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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250521T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250521T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20250428T175348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T175348Z
UID:3916-1747843200-1747847700@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Dynein motor and its adaptors\, a journey from yeast to mammalian immune cells
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next seminar of 2025. \nMay 21\, 4pm ET \nTitle: Dynein motor and its adaptors\, a journey from yeast to mammalian immune cells \nwith \nDr. Safia Omer \nPost-doctoral fellow cell biologist at the University of Toronto \n  \nBio: \nDr. Safia Omer is a post-doctoral fellow cell biologist at the University of Toronto with +13 years of expertise in biology research using diverse models such as Plasmodium and Leishmania parasites\, budding yeast and immune cells. In her research\, she applies advanced fluorescence imaging\, biochemistry\, and cell-based assays to examine the regulation of microtubule-associated proteins. \nAbstract: \nMy work focuses on examining the regulation of an evolutionary conserved motor protein dynein and how and when it associates with its diverse cargos. I examine dynein regulation in yeast\, a unicellular organism and in mouse macrophage\, a specialized immune cell that remove microbes such as bacteria and parasites. Following contact with these targets\, macrophages extend their plasma membranes to surround and encapsulate the particles within an enclosed-membrane compartment known as the phagosome. I identified that ninein\, an adaptor protein\, is required for the recruitment of the dynein complex to the phagocytic membrane. Drugs that inhibit dynein activity or experimental depletion of ninein protein from macrophages reduces the inward pulling on the developing phagosome. Finally\, I found that this early phagosome movement is required for promoting downstream processes that ultimately result in the degradation of the engulfed particle. This work highlights the importance of the adaptor protein ninein\, and the motor dynein\, and their role in pulling pathogen-containing phagosomes inside macrophages. \n——————– \nOur monthly online seminar series\, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines\, aimed at a general STEMM audience. \nAll are welcome! \n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nOctober 2024 through May 2025.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month. \n \n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminar-dynein-motor-and-its-adaptors-a-journey-from-yeast-to-mammalian-immune-cells-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Safia_Omer_SS-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250521T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250521T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20240921T120952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T132744Z
UID:3895-1747843200-1747847700@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminars - Third Wednesday in Every Month
DESCRIPTION:All are welcome to join us for our monthly online seminar series\, featuring scholarship from across STEMM disciplines\, aimed at a general audience.\n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nOctober 2024 through May 2025.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month.\n \nWatch the calendar for monthly seminar speaker announcements! \n\nOctober 16\, 2024\nNovember 20\nDecember 18\nJanuary 15\, 2025\nFebruary 19\nMarch 19\nApril 16\nMay 21\n\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminars/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BESTEMM-seminar-UptonAllen.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250416T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250416T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20250331T134107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T140056Z
UID:3910-1744819200-1744823700@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Dynein motor and its adaptors\, a journey from yeast to mammalian immune cells
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next seminar of 2025. \nApril 16\, 4pm ET \nTitle: Dynein motor and its adaptors\, a journey from yeast to mammalian immune cells\nwith \nDr. Safia Omer\nPost-doctoral fellow cell biologist at the University of Toronto \nBio: \nDr. Safia Omer is a post-doctoral fellow cell biologist at the University of Toronto with +13 years of expertise in biology research using diverse models such as Plasmodium and Leishmania parasites\, budding yeast and immune cells. In her research\, she applies advanced fluorescence imaging\, biochemistry\, and cell-based assays to examine the regulation of microtubule-associated proteins. \nAbstract: \nMy work focuses on examining the regulation of an evolutionary conserved motor protein dynein and how and when it associates with its diverse cargos. I examine dynein regulation in yeast\, a unicellular organism and in mouse macrophage\, a specialized immune cell that remove microbes such as bacteria and parasites. Following contact with these targets\, macrophages extend their plasma membranes to surround and encapsulate the particles within an enclosed-membrane compartment known as the phagosome. I identified that ninein\, an adaptor protein\, is required for the recruitment of the dynein complex to the phagocytic membrane. Drugs that inhibit dynein activity or experimental depletion of ninein protein from macrophages reduces the inward pulling on the developing phagosome. Finally\, I found that this early phagosome movement is required for promoting downstream processes that ultimately result in the degradation of the engulfed particle. This work highlights the importance of the adaptor protein ninein\, and the motor dynein\, and their role in pulling pathogen-containing phagosomes inside macrophages. \n——————– \nOur monthly online seminar series\, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines\, aimed at a general STEMM audience. \nAll are welcome! \n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nOctober 2024 through May 2025.