Celebrating Research Innovation and Impact at the 2025 UBC Department of Medicine Research Expo

On June 18, 2025, the UBC Department of Medicine hosted its annual Research Expo at UBC Robson Square — a vibrant celebration of research excellence that brought together over 250 attendees, including graduate students, supervisors, internal medicine residents, faculty, and research staff.

Jointly organized by the Department of Medicine Research Office, Postgraduate Medical Education Program, and the Experimental Medicine Program, the event showcased the breadth and depth of research taking place across the Department. From poster sessions and oral presentations to keynote talks by leading researchers, the day offered a rich opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the impact of our work.

Faculty Keynote Speakers

The 2025 Expo featured a dynamic lineup of faculty speakers:

  • Dr. Emily Brigham (Division of Respiratory Medicine) delivered the keynote address, “And Into the Forest I Go,” reflecting on her career path and sharing insights from her research on environmental exposures and respiratory health.
  • Dr. Amanda Slaunwhite (School of Population and Public Health) spoke about layered health inequities among people who are incarcerated in BC.
  • Dr. Viviane Dias Lima (Division of Infectious Diseases) presented on the use of mathematical modeling to inform public health interventions.
Left to right: Dr. Najib Ayas, Dr. Andrea Townson, Dr. Emily Brigham, Dr. Anita Palepu and Dr. Dirk Lange

Honouring Excellence in Research

The event also recognized outstanding trainee contributions through the Experimental Medicine and Resident Awards:

Experimental Medicine Awards:

  • Best Oral Presentation: Lea Farah
  • Best Poster Presentation – Biomedical Focus: Hacina Gill
  • Best Poster Presentation – Clinical Focus: Alexandra Schmidt

Resident Research Awards:

  • Best Oral Presentation by PGY2: Adam Pietrobon
  • Best Oral Presentation by PGY3: Nikhil Anish
  • Best Poster Presentation by PGY1: Eric Meng
  • Best Poster Presentation by PGY2: Thomas Hoang
  • Best Poster Presentation by PGY3: Lucia Juehea Lee
  • Best Poster Presentation by PGY4/5/6: Jollee Fung
  • Best Overall Presentation/Stefan Grzybowski Prize: Seth Kibel

A Shared Commitment to Discovery

From biomedical science to clinical application, the 2025 Research Expo underscored the Department’s collective commitment to advancing health through research. Events like this are a powerful reminder of the innovation, collaboration, and academic curiosity that drive us forward.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year’s Research Expo a success!