antimicrobials), vaccine development for Johne's Disease and development of a PrP^Sc specific vaccine for prion diseases. Dr. Napper's work in development of a prion vaccine is centralized in the optimization of epitopes to maximize immunogenicity, while maintaining PrP^Sc specificity, as well as the application and optimization of various parameters of vaccine formulation and delivery. Outside of the lab Scott has a strong interest in Science Education and works actively with the Secondary Education System to help translate higher level science and mentorship to undergraduate and high school students. In the past five years, Scott has twice been awarded the University of Saskatchewan Teaching Excellence Award.

Responsibilities
♦ Program Manager: Emerging Diseases and Microbial Virulence
♦ Project Leader: Prion Vaccine Development; Johne's Disease; Kinome analysis
♦ Associate Professor: Department of Biochemistry, University of Saskatchewan
♦ Associate Member: School of Public Health

Education:
♦ University of Saskatchewan, Department of Biochemistry, Ph.D. 1999

Jose joined VIDO-InterVac as a Research Scentist in 1999. Jose completed his Doctoral degree in Biochemistry in Universidad Nacional de Tucuman. Jose is now the research manager for both Bovine mastitis and the Mycoplmasma bovis research projects. He is also the Chair of the VIDO-InterVac internal safety committee. His research expertise includes bacterial pathogenesis, vaccine development, and animal trials.

DR. JOSE PEREZ-CASAL, Ph. D.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
♦ Manager, Bovine mastitis research project

♦ Manager, Mycoplasma bovis research project

♦ Chair, VIDO-InterVac internal safety committee

♦ Member, University of Saskatchewan Graduate Student College

♦ Adjunct Professor, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

EDUCATION:
♦ Universidad Nacional de Tucuman 1988, Doctor in Biochemistry

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

2002-Present. VIDO Research Scientist II

1999-2002. VIDO Research Scientist I

EXPERTISE

Bacterial pathogenesis, vaccine development, animal trials

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
♦ Characterization of Mry (now Mga), the first two-component regulatory system of Streptococcus pyogenes

♦ Identification of the Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus dysgalactiae GapC proteins as a protective antigens against bovine mastitis

♦ Identification of the Staphylococcus aureus GapC protein as a virulence factor

♦ Experimental trials to assess the comparative efficacy of bovine mastitis vaccines

♦ Development of Mycoplasma bovis experimental challenge models

CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS

♦ Prevention of bovine mastitis

Yurij joined VIDO since 1987 and he is now the Lab Manager/Technican in the Pathogenomics group. Yurij had a BSc in 1985 and a Master in Veterinary Microbiology in 1994. Yurij's responsibility is to maintain the day to day operations of a high powered lab facility - including safety, instrument repairs, ordering supplies, service contracts etc.. His expertise in tissue culture, cell mediated immune assay, and flow cytometry are highly valuable to the group. Angling is Yurij passion when he is not at work, and he is an active participant in his church community of Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Potter, Jean

Pathogenomics

Graduate Student

966-7393/966-1555

Email:Contact

Jean Potter

Pathogenomics Group
Position: Graduate Student
Office: 30
Office Phone: 966-7393/966-1555
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Jean was born in Ontario, lived in the Philippines for a brief period and is fluent in both Frenchand Visayan. She completed her BSc in Biochemistry and Biotechnology at the University of Saskatchewan before completing her M.Sc. in Biochemistry under the supervision of Dr. Scott Napper. Jean is currently pursuing her PhD in Veterinary Microbiology under the supervision of Dr. Philip Griebel.

Potter, Andrew

Admin

CEO & Director

966-7484

152

Email:Contact

Dr. Andrew Potter

Admin Group
Position: CEO & Director
Office: 152
Office Phone: 966-7484
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact
Page:CEO & Director

Biography

Andrew Potter is CEO and Director of VIDO-InterVac. Dr. Potter spent his undergraduate years at Carleton University and earned his PhD in microbiology in 1981 from the University of Otago (New Zealand). He joined VIDO in 1985 as a research scientist after being recruited from Health Canada in Ottawa, and was appointed Associate Director (Research) in 1994.

