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Dr. Meghan Azad, PhD - DirectorCanada Research Chair in Early Nutrition & The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
PhD, Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (University of Manitoba) MSc Epidemiology (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK) Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, Pediatrics (University of Alberta) Dr. Azad holds the following positions:
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Dr. Azad is a Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba, where she holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Early Nutrition and the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. Her research program is focused on the role of infant nutrition and the microbiome in child growth, development and resilience. Dr. Azad co-Directs the Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre (MILC) and leads the International Milk Composition (IMiC) Consortium. She serves as Deputy Director of the CHILD Cohort Study, a national pregnancy cohort following 3500 children to understand how early life experiences shape lifelong health. Research in the THRiVE Discovery Lab is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the US National Institutes of Health, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Azad has previously served on the International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation Executive Council and currently serves on the Advisory Board to the Canadian Breastfeeding Research Network. She also serves on the joint US/Canada Human Milk Composition Initiative. Dr. Azad is a Fellow of the CIFAR Humans and the Microbiome Program and an elected member of the Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars. She received the International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation Erlich-Koldovsky Early Career Investigator Award (2018) and the International Human Milk Genomics Mid-Career Investigator Award (2020). She was named among the WXN Canada Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2020) and Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 (2021), and is a recipient of the prestigious Steacie Award for Research in the Natural Sciences (2023) and Gairdner Momentum Award (2024).
Staff
Spencer Ames - Data Analyst
Spencer received his MSc in Immunology at the University of Manitoba under the supervision of Dr. Meghan Azad. His thesis investigated the relationship between infant feeding practices and inflammation-associated serum biomarkers of one-year-old infants. Spencer analyzes data for various THRiVE research projects and supports THRiVE operations and team members.
Spencer received his MSc in Immunology at the University of Manitoba under the supervision of Dr. Meghan Azad. His thesis investigated the relationship between infant feeding practices and inflammation-associated serum biomarkers of one-year-old infants. Spencer analyzes data for various THRiVE research projects and supports THRiVE operations and team members.
Sarah Bridgman - Research Associate
Sarah has over 15 years experience working in the area of pediatric nutrition in both academic and commercial settings in the UK and Canada. She holds an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and an MSc in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Sarah has extensive experience in program coordination and research activities in the area of infant nutrition and the microbiome, with expertise in infant feeding, breastmilk, infant microbiome and obesity.
Sarah has over 15 years experience working in the area of pediatric nutrition in both academic and commercial settings in the UK and Canada. She holds an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and an MSc in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Sarah has extensive experience in program coordination and research activities in the area of infant nutrition and the microbiome, with expertise in infant feeding, breastmilk, infant microbiome and obesity.
Kelsey Fehr - Senior Data Analyst
Kelsey specializes in microbiome research and is interested in the role host microbiota play in health and disease. She received her MSc in Animal Science at the University of Manitoba. Kelsey manages the sample database and laboratory activities at the MILC Biorepository, and leads the sub-aliquoting and distribution of milk for the International Milk Composition (IMiC) Consortium.
Kelsey specializes in microbiome research and is interested in the role host microbiota play in health and disease. She received her MSc in Animal Science at the University of Manitoba. Kelsey manages the sample database and laboratory activities at the MILC Biorepository, and leads the sub-aliquoting and distribution of milk for the International Milk Composition (IMiC) Consortium.
Alie Johnston - MILC Research Coordinator
Alie holds an MSc in Human Nutritional Sciences from the University of Manitoba and has over 8 years of clinical research experience, including nutrition and drug clinical trials. Her thesis explored the acute effects of extruded pulses on glycemic response, insulin, appetite, and food intake. Additional research experience includes working on a Métis specific project with Métis community. She supports the THRiVE team with the MILC Project and enjoys building relationships with research participants. Alie is a Red River Métis citizen; some of her family names include Johnston, Brown, Thomas, and Richards.
Alie holds an MSc in Human Nutritional Sciences from the University of Manitoba and has over 8 years of clinical research experience, including nutrition and drug clinical trials. Her thesis explored the acute effects of extruded pulses on glycemic response, insulin, appetite, and food intake. Additional research experience includes working on a Métis specific project with Métis community. She supports the THRiVE team with the MILC Project and enjoys building relationships with research participants. Alie is a Red River Métis citizen; some of her family names include Johnston, Brown, Thomas, and Richards.
Dr. Larisa Lotoski – Senior Research Associate
Larisa’s primary research interests include child health and the effects of the physical and social environment on children’s health outcomes. Larisa’s interest in child health research began during her MSc (Immunology) training at the University of Manitoba where she studied severe childhood asthma and allergic disease. She holds a PhD in Community and Population Health Sciences (Community Health and Epidemiology) from the University of Saskatchewan. Her doctoral research involved the characterization of children’s sedentary time and physical activity in their lived environment.
