Briley Hillyard
Briley is a third-year Medical Sciences student completing her Honours research in the MHDL. Her work investigates how long-term therapies and national trends in cystic fibrosis care shape patient outcomes. She also explores the role of adaptive immunity in CF, with the goal of translating data into more comprehensive and patient-centered care. Beyond the lab, Briley advocates for STEM education in low-income and underrepresented communities.
Email: br345847@dal.ca
Natalie Liza Barte
Natalie Liza is a second-year Master of Information student at Dalhousie University. With a strong passion for health equity and community, her research interests focus on addressing health disparities faced by underserved populations. In the lab, she is currently working on a scoping review examining the oral health and access to care among visible minorities in Canada. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys a good book and hiking the various trails in Nova Scotia
Email: nbarte@dal.ca
Meet Abhijeet—a foreign-trained dentist by day and a freestyle DJ by night. In the lab, his passion lies in unraveling the complex dance between mechanical forces and the molecular and cellular responses in the periodontium, paving the way for smarter dental care. Off the clock, he swaps his lab coat for DJ decks, mixing beats with the same finesse he applies to balancing dental dynamics. Whether he's decoding the mysteries of tissue responses or spinning tracks at a local gig, Abhijeet brings a unique blend of precision, creativity, and energy to everything he does.
Email: abhijeet.karnik@dal.ca
Gabriel Ogando is officially our resident dental detective who’s on a mission to crack the case of how oral health connects to overall wellness. Gabriel’s research dives into the intriguing links between periodontal and peri-implant diseases and systemic conditions like metabolic syndrome. When he's not busy uncovering the molecular mysteries behind dental implants, he’s inspiring the next generation of oral health professionals with his innovative insights and passion for science.
Email: G.Ogando@dal.ca
Heli Gosaliya—affectionately known as Heli. A foreign-trained dentist, future periodontist (residency begins Fall 2025), and dedicated hygienist, Heli volunteers in our lab to explore the fascinating links between oral and systemic health. Her research focuses on understanding how metabolic syndrome may influence the severity of periodontal and peri-implant diseases. With her clinician perspective and genuine passion for advancing dental science, Heli brings energy and a fresh outlook to our team. We’re thrilled to have her on board as she continues to pave her way in the world of periodontics!
Email: gosaliyh@myumanitoba.ca
Dr. Anjali Bhagirath is an Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Dentistry, specializing in Periodontics and Microbiology. Her postdoctoral training focused on host immune responses and the design and implementation of clinical trials.
Dr. Bhagirath’s research bridges fundamental and translational science to explore the intricate connections between oral and systemic health.
Her work encompasses investigating the role of microbial ecosystems in health and disease, developing innovative clinical trials, and mentoring the next generation of dental professionals. Through her research, she aims to dissect the impact of microbial interactions on health outcomes, highlighting their role as both drivers of disease and immune responses.
Outside of her academic and clinical pursuits, Dr. Bhagirath enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and many four-legged fur babies.