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month. \n \nWatch this space for seminar speaker announcements! \n\nMay 21\n\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminar-dynein-motor-and-its-adaptors-a-journey-from-yeast-to-mammalian-immune-cells/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Safia_Omer_SS.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250319T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20250312T163946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250312T163946Z
UID:3907-1742400000-1742404500@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Harnessing Molecular Sorbents for Environmental Remediation\, Metal Recovery\, and Sustainable Recycling
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next seminar of 2025. \nMarch 19\, 4pm ET \nTitle: Harnessing Molecular Sorbents for Environmental Remediation\, Metal Recovery\, and Sustainable Recycling\nwith \nBenilde Mizero\, MSc\nDepartment of Chemistry\, McGill University \n  \nBio: \nBénilde Mizero is a dedicated PhD candidate in Environmental Chemistry at McGill University\, with a strong background in analytical chemistry. Holding an MSc in Chemistry from the University of Manitoba and a BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology\, Bénilde has gained extensive experience as a teaching assistant and research assistant across various academic institutions. His research focuses on the development of sustainable and eco-friendly methods for metal recovery and waste management\, as well as method development for advanced analytical techniques like mass spectrometry and chromatography. With a rich history of scientific publications\, Bénilde is committed to contributing to the field of chemistry while continuously pursuing growth and learning opportunities. He actively participates in initiatives like the Canadian Black Scientists Network \nAbstract: \nThe escalating levels of environmental pollution remain a critical global concern\, as evidenced by numerous environmental studies. One key repository for atmospheric pollutants is snow\, it serves as an immediate record of atmospheric processes\, effectively capturing various contaminants from its formation in the clouds to its deposition on Earth. Snow plays a crucial role in Earth’s radiation balance\, influencing climate change\, while its melting and accumulation pose significant risks to human health. Despite this\, remediation strategies for snow pollution—particularly those addressing emerging contaminants such as nano- and microplastics in urban environments—remain limited. \nAnother major contributor to environmental pollution is conventional metal ore processing\, which has intensified with increasing technological demands. The extraction and recovery of critical metals\, such as neodymium (Nd)\, tantalum (Ta)\, and niobium (Nb)\, are essential to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with traditional mining practices. \nHerein\, we present three novel approaches to address these environmental challenges. First\, we demonstrate the use of naturally occurring molecular sorbents (clay) to extract nano- and micro-contaminants from snow. Second\, we explore the sorptive capabilities of a semi-modified natural material—carboxy-functionalized nanocellulose—to selectively recover neodymium from electronic waste. Third\, we investigate the potential of highly porous synthetic materials\, which offer tunable structures\, large surface areas\, and functional versatility\, for the recovery of coltan minerals and explore their extension to electronic waste recycling. \nThese innovative approaches represent a significant advancement in pollution mitigation. They offer promising solutions for improving urban snow remediation\, reducing contaminant re-emission into the environment\, and enhancing ecosystem and human health. Simultaneously\, these methods provide a sustainable\, cost-effective technology for the recovery of scarce metallic elements from electronic waste\, mining residues\, and industrial wastewater. \n——————– \nOur monthly online seminar series\, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines\, aimed at a general STEMM audience. \nAll are welcome! \n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nOctober 2024 through May 2025.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month. \n \nWatch this space for seminar speaker announcements! \n\nApril 16\nMay 21\n\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminar-harnessing-molecular-sorbents-for-environmental-remediation-metal-recovery-and-sustainable-recycling/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Benilde-Mizero_SS_Mar19.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250219T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250219T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20250213T145939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250213T213228Z
