Briley Hillyard is a third-year undergraduate student at Dalhousie University, completing an honors degree in Medical Sciences, and dual certifications in Medical Humanities and Disability Management.
As an honors student, Briley is researching the effects of long-term use of HEMTs in patients with cystic fibrosis.
In her spare time, Briley is engaged with advocacy work for dismantling barriers to STEM education for low-income and underrepresented girls through her involvement with programs such as Girls Count and ITS for Girls.
Email: br345847@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.