Expanding Our Impact: NMD4C BSTC Launches New Subcommittees and Welcomes New Members
We are so excited to introduce the new members of the NMD4C Basic Science Trainee Committee (BSTC)! This enthusiastic group of researchers from across the country is stepping up to contribute to some of our most important trainee‑focused initiatives. As the BSTC continues to grow, the committee is expanding into dedicated subcommittees that support national efforts in science communication, training, mentorship, and community building.
The BSTC plays a key role within NMD4C’s pre‑clinical science pillar, representing trainee perspectives, shaping professional development opportunities, and helping strengthen connections across Canada’s neuromuscular research community. With the launch of new subcommittees, trainees now have more opportunities to take on leadership roles and help drive initiatives that matter to them, from developing shared research resources to amplifying trainee voices across the network.
Please join us in welcoming our new subcommittee team members:
- SOP Development: Magda Lesinski (McMaster University), Mathias Bell (Queen’s University), and Umme Sabrina Haque (University of Alberta)
- Podcast Development & Planning: Dr. Jaskaran Singh (INRS)
- Workshop & Mentorship Program Development: Caroline Part (University of Ottawa) & Ohanes Ashekyan (University of Ottawa)
- Social Media & Communications: Dr. Haley Geertsma (University of Ottawa / CHEO) & Dr. Pauline Garcia (Université de Montréal / CHU Sainte-Justine)
These trainees bring expertise, creativity, and energy to the committee, and we’re lucky to have them on board as we continue building a vibrant, supportive environment for the next generation of neuromuscular scientists.
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Discover Neuromuscular Talent Across Canada
The NMD4C Neuromuscular Talent Pool is now live with new trainees! We invite supervisors and research groups to explore the Talent Pool to identify candidates whose skills, experience, and interests align with your work and upcoming positions. Trainees interested in being included in the Neuromuscular Talent Pool can register by completing the short form, uploading a CV and brief personal statement outlining their experience, interests, and career goals. For more information and to access the Talent Pool, please visit our website.
Join Us at the 2026 NMD4C Annual Meeting on 25 September
The 2026 NMD4C Annual Meeting will take place in Calgary on Friday, September 25, 2026. The agenda will feature a brief network update, trainee and early-career recognitions, flash talks, a health economics research showcase, and a series of cross‑disciplinary and parallel clinical/pre‑clinical discussion sessions to explore key topics, including advocacy and therapy access, strategies to sustain and strengthen pre-clinical programs, and network sustainability and strategic planning.
Introducing Our New SOP on Skeletal Muscle Fiber Typing
We are excited to announce the release of our latest Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) titled “Skeletal Muscle Fiber Typing & Cross-Sectional Area Analysis using Immunofluorescence Staining for Mice,” developed by from our Basic Science Trainee Committee (BSTC) member Shatha Atieh, Phd Student at uOttawa. This SOP aims to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step protocol for staining and analyzing skeletal muscle fibers from any muscle group in various mouse models. This new SOP provides detailed methods for immunofluorescence‑based fiber typing using MyHC‑I, MyHC‑IIA, MyHC‑IIB, and laminin, enabling accurate assessment of fiber‑type composition and cross‑sectional area (CSA).