UID:3905-1739980800-1739985300@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Electrochemical Degradation of GenX – Study on the Contribution of Electrooxidation and Electroreduction to the Overall Reaction
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next seminar of 2025. \nFebruary 19\, 4pm ET \nTitle: Electrochemical Degradation of GenX – Study on the Contribution of Electrooxidation and Electroreduction to the Overall Reaction\nwith \nDr. Kara Hughes\, PhD\nProduct Development Specialist \nBio: \nKara has always been fascinated by science and understanding how things work. Her passion lies in developing sustainable solutions to everyday challenges in a way that fosters progress and innovation. This drive led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Ottawa\, followed by a PhD at McGill University under the guidance of Professor Viviane Yargeau. \nThroughout her academic journey\, Kara has made significant contributions to scientific research\, authoring nine publications in major journals\, including three as the first author. After completing her doctorate\, she secured a position as a Product Development Specialist at Terragon Environmental Technologies. \nAbstract: \nPer- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a group of anthropogenic chemicals that are characterized by the CnF2n+1 bond moiety which leads to several useful properties for industrial and commercial use. These chemical characteristics are also associated with their recalcitrance\, making them difficult to remove from the environment\, especially water systems\, using conventional treatment methods. This\, combined with the fact that PFAS have been found to have negative impacts on human health and the environment\, makes their removal from water a pressing issue. \n  \nThis research focused on the electrochemical degradation of GenX\, a more recently introduced PFAS\, to study the contribution of both electrooxidation and electroreduction to its overall degradation. Boron doped diamond was used as the anode while different materials (Ti\, Au and Cu) were investigated for the cathode. It was found that out of the three\, copper had the best performance by a small margin. The different current densities studied indicated that the degradation efficiency increased with the current density. Electrooxidation was found to contribute more to the overall degradation but the contribution of electroreduction was still significant. Finally\, the degradation of GenX was studied in different water matrices and it was determined that the degradation efficiency in real water matrices was better than in reverse-osmosis water. \n——————– \nOur monthly online seminar series\, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines\, aimed at a general STEMM audience. \nAll are welcome! \n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nOctober 2024 through May 2025.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month. \n \nWatch this space for seminar speaker announcements! \n\nMarch 19\nApril 16\nMay 21\n\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminar-electrochemical-degradation-of-genx-study-on-the-contribution-of-electrooxidation-and-electroreduction-to-the-overall-reaction/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kara_Hughes_SS-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241218T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241218T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20241205T165423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241205T211209Z
UID:3899-1734537600-1734542100@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Myelin Damage and Repair: Insights from toxicity-induced demyelination in murine models
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our final seminar of 2024. \nDecember 18\, 4pm ET \nTitle: Myelin Damage and Repair: Insights from toxicity-induced demyelination in murine models\nDr. Olamide Adebiyi DVM\, PhD\nAssistant Professor of Neuroscience\, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences\, University of Saskatchewan. \n  \nBio: \nOlamide is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. She holds a DVM and PhD from the University of Ibadan\, Nigeria. She was a Fulbright Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University (2019)\, USA\, and BrainsCAN Tier I postdoctoral fellow at Western University (2022-2024)\, London\, ON. \nHer research focuses on understanding how myelin integrity is disrupted in heavy metal-induced neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases\, to identify novel therapies for remyelination and repair. She has presented at international conferences\, and received several awards\, including the Young Investigator Education Enhancement Award from the American Society of Neurochemistry\, and have numerous peer-reviewed publications. \nShe is an affiliate of the African Academy of Sciences\, a representative for the IBRO Early Career Committee\, and lead an advocacy group\, Made4More\, promoting neuroscience research among underrepresented groups. \nOutside of work\, she enjoys sightseeing\, hiking\, and traveling. \nAbstract: \nMyelin is the fatty substance that surrounds neurons and speeds up the transmission of electrical impulses. It is also critical to metabolic support and signal conduction in neurons. Oligodendrocytes are glial cells of the central nervous system essential for myelin synthesis. When myelin is damaged and not replaced by oligodendrocyte-producing cells\, this results in demyelinating lesions around axons leading to neurodegeneration and impairments in sensory\, motor\, and