We were especially pleased to introduce a few new elements this year, including the rapid-fire presentations and the panel discussion featuring early-, mid-, and senior-career PIs interviewed by students, both of which brought great energy and valuable perspectives to the program. A highlight of the day was the keynote by Dr. Tillie-Louise Hackett, Peter T. Macklem Lecture: Understanding Heterogeneous Airways Disease in Asthma and COPD Using Spatial Imaging, which sparked some excellent discussions.

The winners for best oral presentation were:

Ryann Lang
PhD student with Basil Petrof
Elucidating the Role of Interleukin-6 in Ventilator-induced Diaphragm Dysfunction

Olivier Salko
Resident with Nicole Ezer
Benralizumab for Early Stage Lung Cancer with Eosinophilia trial -BELE trial – Improving post-operative lung cancer resection outcomes with eosinophil guided anti-IL-5 therapy – A Bayesian Adaptive feasibility study

The winners for best rapid fire oral presentation were:

Shahin Bolori Hanafi
PDF with Maziar Divangahi
IL-22 Mediated Autophagy in Alveolar Type 2 Cells Promotes Pulmonary Disease Tolerance to Influenza

Kriti Agarwal
PhD with Tania-Janaudis Ferreira
Six-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial on tele-rehabilitation in individuals with long COVID

The winners for best poster presentation were:

Hansen Feng
MSc with James Martin
Characterization of the intrapulmonary antiviral immune response to oropharyngeal influenza A virus infection during pregnancy

Willem Rijnbout St James
PhD student with Carolyn Baglole
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor is a Novel Regulator of ECM Synthesis and Focal Adhesion Dynamics in Lung Fibroblasts

Rui Sun
PDF with Maziar Divangahi
15-lipoxygenase is essential for hematopoietic stem cell functions and β-glucan-mediated trained immunity against influenza A virus

Trainee-led Panel Discussion:
One piece of advice for students in this room

Trainee Moderators & Facilitators: Sophia Goldman, Eszter Farkas, Sydney Joy, Sami Sedraoui, Kalpana Chaudhary, Kate Harvey
Panelists: Tillie-Louise Hackett, Eva Kaufmann, Nermin Diab, Irah King,
Kevin Schwartzman

As part of this year’s Research Day, trainees led an interactive panel discussion featuring faculty researchers and our keynote speaker, creating a space for open, honest conversations about career paths, mentorship, and life in academia.

From the very first question “How did you decide your career path?”, one message came through clearly: there is no single path into science. Panelists shared journeys shaped by curiosity, unexpected pivots, and influential mentors. Some discovered their passion early, while others found their direction much later, often after changing fields entirely. The common thread? Follow what excites you and be open to change along the way.

Choosing Academia: Freedom, Curiosity, and Personal Fit

When asked what drew them to academia, panelists emphasized the freedom to explore ideas and shape their own research programs. At the same time, they highlighted that academia is not the only path, and that choosing between academia and industry is ultimately a personal decision, shaped by individual priorities and interests.

Mentorship Matters – And It Goes Both Ways

A major theme of the discussion was the importance of strong mentor–trainee relationships. Panelists described mentorship as more than supervision; it’s about advocacy, honesty, and aligning with a trainee’s long-term goals. Trainees were encouraged to actively communicate their expectations and seek out mentors who support both their professional and personal growth.

Lessons Learned (Sometimes the Hard Way)

Panelists also shared candid reflections on challenges they faced during training. A key takeaway: don’t ignore problems but rather address them early. Whether it’s a difficult mentorship dynamic or uncertainty about career direction, being proactive can make a significant difference.

Another recurring message was the importance of taking ownership of your work: driving your project forward, developing your own ideas, and building essential “soft skills” like writing, communication, and organization.

Beyond Publications: What Really Matters for Academic Careers

During the audience Q&A, trainees asked how to stand out in academia beyond publishing papers. Panelists emphasized: building connections and visibility within your field, developing strong communication and storytelling skills; thinking beyond your current project to identify the next big question. Ultimately, success isn’t just about a CV, it’s about your ability to communicate your vision and make others care about your work.