Originally from Korea, Hyun Mi is a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Yan Zhou's lab. Hyun Mi holds MSc and PhD degrees in preventive veterinary medicine and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the Chungnam National University in Daejon, Korea.

Prior to joining VIDO-InterVac in Oct, 2009, Hyun Mi worked as a research assistant in the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology and as a junior research scientist in the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service in the Republic of Korea.

Joyce Sander joined VIDO in 1990 and became a member of the Senior Management Team in 1994.

As the Human Resources Officer within the Senior Management Team, Joyce's interpersonal skills and knowledge of university human resources and graduate studies programs are invaluable. Joyce also brings expertise in the area of intellectual property management to the Team.

Add biography here.

Snider, Marlene

Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development

Research Technician

966-1582

A321

Email:Contact

Marlene Snider

Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development Group
Position: Research Technician
Office: A321
Office Phone: 966-1582
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Marlene graduated from the Medical Laboratory Technology program at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology program in 1979. From there, she worked within the Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology departments of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine until 1987. In 1988 she joined VIDO-InterVac and has worked in the Immunology and the Viral Pathogenesis and Vaccine Development research groups.

Starnino, Stefania

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence

Post Doctoral Fellow

1520

A142

Clinical Research Pathogenomics & Epidemiological Services Group
Position: Animal Technician
Office: 166
Office Phone: 966-1937
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Sherry Tetland, a senior research technician with VIDO-InterVac since September 2001, has a veterinary technologist diploma from SIAST. Sherri works with all species of animals - scheduling and conducting surgeries in conjuction with researchers in VIDO. Sherry is also a member of the University Committee on Animal Care and Supply.

Thibault (McGee), Patricia

Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development

Graduate Student

966-7395/966-1580

Email:Contact

Patricia Thibault (McGee)

Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development Group
Position: Graduate Student
Office: 30
Office Phone: 966-7395/966-1580
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

To be provided.

Thue, Tracey

Admin

Biosafety Officer

966-8874

A146

Email:Contact

Tracey Thue

Admin Group
Position: Biosafety Officer
Office: A146
Office Phone: 966-8874
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Tracey came to VIDO from the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, where she supervised a large CL2 lab. Prior to that, Tracey was at the Department of Animal and Poultry Science where she earned an MSc in Animal Genetics, and worked for 8 years as research technician in beef genetics.

As Biosafety Officer, Tracey is currently writing standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will make up the InterVac Biosafety Manual. She will also be involved with testing and commissioning of the building as it takes place over the next year, and once certified, she will help ensure that it continues to meet federal containment standards and passes annual re-certification. Tracey will be providing safety training and orientation to personnel who are joining InterVac.

Tikoo, Suresh

Vectored Vaccines

Program Manager and Research Scientist

966-7482

127

Email:Contact

Dr. Suresh Tikoo

Vectored Vaccines Group
Position: Program Manager and Research Scientist
Office: 127
Office Phone: 966-7482
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Dr. Suresh Tikoo is the Program Manager for Vectored Vaccine research team at VIDO-InterVac. He received his DVM and MVSc in India and completed his PhD in Veterinary Microbiology at the University of Saskatchewan in 1992.

Dr. Tikoo and his team have been carrying out the molecular characterization of non-human adenoviruses (bovine adenovirus-3 and porcine adenovirus-3), with the aim of developing them as live vaccine vectors for animals (cattle and swine) and humans. He also has published more than 86 peer-reviewed manuscripts and review articles, 25 issued patents and 7 pending patents. and has mentored 25 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

At the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Tikoo is a tenured Professor at the School of Public Health, and. an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western college of Veterinary Medicine.

