Join us for our third seminar of the 2023/2024 Academic year.

November 15, 4pm ET

Dr. Ikran Ali

Analyst at Shift Health

Bio:

Ikran Ali recently earned her Ph.D. in Medical Sciences with a specialization in Musculoskeletal Science from the University of Toronto. She is a scientist, community organizer and mentor. She is the co-founder of “Say Somaali,” a program dedicated to providing comprehensive mentorship opportunities for Somali youth in Toronto. In 2021, she was the winner of Angels Den’s Canada Life People’s Choice Award with Dr. Nauth for their pitch ‘Supercharged Stem Cells: When Bones Don’t Heal’. Ikran is a passionate researcher who is dedicated to advancing science and fostering equitable opportunities for marginalized youth. She is committed to continuing her service to her community as a leader and mentor.

The Use of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Local Antibiotics for the Treatment of Infected Nonunions

Nonunions are when bones fail to heal within a reasonable timeframe, occurring in 5–10% of patients who sustain traumatic fractures. Infection is found in up to 38% of nonunions. This is because trauma can lead to open fractures, introducing contaminants into the wound and causing infection. The treatment of infected nonunions typically involves a two-stage procedure performed 3-6 months apart. This prolonged treatment places a significant financial strain on healthcare resources and negatively affects the quality of life of patients, necessitating the need for a single-stage procedure. Previous research in our lab has shown that stem cells (endothelial progenitor cells) are effective in promoting bone healing in fracture models that would otherwise fail to heal on their own. Additionally, local antibiotics have demonstrated effectiveness in treating infections when applied locally. My research explores the combined use of stem cells and local antibiotics to treat infected nonunions in a single stage, with the aim of substantially improving the treatment of trauma patients suffering from infected fracture nonunions.

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Our monthly online seminar series, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines, aimed at a general STEMM audience.

All are welcome!

• 4pm ET
• Third Wednesday of every month
• September 2024 through April 2024.

Register once and we will remind you each month.

Watch this space for seminar speaker announcements!

• December 20
• January 17
• February 21
• March 20
• April 17

The CBSN/RCSN gratefully acknowledges the University of Toronto Scarborough and its support as the Network Host Institution, and the Academic Program Committee of the Network for the BE-STEMM Seminar Series.