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.

Anika is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Alberta. As an undergraduate project student in the Ismail Lab, Anika contributes to investigations into the role of the MAEA protein in DNA repair, focusing on its implications for chemotherapy resistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Beyond the bench, Anika is an avid artist who enjoys sketching and painting as creative outlets.

Jana is a second-year pharmacy student at the University of Alberta, joining Dr. Ismail’s lab as an undergraduate project student. Her project investigates how patient-derived WDR26 mutations affect WDR26's role in maintaining genome stability. In her spare time, Jana enjoys playing tennis and actively volunteers with Children's Autism Services.

Seniha is a second-year MD student at the University of Alberta, currently spending the Fall semester 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.