The LEMuR Team

Early Career Faculty Researcher

Dr. Irena Rebalka

(assistant professor, Pathology & Molecular Medicine)

Completing both my HBSc and PhD at McMaster, I am a proud Hamiltonian! My research expertise and interests focus on investigating skeletal muscle health in varying states of health and disease, and as a result of pharmacological treatment. Of note are my particular interests in evaluating modifications to skeletal muscle health in type 1 diabetes, and as a result of cholesterol-lowering statin therapy. In relation to my research, I am a member of both The Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research and The Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care at McMaster University. It is an absolute honour to be a part of the LEMuR team – a true TEAM of passionate and collaborative researchers, clinicians, undergraduate, and graduate students.

Outside of the lab, I am an active member of the Ukrainian Community in Hamilton. I love traveling, cheering for my Ticats, fishing, gardening, and spending time with my family.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. Meghan Mccue

Meghan joins our research group after a successful PhD with Dr. David MacLean at NOSM.  Meghan is a long time collaborator with LEMuR and we are excited to have her research expertise and leadership on our T1D Studies!

Meghan’s story: I completed my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Laurentian University, where I developed a deep interest in how physical activity influences the body. My MSc at the University of Nottingham focused on understanding how endurance sports such as triathlon and running affect indices of knee health, and my PhD at Laurentian University/NOSM explored how cancer and chemotherapy affect skeletal muscle. Outside of the lab, you’ll usually find me outdoors – running, cycling, or hiking – or in the kitchen baking something new. I also make it a personal mission to find the best flat white in every city I visit!

---

PhD Students

alexandra (alex) steelE 

Alex successfully defended her MSc in July of 2023 and continued to work in the LEMuR lab as a research technician. We are excited to announce she has joined the lab as a PhD student in 2024!

Alex’s story:  I completed the undergraduate Medical Sciences program at Western University, with a specialization in human physiology and pharmacology. My MSc thesis was focused on cultured meat, in particular the optimization of cell sourcing techniques needed for cultivated meat production. I have a passion for dance which I did competitively for 18 years and spend most of my spare time with the great friends I have made through school and dance.

Anika Syroid

Anika joined our team in 2023 as a MSc student.  Her outstanding progress has already made an impact on our lab and we are excited to announce she has fast-tracked to the PhD program as of Sept 2024!

Anika’s story: After completing my HBSc in Neuroscience at McMaster University, I am now pursuing my MSc in the Medical Sciences program. My work in Dr. Hawke’s lab is focused on continuing the development of cultivated meat technology through the characterization of cell lines as potential cell sources for cultivated meat. When I am not working in the lab, I love to hike, play hockey, and spend time with my friends and family. 

MSc Student

Fay (Difei) Zheng

Fay joined the lab in the Fall of 2025 and has been an amazing addition! Always helping and always supportive of others! 

Fay’s story:  I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology and Pharmacology Co-op at McMaster University with a minor in mathematics. During my undergrad, I had the opportunity to work on several research projects at the Farncombe Digestive Health Research Institute and this is when I developed an interest in exploring non-invasive image modality (i.e., ultrasound) for diagnostic purposes. I am excited to join the LEMuR lab for my Master’s and I will be working on the musculoskeletal ultrasound project studying the effect of exercise on the myotendinous junctions among people with type 1 diabetes using ultrasonography. Outside the lab, I really enjoy arts & crafts, baking, and karate.

Research Technician

Rhea Vemula 

Rhea has made an indelible impact on the lab with her wonderful spirit and her evergreen playlist 🙂

Rhea’s story: I completed my undergraduate degree in Life Sciences with a minor in Environmental Sciences at McMaster. I am very happy to return to Hamilton to pursue my Master’s! I am working under the supervision Dr. Hawke and Dr. MacLean on a preclinical trial testing a multi-targeted dietary supplement (MTDS) as a countermeasure on the effects of radiation and muscle degradation in mice, in simulated space conditions. Outside of the lab, I love going on bike rides and exploring Hamilton’s food scene.

 

---

Undergraduate Thesis Students for 2025-26

• Rian Cochetto
• Farah Abubaker 
• Maya Perera
• Ena Desancic
• Rhiannon MacDonald
• Victoria Galeotalanza
• Modar Al-Hariri
• Sakina Ali 

---

Recent Graduate Students

DR. Athan Dial 

UPDATE: Athan is currently working at Montai Health in Boston, MA as a Data Research Lead. Way to go Athan! 

I was involved in health research at McMaster for a long time, starting with my H.BSc. in Kinesiology, where my focus was primarily on sport and exercise science. My M.Sc. thesis under Dr. Ljubicic focused on the application of exercise molecules in treating muscle-wasting disorders. With Dr. Hawke, I investigated the impact of muscle-derived molecules on type 1 diabetes, and how their use therapeutically may optimize muscle health during this condition.

dr. Cynthia Monaco

UPDATE: Cynthia is now working at Medtronic Diabetes as an Inside Sales Supervisor. Super proud of you Cynthia!

I obtained both my BSc in Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences and MSc in Human Health & Nutritional Sciences from the University of Guelph. My MSc thesis was under the supervision of Dr. Graham Holloway and was primarily focused on the impact of nitrates, obtained from nitrate supplementation, on cardiac function and mitochondrial bioenergetics. I completed my PhD under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Hawke, where the primary focus of my dissertation was to investigate and characterize skeletal muscle ‘health,’ particularly mitochondrial bioenergetics, across the lifespan of adults living with Type 1 Diabetes

Michael Akcan, MSc

UPDATE:  Michael successfully defended his MSc in July 2021 and is now taking some time to travel before applying for medical school.  Good luck Michael!