Larisa’s primary research interests include child health and the effects of the physical and social environment on children’s health outcomes. Larisa’s interest in child health research began during her MSc (Immunology) training at the University of Manitoba where she studied severe childhood asthma and allergic disease. She holds a PhD in Community and Population Health Sciences (Community Health and Epidemiology) from the University of Saskatchewan. Her doctoral research involved the characterization of children’s sedentary time and physical activity in their lived environment.
Bridget McGann - Research Assistant and Knowledge Translation Consultant
Bridget is an anthropologist specializing in the bio-behavioral adaptations associated with lactation in human and non-human primates. She holds a BA in Anthropology from Indiana University and is attending the University of Colorado Denver to obtain her MA in Biological Anthropology. Her thesis work focuses on lactation as a biocultural system, using data from the CHILD cohort to study interruptions in the generational transmission of the human milk microbiome. Bridget’s projects at THRiVE have included studying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practices around breastfeeding and various knowledge translation projects.
Bridget is an anthropologist specializing in the bio-behavioral adaptations associated with lactation in human and non-human primates. She holds a BA in Anthropology from Indiana University and is attending the University of Colorado Denver to obtain her MA in Biological Anthropology. Her thesis work focuses on lactation as a biocultural system, using data from the CHILD cohort to study interruptions in the generational transmission of the human milk microbiome. Bridget’s projects at THRiVE have included studying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practices around breastfeeding and various knowledge translation projects.
Laura Noël-Romas - Bioinformatician and Data Manager
Laura has over a decade of experience in bioinformatics and data science. She received her MSc from the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Manitoba. Her research interestes include the use of Big Data in advancing our understanding of human health.
Laura has over a decade of experience in bioinformatics and data science. She received her MSc from the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Manitoba. Her research interestes include the use of Big Data in advancing our understanding of human health.
Dr. Zahra Nouri - Biorepository Lab Technician
Zahra's academic journey has taken her across continents, from China to South Korea and Canada. Her doctoral research, conducted at the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences, focused on unraveling the complexities of gut microbiota and their profound effects on immune system adaptation. Building upon this foundation, Zahra explored the fascinating correlation between oral microbiota and various cancer types during her tenure at the National Cancer Center. As a MILC Biorepository lab technician at the THRiVE Discovery Lab, Zahra manages the intricate sample database and laboratory operations. In her role, she collaborates with the research team to explore breast milk research, aiming to illuminate its significant influence on early-life gut microbiota.
Zahra's academic journey has taken her across continents, from China to South Korea and Canada. Her doctoral research, conducted at the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences, focused on unraveling the complexities of gut microbiota and their profound effects on immune system adaptation. Building upon this foundation, Zahra explored the fascinating correlation between oral microbiota and various cancer types during her tenure at the National Cancer Center. As a MILC Biorepository lab technician at the THRiVE Discovery Lab, Zahra manages the intricate sample database and laboratory operations. In her role, she collaborates with the research team to explore breast milk research, aiming to illuminate its significant influence on early-life gut microbiota.
Michelle Olivson - Research Program Manager
Michelle has worked in research administration for over a decade at the University of Manitoba. She has extensive experience in research agreement development and grant proposal review. Michelle supports the THRiVE team in research program operations, including project planning, monitoring, and reporting.
Michelle has worked in research administration for over a decade at the University of Manitoba. She has extensive experience in research agreement development and grant proposal review. Michelle supports the THRiVE team in research program operations, including project planning, monitoring, and reporting.
Trainees
Dr. Saeid Khakisahneh - Postdoctoral Fellow
Saeid's primary research focus is the interaction between the host and gut microbiota, emphasizing immune system development. With a Ph.D. in Animal Physiological Ecology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, his doctoral research targeted the manipulation of microbiota in animal models to alleviate symptoms of metabolic disorder. Following his doctoral studies, he worked in South Korea to explore the impact of herbal medicine on gut microbiota and immune system enhancement. Continuing at the THRiVE team, Saeid pursues his passion for elucidating the role of microbiota in human health, particularly studying breast milk's influence on shaping early-life gut microbiota.
Saeid's primary research focus is the interaction between the host and gut microbiota, emphasizing immune system development. With a Ph.D. in Animal Physiological Ecology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, his doctoral research targeted the manipulation of microbiota in animal models to alleviate symptoms of metabolic disorder. Following his doctoral studies, he worked in South Korea to explore the impact of herbal medicine on gut microbiota and immune system enhancement. Continuing at the THRiVE team, Saeid pursues his passion for elucidating the role of microbiota in human health, particularly studying breast milk's influence on shaping early-life gut microbiota.
Narges Khodabandehloo - MSc Student
Narges Khodabandehloo received her Bachelor of Science in Midwifery from Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2021. She is a MSc student in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. She is interested in integrating clinical practice into maternal-child health research. Her MSc project will describe the demographics and needs of lactating parents attending the Winnipeg Breastfeeding Centre.