The Reality of Academic Life

In a refreshingly honest exchange, panelists acknowledged the less glamorous side of academia: administration, emails, and competing responsibilities. Their advice: prioritize wisely, set boundaries, and accept that no role is perfect. At the same time, they encouraged trainees to embrace uncertainty, learn from mistakes, and seek guidance from more experienced colleagues.

Photos from the Event

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Watch the Video

Facebook live from Scleroderma Canada.

Learn how researchers at the Institute built a multidisciplinary team to study and research scleroderma.

At 1:15, Dr. Deborah Assayag is shown speaking with a patient.
At 11:15, you’ll get a look inside the research labs.
At 16:23, meet Sydney Joy, a PhD student co-supervised by Drs. Ines Colmegna and James Martin

The post RESP Researchers Celebrate World Scleroderma Day appeared first on Meakins-Christie Laboratories.

The winners for best oral presentation were:

Sammy Robayo
MSc student with Jonathon Campbell
Consideration of Risks and Consequences of Tuberculosis and Its Prevention in Cost-Utility Analyses Among Immigrants to Low-Incidence Countries: A Systematic Review

Katelyn Liu
PhD student with Simon Rousseau
Investigating OLFM4 and SHC4 in Severe COVID-19: Implications in Immunothrombosis and Disease Progression

Sydney Joy
PhD student with James Martin
GM-CSF-Treated Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages Improve Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Bleomycin Model of Interstitial Lung Disease

The winners for best poster presentation were:

Alexander Ni
Resident with Maxime Cormier
Benralizumab for Life-Threatening Exacerbations of Eosinophilic Asthma: A Case Series

Alyson Deprez
PDF with Basil Petrof
Impact of Trained Immunity on Macrophage and Muscle Stem Cell Function in Dystrophic (mdx) Mice

Jacquelyn Rich
PhD student with Dao Nguyen
Antibiotic tolerance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from chronic cystic fibrosis infections

Leonor Simoes
PhD student with Darcy Wagner
Reversing ethyl cinnamate based optical clearing for co-registration of light-sheet fluorescence microscopy datasets with multi-dimensional histological analysis

Leonardo Jurado
PhD student with Maziar Divangahi
A fungal-derived adjuvant significantly amplifies the antitumoral potency of BCG via training granulopoiesis

Mina Sadeghi
PhD student with Maziar Divangahi
Unraveling the Mechanisms of BCG-Induced Early-Life Protection Against Tuberculosis

Rafael Intrevado
MSc student with Anne-Marie Lauzon
Investigating the Mechanisms Resisting Bronchodilatory Responses in Asthma and Fatal Asthma

Willem Rijnbout St James
MSc student with Carolyn Baglole
Characterizing the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as a Regulator of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Photos from the Event

Photo Credits: Inga Murawski (top row) and Ari Daghlian (bottom row)
Thank you to the Heisler Family for attending the Seymour Heisler Memorial Lecture

The post 2025 RESP Research Day Poster and Oral Winners appeared first on Meakins-Christie Laboratories.

Contrary to the belief that pregnancy increases susceptibility to infections, the team found that it strengthens antiviral defenses in mice. This response, driven by a specific immune cell, produces a molecule that fortifies protection in the nose and upper airways, acting as the body’s first line of defense.

The discovery could pave the way for new flu vaccines, especially for pregnant individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness. It may also benefit the general population, as researchers believe this immune response could be replicated outside of pregnancy, potentially leading to innovative nasal treatments or vaccines.

The findings open doors for developing strategies that prevent lung damage during flu or other viral infections like COVID-19, focusing on balancing the immune system rather than directly targeting the virus. This groundbreaking research offers hope for better flu protection for expectant mothers and beyond.

Read More

Scientists discover a natural flu defense mechanism that activates in the nasal cavity during pregnancy. Medicalxpress.com. McGill University. by Keila DePape. December 2, 2024.

Pregnancy enhances natural immunity to block severe flu. Scientists discover a natural flu defense mechanism that activates in the nasal cavity during pregnancy. The Institute News. December 12, 2024.

