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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 Directs the Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre (MILC) and leads the International Milk Composition (IMiC) Consortium. She serves as Knowledge Mobilization Chair 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. Her expertise extends to other milk components including oligosaccharides and metabolites, and she is experienced with diverse computational methods and data visualization techniques. She received her MSc in Animal Science at the University of Manitoba.
Kelsey specializes in microbiome research and is interested in the role host microbiota play in health and disease. Her expertise extends to other milk components including oligosaccharides and metabolites, and she is experienced with diverse computational methods and data visualization techniques. She received her MSc in Animal Science at the University of Manitoba.
Dr. Daniel Flores-Orozco, PhD - Data Manager and Analyst
Daniel holds a PhD in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Manitoba where his
research focused on microbes, evaluating how environmental factors influence microbial and antimicrobial resistance marker dynamics. He has extensive experience in genomics, metagenomics, and microbiome analyses. Daniel specializes in advanced R programming for data analysis and visualization, and in developing efficient, reproducible bioinformatics workflows for large-scale data analysis. His research interests are centered on expanding our understanding of the development and influence of the human microbiota on human health.
Daniel holds a PhD in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Manitoba where his
research focused on microbes, evaluating how environmental factors influence microbial and antimicrobial resistance marker dynamics. He has extensive experience in genomics, metagenomics, and microbiome analyses. Daniel specializes in advanced R programming for data analysis and visualization, and in developing efficient, reproducible bioinformatics workflows for large-scale data analysis. His research interests are centered on expanding our understanding of the development and influence of the human microbiota on human health.
Shayna Giesbrecht - MILC Biorepository Lab Manager
Shayna holds an MSc in Microbiology from the University of Manitoba and has over seven years of laboratory experience working with a wide range of research organisms, including plants, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Her graduate research focused on developing molecular assays to detect and quantify sexually transmitted blood-borne infections in wastewater, with a particular emphasis on human papillomavirus (HPV). She has also developed and validated additional assays for quantifying, genotyping, and next-generation sequencing of pathogens such as mpox, SARS-CoV-2, and measles virus using wastewater samples, helping to strengthen wastewater-based testing as a tool for monitoring community health and improving response times to emerging outbreaks.
Shayna holds an MSc in Microbiology from the University of Manitoba and has over seven years of laboratory experience working with a wide range of research organisms, including plants, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Her graduate research focused on developing molecular assays to detect and quantify sexually transmitted blood-borne infections in wastewater, with a particular emphasis on human papillomavirus (HPV). She has also developed and validated additional assays for quantifying, genotyping, and next-generation sequencing of pathogens such as mpox, SARS-CoV-2, and measles virus using wastewater samples, helping to strengthen wastewater-based testing as a tool for monitoring community health and improving response times to emerging outbreaks.
Alie Johnston - MILC Research Coordinator (on leave)
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.
Alfred Ke - Bioinformatician and Data Manager
Alfred completed his BSc in Microbiology/Food Science from the University of British Columbia and his MSc in Bioinformatics at the University of Guelph. His graduate research focused on the impact of probiotics and synbiotics in reducing the prevalence of Cronobacter sakazakii in infants using a robo-gut machine called the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME). He has 6+ years of experience in bioinformatics, data science, and data analysis. Alfred specializes in using R and Python for data analysis, statistics, machine learning, and data visualization.
Alfred completed his BSc in Microbiology/Food Science from the University of British Columbia and his MSc in Bioinformatics at the University of Guelph. His graduate research focused on the impact of probiotics and synbiotics in reducing the prevalence of Cronobacter sakazakii in infants using a robo-gut machine called the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME). He has 6+ years of experience in bioinformatics, data science, and data analysis. Alfred specializes in using R and Python for data analysis, statistics, machine learning, and data visualization.
Christina Loeppky - Administrative Coordinator
Christina is an administrative professional with over two decades of experience, having contributed her expertise across a diverse range of industries, including healthcare. Throughout her career, Christina has the ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments, providing support and organizational efficiency. She is excited to return to the University of Manitoba, where she now supports the members of the THRiVE team, contributing to the lab's continued growth and success.
Christina is an administrative professional with over two decades of experience, having contributed her expertise across a diverse range of industries, including healthcare. Throughout her career, Christina has the ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments, providing support and organizational efficiency. She is excited to return to the University of Manitoba, where she now supports the members of the THRiVE team, contributing to the lab's continued growth and success.
