Read NMD4C and MDC Postdoc Fellowship Recipient Dr. Emanuela Pannia’s Early-Career Blog
Read the latest early-career blog post, from NMD4C member and researcher Dr. Emanuela Pannia.
“My inspiration to pursue a research career in rare diseases stems from the loss of my sister at the early age of 12 years. At the time, she was one of North America’s first patients with a diagnosis of a rare genetic liver disease. It is through this experience that I have seen the dedication, compassion, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration that is needed to support patients with rare diseases, as well as their families.“
Dr. Emanuela Pannia is one of the recipients of the NMD4C and MDC postdoctoral research fellowships for 2022. She is currently a first-year Post-doc in Dr. Jim Dowling’s lab in the Department of Genetics & Genomic Biology at SickKids. Her project focus is on determining the environmental and genetic modifiers of liver dysfunction in X-linked myotubular myopathy using various translational models with the overall goal of developing personalized therapeutic options to protect against this devastating disease consequence.
Read next...
Call for Applications: 2026 NMD4C Collaborative Research Training Awards
Application Deadline: June 15, 2026.
We are excited to share that the second cycle of our Collaborative Research Training Award program is now open for applications!
Congratulations to our NMD4C Investigators on Receiving a 2025 Defeat Duchenne Canada Research Grant!
NMD4C is proud to celebrate two of our esteemed Investigators, Dr. James Dowling and Dr. Laura McAdam, who have been awarded research grants through the 2026 Defeat Duchenne Canada funding program!
2026 NMD4C Application & Nomination Deadlines
As we start the new year, three important NMD4C opportunities are approaching their deadlines. Members are invited to nominate a researcher or publication for the Annual NMD4C Awards, apply to join the Basic Science Trainee Committee (BSTC), and apply to attend the 2026 NMD4C Basic Research Summer School, taking place June 8–10 under the leadership of Dr. Mireille Khacho. Registration for the summer school is free, with travel and accommodations covered for non‑local trainees.