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, NSERC, the Brain Canada Foundation, Medical Research Foundation, and institutional start-up funds.

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Research Assistant

David Bennin

David Bennin is an MSc candidate in Medicine at 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. David previously worked as a research assistant in the Andronowski lab, contributing to bone biology and mineral metabolism studies. Outsite the lab, David is interested in trading forex and stocks.

PhD Candidate

Aysika Das

 

Aysika is the first PhD candidate from Dr. Kaushik’s lab, specializing in microglia metabolism in MS using the EAE murine model. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Genetic Engineering from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India. She is an active participant in the MS Canada Sprint Program (2024–2025) and attended the endMS Summer School in 2023. Beyond academia, Aysika is a trained classical and freestyle dancer, a badminton enthusiast, and enjoys exploring cuisines, music, and travel.

 

MSc Candidates

Mohammadamin Sadeghdoust

 

Amin is an MD-MPH graduate from Mashhad Azad University with over five years of clinical research experience. Currently, He is pursuing a research-based graduate program in Dr. Kaushik’s Lab, focusing on the de- and remyelination (LPC) model of MS. Outside the lab, He enjoy exploring the outdoors, swimming, and spending time with my curious toddler daughter, embracing every challenge with laughter and energy!

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.

 

Lab Volunteers

Shannon Cristy Pulido Román

 

Shannon is an undergraduate student who joined the lab as a SURA (Summer Undergraduate Research Award) student. While in the lab, she observed and conducted limited independent experiments guided by Dr. Deepak Kaushik and Mohammadamin Sadeghdoust. Shannon is particularly interested in studying multiple sclerosis (MS) and contributing to groundbreaking research.

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