Lab personnel

Eli is a fourth-year graduate student in the Department of Oncology at the University of Alberta. She is conducting doctoral research to characterize the E3 ubiquitin ligase MAEA, which maintains genomic stability and mediates therapeutic resistance in cancer. Her academic work is supported by the Yau Family Foundation Scholarship and a CRINA Graduate Studentship for Hematological Malignancies. To unwind outside of her doctoral studies, Eli enjoys reading and listening to music.

A first-year graduate student in Dr. Ismail’s group at the University of Alberta. Rama's thesis work focuses on the RNF138 paralogue family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, examining their functions in DNA repair and their potential to reverse drug resistance in Multiple Myeloma. Her research excellence is recognized by the Yau Family Foundation Scholarship and a CIHR Master’s Student Award. Outside of the lab, she is highly active in the community as a captain and player in the Women's Basketball Community League in Edmonton, and as the founder of OurStudyCircle, a nationwide non-profit tutoring initiative.

Jana is a second-year pharmacy student at the University of Alberta, joining Dr. Ismail’s lab as a summer research student. Supported by summer studentships from CRINA and the Alberta Cancer Foundation, her project investigates how post-translational modifications regulate an E3 ubiquitin ligase critical to DNA repair and to responses to replication stress. In her spare time, Jana enjoys playing tennis and actively volunteers with Children's Autism Services.

Jarin is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Alberta. As a summer research student in the Ismail Lab, Jarin contributes to investigations into the role of the MAEA protein in DNA repair, with a focus on its implications for chemotherapy resistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Her work in the lab is supported by a FoMD Summer Studentship Award. Beyond the bench, Jarin is an avid artist who enjoys sketching and painting as creative outlets.

Seniha is a second-year MD student at the University of Alberta, currently spending the summer conducting research in Dr. Ismail's laboratory. Her current project explores how specific ubiquitin ligases contribute to drug resistance in Multiple Myeloma. Outside of her academic and clinical pursuits, Seniha is a fitness instructor who actively organizes charity spin events within the community.