Read the Article:

Pregnancy enhances antiviral immunity independent of type I IFN but dependent on IL-17-producing γδ+ T cells in the nasal mucosa. Chronopoulos J, Pernet E, Tran KA, McGovern TK, Morozan A, Wang S, Tsai O, Makita K, Divangahi M, Martin JG. Sci Adv. 2024 Sep 27;10(39):eado7087.

CTV Newscast

Pregnancy enhances natural immunity to block severe flu (newsclip at 17:28 minute mark) Maya Johnson, CTV News at 5, CTV Montreal, December 3, 2024.

Pregnancy enhances natural immunity to block severe flu (newsclip at 1:48 minute mark) Global News Hour at 6 Edmonton, December 23, 2024.

The post Pregnancy’s Secret Flu Shield appeared first on Meakins-Christie Laboratories.

Jonathon Campbell. Co-PI: Andrea Benedetti, Dick Menzies, Kevin Schwartzman. A Key Step to Eliminating Tuberculosis in Canada: Informing the Implementation and Scale-up of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment.

James Martin. Understanding the Mechanistic Basis of Irritant-Induced Airway Dysfunction. Ranked 1st in the Respiratory System Committee!

The post CIHR Project Grant Results – Spring 2023 appeared first on Meakins-Christie Laboratories.

James Martin. Co-PI: Maziar Divangahi. Determinants of susceptibility to influenza infection in pregnant mice. Ranked 1st in the Respiratory System Committee!

Benjamin Smith. Co-PIs: Andrea Benedetti, Nicole Ezer. Improving Canadian Lung Cancer Screening Efficiency with a Computed Tomography Risk Classifier. Ranked 1st in the Public, Community & Population Health Committee.

Sushmita Pamidi. Co-PI: John Kimoff. Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to the Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Pregnancy and Postpartum.

Deborah Assayag. Co-PI: Andrea Benedetti. Sex and gender based disparities in the treatment of patients with interstitial lung diseases. (Bridge Funding)

The post CIHR Project Grant Results – Fall 2022 appeared first on Meakins-Christie Laboratories.

Dr. Martin studied Medicine in Cork, Ireland in the 60’s and 70’s, receiving his MB and BCh degrees in 1973, and his MD in Respiratory Medicine in 1983. He joined the Meakins-Christie Laboratories as a Research Director in 1979 and a became a full professor at McGill University in 1994. He has held several significant positions since that time, including Scientific Director of the Meakins-Christie Labs from 1993-2008 and Scientific Director of the Montreal Chest Institute Research Centre from 1992 to 2008. From 2012 to 2014 Dr. Martin was the Acting Chair of the Department of Medicine, and then the Chair from 2014 to 2019.

Dr. Martin’s work as a Respiratory Specialist has developed over the years, working as a physician at the Montreal Chest Institute from 1979 to 2019, as an Associate Physician at the Royal Victoria Hospital from 1982 to 1997, as a Senior Physician at the Royal Victoria Hospital since 1997. Dr. Martin was the Physician-in-Chief of the MUHC from 2014 to 2019.

The post James G. Martin, MD, named Editor in Chief of the CJRCCSM appeared first on Meakins-Christie Laboratories.

The winners for best oral presentation were:

Julia Chronopoulos (PhD student with James Martin & Maziar Divangahi)

Jessica Yu (MSc student with Marta Kaminska)

The winners for best poster presentation were:

Poster Group 1: Jun Ping (Dora) Xiong (MSc student with Anne-Marie Lauzon)

Poster Group 2: Marwa El Sheikh (MSc student with Salman Qureshi)

Poster Group 3: Eisha Ahmed (PhD student with Bruce Mazer) & Motahareh Vameghestahbanati (PhD student with Benjamin Smith)

Poster Group 4: Rui Sun (PhD student with James Martin)

The post RESP Research Day Oral and Poster Presentation Winners appeared first on Meakins-Christie Laboratories.

The lecture is presented as part of the honorary lecture series of the CHEST Conference. The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) is Canada’s national inter-professional specialty society for respirology, first formed in 1958 to address the need for medical education and research in the field of respiratory diseases.

