Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Relevant Completed Coursework

Conference Presentations

Accepted Conference Abstracts

Submitted Conference Abstracts

Grants & Scholarships

Honours & Awards

Certification

Timeline

Reema Flynn-Rizk

London,Canada

Summary

Detail-oriented and motivated M.Sc. candidate in Medical Biophysics at Western University, specializing in the development of vascularized skeletal muscle organoids for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) research. Strong foundation in cellular and molecular biology, with extensive hands-on experience in cell culture, protein assays, genotyping, and scientific communication. Proven ability to lead, organize, and support large academic events, mentor undergraduate students, and collaborate effectively in research environments. Recognized for academic excellence through multiple awards and scholarships, with a demonstrated commitment to scientific discovery, education, and healthcare advancement.

Overview

years of professional experience

Certification

Work History

Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA)

Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University

09.2024 - 04.2025

As a teaching assistant in MEDBIO 3980E, I’m responsible for overlooking third-year level undergraduate students as they complete a research project with a professor at Western University.
I communicate with the students on a regular basis, answer their questions in a timely-manner, and coordinate with professors to ensure each student is matched with a lab best suited for them.
Both my leadership and organization skills have been enhanced in this role, as I was responsible for arranging tours of labs at various sites (i.e., hospitals and on-campus) to teach students about all the research happening in the department.

Research Student

Lawson Health Research Institute, SJHC

12.2023 - 04.2024

I had the opportunity to work in Dr. Lisa Hoffman’s lab and assist with research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
I was primarily responsible for performing protein quantification assays (e.g., BCA assays), genotyping, autoclaving, maintaining cell cultures, and maintaining the lab.
This opportunity encouraged me to pursue further studies relating to DMD, specifically in the development of skeletal muscle organoids.
Working in the Hoffman lab has only solidified my career choice as a future scientist and has been exceptionally rewarding.

Research Assistant

TUTOR-PHC – Centre for Studies in Family Medicine

09.2022 - 04.2023

In this role, I was responsible for organizing and planning both the annual and knowledge mobilization symposiums.
I gained experience in organizing poster presentations given by national scientists and physicians, creating orientation/welcome packages, planning large events, and had the opportunity to communicate and network with researchers from various backgrounds.

Filing Clerk

London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital

11.2021 - 09.2022

Under the supervision of Dr. Jonathan Izawa, I was responsible for sorting and filing patient charts as well as pulling charts for ambulatory clinics and the operating room.
This opportunity was pivotal in fine-tuning my organizational skills.
Also, I developed memorable relationships with the secretaries, residents, and Dr. Izawa himself.

Teacher & Curriculum Developer

Sarthak Foundation

08.2021 - 01.2022

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children from a rural school in Lucknow, India lost their education.
This volunteer position allowed me to put my teaching and organizational skills to use, as I was responsible for creating and delivering various lessons.
It was also my duty to create assignments for the class and grade them in a time-efficient manner.
Moreover, due to the language barrier, this experience also challenged my written and spoken communication skills.
It was an absolute privilege to connect with the children and assist them in a time of need.

Research Volunteer

Lawson Health Research Institute

06.2021 - 09.2021

Under the supervision of Dr. Cheryl Forchuk, I assisted with a methamphetamine harm reduction study, in which methamphetamine-users admitted to hospitals would be provided with a safe injection site and secure methods of needle disposal.
The goal of this study was to better protect healthcare workers from exposure to needles and other potentially harmful equipment.
I was primarily responsible for literature reviews, data collection, entry, and analysis.
This role allowed me to pursue my research interests and enhanced my aptitude for investigation and discovery.

Medical Office Assistant

The Doctor’s Walk-In Medical Clinic

06.2021 - 09.2021

At the walk-in clinic, I was responsible for greeting and registering patients, organizing patient files, day-sheets, prescriptions, requisitions, and insurance information daily.
This experience strengthened my communication, interpersonal, and organization skills.
I also learned a lot about healthcare administration and general medical practices.

Peer-to-Peer Mentor

Northwest London Resource Centre

12.2020 - 03.2021

I provided both personal and education-related guidance to a senior high-school student, while also developing a strong, meaningful relationship with them.
The student faced various obstacles in their work, school, and personal life, and turned to me for advice and counseling.
This position enhanced both my leadership skills and emotional intelligence.

Personal Tutor

Kumon

09.2018 - 01.2019

In this role, I provided personal instruction to students who required assistance in reading, writing, and mathematics.
I collaborated with both colleagues and parents to devise teaching tactics specific to each student, therefore enhancing learning effectiveness.
This primarily enhanced my communication, interpersonal, and teaching skills.

Education

M.Sc. - Medical Biophysics

Western University

London, ON

06.2026

Bachelor of Science - Honors Specialization in Biology

Western University

London, ON

06.2024

Skills

Cell culture maintenance
Protein quantification
Genotyping techniques
iPSC maintenance and differentiation
Student progress monitoring
Student evaluation
Leadership abilities

Time management
Interpersonal effectiveness
Resilience and perseverance
Research competencies
Grant writing
Self motivation
Attention to detail

Relevant Completed Coursework

Cell Biology Laboratory (BIO 3326), 2022, Western University

Acquired practical skills in animal cell culture, cell line characterization, and authentication.
Applied SDS-PAGE and fluorescence microscopy for protein expression and cytoskeletal analysis.
Trained in microscopy (bright-field, phase contrast), cell viability assessment, chromosomal analysis, and protein quantification techniques (Bradford assay, agarose gel electrophoresis).
Co-developed and presented a research poster to faculty and peers.

Scientific Communications (BIOPHYS 9513), 2024-2025, Western University

Scientific writing for publications, grants, and diverse audiences.
Oral and visual communication (presentations, posters, figures).
Manuscript preparation, peer review, and grant writing.
Strategic storytelling and audience-focused messaging.

Conference Presentations

(2024). Poster Presentation titled “Urine-Derived iPSC-Derived Vascularized Skeletal Muscle Organoids: A Human-Derived Model for DMD”. Western Organoid Workshop (WOW), Western University, London, Canada.