Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Pedram Torabian

Calgary,AB
Pedram Torabian

Summary

As a computational biologist, currently advancing research at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, the focus lies primarily on the exploration of cell-cell interactions in pancreatic adenocarcinoma using transcriptomics and deconvolution methodologies. Both wet and dry lab techniques form a significant part of this proficiency, with a particular specialization in spatial transcriptomics research utilizing the Visium 10X platform. The role entails a wide variety of tasks, such as tissue and library preparation, along with data analysis which includes managing fastq files, interpreting sequencing results, and pinpointing spatial localization of gene expression data.

Numerous research projects have been carried out, with an emphasis on human disorders like long-QT syndrome, celiac disease, epilepsy, and others. A wide array of wet and dry lab techniques are incorporated into these investigations, like ELISA, western blot, real-time qPCR, high-throughput NGS methods, and proteomics via 2D-electrophoresis, including the analysis of MASS spectrometry results. Additionally, expertise extends to various programming languages such as R, Python, and Linux Shell scripting.

Overview

10
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

University Of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta

Research Assistant
07.2020 - Current

Job overview

  • - Engagement in both independent and collaborative work within a dynamic laboratory setting.
    - Execution of comprehensive statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analyses to identify data trends and patterns.
    - Meticulous maintenance of up-to-date records of research activities and results for future reference.
    - In-depth exploration of ductal cells and fibroblasts' roles within their respective niches, focusing on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, as part of master's thesis work.
    - Contribution to scientific papers for publication and preparation of concise research summaries for high-level meetings and presentations.

Cancer Research Center, Razavi Hospital

Research Assistant
01.2017 - 01.2020

Job overview

  • During my tenure, I actively led multiple research projects from conception to manuscript finalization, having the privilege to contribute as the first author on three manuscripts

Golestan University of Medical Sciences

Research Assistant
09.2013 - 02.2016

Job overview

  • I was given the opportunity to lead research projects focused on genetic disorders, specifically long-QT syndrome, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), glioblastoma, and celiac disease.

Education

University of Calgary
Calgary, AB

Master of Science from Medical Science
09.2023

University Overview


  • Final Grade: A
  • Activities and societies: In my thesis, I explore the cellular interactions of ductal cells versus fibroblasts and the role they play within their niches, as well as how they act inside the tumor microenvironment and at the interface between the tumor and normal tissue, with a focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.Activities and societies: In my thesis, I explore the cellular interactions of ductal cells versus fibroblasts and the role they play within their niches, as well as how they act inside the tumor microenvironment and at the interface between the tumor and normal tissue, with a focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
  • Understanding cell-to-cell interactions in pancreatic cancer using computational biology methods, mainly spatial transcriptomics via Visium (10X Genomics)

Golestan University of Medical Sciences

M.Sc. from Human Genetics
2016

University Overview

Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Thesis: "Study of the cIAP2 gene expression silencing effect on proliferation and proteome in breast cancer cell line MD-MB-231" Key Skills Gained: Project Management, RNAi, Proteomics, Statistical Data Analysis

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Mashhad

Bachelor of Science from Biology
08.2013

University Overview

I served as secretary of the Biology Scientific Association, launching a scientific student's journal and organizing scientific workshops, for example the Introduction to Bioinformatics workshop.

Skills

  • Certified in "Stem Cell and Molecular Genetics" from the Institute of Cell and Molecular Biotechnology, Eram Advanced Training Center
  • Lab Skills:
    - DNA/RNA extraction, Primer designing, Various PCR methods,ELISA, IFA, Western Blot, and proteomics
    - siRNA transfection into various cell lines
  • Bioinformatics Skills:
    - Comfortable with Unix/Linux, R, familiar with Python, and Shell scripting
    - Experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) including mutation calling and RNA sequencing
    - Proficiency in Single-cell RNA-sequencing data analysis and spatial transcriptomics data analysis
    - Familiar with bioinformatics and computational biology tools such as CellPhoneDB, ssGSEA, DESeq2, PharmacoGx, gProfiler, GO, DAVID, Enrichr, ggplot2, and tidyverse
  • Some Selected Courses:
    - Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Advanced Bioinformatics, Applied Genomics, Tumor Microenvironment Dynamics, Biostatistics, Human Genetics of Diseases
  • Teaching Courses at Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, University of Calgary: Learning Spaces & Digital Pedagogies, Theories and Practices for Graduate Students
  • Fluent in English with advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills

Certification

Certificate of Mentorship:The Canadian Organization for Undergraduate Health Research:I served as a mentor for undergraduate students, guiding them in research methodology, presentation skills, and preparation for undertaking graduate-level research projects.

Timeline

Research Assistant
University Of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
07.2020 - Current
Research Assistant
Cancer Research Center, Razavi Hospital
01.2017 - 01.2020
Research Assistant
Golestan University of Medical Sciences
09.2013 - 02.2016
University of Calgary
Master of Science from Medical Science
Golestan University of Medical Sciences
M.Sc. from Human Genetics
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Bachelor of Science from Biology
Pedram Torabian