The CTS Honorary Lecture is awarded to recognize exemplary leadership in respiratory research and education in Canada.

Dr. Martin’s lecture on the “Irritant Asthma and Innate Immunity; a Neglected Area” will be delivered “live virtually” on Monday October 18th at 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. CDT as part of the CTS Scientific Program at CHEST. Congratulations to Dr. Martin on this special recognition of his significant contributions to the field of airways research, education and clinical excellence in respiratory medicine!

Dr. Martin graduated with a BSc in physiology and an MB, BCh from University College Cork, Ireland. He received his training in internal medicine at John Hopkins University and in respiratory medicine at McGill University. He subsequently joined the faculty at McGill where he is currently a Professor of Medicine. He directed the Meakins Christie Laboratories at McGill University from October 1993 to October 2008. He is currently chair of the Department of Medicine and Physician-in-Chief of the McGill University Health Center. Dr. Martin has more than 300 publications in the area of asthma, with a particular focus on the use of animal models to explore the pathophysiologic basis of late allergic airway responses and airway remodeling, with a particular focus on airway smooth muscle.

Dr. James Martin is a member of the Meakins-Christie Laboratories and of the RI-MUHC’s RESP Program,

Read More

CTS Scientific Program at CHEST – CTS Honorary Lecture 2021 Awardee

The post CTS 2021 Honorary Lecture Award appeared first on Meakins-Christie Laboratories.

Motahareh Vameghestahbanati (PhD with Benjamin Smith). Received the 2020-2021 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. Title: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Dysanapsis. Motahareh was also successful in obtaining an FRQS doctoral research award, which was declined upon receipt of the Vanier.

Noelia Dessire Azalde Garcia (MSc with Elizabeth Fixman). Formation de maîtrise FRQS. Title: Rôle des cellules T Natural Killer invariantes (iNKT) dans la réponse immunitaire innée pulmonaire induite par Alternaria dans un modèle murin.

Eszter Farkas (MSc with Dao Nguyen). Master’s Award: Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships. Title: Discovery of potential new antibiotics in Canadian High Arctic bacteria.

Alex Jenkins (PDF with Dennis Jensen). Formation postdoctoral – Citoyens d’autres pays FRQS. Title: Assessment of fat free mass index on clinical outcomes in a population-based cohort of adults with or without COPD.

Inès Levade (PDF with Dao Nguyen). Formation postdoctorale – CITOYENS D’AUTRES PAYS FRQS. Title: Identification de variants génétiques de Pseudomonas aeruginosa impliqués dans la progression de la maladie pulmonaire chez les patients atteints de fibrose kystique.

Emily Wilson (MSc with Carolyn Baglole). Master’s Award: Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships. Title: Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation by Cannabinoids Protects Against Lung Inflammation.

Rui Sun (PhD with James Martin). Formation de doctorat FRQS. Les cellules CD4+ se localisent dans les muscles lisses des voies aériennes et sont associées au remodelage bronchique dans l’asthme.

Paola Andrea Rojas Gutierrez (PDF with Larry Lands). Formation postdoctorale – CITOYENS D’AUTRES PAYS FRQS. Title: Développement de liposomes à pH réversible en aérosol pour l’administration d’acides nucléiques et de petites molécules pour le traitement des maladies pulmonaires.

Yusing Gu (MSc with Marta Kaminska). Master’s Award: Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships. Title: Effect of obstructive sleep apnea on sleep depth and architecture in Parkinson’s disease. Gu Yusing was also offered the FRQS Master’s Training Scholarship (declined – Effet de l’apnée du sommeil sur la profondeur et l’architecture du sommeil dans la maladie de Parkinson).

Saad Razzaq (MSc with Dennis Jensen). Master’s Award: Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships. Title: Components of the COPD Assessment Test Associated with Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test Outcomes in the Canadian Cohort Obstructive Lung Disease (CanCOLD) Study.

The post Spring 2021 Student Awards appeared first on Meakins-Christie Laboratories.