Meet Our Team
Principal Investigator
Dr. Deepak Kaushik
Dr. Kaushik leads research in neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation within the Immunology and Infectious Diseases program at the Faculty of Medicine. His research is dedicated to unraveling the immune mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on cellular metabolism and immune cell behavior in brain health. Utilizing advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing, met-flow, and confocal microscopy, his lab seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets for multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroinflammatory conditions. The lab’s research is generously funded by MS Canada, the U.S. Department of Defense, CIHR, NSERC, the Brain Canada Foundation, Medical Research Foundation, and institutional start-up funds.
dkaushik@mun.ca
Research Assistant
David Bennin
David Bennin is an MSc Graduate in Medicine from Memorial University and holds a BSc in Medical Laboratory Science. He is currently a research assistant in the lab. His background is in calcium metabolism and fetal bone health. He has prior expertise working with mice and rabbit models, focusing on bone biology and mineral metabolism. Outside the lab, David is interested in Formula1 and trading the financial markets.
dbennin@mun.ca
PhD Candidates
MSc Candidates
Mohammadamin Sadeghdoust
Amin is an MD-MPH graduate from Mashhad Azad University, Iran, with over five years of clinical research experience. Currently, He is pursuing a research-based graduate program in the Kaushik Lab, focusing on the de- and remyelination mouse (LPC) model. Outside the lab, He enjoys exploring the outdoors, swimming, and spending time with his curious toddler daughter, embracing every challenge with laughter and energy!
msadeghdoust@mun.ca
Emily Templeman
Emily is a master’s student in Dr. Kaushik’s lab. She recently completed her BSc (Honours) in Biology (Molecular, microbial and cell) at Memorial University. Emily is excited to investigate how microglia perform small but essential tasks to ensure the brain develops properly.
ectempleman@mun.ca
Lab Volunteers
Shannon Cristy Pulido Román
Shannon is an undergraduate Biochemistry student who joined the lab as a SURA (Summer Undergraduate Research Award) student in 2024. While in the lab, she contributed to the development of the LPC model alonside by Dr. Sadeghdoust.
Past Lab Members
Nazanin Ghasemi
Past research assistant in the lab. Nazanin contributed to experiments, sample preparation, and assays like PCR and flow cytometry. Supported in vivo/in vitro studies and data analysis to advance lab research.
Zachary Porter
- Graduated from Memorial University with a BSc in Biochemistry and an MSc in Medicine specializing in stem cell research. Zach was the first research assistant in the Kaushik Lab. His foundational contributions in immunology and neurobiology played a key role in shaping the lab’s pioneering research initiatives.
Golbarg Gazerani
Golbarg is a BSc Biochemistry graduate from Memorial University. She gained research experience as a MUCEP student in the lab before completing her Honours project under Dr. Deepak Kaushik and Dr. Jaeok Park. Her research focused on the therapeutic potential of NR and CHCA in modulating pro-inflammatory macrophages, contributing to understanding novel anti-inflammatory strategies
Summer Undergraduate Research Assistants
Ms. Golbarg Gazerani
Ms. Shannon Pulido Roman
Short-term trainees (through undergraduate work and career exchange programs)
Ms. Vijia Lolldharowa
Mr. Ali Khalil
Ms. Laura Au
Ms. Claudia Kilfroy
Ms. Sarah Duraid
Mr. Basel Mohammad
Ms. Kangwa Napanje
Ms. Golbarg Gazerani
Ms. Shannon Pulido Roman
Ms. Megan Colbourne
Ms. Cassie Tucker
MD-Medicine Researchers (Phases 1-4)
Ms. Brittany Traverse
Ms. Kaitlyn Pike