Derek M. McKay, PhD
Professor, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
I received my Ph.D. from The Queen’s University of Belfast (N. Ireland, 1990) for research on the enteric response to the tapeworm parasite, Hymenolepis diminuta. This was followed by post-doctoral training at McMaster University (Hamilton, Canada), under the supervisor of Dr. Mary Perdue, where I subsequently accepted an Assistant Professor Position in the Intestinal Disease Research Program in 1995. In 2006, I moved to the University of Calgary and was appointed Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. I have authored ~150 peer-reviewed publications, given 150 invited presentations, and have been fortunate to receive research awards from the American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Parasitology, Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG), Canadian Society for Zoologists, and Crohn’s Colitis Canada (CCC). I have served as President of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (2014-2016) and as a Councilor for the Canadian Society for Zoologists.
I have supervised 38 undergraduate students, 12 M.Sc., 11 Ph.D. graduate students and 15 post-doctoral fellows.
I aim to create a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment conducting leading edge research on the regulation of intestinal physiology and immunity in health and disease, specifically: (a) the role of the microbiota, immune mediators and mitochondria in the control of epithelial barrier function; and, (b) the use of a helminth-rodent model paradigm to dissect pathways of immunomodulation.
Arthur Wang
Lab Manager
I obtained my BS (1984) from Yuanpei University of Medical Technology and BSc (1991) from Taipei Medical University, Taiwan. I then obtained a MSc (1994) in Molecular Tumor Biology (Radiation Medicine) from Georgetown University, Washington, DC, before moving to McMaster University Hamilton (Ontario) and then with Dr. McKay to the University of Calgary. In addition to conducting research experiments for Dr. McKay, I provide training to all new personnel in the lab, ensure that all reagents and equipment are in place, and assist the trainees in conducting their experiments and troubleshooting when problems arise.
Saranya Navneetha Krishnan, PhD
Postdoctoral scholar
I am a post-doctoral associate in Dr. McKay’s lab since September 2020. I received my Ph.D in Cancer biology from University of Calgary. My Ph.D thesis focused on the role of Cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) in mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening (mPTP).
Currently, my research aims to understand the role of the cytokine IL-6 in the regulation of mitochondrial functions and dynamics. I am a recipient of the Alberta Innovates post-doctoral fellowship (2021-2023). I spend my free time with my family (singing and dancing for nursery rhymes are my new hobbies).
Lucas Kraemer, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar
I joined the McKay lab as a Post-Doctoral Associate in March 2023. I obtained my BSc in Biological
Sciences, MSc in Physiology and Pharmacology, and Ph.D. in Immunoparasitology at the Federal
University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). My Ph.D. research focused on the role of the Atypical
Chemokine Receptor ACKR2 in immunoparasitological and pathophysiological aspects during
experimental larval ascariasis. My research in McKay Lab explores the immunological mechanisms
by which H. diminuta-evoked suppression on colitis. I am a recipient of the Cumming School of
Medicine Award (2023).
I usually spend my free time listening to music, playing an instrument or even as a music producer. I
also like to meet friends, practice physical activities and enjoy nature.
Shu Hua (Vickie) Li
PhD student
I am a PhD student in the Gastrointestinal Sciences program (Fall 2020). I received my BSc in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial biology at the University of Calgary and have worked under the supervision of Dr. McKay since my summer studentship in 2019. My current project aims to investigate the association between tuft cells and Peyer’s patches in the context of helminth infection. I am a recipient of the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES, 2020), Beverley Philips Entrance Scholarship, Henry Koopmans Memorial Entrance Scholarship (2020) and Faculty of Graduate Studies Master's Research Scholarship (2021).
In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the LEGO world, playing basketball and taking my Labrador on casual walks.
Parker Volk
MSc student
I am a master’s student in the McKay lab, starting in September 2022. I obtained a BSc in Honours Biology with a philosophy minor at the University of Victoria (my hometown) in April 2022 and have also worked as a research assistant in the Swayne Lab in UVic’s Division of Medical Sciences. During my time as an undergraduate student and research assistant I had the honour of working on two separate research projects, one examining the potential of plant secondary metabolites to treat iron overload in the Ehlting Lab and another investigating COVID-19’s effects on the brain in the Swayne Lab. My project in the McKay lab explores the effects of helminth products on macrophage mitochondria and metabolism, utilizing my interest in host-parasite interactions. In my free time I have volunteered with Blood Canada and was active in UVic’s Model United Nations club.
I also enjoy reading, video and board games, miniature painting, history, and swing dance.
Natalie Andonian
MSc student
I joined the McKay lab in September of 2023 to pursue a Master’s in Gastrointestinal Sciences. I obtained a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Waterloo where I also worked as a teaching assistant and actively participated in various student-run clubs. During my undergraduate, I was a summer student in the Hinz Lab at the University of Toronto where I discovered my interests in macrophages and wound healing. My current project in the McKay lab focuses on the phenotypic effects of a proinflammatory environment on alternatively activated macrophages.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy going on hikes, crocheting and horseback riding.