Narges Khodabandehloo received her Bachelor of Science in Midwifery from Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2021. She is a MSc student in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. She is interested in integrating clinical practice into maternal-child health research. Her MSc project will describe the demographics and needs of lactating parents attending the Winnipeg Breastfeeding Centre.
Dr. Karinne Cardoso Muniz, M.D. - MSc Student
Karinne is a Pediatrician specializing in Neonatology, with years of experience in newborn care acquired in Brazil. Currently pursuing an MSc in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba, she combines her clinical expertise with a research-oriented approach to contribute to breastfeeding and human milk knowledge.
Karinne is a Pediatrician specializing in Neonatology, with years of experience in newborn care acquired in Brazil. Currently pursuing an MSc in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba, she combines her clinical expertise with a research-oriented approach to contribute to breastfeeding and human milk knowledge.
Rowan Shwaluk - Summer Student
Rowan received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Manitoba in 2024. Her Honours project explored cancer proliferation and methods to better study the over expression of Alu RNA in cancer cells. She joins the THRiVE team as a CHRIM Summer Studentship recipient, studying variables in human milk nutrition. Rowan plans to pursue a MSc in Immunology to continue investigating the dynamics of human milk composition.
Rowan received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Manitoba in 2024. Her Honours project explored cancer proliferation and methods to better study the over expression of Alu RNA in cancer cells. She joins the THRiVE team as a CHRIM Summer Studentship recipient, studying variables in human milk nutrition. Rowan plans to pursue a MSc in Immunology to continue investigating the dynamics of human milk composition.
Sarah Turner - PhD Candidate
Sarah is a Vanier Scholar and PhD student in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. Her research focuses on how breast milk and breastfeeding contribute to child neurological development and behavioral outcomes. She is interested in how both the nutritional qualities of breast milk and the psychological benefits of breastfeeding contribute to infant health and well-being. Sarah is interested in knowledge translation and how to best communicate breastfeeding research to the public.
Sarah is a Vanier Scholar and PhD student in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. Her research focuses on how breast milk and breastfeeding contribute to child neurological development and behavioral outcomes. She is interested in how both the nutritional qualities of breast milk and the psychological benefits of breastfeeding contribute to infant health and well-being. Sarah is interested in knowledge translation and how to best communicate breastfeeding research to the public.
THRiVE Discovery Lab Alumni
- Dr. Payam Peymani - Research Associate 2023-2024
- Affan Ali Sher - Biorepository Technician 2022-23
- Dr. Melissa Manus - Post Doctoral Fellow 2022-23
- Stephanie Goguen - Data Analyst 2019-23
- Karishma Hosein - Postdoctoral Fellow 2023
- RIlwan Azeez - Masters of Immunology Student 2020-22
- Dr. Merilee (Meredith) Brockway - Postdoctoral Fellow 2019-22
- Siwon Jenguskusavat - Volunteer Research Assistant 2021
- Deborah Chan - Volunteer Research Assistant 2015-21
- Kaitlyn Hanson - Undergraduate Summer Student 2021
- Dr. Shreyas Kumbhare - Postdoctoral Fellow 2020-21
- Dr. Sarah Reyes - Postdoctoral Fellow 2020
- Faith Kirabo - Undergraduate Summer Student 2019-20
- Dr. Jacqueline Richelle - Pediatric Resident 2015-20
- Dr. Kozeta Miliku - Postdoctoral Fellow 2017-20
- Shirin Moossavi - PhD Student 2015-20
- Anuradha Ravi - Visiting Researcher 2019
- Michelle La - Student Research Assistant 2019
- Jana Slaght - DREAM Research Coordinator
- Michaela Groen - Undergraduate General Biological Sciences Student 2019
- Dhasni Muthumuni - Undergraduate Medical Student 2019
- Faisal Atakora - Data Analyst / Statistician 2016-19
- Lorena Vehling - Student Research Assistant 2016-18
- Thomas Roberts - Undergraduate Summer Student 2018
- Linda Lam - Undergraduate Medical Student 2017-18
- Olivia Coneys - Masters of Physician Assistant Studies Student 2017
- Lindsey Shumila - Masters of Physician Assistant Studies Student 2017
- Nicole Weins - Undergraduate Medical Student 2017
- Alyssa Archibald - Undergraduate Medical Student 2017
- Keely Loewen - Undergraduate Medical Student 2016-18
- Dr. Jessica Forbes - Postdoctoral Fellow 2017
- Sandra Ragheb - Undergraduate Nursing Student 2016
- Asif Ahmed - Undergraduate Student 2016
- Dr. Arthur Owora - Postdoctoral Fellow 2016
- Hasantha Sinnock - Student Research Assistant 2016
- Amy Dytnerski - Community Health Sciences Graduate Student Research Assistant 2015-16
- Dr. Annika Klopp - Pediatric Resident 2014-16
- Ashleigh (Reid) Derksen - Masters of Physician Assistant Studies Student 2014-15
- Cheryl Hirst - Masters of Physician Assistant Studies Student 2014-15