Responsibilities:
♦ Program Manager, Vectored Vaccines
♦ Professor, School of Public Health
♦ Member, Science management team
♦ Member, Faculty of College of Graduate studies
♦ Adjunct Professor, Veterinary Microbiology

Education:
♦ College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, GBPUAT Pantnagar Nanital, Uttaranchal, India; BVSc&AH (DVM) 1977; MVSc (Vet. Microbiology) 1980
♦ Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada, PhD 1992

Current Research Interests:
♦ Molecular characterization of non-human adenoviruses
♦ Non-human adenovirus as a vaccine delivery vector
♦ Targeted animal adenovirus
♦ Adenovirus DNA packaging
♦ Protein-protein interactions in non-human adenovirus
♦ Role of structural\non-structural proteins in viral replication

Toms, Shirley

Admin

Corporate Communications Manager

966-7483

A342

Email:Contact

Shirley Toms

Admin Group
Position: Corporate Communications Manager
Office: A342
Office Phone: 966-7483
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Shirley joined VIDO in November 2008 as VIDO's Corporate Communications Manager, with over 25 years of laboratory management and regulatory experience working within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). She also gained quality management experience working the Standards Council of Canada as a lead assessor within their Program for the Accredition of Laboratories in Canada (PALCAN).

Shirley's skills in communication and coordination of multidisciplinary teams have been recognized with several awards including the CFIA President's National Award for Recognition of Outstanding Service and the Government of Canada's Head of Public Service Award for Excellence in Service Delivery.

Townsend, Hugh

Bacterial Vaccine Development

Program Manager and Research Scientist

966-1415

A144

Email:Contact

Dr. Hugh Townsend

Bacterial Vaccine Development Group
Position: Program Manager and Research Scientist
Office: A144
Office Phone: 966-1415
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Hugh Townsend is a member of the Science Management Committee at VIDO and Program Manager for Bacterial Vaccine Development. He has been a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine since 1980, a senior research scientist at VIDO since 2001 and a member of the Faculty of the School of Public Health at the University of Saskatchewan since 2008.

Hugh's clinical specialty is large animal internal medicine with a focus on the horse and infectious disease epidemiology. His research interests include clinical medicine, epidemiology, vaccine efficacy and development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

♦ Program Manager, Bacterial Vaccine Development

♦ Member, Science Management Team

♦ Member, Neonatal Immunization

♦ Member, VIDO Beef Tech Group

♦ Member, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

♦ Member, Faculty, School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan

♦ Program Chair, PhD-Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan♦ Member, Executive Committee Master of Public Health Program, School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan

van den Hurk, Jan

Immune Modulation

Research Associate

966-1549/966-8872

A242

Email:Contact

Dr. Jan van den Hurk

Immune Modulation Group
Position: Research Associate
Office: A242
Office Phone: 966-1549/966-8872
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

To be provided.

van der Merwe, Jacques

Bacterial Vaccine Development

Post-doctoral fellow

966-2352/966-7512

Email:Contact

Dr. Jacques van der Merwe

Bacterial Vaccine Development Group
Position: Post-doctoral fellow
Office: 29
Office Phone: 966-2352/966-7512
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Jacques was raised in Pinetown, Africa. He completed his BSc in Zoology at the U of Calgary in 2004, and PhD in Medical Science in 2008. Jacques is presently working as a post doc in Dr. Jose Perez Casal‟s lab on a pro-ject involving Mycoplasma bovis and experimentation with novel adjuvants.

van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, Sylvia

Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development

Program Manager and Research Scientist

966-1559/966-1582

A310

Email:Contact

Dr. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk

Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development Group
Position: Program Manager and Research Scientist
Office: A310
Office Phone: 966-1559/966-1582
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Dr. Sylvia van den Hurk is the Program Manager of Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development program at VIDO-InterVac. She received her MSc at the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands and PhD at University of Saskatchewan. Her research interests include molecular pathogenesis of bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the development of novel DNA, protein and dendritic cell vaccine formulations, in particular for RSV and HCV. Dr. van den Hurk has published more than 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts, reviews and book chapters, and 8 patents with 1 pending. She has mentored more than 30 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. At the university she is Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in the College of Medicine.

Responsibilities:

♦ Program Manager: Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development
♦ Member of Science Management Team
♦ Member: RAPID team
♦ Member: Neonatal Vaccines group
♦ Professor: Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine

♦ Member: University of Saskatchewan College of Graduate Studies and Research

Education:
♦ Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan: Ph.D.
♦ Departments of Plant Pathology, Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Wageningen, the Netherlands: M.Sc. and B.Sc.

