Dr. Daria Wojtal is the Director of Research at Muscular Dystrophy Canada. She received her PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Toronto where she worked in the laboratory of Dr. Ronald Cohn at the Hospital for Sick Children. Her research focused on developing CRISPR-based gene editing approaches for disorders caused by tandem duplications. During this time, Daria also worked on initiatives aimed at including CRISPR gene-editing training in coursework at the University of Toronto and Michener Institute of Education. Daria has completed the Scientist Knowledge Translation Training and Internship at the Hospital for Sick Children.

In her current role at MDC, she oversees Research Investments including the design, implementation and monitoring of business strategies, research grant competitions, and working with donors to meet their philanthropic goals. Daria is also responsible for data analytics for the broader Mission Program, initiatives aimed at measuring the impact of MDC programing, facilitating evidence informed strategic planning and stewardship. She is a member of the Canadian Community of Practice in Peer Review and the staff lead on MDC’s Medical and Scientific Advisor Committee.