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.
Jhanique Nicholas
Administrative Assistant
Jhanique holds a diploma in Office Administration – Health Services from Durham College. She recently joined the Ballios Lab at UHN’s Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute as an Administrative Assistant to Dr. Brian Ballios, Clinician Scientist. In this role, she also provides administrative support to staff and trainees within the lab. Prior to joining UHN, Jhanique served as an Administrative Assistant to the Director of Surgery at Lakeridge Health. Outside of work, she enjoys watching movies, going for walks, sewing, and cooking delicious meals.
Kristen Ashworth
PhD Candidate
Kristen is currently pursuing her PhD studies at the Ballios Lab 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:
- Canada Graduate Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CIHR) Award (2024-27)
- Vision Science Research Program OSOTF PhD Scholarship (2024)
- Vision Science Research Program Travel Award (2024)
- Institute of Medical Science Open Fellowship Award (2023)
- Vision Science Research Program OSOTF MSc Scholarship (2023-24)
- Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master's Program (CIHR) Award (2023-24)
- OSOTF Unilever/Lipton Graduate Fellowship (2023)
- University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies Travel 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:
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute Travel Award (2024)
- 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:
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute Travel Award (2024)
- Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master's Program (CIHR) Award (2024-25)
- Temerty Entrance Scholarship (2023)
- OSOTF Unilever/Lipton Graduate Fellowship (2023)
Brianna Lu
Summer Undergraduate Student
Brianna is currently a student in the MD program at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine. She graduated from McGill University in 2022 with a B.Sc. in Interdepartmental Honours Immunology. In the Ballios Lab, she is excited to learn more about retinal organoid models and stem cell-based therapies as part of the Institute of Medical Science Summer Undergraduate Research Program. In her free time, Brianna enjoys hiking, cooking without a recipe, and playing soccer.
Ethan Lam
Summer Undergraduate Student
Having completed his first year at the University of Western Ontario, Ethan is working towards his honours degree Bachelor of Medical Sciences (2024). He is interested in the applications of stem cells in treating inherited retinal disorders. Outside of the lab, Ethan enjoys reading, training Muay Thai, and playing chess.
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.