Ballios Lab Team
CASSANDRA D'AMATA
Lab Manager
Cassandra became interested in the field of stem cell biology during her undergrad at York University, which led her to pursue a Master's in Cell & Systems Biology at the University of Toronto. Since completing her M.Sc. in 2017, she has held lab manager and technician positions at the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children, and is delighted to now be working in the Ballios Lab. Outside of the lab, she enjoys making music, training in martial arts, and spending time with her 2 dogs and 2 cats.
Kristen Ashworth
MSc Student
Kristen is currently pursuing her Master of Science with the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto. She graduated from the University of Guelph in 2022 with an H.BSc. (Distinction) in Bio-Medical Science. Her thesis work at the Ballios Lab is focused on developing a retinal organoid model in which to evaluate stem cell therapies for USH2A-associated inherited retinal diseases. Kristen loves cross country running, reading a good book, and doting on her golden retrievers.
Graduate Awards:
- Vision Science Research Program OSOTF Scholarship (2023)
- OSOTF Unilever/Lipton Graduate Fellowship (2023)
- Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master's Program (CIHR) Award (2023)
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine Academic Merit Scholarship (2022)
Jackson Zhang
MSc Student
Jackson is an MSc student in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology under the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 2023 with an HBSc with high distinction double-majoring in Physiology and Pharmacology. With a passion for biomedical research, he is pleased to join Dr. Ballios’ lab and focuses on the molecular biology aspects of the projects. Outside the lab, Jackson loves photography, thrifting, hiking, and camping trips with friends in nature.
Graduate Awards:
- University of Toronto Fellowship - Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (2023)
Jessica Wang
MSc Student
Jessica Wang is currently pursuing her Master's in Medical Science at the University of Toronto. She graduated from McMaster University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) and a physics minor. She is excited to evaluate the effects of stem cell therapies on CRB1-related inherited retinal diseases in retinal organoid models at the Ballios Lab. In her free time, Jessica can be found looking at cat pictures, reading, and attempting to bake.
Graduate Awards:
- Temerty Entrance Scholarship (2023)
- OSOTF Unilever/Lipton Graduate Fellowship (2023)
LAB AlUMNI
Jess Weisbrod
Giuseppe Joshua Lopez
Giuseppe Joshua Lopez
Undergraduate Student
Having completed her 2nd year of undergrad at Queen’s University (2023), Jess is working towards an honours degree Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Jess is interested in stem cell biology research and enjoyed her experience as one of Dr. Ballios’ summer students this year (2023). Jess’ hobbies include skiing, ice hockey, and spending time with family and friends.
Giuseppe Joshua Lopez
Giuseppe Joshua Lopez
Giuseppe Joshua Lopez
Undergraduate Student
Josh recently graduated from the University of Toronto in 2023 with an HBSc, where he completed a Double Major in Human Biology and Evolutionary Anthropology, as well as a Minor in Immunology. He was interested in the therapeutic applications of stem cells during his experience at the Ballios Lab for the Institute of
Undergraduate Student
Josh recently graduated from the University of Toronto in 2023 with an HBSc, where he completed a Double Major in Human Biology and Evolutionary Anthropology, as well as a Minor in Immunology. He was interested in the therapeutic applications of stem cells during his experience at the Ballios Lab for the Institute of Medical Science Summer Undergraduate Research Program. In his spare time, Josh enjoys playing table tennis, Magic: The Gathering, and watching anime.
Foram Naik
Ha Ryun Yang
Ha Ryun Yang
Undergraduate Student
Foram graduated from the Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSc) program at Western University in 2023 and is planning on pursuing Physician Assistant (PA) school in the future. She was a summer research student for the Ballios Lab in 2023, and has an interest in the use of stem cells for retinal-related genetic disea
Undergraduate Student
Foram graduated from the Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSc) program at Western University in 2023 and is planning on pursuing Physician Assistant (PA) school in the future. She was a summer research student for the Ballios Lab in 2023, and has an interest in the use of stem cells for retinal-related genetic diseases and the techniques for immunofluorescence imaging. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and practicing mindfulness.
Ha Ryun Yang
Ha Ryun Yang
Ha Ryun Yang
Undergraduate Student
Ryun recently graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Medical Science in 2023 and was a Summer Undergraduate Research Student at the Ballios Lab in 2023. He is interested in pursuing medical school and eventually working towards becoming a physician. In his free time, he enjoys taking long walks to look for birds and identifying them.