Staff

Chief Lab Officer and Senior Research Associate

Dr. Dian-Shi Wang

Degree(s) Obtained to Date: MD, PhD

Joined the Lab: January 2009

Research Interest Keywords:
General anesthesia mechanism
Learning and memory
Inflammation
Neurotransmitter receptors

Email: dianshi.wang@utoronto.ca

Publications: View on Pubmed

I obtained my MD and PhD degrees in China, and did my postdoctoral training in Paris, France and Toronto, Canada. During my training, my research focused on  physiological and pharmacological modulation of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitter receptors, including γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors, glycine receptors, AMPA receptors and NMDA receptors in primary neurons and cell lines. My current research interests are the mechanisms underlying general anesthesia with a focus on the roles of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in health and diseases. By targeting these specific inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors, new treatments will be hopefully identified for anesthesia-related disorders and other neurological disorders. I assist Dr. Orser to mentor the trainees and manage research projects/personnel in the lab.

 

Research Manager

Dr. Lilia Kaustov

Degree(s) Obtained to Date: PhD

Joined the Lab: May 2018

Email: lilia.kaustov@sunnybrook.ca

Publications: View on Pubmed

I am a Scientist with over 15 years of experience in academic and biomedical sectors. During my graduate studies, I have developed proficiency in three different fields: chemistry, spectroscopy, and biochemistry. I did my Postdoctoral training at the University Health Network, Toronto. As a member of a “state-of-the-art” cancer biology and structural proteomics laboratory, I contributed to research in the fields of epigenetics, cancer biology, structural proteomics, and p53 tumor suppressor structure and function. My academic career at UHN laid the foundation for my interest in health and disease, particularly as it relates to the direct applicability of research to practice. For this reason, I moved forward with my career and as a Research Manager in Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Anesthesia, I am excited to apply my expertise in the hospital settings and contribute to the common goal of improving patient’s wellbeing.