cognitive functions. Currently\, there is no cure for demyelinating diseases. \nThis talk will focus on the effects of Vanadium\, a metal released during oil exploration and mining\, on myelin integrity in various brain regions and its effects on cognition and motor functions. I will highlight the mechanisms behind this metal-induced myelin damage and introduce a novel approach using genetically modified proteins activated by synthetic drugs to stimulate repair. \nOur findings identify factors that increase the risk of developing demyelinating and suggest that neuronal activity promotes remyelination by accelerating oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation and differentiation following demyelination. \n——————– \nOur monthly online seminar series\, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines\, aimed at a general STEMM audience. \nAll are welcome! \n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nOctober 2024 through May 2025.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month. \n \nWatch this space for seminar speaker announcements! \n\nJanuary 15\nFebruary 19\nMarch 19\nApril 16\nMay 21\n\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminar-myelin-damage-and-repair-insights-from-toxicity-induced-demyelination-in-murine-models/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Olamide-Adebiyi_SS.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241120T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241120T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20241106T162413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241106T165355Z
UID:3897-1732118400-1732122900@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Developing Biophotonics Technologies using Melanin\, Azo dyes and Natural Polymers
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next seminar of 2024. \nNovember 20\, 4pm ET \nTitle: Developing Biophotonics Technologies using Melanin\, Azo dyes and Natural Polymers\nDr. Kayrel Edwards\nPost-doctoral Research Fellow (York University\, Department of Physics & Astronomy\, Department of Psychology\, MiBar Lab\, Steeves Lab) \n  \nBio: \nKayrel Edwards is a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at York University.  Originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines\, Kayrel completed her PhD in Chemistry from the McGill University in 2023.  She is the author of 6 peer reviewed manuscripts and has presented her work on photo-reversible azo dye/natural polymer complexes at over 15 conferences\, receiving the best oral presentation award at Canadian Chemistry Conference & Exhibition (CCCE) 2021. In 2024\, Kayrel received a Connected Minds Post-doctoral fellowship\, supported by Canada First Research Excellence Fund\, to develop Biophotonics Technologies at York U\, joint between the Department of Physics & Astronomy\,  and Department of Psychology.  Her current research interests involve ‘Erasing Racism in Optical Technologies’ by designing skin phantoms and performing brain studies involving near-InfraRed (NIR) light.  Kayrel is passionate about community outreach and looks forward to engaging with high school students in the GTA region to encourage enrolment in Biophysics amongst black children. \nAbstract: \nTo create a more sustainable and ethical future\, we must continue to transition from the use of petrol-based polymers to natural polymers which can biodegrade into non-toxic components. The combination of natural polymers such as cellulose and chitosan\, with a photo-switchable small azo molecule\, can produce smart materials that can be used for a wide range of applications.  In the first part of my talk\, I will present results from my Doctoral work on developing photo-reversible materials capable of controlled assembly/disassembly in response to different wavelengths of light.  Plastic alternatives were prepared by ionically bonding natural polymers with azo dyes\, and the materials were easily disassembled using blue or green light into their original starting components to be recycled to prepare 2nd generation materials. In the second part of my talk\, I will present preliminary results on the fabrication of melanin-azo-chitosan skin phantoms\, to increase the sensitivity of Biophotonics Technologies which utilize NIR light.  The goal here is to increase the sensitivity of fNIRs instruments (e.g. pulse and cerebral oximeters) when measuring darker skin tones and deep tissue\, to erase racism in optical technologies. \n  \n——————– \nOur monthly online seminar series\, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines\, aimed at a general STEMM audience. \nAll are welcome! \n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nOctober 2024 through May 2025.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month. \n \nWatch this space for seminar speaker announcements! \n\nDecember 18\nJanuary 15\nFebruary 19\nMarch 19\nApril 16\nMay 21\n\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminar-developing-biophotonics-technologies-using-melanin-azo-dyes-and-natural-polymers/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kayrel-Edwards_SS.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241016T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241016T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20240921T123313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T202548Z
