The Team

Dr. Diana Okello is a Kenyan paediatric dentist, clinician-scientist, and PhD in Health student at Dalhousie University. Her research at the Microbe-Host Dynamics Lab explores the oral–lung axis in paediatric and underrepresented populations with cystic fibrosis through immunology and equity lenses. Clinically, she is passionate about paediatric and special needs dentistry, with a particular interest in rare diseases. Outside the lab, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, cooking, and swimming.

Dr. Vasu is a Senior Research Associate in MHDL. He received his PhD from the University of Manitoba and completed his postdoctoral training at Western University. His research interests focus exploring the lung-derived soluble factors in metastasis and disease as well as the tumor-immune microenvironment. He has extensive experience in spatial omics, liquid biopsy and organoid models. At MHDL he will investigate the role of lung microbiome in modulating local immunity and lung cancer. Beyond research, he is a passionate photographer and a big fan of Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Briley is an incoming medical student and recent Medical Sciences graduate whose research focuses on cystic fibrosis (CF). Her work investigates how long-term CF therapies shape clinical and microbial outcomes, alongside the role of adaptive immunity in chronic lung disease.  She aims to better understand how immune and microbial dynamics influence health outcomes in CF. Beyond research, Briley helps advocate for girls’ education and is passionate about STEM outreach, mentorship, and expanding access to science education for underrepresented communities. She also runs the MHDL blog page!

Kylie (Dahyeon) Park is an undergraduate student in the Health Sciences program at Queens University. As a pre-dental student, her academic interests centre around health equity and the social determinants of health. Throughout her summer research involvement in the lab, she is excited to be gaining hands-on research experience with assisting with project methodology. Outside of her academic work, she likes completing DIY home projects and cuddling with her cats.

Aaliyah is a Microbiology & Immunology student at Dalhousie University with aspirations of pursuing a career in dentistry. She is particularly interested in the connection between oral and systemic health, as well as the role healthcare and education can play in creating meaningful community impact. Alongside her academic and research interests, Aaliyah is passionate about youth engagement and initiatives that empower others through leadership, mentorship, and connection. Outside of school she enjoys working with horses in the great outdoors, photography, and trying new things.

Emma worked as an experiential learning student in the Microbe–Host Dynamics Lab. Her interests lie in adaptive immunity and the mechanisms underlying chronic illness. Through her first involvement in research, she worked on better understanding host immune responses in long-term diseases. Outside of the lab, Emma enjoys spending time with friends, trying new restaurants and being active!

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.

Ycel is a foreign-trained dentist whose research interests center on the relationship between oral microbiology and cancer. Her work helped to better understand the microbial and immunological mechanisms underlying oral–systemic disease connections. Ycel is passionate about connecting clinical knowledge with research to inform better prevention and care strategies! Beyond research, she enjoys baking and spending her free time with a good book.

Natalie Liza is a 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 worked on a scoping review examining 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. 

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. 

Heli Gosaliya—affectionately known as Heli. A foreign-trained dentist, future periodontist, and dedicated hygienist, Heli volunteered 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!