DR. MARIE-CLAIRE ARRIETA
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and Pediatrics
As part of the International Microbiome Center at the Cumming School of Medicine of the University of Calgary, our lab is interested in understanding how humans begin their life in the company of trillions of microbes — our early-life microbiome, and how this microbiome helps define important aspects of immune and metabolic development. Our lab’s approach to tackle these complex questions is to combine next generation microbiome sequencing data with metabolic and immune studies in both humans and animal models of diseases, such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.
DR. LAURA K. SYCURO
Co-Investigator
Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, Departments of Microbiology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Obstetrics & Gynaecology
My research uses a combination of microbial genomics, molecular epidemiology, and novel cultivation strategies to understand how members of the human microbiota function and interact with the host. My lab is focused on better defining the microbial communities contributing to pregnancy loss and preterm delivery. The long term goal of this research is to identify new diagnostic markers and treatment strategies that safely correct microbial imbalances before they trigger early labour.
ANDREA GUEDEZ, BMSc
Lead Study Coordinator
Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology
I’ve had the great joy of working with parents and their young children throughout many work and volunteer opportunities. In the final years of my Bachelor’s degree, my experiences and research interests aligned. I have since worked with families and their young children on research projects that aim to advance the understanding of how early life exposures impact childhood development. I first started to work as a BLOOM research assistant I first started with BLOOM as a research assistant where I was involved recruiting interested parents and their children into BLOOM studies. As well as following up with families throughout their participation and addressing their questions or concerns. I then took on the of Lead study coordinator where I am also now managing the operations of the studies, working with our clinical partners, and coordinating our dedicated BLOOM team.
FATIMOH KASABA , MSc, MAS ETH NH
Clinical Research Assistant
University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology
After obtaining my MSc in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Nottingham, I developed a strong interest in public health research. As part of my MAS in Nutrition and Health at ETH Zurich, I participated in research aimed at directly informing national health policy in Jamaica and developed an interest in microbiome research. Particularly, I have a strong interest in understanding the interplay between our diet, microbiome, and other factors, notably their roles in the development of chronic diseases and how these can be modulated to promote health and prevent diseases. I also find the prospective of influencing health policies very enticing. As a BLOOM clinical research assistant, I enjoy meeting and interacting with the study participants, who I am helping to recruit as well as following-up our data collection.
ALLIE McCREIGHT, BES
Clinical Administrative Assistant
University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology
As a mom to two young children, I am very interested in learning more about the human microbiome in early life and how it affects later health outcomes. With an Environmental Science background, I am adapting my skills to assist with the logistics of the studies carried out by our team. I play a supportive role in the BLOOM Studies by building the kits used for sample collection, helping with clinic visit scheduling and logistics, as well as general administrative duties that help the BLOOM team run successful clinical studies.
ROBIN KNOL
Clinical Research Nurse
University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology
Robin is a Registered Nurse who does research with a background in Labor & Delivery and NICU nursing. She has a strong passion for research, which dates back to her nursing school days. Her interest in research was further fueled during her time as a NICU nurse, particularly with the BLOOM study.
In her role in the BLOOM study, Robin carries out potential participant requitement, following up with those families whilst collecting data for the study, addressing any questions or concerns families may have.
Robin’s dedication to working with families and her desire to improve outcomes for premature infants makes her an asset to the BLOOM study. Her combination of nursing expertise and research interest allows her to bridge the gap between clinical practice and scientific inquiry for the benefit of future generations.
PAST TEAM MEMBERS
JESSICA LEE, MSc, MBT, CCRP
Lead Research Coordinator
University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology
Joining the team in 2017, I was fortunate to be part of BLOOM from its earliest days. I worked closely with Drs. Arrieta and Sycuro to develop the protocols, study materials, ethics applications and operational plans for the studies. My role was focused on managing the operations of the studies, working with our clinical partners, and coordinating our dedicated BLOOM team. With over 15 years of experience in clinical research, working on the BLOOM studies has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Particularly, I have had the joy of interacting with many of the amazing and inspiring BLOOM participants, without whom this important research would not be possible.
NIKKI SIVAKUMAR, BSc
Clinical Research Assistant at the University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology
After obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences at Queen’s University, I became passionate about understanding childhood development and research. My role in the BLOOM Studies involves recruiting potential participants from study sites, conducting participant interviews, and following up with any questions or concerns that participants may have while on the study.