UID:3968-1729094400-1729098900@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Investigating Systemic and Mucosal Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our first seminar of fall 2024. \nOctober 16\, 4pm ET \nTitle: Investigating Systemic and Mucosal Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination\nSalma Sheikh-Mohamed\n\nDepartment of Immunology\nUniversity of Toronto.\n\nSalma is a 5th-year PhD candidate in the Department of Immunology at the University of Toronto. Her research involves all things mucosal\, as she is interested in immune responses in the upper respiratory tract following intramuscular COVID-19 vaccination. She began her academic journey with an Honors Bachelor of Science from UTM\, where she studied biology for health sciences and psychology. She then went on to do a Master’s of Immunology at UofT\, where she learned how immune cells in the gut change when a person is infected with HIV and how those changes can help us develop better HIV treatments. In her free time\, she works at Say Somaali\, a Black youth-led grassroots organization which aims to empower Somali youth by creating safe spaces and providing them with mentorship and career exploration opportunities. In addition to working with youth\, she also enjoys travelling\, reading and building Legos. \nAbstract: \nThe rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines offered hope in combating the virus. These vaccines were pivotal in preventing severe disease and death but were less effective in halting transmission\, leading to ongoing concerns about viral spread and reinfection. Since SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects the respiratory system\, particularly the nasal and oral mucosa\, the ability of intramuscularly administered vaccines to trigger mucosal immunity at these sites became a significant research question. Our research sought to determine whether COVID-19 vaccines could induce mucosal immune responses\, particularly secreted IgA\, in the nasal and oral cavities\, how these responses compared to those following natural infection\, the relationship between post-vaccine responses and breakthrough infections\, and whether there were any covariates we could use to better understand the kinetics of this response. \n——————– \nOur monthly online seminar series\, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines\, aimed at a general STEMM audience. \nAll are welcome! \n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nOctober 2024 through May 2025.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month. \n \nWatch this calendar for seminar speaker announcements each month! \nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminars-placeholder-wednesday-october-16-2024/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SalmaHeadshot.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240417T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240417T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20240405T205457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240405T205457Z
UID:3344-1713369600-1713374100@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:Seminar: Weaving Culture into Chemistry for Transformative Education
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the April BE-STEMM seminar featuring: \nDr. Rispah Janet Ochola\nTitle: Weaving Culture into Chemistry for Transformative Education\n\n4pm ET\nWednesday April 17\, 2024\n\nDr. Ochola is a faculty member in the Chemistry Department at Douglas College for over 5 years. Her focus is on developing student-centered learning activities that are transformative\, engaging and inclusive of learners from diverse backgrounds. \n  \nDr. Ochola has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Acadia University\, and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia. Her PhD thesis focused on further understanding properties of photocatalysts that impact the rate of product formation. Photocatalysts drive reactions using light as an energy source\, and they have recently become a mainstay of the pharmaceutical industry. \n  \nDr. Ochola works with colleagues at Douglas College on initiatives that foster diversity and higher order learning of chemistry and other science-based fields. She is currently working on projects that intertwine her favourite interests: chemistry\, culture and food. \n  \nAbstract: \nHow can we interlace knowledge gained by experiences outside the formal learning space with that learnt in the classroom? This talk will discuss examples of initiatives that blend conventional course content with the personal experiences of educators and learners outside of the classroom. The focus will be on learning activities in Organic Chemistry courses\, the Chemistry of Cooking course\, and research at the undergraduate level. This approach to learning activities creates an engaging and diverse learning environment where learners apply higher-order thinking skills in projects that have scientific\, environmental\, and social aspects. As a result\, student engagement and retention of knowledge are enhanced as they are encouraged to build the link between course content and personal experiences by evaluating real world issues using scientific criteria. Course design that weaves cultural experiences into coursework creates scientists who can better analyze and solve problems in diverse communities. \n \nWatch this space for seminar speaker announcements! \nSeminar topics: Watch this space for updates! \n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/seminar-weaving-culture-into-chemistry-for-transformative-education/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Janet_Ochola.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240320T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240320T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20240320T094119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240320T103655Z
