Meet your Muscle Health Research Centre Student Executive Committee (SEC) members. The SEC represent an interdisciplinary group of research trainees under the supervision of MHRC faculty, whose purpose is to promote and support muscle health researcher trainee excellence. Contact the MHRC SEC at mhrcsec@yorku.ca.
Student Executive Committee Chair
Emily Fraschetti, 3rd year Ph.D.
Emily’s research is focused on the influence of nutrition, namely dairy products, on markers of inflammation and immune function. Currently, Emily is leading an exercise study, examining the effects of different post-exercise supplements on recovery and inflammation.
Fun fact about Emily:
I am currently training for my next marathon!
Career Day Subcommittee
Sabrina Champsi, 2nd year M.Sc.
Sabrina’s research focuses on characterizing the mechanism of action for the nutraceutical Sulforaphane in skeletal muscle. More specifically she is interested in how this agent may augment mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and reactive oxygen species using an in vitro model of muscle when superimposed with chronic contractile activity in culture (i.e., “exercise in a dish”).
Sabrina’s fun fact:
I like to collect funky graphic T-shirts and house plants
Victoria Sanfrancesco, 1st year Ph.D.
Victoria’s research is focused on exploring the role of the transcription factor ATF4 in mediating a mitochondrial stress response, the ISR, following various stimuli, such as exercise, disuse, and aging. She hopes to discern the importance of ATF4 in maintaining mitochondrial and muscle health in response to metabolic/molecular challenges.
Fun fact about Victoria:
In my spare time, I like to work out and watch anime 🙂
Priyanka Khemraj, 2nd year M.Sc.
Priyanka’s research focuses on investigating the relationship between mitochondria and inflammation, specifically looking into the activation of the innate immune signaling such as the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, along with its downstream consequences on skeletal muscle health and functioning.
How does Priyanka spend her time out of the lab?:
You can usually find me dancing in my free time and searching for new styles to try out!
Trainee Seminar Series Subcommittee
Dr. Stephen Mora, Ph.D.
Dr. Mora is a recent Ph.D. graduate who studied under the supervision of Dr. Olasunkanmi Adegoke. Stephen studied the effects of chemotherapy on cachexia and branched-chain amino acid metabolism in young and old mice.
Some of Stephen’s favorite hobbies include:
Athletics, travelling, fan of the Leafs, Raptors and Arsenal football club.
Madison Garibotti, 1st year Ph.D.
Madison’s research is focused on evaluating the impact on skeletal muscle function, and more specifically mitochondrial function in Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy.
How does Madison like to spend her time off:
Reading books with my friends!
Aris Kheirandish, 2nd year M.Sc.
Aris is a Kinesiology and Health Science B.Sc. graduate and certified personal trainer from York University. She is currently in her second year of pursuing a master’s degree in Kinesiology and Health Science. Her research is centered on a captivating exploration of the impact of ketogenic diets on hepatic cholesterol metabolism. This avenue of study allows Aris to combine her expertise in molecular biology with a fervent curiosity about the intersection of nutrition and physiological processes.
What do you do for fun Aris?
Im into sports especially ice skating and tennis. Painting is another passion of mine.
Shahrzad Khajehzadehshoushtar, 2nd year M.Sc.
Shahrzad is current studying the relationship between muscle cell death and ovarian cancer.
Any fun facts about yourself that you would like to share Shahrzad?
I’m currently trying to learn how to do latte art (not going well).
Medial and Social Media Subcommittee
Matthew Russell, 4th year Ph.D.
Matthew is a Kinesiology and Health Science M.H.Sc. graduate from OntarioTech University and currently a Doctoral candidate at York University. The goal of his research has been to master a wide range of biomechanics research methods, in order to investigate how shoulder fatigue causes mechanical and control changes to our upper-limb movement.
Any interesting facts to share?
My uncle was the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and my grandfather played in the CFL. I’m happy if I exercise 3x a week.
Joel Andrews, 1st year Ph.D.
Joel’s research focuses on comparing fatigue in isometric and shortening contractions.
What do you do with your time out of the lab?
My hobbies include weight lifting, climbing, movies and reading comics
Stephen Boulanger, 2nd year Ph.D.
Stephen’s current research is focused on evaluating the upper limb morphology, mechanics, and function in older adults with and without shoulder pain. This work will conclude by identifying a series of exercises which are most biomechanically advantageous for the treatment and rehabilitation of common shoulder pathologies in vulnerable populations.
Two truths and one lie:
Two truths and a lie: I have 4 dogs, I’m left handed, and I’ve never watched The Office.
SEC Members at Large
Dr. Tania Pereira, Ph.D.
Tania’s research focuses on the effects of oral contraceptives on the autonomic nervous system, which unconsciously regulates all physiological processes to maintain internal homeostasis and respond to external stressors. Specifically, she is interested in how oral contraceptives alter the control of autonomic reflexes that are activated during exercise (i.e., the mechano- and metaboreflex), which respond to the physical deformation of a joint or muscle and the metabolic environment of the moving limb.
Do you have a joke for us Tania?
What does a baby computer call its father? . . . Data!