SipioneLAB
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
MEET THE TEAM
Equity, diversity and inclusion statement
We are committed to create an inclusive work environment where equal opportunities are given to all team members, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability status, sexual orientation and gender, and where everybody feels free to express themselves and not discriminated against. We welcome diversity, for it enriches our lives and work, and promotes creative thinking and solutions.
Simonetta Sipione, PhD.
Professor
I obtained my PhD. in Biochemistry from the University of Catania. I then trained as a PDF at the University of Milano and at the University of Alberta.
Beside science, I am passionate about design and architecture. I enjoy reading and outdoor activities.

Hover over the pictures to learn about us.

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Ken Reyes
Graduate Student
I am a Pharmacology graduate student. I finished my undergrad with a BSc with a specialization in Biochemistry from the University of Alberta. I enjoy exploring my creativity through cooking, baking, painting, and music. In my free time, I tend to my little vegetable garden in my backyard.


Asifa Zaidi
Research Associate
I received Masters in Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and in System Biology and Bioinformatics from Case Western Reserve University, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Mumbai. Before joining the Sipione Lab, I worked as a PDF at University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, and as a research associate at Case Western Reserve University.
In my leisure time, I love gardening, nature, long drives and spending time with my family."
John Monyror
Graduate Student
I am a graduate student in the pharmacology program. My research focuses on neuroprotective mechanisms activated by gangliosides in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. I earned my BSc in Pharmacology (Hons) from the University of Alberta in 2019. In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, and spending time with friends.

Maddie Dee
Undergraduate student
I am an undergraduate Honours Cell Biology student. My project aims to characterize lipid droplets in the context of proteotoxic stress.
In addition to my passion for science, I love music, staying active and trying new recipes.

Giacomo Perri
Graduate student
I am a Pharmacology graduate student. I completed my undergraduate studies with a BSc Specialization in Biochemistry at the University of Alberta. Aside from my love of science, in my free time I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, soccer, and playing the guitar.

Mel Horkey
Lab manager
I graduated from NAIT’s Biological Sciences program in 2006 and began working in the Sipione lab shortly after. In my spare time I enjoy reading and sewing, as well as camping and hiking with my partner and our two kids.

Magnus Stenlund
Undergraduate student
Current position: Graduate Student

Alba Di Pardo
MSc. student