UID:3291-1710950400-1710954900@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:Seminar: Rooting for Prevention Among High-Risk Breast Cancer Populations
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the March BE-STEMM seminar featuring: \nShawn Hercules\, MPH\, PhD\nTitle: Rooting for Prevention Among High-Risk Breast Cancer Populations\n\n4pm ET\nWednesday March 20\, 2024\n\nDr. Shawn Hercules is a post-doctoral research fellow at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. An enthusiastic interdisciplinary scientist at the intersections of public health and cancer biology\, Dr. Hercules has over 9 years experience in science communication and collaborative leadership. With research examining health disparities among populations in the Caribbean with respect to social determinants for breast\, prostate\, lung and colorectal cancers\, depression\, asthma and COPD\, Dr. Hercules is a advocate for health equity. \nIn addition to their research\, Dr. Hercules co-founded and co-produce Science is a Drag\, a science communication platform that celebrates 2SLGBTQIA+ representation in STEM\, an initiative that was awarded a  Silver Anthem Award by the Royal Canadian Institute for Science. \n \nWatch this space for seminar speaker announcements! \nSeminar topics: Watch this space for updates! \n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminar-series-all-are-welcome-3-3/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ShawnHercules-March20.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240117T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240117T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20240112T145417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240112T145417Z
UID:2921-1705507200-1705511700@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Charting the Path: Assessing the Impact of Midwifery Services at an Urban Community Health Centre
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our first seminar of 2024. \nJanuary 17\, 4pm ET \nPhylicia Crichlow\nResearch Analyst at Black Health Equity Lab \n  \nBio: \nPhylicia Crichlow earned her Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in Mental Health and Health from the University of Toronto. She is a Social Worker\, Health Equity Advocate\, and Community-Based Researcher. She is a Research Analyst with the Black Health Equity Lab\, housed at the University of Toronto Scarborough\, a social science research lab that works with and for Black communities. Here\, Phylicia is a qualitative researcher that supports projects focused on analyzing the experiences of Black communities within Canadian systems. Phylicia is passionate about using research as an advocacy tool to build racially and culturally attuned programming that provides an intersectional and responsive approach to address the social determinants of health. Her aim is to challenge health inequities\, transgenerational trauma\, anti-Black racism\, and its impacts through her work in research\, mental health counselling\, and community development. \nCharting the Path: Assessing the Impact of Midwifery Services at an Urban Community Health Centre\nDespite the lack of Black maternal health data in Canada\, studies have shown that 8.9 per cent of Black women experience pre-term births\, compared to 5.9 per cent of their White counterparts (McKinnon et al.\, 2016). In collaboration with The Midwives’ Clinic of East York in 2017\, Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre introduced midwifery care to address the healthcare needs of racialized and predominantly uninsured women and trans individuals in the Greater Toronto Area. The Mentored Midwifery Research study is an evaluation of the prenatal\, intrapartum\, and postpartum care of the midwifery services at an urban community health centre\, including a retrospective chart review and a qualitative analysis of client experiences. This research aims to monitor ongoing program success while advancing midwifery services and the development of maternal and reproductive health policies\, ultimately enhancing access and quality of care for equity-seeking groups. \nReferences \nMcKinnon\, B.\, Yang\, S.\, Kramer\, M. S.\, Bushnik\, T.\, Sheppard\, A. J.\, & Kaufman\, J. S. (2016). Comparison of black–white disparities in preterm birth between Canada and the United States. Canadian Medical Association Journal\, 188(1)\, E19–E26. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.150464 \n——————– \nOur monthly online seminar series\, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines\, aimed at a general STEMM audience. \nAll are welcome! \n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nSeptember 2024 through April 2024.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month. \n \nWatch this space for seminar speaker announcements! \n\nFebruary 21\nMarch 20\nApril 17\n\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminar-charting-the-path-assessing-the-impact-of-midwifery-services-at-an-urban-community-health-centre/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Phylicia_Crichlow_SemS.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20231115T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20231115T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20231113T150833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231113T150833Z
