Trainee talk: Kaicheng Ma (Greenblatt Lab)

Title: “The ORCA complex selectively promotes mRNA translation during development”

Trainee talk: Albert Zehan Li (Hariri Lab)

Title: " Advancing Optical Aptamer-Based DNA Sensors Through Strategic Fluorophore Selection and Placement ".

Bio: Albert Zehan Li is a PhD candidate working in the Hariri Lab (UBC Chemistry). His research aims to advance the understanding of aptamer-based biosensors to enable their use in biomedical applications. Currently, his research comprises three objectives, to: 1) investigate the impact of modifications on the performance of aptamer switches, 2) design multi-component aptamer-incorporated biosensing systems, and 3) integrate these optimized switches into miniaturized real-time sensing platforms for precision diagnostics.

Trainee talk: Ceren Gulhan (Evgin lab)

Title: “Optimizing RNA formats for the use of in vivo CAR T-cell generation”

Bio: Ceren is a graduate student in the Evgin Lab at the University of British Columbia. In collaboration with Drs. Eric Jan and Anna Blakney, her research explores alternative RNA formats for the in vivo generation of CAR T-cells with RNA-LNPs. Today, she will share her findings on the optimization and performance of circular RNA and self-amplifying RNA platforms.

Trainee talk: Nuthan Vikas Bathula (Blakney lab)

Title: “Transgene sequence codon optimisation and composition determines replication competence of self-amplifying RNA”

Bio: Nuthan Vikas Bathula is a 5th year PhD candidate in Prof. Anna Blakney’s lab. His research focuses on self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) therapeutics, spanning saRNA design criteria and immune-modulating lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. He integrates RNA engineering, formulation characterization, and preclinical studies to connect design choices with expression and immune outcomes.

Sponsor Talk: Bernard Kim, PhD, from Norgen Biotek

Title: “Unlocking the Small RNA Universe: New Paradigms in MicroRNA Extraction”

Speaker Bio: Dr. Bernard Kim brings 20 years of expertise in biotechnology to his role as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives. Throughout his career, Dr. Kim has spearheaded the development of more than 100 molecular tools, specializing in DNA/RNA extraction, sample preservation (saliva, stool) and diagnostic systems. His early research as a molecular plant pathologist, he discovered the novel bacterial pathogen “Erwinia pyrifoliae” and dedicated over a decade to understanding its virulence mechanisms and host defense systems. This work led to the creation of early diagnostic systems and innovative phage-based biological controls for apple industries. Dr. Kim’s leadership pedigree includes serving as Senior Vice President at Seegene Inc. and a postdoctoral tenure at Cornell University. He earned his Ph.D. from Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Germany.

Sponsor Talk: Justin Blethrow PhD, from Plasmidsaurus

Title: “Plasmidsaurus RNA-seq Differential Gene Expression Service”

Speaker Bio: Justin earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology at UCSF, before going on to help develop and market a wide range of products and services in the proteomics and genomics spaces, including Thermo's Orbitrap mass spectrometers, and PacBio's long-read DNA sequencing systems. Most recently Justin has helped develop and launch Plasmidsaurus' new RNA sequencing service, which he'll tell us about today.

Following the seminar, please join us for a social hour with complimentary food and drinks! This is the perfect opportunity to network with fellow RNA enthusiasts and engage with peers in an informal and friendly environment.

We look forward to seeing you all!