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A team dedicated to advancing research

The image is just the beginning

LCI stands for Live Cell Imaging, but also for our values:

Learn

Continuous and engaged learning is at the heart of everything we do.

Connect

We believe connecting diverse people sparks new ideas and drives discovery.

Innovate

Our creativity and dedication keeps us at the cutting edge of research and technology.

Dr. Pina Colarusso

Pina Colarusso

Director, LCI

Pina Colarusso, PhD, has over 20 years of experience in optical imaging, specializing in live-cell applications. As the Director of the Live Cell Imaging Laboratory (LCI) at the University of Calgary, Pina leads an interdisciplinary team that supports researchers in the area of optical microscopy and image analysis. The LCI provides training, support, and consultation for diverse techniques, such as superresolution, cell-based assays, and intravital microscopy. The LCI team also adapts new applications for the benefit of the research community. Pina has a keen interest in microscopy education and has worked with colleagues locally and across Canada to develop a comprehensive educational program that emphasizes learner-centered, experiential opportunities, including workshops, academic courses, online education and training, and national events.   

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Craig Brideau, PhD, MASc

Engineering Scientist, LCI and Stys Group, Hotchkiss Brain Institute

Craig Brideau is a Biomedical and Electrical Engineer with over 20 years’ experience in laboratory equipment design and automation. This includes construction, modification, and operation of advanced sample handling, imaging, and spectroscopic platforms for a wide variety of cell and tissue types. He has successfully published on topics ranging from Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering microscopy to custom 3D printing for microscopy applications. He is also a contributor to the international QUAREP-LIMI protocol for reproducibility in microscopic imaging and, along with Dr. Colarusso, assisted with the development of an internationally recognized optical power measurement device for microscopy applications. 

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Maria Polyak, PhD, MSc

Maria Polyak is a Research Scientist at the LCI. Maria develops biological models for imaging applications. She is also a medical researcher with over 20 years of experience investigating the interface between the immune response, and cancer as well as autoimmune (rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis) and infectious disease (HIV/AIDS, malaria, Cryptococcus sp., SARS-CoV2). Her research projects have been primarily aimed at the characterization of known therapeutic protein targets (CD20) or in the identification of putative biomarkers or drug targets (MS4A4A, USP15). Both avenues of experimentation have led to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying disease. The results from these studies have been published in journals including Blood, Leukemia, and Nature Immunology. 

These publications have been highly cited, and the reported results have contributed to the study and design of better antibody-based therapies as well as of to the development of compounds for treatment of disease. Maria's recent experiences have enhanced her understanding of CAR cell therapy as well as the use of organoids in the study of disease. Her career aim is to contribute towards the understanding the pathogenesis of disease, ultimately for development of therapeutics.

Anjali

Anjali Kapilan

Anjali is a MSc student co-supervised by Dr. Antoine Dufour and by Dr. Pina Colarusso. Anjali obtained her Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with minors in religious studies and bioethics, at Dalhousie University. Her honours research project focused on how the ablation of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter exacerbated calpain activity in mice subjected to an experimental model of multiple sclerosis. She has also conducted research with both Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Her Masters project will focus on discovering the role mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component 1 (MTARC1) plays on the body, through the analysis of proteomics and imaging of mitochondrial - ER contact sites. Through her research, she is hopeful to discover the role of this protein, and then move on to discovering the similarities and differences between MTARC1 and mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component 2 (MTARC2). She is an avid community volunteer and enjoys skiing and playing the fiddle in her free time.

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Nicholas Pittner

Nicholas is the Biomedical Technologist for the Live Cell Imaging Lab within the Snyder Institute at the University of Calgary. He works designing prototypes and solving problems and has a passion for helping others realize their products and ideas. Using his skills in 3D printing and design, he aims to improve the workflow of researchers while helping individuals and businesses transform their ideas into functional prototypes and products.

Nick received his BSc in Health Science in 2020 before receiving his MSc in Biomedical Technology in 2021. During his MSc, he developed a passion for computer-aided design and 3D printing and went on to do a practicum at Exergy Solutions where he used his skills to develop prototypes for medical devices. In his current position, he uses his skills in computer-aided design, 3D printing, and programming to help a broad spectrum of people transform their ideas into reality.

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Jim Qi

Jim is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Sciences Honours (BScH) with a specialization in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary. He is involved as an optical imaging assistant at the Live Cell Imaging Laboratory (LCI), and is interested in the role that innovation plays in the fields of research, collaboration, and medicine. 

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Ambreen Akhtar

Ambreen is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) at the University of Calgary. However, before this, she completed her Business Administration diploma at SAIT with a major in Marketing in 2022. She is currently the Marketing Assistant at Live Cell Imaging (LCI) and is involved in website creation, content creation, and assisting in the marketing campaigns.

Aside from her passion in digital marketing, she volunteers as the Junior Vice President (JVP) of Marketing for the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) club at the university and enjoys anything gaming related in her free time.  

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Dylan Greening

Dylan is an Optical Specialist for the Live Cell Imaging Facility. He spent a decade working in allied health before completed his BSc in Cellular Molecular and Microbial Biology at the University of Calgary in 2021 and proceeded to learn the craft of microscopy. A position in the Laboratory of Dr. Raymond W Turner defined a deeper role for microscopy in answering questions pertaining to the ultrastructure of neuronal cells using superresolution microscopy techniques. In 2024, Dylan switched from user to staff, and has been busy training, supporting, and collaborating with the researchers and visionaries at the Live Cell Imaging Facility.