UID:2836-1700064000-1700068500@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: The Use of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Local Antibiotics for the Treatment of Infected Nonunions
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our third seminar of the 2023/2024 Academic year. \nNovember 15\, 4pm ET \nDr. Ikran Ali\nAnalyst at Shift Health \n  \nBio: \nIkran 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. \nThe Use of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Local Antibiotics for the Treatment of Infected Nonunions\nNonunions 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. \n——————– \nOur monthly online seminar series\, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines\, aimed at a general STEMM audience. \nAll are welcome! \n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nSeptember 2024 through April 2024.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month. \n \nWatch this space for seminar speaker announcements! \n\nDecember 20\nJanuary 17\nFebruary 21\nMarch 20\nApril 17\n\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminar-the-use-of-endothelial-progenitor-cells-and-local-antibiotics-for-the-treatment-of-infected-nonunions/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20231018T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20231018T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20231005T140602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231005T140602Z
UID:2742-1697644800-1697649300@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Exploring the differences in carbohydrate binding coronaviruses that cause human disease
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our second seminar of the 2023/2024 Academic year. \nOctober 18\, 4pm ET \nZaky Hassan\nPhD Candidate\, University of Toronto \n  \nBio: \nZaky is a fourth year PhD candidate in the Biochemistry department at the University of Toronto. He previously completed an HBSc in Biochemistry also from the University of Toronto. Outside of the lab\, Zaky works with Visions of Science as a community coordinator\, creating and facilitating programming focused on improving STEM accessibility for Black students in highschool and postsecondary. \nExploring the differences in carbohydrate binding coronaviruses that cause human disease\nCoronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in mammals and birds and can be categorized into two groups – those that use proteins as receptors and those that use sugars (carbohydrates) as receptors. For protein binding coronaviruses\, we have a good understanding of how they interact with their receptors\, and how they enter our cells. For carbohydrate binding coronaviruses however\, we have a very limited understanding of the receptors they use beyond a requirement for sialic acid\, a type of sugar commonly found on cell surfaces. Our previous work has shown that various strains of carbohydrate binding coronaviruses have differences in their sugar binding site – resulting in different preferences for various sialylated carbohydrates. Using structural\, biochemical\, and biophysical tools\, we are identifying the various types of receptors used by these viruses\, and investigating the mechanism of receptor interaction.  Our work will shed light on the receptor interactions for a disease causing group of viruses with pandemic potential that are relatively understudied\, and will hopefully lay the groundwork for future vaccine and therapeutic development. \n——————– \nOur monthly online seminar series\, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines\, aimed at a general STEMM audience. \nAll are welcome! \n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nSeptember 2024 through April 2024.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month. \n \nWatch this space for seminar speaker announcements! \n\nSeptember 20\nOctober 18\nNovember 15\nDecember 20\nJanuary 17\nFebruary 21\nMarch 20\nApril 17\n\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/be-stemm-seminar-exploring-the-differences-in-carbohydrate-binding-coronaviruses-that-cause-human-disease/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230920T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230920T171500
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20230701T133822Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230919T154536Z
UID:2429-1695225600-1695230100@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Control of Dynamic Supramolecular Systems
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our first seminar of the 2023/2024 Academic year. \nSeptember 20\, 4pm ET \nDr. Burhan Hussein\nPost-doctoral Fellow\, McGill University \n  \nBio: \nBurhan was born and raised in Toronto\, Canada. He completed his B.Sc. (2014) and M.Sc. (2017) at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)\, working under the supervision of Dr. Bryan Koivisto and focusing on the synthesis of novel BODIPY derivatives. After his master’s\, Burhan joined the Science Discovery Zone – a science-based startup incubator at TMU – as a science facilitator\, working with Dr. Marc Adler on synthesizing hypervalent silane porphyrins. In 2018\, Burhan moved to the UK for his Ph.D. studies at Durham University under the supervision of Dr. Paul McGonigal\, focusing on the control of dynamic supramolecular systems. Burhan returned to Canada after his Ph.D. studies and joined the Lumb group as an NSERC PDF (2023). Here\, he focuses on developing novel silane molecular scaffolds as a platform for cancer therapies. \nControl of Dynamic Supramolecular Systems\nIn dynamic covalent