Research interests:

♦ DNA vaccines: DNA immunization is a promising technology potentially leading to balanced long-lived immune responses. My research group was one of the first to demonstrate the efficacy of DNA vaccines in large animal species. Our focus is to further optimize this vaccination strategy by improving cellular and nuclear entry of the DNA vaccine, slow release of the DNA vaccine, and formulation with immune modulators.
♦ Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1): Herpesviruses cause significant primary and recurrent infections worldwide. BHV-1 causes severe infections in cattle and provides an excellent model for studying herpesviruses in general. Our current focus is the structural and functional characterization of the proteins in the tegument, which are located between the nucleocapsid and the virus envelope. These proteins are thought to have regulatory functions and to play a role in viral assembly and immune evasion.
♦ Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Human RSV (HRSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia in infants and young children, resulting in the hospitalization of up to 2 per cent of children in their first year of life. There are no effective vaccines for HRSV. Bovine RSV (BRSV) is a major respiratory pathogen in calves. Since both viruses are closely related, we are using BRSV as a model to study the virus-host interactions. Furthermore, we developed novel vaccine formulations, which we are now further characterizing and testing for eventual application in human infants.
♦ Hepatitis C virus (HCV): HCV is the etiological agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis. An estimated 170 million people are infected with HCV. We demonstrated the potential for dendritic cell therapy against HCV in a mouse model. To further evaluate the potential of this approach, we plan to characterize the dendritic cells from chronic HCV patients in comparison to healthy individuals, and to optimize the functional properties of these dendritic cells by treatment with immunomodulatory compounds.

Van Kessell, Jill

Neonatal Immunization

Research Technician

966-1526

A133

Email:Contact

Jill Van Kessell

Neonatal Immunization Group
Position: Research Technician
Office: A133
Office Phone: 966-1526
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

A graduate of the U of S, Jill has a B.Sc. in anatomy and cell biology, an Honours Certificate in microbiology and a M.Sc. in veterinary microbiology. Prior to joining VIDO, Jill worked as a research lab technician at the Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre. Jill has been a research laboratory technician at VIDO for over 10 years, working first in the Vectored Vaccines research group and now in the Neonatal Immunizaiton group.

van Moorlehem, Elaine

Bacterial Vaccine Development

Research Technician

966-7509

Email:Contact

Elaine van Moorlehem

Bacterial Vaccine Development Group
Position: Research Technician
Office: 29
Office Phone: 966-7509
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Elaine completed her diploma in Biological Sciences in Kelsey College. She has 33 years work experience as a research technicna in both the Veterinary College at the University and VIDO. Her expertise is tissue culture and virology.

Ellen was raised in Abbotsford BC. She obtained her B.Sc. in Biology at Fraser Valley College in Abbotsford and is pursuing a Master‟s degree in Veterinary Microbiology. Presently Ellen is working in Dr. Sylvia van den Hurk‟s lab on the Respiratory Syncytial Virus project.

Welder, Corinne

Structural Chemistry, Genomics & GMP

Technician

966-7510

160

Email:Contact

Corinne Welder

Structural Chemistry, Genomics & GMP Group
Position: Technician
Office: 160
Office Phone: 966-7510
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Both Pat and Connie are responsible for washing and sterilizing glassware for the entire VIDO group. This is crucial for proper functioning of VIDO's daily research activities.

White, Aaron

Bacterial Vaccine Development

Research Scientist

966-7485

123

Email:Contact

Dr. Aaron White

Bacterial Vaccine Development Group
Position: Research Scientist
Office: 123
Office Phone: 966-7485
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Aaron White joined VIDO as a research scientist in June 2009 working on Salmonella pathogenesis. Aaron obtained his BSc in Biochemistry at the University of Alberta in 1993 then completed his PhD at University of Victoria in 2000. Prior to joining VIDO, Aaron was involved in several research projects at the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary. Aaron is involved in Salmonella pathogensis research at VIDO-InterVac.

Aaron White, Ph.D.