I graduated with my Hons. BSc in Biochemistry and Biomedical Science from McMaster University. After having a lovely experience on campus I couldn’t leave just yet, and decided to pursue my masters degree under the supervision of Thomas Hawke studying protein binding partners of Xin. I love spending time with my dog, running to EDM music, rock climbing and playing video games with my friends.

Allyson Schweitzer, MSc

UPDATE:  Ally successfully defended her MSc in June 2020 and is now a PhD student at UBC with Dr. Cameron Mitchell.  Good luck Ally!

Having completed my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at McMaster, I am excited to continue my education in Hamilton, and pursue my Master’s degree in Dr. Hawke’s lab. I worked alongside Dr. Rebalka, in the investigation of biological mechanisms of muscle pain. Outside of the lab, I enjoy volunteering at The Boys and Girls Club and am a member of the MMSSA at McMaster. I also love to travel and hike, and aspire to conquer (at least some of) Mt. Everest some day.

Maria Nguyen, MSc 

UPDATE:  Maria successfully defended her MSc in March of 2021. Way to go Maria! Very proud of you!

As a proud alumna of McMaster University where I spent four years studying Biochemistry, I decided to return to this wonderful institution and branch out from Biochemistry into Medical Science for my Masters degree.  Under the guidance of Dr Hawke, I pursued the role of Xin in muscles, in particular I investigated potential binding partners of Xin in hopes of elucidating its function. Outside of the lab, I can be found spending time with my family and friends, teaching or volunteering at the Vietnamese community.

Grace Grafham, MSc

UPDATE:  Grace successfully defended her MSc in June 2020 and is now a Pathology resident at McMaster University.  Congrats Grace and good luck with your studies!  Looking forward to more collaborations to come!

I graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an HBSc in Medical Cell Biology. I am currently pursuing my MSc in Medical Sciences in the Hawke Lab, where I explored skeletal muscle repair in individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. When I am not in the lab, I can be found on the soccer field (Go Mac!), curled up in bed watching my favourite YouTube series, or just hanging out with my beloved family dog, Ruby.

---

Hawke Lab Alumni

• Julie Ha 
• Sarah Pimenta 
• Rachel Serraro 
• Patricia Marcelo
• Melina Alborzi 
• Henry Guan 
• Maya Tsipris
• Mena Shaheed
• Aidan Khan 
• Emma Juracic, PhD
• Cassandra Mombo, MSc
• Noor Suddle
• Kayla Bulyovsky
• Shathana Raveetharan
• Mena Shaheed
• Ivy Milicevic
• Tessa Carr
• Farah El-Zoeiby
• Nicholas Langelaan
• Avantika Vaidya
• Mekayla Truong
• Tahirah D’Costa
• Liam Sone
• Salma Abrahim
• Katelyn (Katie) Patterson
• Brendan Lee
• Samuel Koo
• Vivian Pan
• Maggie Powless-Lynes
• Lauren Turner
• William Khalil
• Maya El-Zahed
• Tirth Patel
• Molly Gingrich
• Enoch Tin
• Grace Martin – McMaster
• Cathy Ren
• Rimsha Chattha – McMaster
• Dr. Dhuha Al-Sajee MD, PhD
• Dr. Donna D’Souza – McMaster
• Andrew Cao – McMaster
• Dr. Sibylle Molt – U Bonn, Germany
• Sarah Zhou – McMaster
• Namita Deodhare – McMaster
• Olivia So – McMaster
• Magdalene Au – McMaster
• Christian Pretto – McMaster
• Alexandra Rebalka
• Maggie Jiang – McMaster
• Matthew Raleigh – McMaster
• Rafae Wathra – McMaster
• Joseph DiMichele – McMaster
• Christian Lamberz (MSc) 
• Dr. Karin Trajcevski (MSc, PhD) – York, McMaster
• Ashley Chin (B.Sc.) – McMaster
• Albert Chiang (B. HSc.) – McMaster
• Tina Behdinan (B. HSc.) – McMaster
• Justin Chiu (BSc.) – McMaster
• Alyscia McMullin (BSc.) – McMaster
• Gwen Espidido (B. HSc.) – McMaster
• Aliyah Nissar (MSc) –  McMaster
• Dr. Matthew Krause (PhD) – McMaster & Now faculty at U Windsor!
• Dr. Adam Johnston (MSc) – York
• Daniel Atkinson (MSc) – York
• Rita Labatia (MSc) – York
• Bart Zemanek (MSc) – York
• Jasmin Moradi (MSc) – McMaster
• David Wang (B. HSc.)- McMaster
  
• Heather Kilgore (Westdale High School)
• Julianna Huang – York
• Shaalee Dworski – York
• Marian Staite – York
• Julia Israelit – York
• Peter Jaksa – York
• Sophia Kapchinsky – York
• Deelen Patel – York
• Dili Dhanani – York
• Melanie Alves – York
• Premanand Gopie – York
• Michael Jaksa – York
• Abdullah Imam – York
• Jesse Wolfstadt – York
• Vagmi Patel – McMaster
• Ranjini Nair – McMaster
• Yufan Wu – McMaster
  
• Connie Ma – McMaster
  
• Bo Zheng – McMaster
  
• Philemon Leung – McMaster
  
• Marissa Laureano – McMaster
  
• Peter Lam – McMaster
  
• Anna Wong – Queens