Rastegar Lab Personnel
Ashraf Kadar Shahib
Graduate Student (Since 2023)
Ashraf Kadar Shahib is a dedicated graduate student pursuing his Master's in the Biochemistry and Medical Genetics Department at the University of Manitoba, supervised by Dr. Mojgan Rastegar, and co-supervised by Dr. Jim Davie. As a member of the Rastegar Lab research group, Ashraf's work focuses on "Investigating the impact of MeCP2 mutation on the epigenetic landscape of brain cells". Ashraf earned his Bachelor's degree in Industrial Biotechnology from Anna University in 2023, where he developed a passion for genetics and treatment-related studies. A recipient of UMGF, Ashraf has presented his work at various conferences including CSMB, MSHRF, Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology and others. Outside the lab, Ashraf is an active member of student organizations holding the position of Vice-President Marketing and Events in the HSGSA, and also the Social Committee Member of the BMG-GSA. |
Dr. Jessica Jarmasz |
Research Associate (Since 2024) Jessica obtained a PhD degree from the University of Manitoba in 2018, with postdoctoral studies from 2019-2022. Jessica is currently a Research Associate in our lab. Her specialty is on the role of epigenetics in the human brain and mammalian brain development. Jessica contributes to the ongoing research studies in our lab on the role of epigenetics in brain development, in parallel with pre-clinical studies in transgenic mouse models of Rett Syndrome. In this regard, she studies the molecular, cellular, and behavioral effects of specific drugs in mouse models of Rett Syndrome. |
Chris-Tiann Roberts |
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Kazem Nejati Koshki
Graduate Student (Since 2024)
Kazem Nejati Koshki completed previous education in Medical Biotechnology at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. He is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Biochemistry and Medical Genetics at the University of Manitoba. Kazem has been recognized with several academic awards, including the prestigious UMGF fellowship. His research focuses on genome-wide transcriptomic and proteomic studies of post-mortem Rett Syndrome brain tissues. Before starting his Master's studies at U of M, Kazem conducted research projects in the field of stem cell therapy and was the recipient of the NIMAD Research Award in 2018. |
Ghanan Bin Akhtar
Graduate Student (Since 2022) Ghanan Bin Akhtar is currently pursuing his MSc in Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, specializing in research on Rett Syndrome (RTT). Ghanan is passionate about therapeutic strategies for RTT, aiming to improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Ghanan's project is focused on pre-clinical studies towards RTT by using transgenic mice, using behavioral and phenotypic studies. Ghanan has been a recipient of the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship award. He has presented his work at different conferences and meetings and received a CSMB travel award in 2024. |
Khatereh Saei Arezoumand
Lab Research Technician (Since 2023)
Khatereh joined our lab in 2019, as an MSc student. Her thesis was focused on pre-clinical studies for Rett Syndrome (RTT), using transgenic mice. Khatereh actively continued her project, even during the COVID19 pandemic. She is currently working in our lab as a Research Technician, being involved with behavioral studies of RTT mice. Khatereh's thesis studies were published in early 2024 as a peer-reviewed research article. During her studies, she received award(s)/scholarship(s) including a Research Manitoba MSc studentship. |
Carl Olson
Lab Research Technician (Since 2009) Carl obtained his BSc in Applied Biology from the University of Winnipeg and his MSc in Neurophysiology from the University of Manitoba. He joined the lab in 2009 soon after the lab started up and was instrumental in establishing the lab and training of lab trainees. Carl greatly enjoys helping students with their projects and participating in ongoing research in the lab. Besides his interest in research and continued learning, Carl enjoys participating in many outdoor activities and competing in marathons. |