RESPONSBILITIES:
♦ Manager, Salmonella pathogenesis research project

♦ Member, Bacterial Vaccine Development Group

EDUCATION:
♦ B.Sc. in Biochemistry from University of Alberta, 1993

♦ PhD in Biochemistry with Dr. William W. Kay, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, 2000

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE:

♦ Jarislowsky Chair in Biotechnology, University of Saskatchewan, 2009-2014

♦ VIDO Research Scientist II, 2009-present

♦ Research Associate, Alberta Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, 2007-2009

♦ Post-doctoral fellow with Dr. Michael G. Surette, University of Calgary, 2002-2007

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

♦ Identifying that the Salmonella extracellular matrix is critical for long-term survival and persistence

♦ Development of a vaccine platform using Salmonella as a carrier of foreign antigens

♦ Development of an efficient method for allele exchange in enteric bacterial species

♦ Demonstration that bacterial adaptation can easily occur through mutations in promoter-containing intergenic regions

CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS

♦ Understanding the metabolic and genetic changes associated with Salmonella biofilm formation

♦ Development of a murine model of Salmonella transmission

Heather completed her Doctoral degree in Biochemistry at the University of Saskatchewan and joined VIDO-InterVac as a Research Scientist I in 2006. A member and Project Leader within the Neonatal Immunization Research Group, Heather's primary focus is the development of a novel vaccination strategy in which breast milk acts as the "route of administration" for a neonatal mucosal vaccine. Currently, her active research programs include establishing mammary tissue expression of host defense peptides for immunotherapeutic applications and using host defense peptides to combat cellulitis in chickens.

Responsibilities:

♦ Project Leader: Milk-Derived Vaccination of Neonates

♦ Associate Member: Department of Biochemistry, University of Saskatchewan

Education:
♦ University of Saskatchewan, Department of Biochemistry, Ph.D. 2002

Relevant Work Exprerience:

2006-Present. VIDO Research Scientist II

2002-2006. VIDO Research Scientist I

Expertise:

Neonatal Vaccinology, High-throughput genomic analysis, Elucidating mechanism of adjuvant signaling.

Major Accomplishments:
♦ Elucidating co-signals required for T cell and antigen-independent B lymphocyte activation

♦ Introduce system to tract host defense peptide (and other adjuvant) retention at sites of injection and/or systemic migration.

♦ Establish that host defence peptides suppress transcriptional responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide and promote T cell anergy

Current Research Areas:

♦Design of novel neonatal vaccines,

♦Prophylactic treatment of host defense peptides to combat cellulitis in birds and Neonatal Diarrheal Disease in ruminants.

Wilson, Don

Clinical Research Pathogenomics & Epidemiological Services

Program Manager and Research Scientist

966-7488

111

Email:Contact

Dr. Don Wilson

Clinical Research Pathogenomics & Epidemiological Services Group
Position: Program Manager and Research Scientist
Office: 111
Office Phone: 966-7488
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Don Wilson heads up the Clinical Services Unit. He’s been with VIDO-InterVac since May 1999, working as a senior veterinarian and the program manager responsible for providing clinical and biosecurity services for our animal facilities. Don has also been an integral part of planning and construction overview for the new InterVac facility.

Wisner, Amanda

Bacterial Vaccine Development

Graduate Student

966-7393/966-8871

Email:Contact

Amanda Wisner

Bacterial Vaccine Development Group
Position: Graduate Student
Office: 30
Office Phone: 966-7393/966-8871
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Amanda is originally from Prince Albert Saskatchewan. She completed her BSc Honors degree in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in Forensic Anthropology and Archeology at the University of Saskatchewan.

Currently, Amanda is working on her PhD with Drs. Wolfgang Koster and Andrew Potter on the Salmonella research project.

Amanda has an active interest in outreach work. An experienced tour guide, Amanda commits time to providing tours for schools and the general public at VIDO-InterVac and the Canadian Light Source.

Wong, George

Structural Chemistry, Genomics & GMP

Technician

966-7510

160

Email:Contact

George Wong

Structural Chemistry, Genomics & GMP Group
Position: Technician
Office: 160
Office Phone: 966-7510
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

George joined VIDO in 2004 as a Laboratory Technician after working at the University for 10 years. He received a BSc in Chemistry and Advanced Certificate in Biochemistry at the University of Saskatchewan. At VIDO, George is responsible for the preparations of chemical reagents, which is fundamental for all VIDO research staff.