chemistry\, dynamic covalent rearrangements of fluxional carbon cages\, such as bullvalenes and barbaralanes\, impart shapeshifting molecular properties that have sparingly been studied. This research project focuses on developing methodologies to concretely control these dynamic fluxional carbon cages to simplify and analyze their structural complexity. Non-covalent control was achieved through the encapsulation of these fluxional molecules. This host-guest chemistry can control the dynamic regioisomerism & stereochemistry through molecular metal-organic cages and chiral macrocycles. For covalent control\, the configuration of the cage is controlled by covalently tethered functional moieties. These methodologies involve incorporating phosphine-based ligands to control shapeshifting molecules through metal coordination. The development of such techniques will allow routine access to shapeshifting systems to explore their properties and application beyond synthetic\, physical organic chemistry and at the interfaces with materials chemistry and biology. \n——————– \nOur monthly online seminar series\, features STEMM scholarship from across disciplines\, aimed at a general STEMM audience. \nAll are welcome! \n\n4pm ET\nThird Wednesday of every month\nSeptember 2024 through April 2024.\n\nRegister once and we will remind you each month. \n \nWatch this space for seminar speaker announcements! \n\nSeptember 20\nOctober 18\nNovember 15\nDecember 20\nJanuary 17\nFebruary 21\nMarch 20\nApril 17\n\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/seminar2024/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/B-Husseintalk.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230518T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230518T180000
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20230507T200256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230702T120308Z
UID:2306-1684429200-1684432800@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Welcome to the wild wild west in metabolomics - a peek into Metabolomics workflow.
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Ainsely Lewis\, PhD Postdoctoral fellow\, Department of Biology\, Trent University \n“Welcome to the wild wild west in metabolomics – a peek into Metabolomics workflow.” \nLearn more about their work : \n\nGoogle Scholar profile\n\nYou  must register to attend this free online webinar:  \n \nDate: May 18\, 5 to 6pm ET \nABSTRACT: \nAll organisms go through metabolism. All cells go through biochemical reactions within metabolism and the byproducts thereof are known as metabolites. Metabolomics is the large-scale study of small molecules also known as metabolites within the cells\, biofluids\, or tissues of organisms. A compendium of metabolites within an organism is known as the ‘metabolome’. To investigate the metabolome\, mass spectrometry is used to measure the masses of all the molecules that would be present in samples of a given organism. Being a relatively new field\, compared to the sister fields of genomics\, transcriptomics\, and proteomics\, metabolomics is used as a tool for finding environmental cues of organisms\, especially for changes within the metabolome at a given time or under specific conditions. Metabolomics is a rapidly evolving field\, especially with an increasing number of tools available for both those experienced in programming or not. Despite this trend\, compared to the other ‘omics’ fields\, that have established protocols and workflows\, the workflow for metabolomics is still not standardized. This adds to the challenges that stands in the way of covering the metabolome. For this talk\, the focus will be on mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and workflow from the perspective of a plant laboratory group. \n  \n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/lewis-may18/
LOCATION:Zoom\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dr.-Ainsely-Lewis-Seminar-Series.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230413T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230413T180000
DTSTAMP:20260430T003138
CREATED:20230215T141749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230702T120347Z
UID:2209-1681405200-1681408800@blackscientists.ca
SUMMARY:BE-STEMM Seminar: Regulation of Epithelial Cell Function by ESRPs
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this online seminar where Dr. Natoya Peart will present their work: \nRegulation of Epithelial Cell Function by ESRPs \nApril 13\, 2023. 5pm – 6pm ET \nDescription: RNA processing includes many highly regulated process that contribute to the biogenesis\, maturity and eventual turnover of the RNA\, and these processing events are mediated by the actions of RNA binding proteins\, RBPs. One such RBP\, ESRP – epithelial splicing regulatory proteins\, regulates alternative splicing in a manner that is essential for development and here we provide an overview of what we know about ESRP1 in the epidermis. \nNatoya Peart\, PhD. (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo. \n\nLearn more about their work : Google Scholar profile ;  RNA society website\n\nYou  must register to attend this free online webinar:  \n \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \n  \n\nThe 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.
URL:https://blackscientists.ca/be-stemm-event/seminarapril13/
CATEGORIES:BE-STEMM Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blackscientists.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NatoyaPeart.png
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