Dr. Larisa Lotoski, PhD – 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 (on leave)
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 interests 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 interests include the use of Big Data in advancing our understanding of human health.
Dr. Zahra Nouri, PhD - Biorepository Lab Technician (on leave)
Zahra's academic journey has taken her across continents, from China to South Korea and Canada. Her doctoral research focused on gut microbiota and their profound effects on immune system adaptation. Zahra manages the sample database and laboratory activities at the MILC Biorepository, and leads the sub-aliquoting and distribution of milk for international collaborations.
Zahra's academic journey has taken her across continents, from China to South Korea and Canada. Her doctoral research focused on gut microbiota and their profound effects on immune system adaptation. Zahra manages the sample database and laboratory activities at the MILC Biorepository, and leads the sub-aliquoting and distribution of milk for international collaborations.
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
Boluwatife Akindele – Undergraduate Nursing Student
Boluwatife is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Manitoba. She is currently supporting the THRiVE Lab with data-related tasks for the MILC Study, contributing to research focused on maternal and infant health outcomes.
Boluwatife is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Manitoba. She is currently supporting the THRiVE Lab with data-related tasks for the MILC Study, contributing to research focused on maternal and infant health outcomes.
Lavina Bangit - Pediatrics Resident Student
Lavina is a Pediatrics Resident at the University of Manitoba. Her interests are General Pediatrics including Community Pediatrics and Hospital Medicine. She is excited to join THRiVE and work on the Pump Loan Project. Her interest in neonatal care and this project was inspired by her experiences in the NICU and her understanding of breastmilk provision as a tool for primary health prevention.
Lavina is a Pediatrics Resident at the University of Manitoba. Her interests are General Pediatrics including Community Pediatrics and Hospital Medicine. She is excited to join THRiVE and work on the Pump Loan Project. Her interest in neonatal care and this project was inspired by her experiences in the NICU and her understanding of breastmilk provision as a tool for primary health prevention.
Dr. Karinne Cardoso Muniz, MD - 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.
Dr. Anne Manson, PhD – Postdoctoral Fellow
Anne holds a PhD in Human Nutritional Sciences from the University of Manitoba. Her doctoral research focused on polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism, where she developed and applied two novel methods using bioactive lipid mediators known as oxylipins to investigate dietary omega-3 requirements and phospholipase A2 activity. As a postdoctoral fellow with the THRiVE team, Anne is excited to explore the role of oxylipins in human milk and their relationship with environmental exposures, the gut microbiome, and asthma outcomes.
Anne holds a PhD in Human Nutritional Sciences from the University of Manitoba. Her doctoral research focused on polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism, where she developed and applied two novel methods using bioactive lipid mediators known as oxylipins to investigate dietary omega-3 requirements and phospholipase A2 activity. As a postdoctoral fellow with the THRiVE team, Anne is excited to explore the role of oxylipins in human milk and their relationship with environmental exposures, the gut microbiome, and asthma outcomes.
Sara Sacchetti - Undergraduate Student
Sara entering her third-year of the Health Sciences Program at McMaster University, originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario. She brings four summers of research experience at SickKids Hospital, where she worked in both qualitative and wet lab settings on diverse research topics. Sara is thrilled to be joining the THRiVE team to remotely contribute to the Pump Loan Project as part of her third-year project course.
Sara entering her third-year of the Health Sciences Program at McMaster University, originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario. She brings four summers of research experience at SickKids Hospital, where she worked in both qualitative and wet lab settings on diverse research topics. Sara is thrilled to be joining the THRiVE team to remotely contribute to the Pump Loan Project as part of her third-year project course.
Rowan Shwaluk - MSc Student
Rowan completed her BSc in Microbiology at the University of Manitoba, with a focus on the overexpression of Alu RNA in cancer. She is currently pursing her MSc in Immunology, investigating the role of infant feeding practices and human milk components on biomarkers of immune system development.
Rowan completed her BSc in Microbiology at the University of Manitoba, with a focus on the overexpression of Alu RNA in cancer. She is currently pursing her MSc in Immunology, investigating the role of infant feeding practices and human milk components on biomarkers of immune system development.
THRiVE Discovery Lab Alumni
- Dr. Samantha Lee - Bioinformatician and Data Manager 2025
- Dr. Saeid Khakisahneh - Postdoctoral Fellow 2024-2025
- Narges Khodabandehloo - MSc Student 2022-2025
- Sarah Turner - PhD Student 2018-2024
- 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
