Dr. Indra Gupta, MD

I am a pediatric nephrologist at the McGill University Health Center and an Associate Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics, Human Genetics and Experimental Medicine. I completed my medical degree at the University of Alberta followed by residency at McMaster University and a Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children at the University of Toronto. My research program is focused on understanding how congenital kidney and urinary tract defects occur in children. I am passionate about this pursuit because in my work as a pediatric nephrologist, I see the incredible challenges that children face as they undergo dialysis and renal transplantation. In one project, we are identifying genes that lead to a congenital urinary tract defect known as vesico-ureteric reflux that puts children at risk for recurrent urine infections. In a second project, we are studying the role of the tight junction proteins, or claudins, during kidney development. The third project examines  a kidney disorder known as nephrotic syndrome, in which there is excessive loss of protein in the urine. At the bench, we are using cell lines and animal models to understand these defects, and at the bedside, we are translating our findings by studying affected children. In my spare time I love going camping with my family.

Dr. Carlos Agustin Alonso, PhD 

I obtained my licentiate in Biology in 2014 at the National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina, and soon after started my Ph.D. at the University of Buenos Aires under the supervision of Dr. Silvina Perez Martinez. During this time I studied the molecular mechanisms that render sperm fertilizing capacity and became awardee of Boehringer-Ingelhem and Fulbright scholarships, which allowed me to visit the Swedish University of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts. Once I finished my Ph.D. I took the course Frontiers in Reproduction at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA, where I got the chance to meet the supervisor of my postdoc, Dr. Daniel Bernard. I joined his lab at McGill University in 2019 to study the transcription factors regulating follicle stimulating hormone. Finally in 2022 I joined the laboratory of Indra Gupta at the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre to start researching a neighbouring organ system: the urinary tract. I am in charge of studying the bladder in pathological contexts, with the hope of improving the quality of life of patients suffering from different urological conditions. Fun fact: I listened to more than 10,000 hours of music last year on Spotify.

Vasikar Murugapoopathy, PhD Candidate

I'm a PhD Student in the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University. During the last year of my undergraduate degree in physiology at McGill I did an honours research project with Indra. Having enjoyed my time in her lab, I decided to stay for a masters and then transferred into a PhD. My research focuses on the development of the bladder and how a the gene, odd-skipped related 1 regulated important cell fate decisions during the formation of the bladder. Working in this lab has given me the opportunity to attend many conferences, and training courses and has given me the opportunity to gain a variety of skills from wet-lab skills to bioninformatics. My broader research interests are understanding the fundamentals of how cells interpret signals and the mechanisms of cell differentiation. In my spare time I love playing basketball and watching movies.

Iris Liu, Master's Student

I am a master's student in the Department of Human Genetics under the co-supervision of Dr. Engert. I completed my BSc in Psychology and a minor in Biology at McGill University. During my undergraduate degree, I was a research assistant with the Engert-Thanassoulis Group investigating the genetic basis of spontaneous coronary artery dissection. My master's thesis explores genetic associations related to epithelial barrier dysfunction, an area in which I have personal interest. Outside of work, I enjoy playing piano, board games, dancing, and climbing rocks.

Candus Chik, Master's student 

I'm a master's student in the Department of Human Genetics. I completed my undergraduate in Biochemistry at McGill. In my last year of undergrad, I worked in Dr. William  Pastor's lab studying epigenetics and development. This experience in research motivated me to pursue a master's degree. I am currently working on a project in which I am characterizing genetic variants in claudin genes as a risk factor for kidney stones and I will be coordinating a pilot randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a traditional medicinal tea in patients with kidney stones. During free time, I love to go shopping and play beach volleyball!