Celebrating Women and Girls in Science: Advancing Research, Protecting the World

Feb 11, 2025

International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed annually on February 11, highlights the critical role that women and girls play in scientific advancement. Recognizing and supporting women in science not only ensures diversity of thought and innovation but also strengthens global efforts to address urgent health and environmental challenges.

Women make up almost half of scientific-focused positions at VIDO, and today, we proudly spotlight some of the incredible women whose work drives innovation in infectious disease research and vaccine development every day.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Tracey Thue, Stacy Strom, and Jill Van Kessel - Our Biosafety team plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety of our research. They collaborate with laboratory, veterinary, and operations teams to ensure that all biosafety measures are implemented—protecting individuals, the community, and the environment.

Advancing Infectious Disease Research and Vaccine Development

Dr. Pooja Choudhary – Former postdoctoral fellow who transitioned to Project Manager, now overseeing multiple research initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving project success.
Dr. Jo-Anne Dillon – Principal Scientist researching proteins implicated in bacterial cell division, as well as antimicrobial surveillance and molecular epidemiology of bacteria.
Kezia Fourie – PhD candidate working to develop a subunit vaccine to protect pigs against Lawsonia intracellularis.
Liliana Gonzalez Gonzalez – Graduate student working on the mechanism of action of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subunit vaccine.
Marin Habbick – Graduate student studying role of sex hormones in coronavirus pathogenesis.
Satyender Hansra – Research Technician conducting research on pathogenic bacteria and mentoring future scientists.
Akshaya Krishnagopal – PhD candidate working on herpes virus-host interactions
Diane Mutumwinka – PhD candidate researching antibody composition and immune cell function during pregnancy to inform optimal maternal vaccination timing.
Siew Hon Ng – MSc graduate and Research Technician, leading projects on vaccine formulation and delivery while mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Supriya Ramesh – Graduate student researching gene regulation in pathogenic bacteria.
Dr. Carolina Ramos Pantuzza – Postdoctoral Fellow developing yeast-based antimicrobial peptides as an alternative to antibiotics for pigs.
Dr. Angela Rasmussen – Principal Scientist emerging zoonotic viruses and the role of the host in pathogenesis.
Beth Regier – Undergraduate student studying role of sex hormones in Ebola virus interactions with the host
Stephanie Saundh – Research Technician conducting research on coronaviruses and mpox and supporting lab operations.
Dr. Reema Singh - Bioinformatician and Data Manager leading transcriptomics and sequence-based analyses.
Dr. Sylvia van den Hurk – Principal Scientist researching cattle and human infectious diseases, and development of vaccines.
Dr. Jenny Wachter – Principal Scientist researching bacterial pathogens, ticks, and tick-borne diseases.
Dr. Heather Wilson – Principal Scientist researching swine diseases, particularly those that effect neonatal piglets.
Mina Zhiani – PhD candidate working on the mechanism of action of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subunit vaccine.

Upholding Quality in Biomanufacturing

Kalin Izsak – Biomanufacturing Assistant supporting upstream and downstream bioprocessing of vaccine products.
Martina Kivel – Quality Manager responsible for the final release of all regulated products.
Stacey Lacoste – Assay Development Specialist, leading the creation and validation of new testing methods for products manufactured in our facility.
Michelle Sniatynski – Quality Control Specialist ensuring all manufactured products meet their specifications.

Innovating in Nanotechnology and Computational Science

Alaa Ibrahim – Graduate student developing a messenger RNA vaccine for respiratory diseases in cattle.
Anna Martens-Koop – Graduate student designing and testing nanoparticle-based adjuvants for mucosal subunit vaccines.
Dr. Lamees Nayef – Research Technician developing novel nanoparticle-based adjuvants for subunit vaccines.
Joyce Reimer – A research analyst leveraging classical and quantum computing to understand immunity and design next-generation vaccines.

Providing Expert Veterinary Care

Dr. Carla Norleen, Shelby Capcara, Jossa Danis, Kelsey Elmy, Jan Erickson, Hollie Lemieux, Kassie Sabourin, Jamie Siroski, and Sherry Tetland - Our Veterinary Services team ensures the highest standards of animal care. Working closely with researchers and support teams, they help maintain a controlled environment that prioritizes animal well-being while advancing scientific discovery.

Supporting Research with Precision in Glass and Media Preparation

Maria Kasleder and Jaala Patry - Our Glass and Media Prep team ensures researchers have the essential tools to study microorganisms. Through meticulous media preparation and sterile lab support, they help drive advancements in vaccine development and disease prevention.

The women leading our research, biosafety, quality assurance, veterinary care, and laboratory support efforts exemplify the impact that science can have on global health. Their work is shaping the future of vaccines, ensuring public safety, and driving forward innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

If you are passionate about making a difference in infectious disease research and vaccine development, we invite you to explore opportunities to join our world-class team. Visit our careers page to see how you can be part of this mission.

Today, and every day, we celebrate the women in science who are building a healthier world for humans and animals.