Yarahmadi, Mehran

Pathogenomics

Graduate Student

966-2878/966-1556

Email:Contact

Mehran Yarahmadi

Pathogenomics Group
Position: Graduate Student
Office: 58
Office Phone: 966-2878/966-1556
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Mehran was raised in Tehran, Iran where he obtained his DVM at the Tehran University. Prior to joining VIDO, Mehran worked as a U of S research assistant within the Vet Biomedical Sciences Dept. Presently Mehran is a graduate student working in the Pathogenomics of Innate Immunity group under Dr. Philip Griebel‟s supervision.

Zakhartchouk, Sasha

Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development

Research Scientist

966-1570/966-1579

A338

Email:Contact

Dr. Sasha Zakhartchouk

Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development Group
Position: Research Scientist
Office: A338
Office Phone: 966-1570/966-1579
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Sasha has a M.Sc. in Biochemistry and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the Moscow Veterinary Academy. Following this, he completed his PhD at the Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology in Moscow in 1995. Since joining VIDO, Sasha has been working on molecular characterization of non-human adenoviruses to develop them as live vaccine vectors for animals and humans. In addition, Sasha was involved in developing a vaccine against SARS. He holds two patents and has published 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 1 book chapter.

Responsibilities:

♦ Manager: PRRSV vaccine project

♦ Manager: Measles vaccine project

Education:
All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, 1995, PhD in Molecular Biology

Moscow Veterinary Academy by K.I. Skryabin, 1991, MSc in Biochemistry and DVM

Relevant work experience:
2002 - Present: VIDO Reserach Scientist II
2001 - 2002: VIDO Reserach Scientist I
1999 - 2001: Crucell Research Scientist

Expertise:
Viral vaccines, viral pathogenesis, viural vector, animal trials

Major accomplishments:
Genome sequencing of non-human adenoviruses

Development of non-human adenoviruses as gene delivery vectors.

Intranasal immunization of calves with recombinant bovine adenovirus-3 expressing a bovine herpesvirus-1 antigen partially protected calves from clinical disease and reduced the time of herpesvirus shedding.

A member of a team of the Canadian scientists who worked on development of a vaccine for SARS coronavirus. As a result of this work, four different SARS vaccine candidates were tested for their immunogenicity in mice, and two of them were evaluated for ability to protect against live SARS coronavirus challenge in murine and ferret model of infection.

CURRENT RESERCH AREAS
Development of novel vaccines for PRRS and measles

Virus-host cells interactions

Zhou, Yan

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence

Research Scientist

966-7716/966-1529

131

Email:Contact

Dr. Yan Zhou

Emerging Diseases & Microbial Virulence Group
Position: Research Scientist
Office: 131
Office Phone: 966-7716/966-1529
Fax: 966-7478
Email: Contact

Biography

Yan joined VIDO-InterVac as a Research Scientist in 2003. Yan completed her Doctoral degree in molecular biology of Influenza virus in Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany. Yan is now leading Influenza research project at VIDO. She received a national prestigious salary award- Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator award (2007-2012). Her research expertise includes molecular biology of influenza virus, virus induced signal transduction, viral pathogenesis and vaccine development.

DR. Yan Zhou, Ph. D.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

♦ Manager, Influenza research project

♦ Member, University of Saskatchewan Graduate Student College

♦ Adjunct Professor, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

EDUCATION:
♦ Justus Liebig University 1998, Doctor in Molecular Virology

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

2008-Present. VIDO Research Scientist III

2003-2008. VIDO Research Scientist II

EXPERTISE

Molecular biology of Influenza virus, reverse genetics, signal transduction, virus-host interaction, vaccine development.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
♦ Identification of the molecular mechanism by which influenza A virus activates PI3K/Akt pathway

♦ Identification of the molecular mechanism by which PI3K/Akt pathway regulates influenza virus infection.

♦ Development of live attenuated swine influenza viruses and test the immune response and protection efficacy in pigs.

CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS

♦ Influenza A virus-host interaction

♦ Development of live influenza vaccine in pigs