Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowships
The fellowship is awarded to postdoctoral fellows with a track record of innovation activities. Innovation activities refers to translating research results into societal impact. Working with non-academic research partners, creating a start-up, working with innovation organizations and engaging with government and not for profit organizations on policy development are all examples of innovation activities.
Note - The deadline for applications was May 20, 2024, at 8:00 am MST
The 2024-2025 Innovation Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Ulises Charles-Rodriguez
Cumming School of Medicine
Dr. Charles-Rodriguez completed his PhD in Population Studies in Health at the University of Lethbridge before joining the University of Calgary. His postdoctoral research focuses on integrating equity, diversity, and inclusivity into research design and governance. He’s particularly involved in assessing a new inclusive governance model at the Faculty of Medicine and applying its principles to One Child Every Child, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming child health research in Canada.
Charles-Rodriguez has a multidisciplinary background, with an undergraduate degree in International Studies from the University of Guadalajara, a Master of Arts in Psychology, and a University Expert degree in mental health, cultural processes, and psychological interventions with immigrants, minorities, and the socially excluded from the Universitat de Barcelona. He has worked as a social worker, counselor, and advocate for various vulnerable and equity-deserving communities.
Quote from Dr. Charles-Rodriguez:
"I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship and to collaborate with multiple transdisciplinary teams committed to driving systemic change in research practices. Our inclusive approaches to research governance and design will enhance our sensitivity and responsiveness to the issues, needs, and priorities of communities, ensuring that our work is both relevant and timely. We also aim to foster reciprocal relationships within and between teams, as well as with our research partners and the communities we serve. I am excited to contribute to this groundbreaking and transformative work at the University of Calgary."
Dr. Julie Deleemans
Cumming School of Medicine
Dr. Deleemans holds a PhD in Medical Science specializing in Psychosocial Oncology and Integrative Medicine. She is also a patient advocate and 18-year survivor of stage IV laryngeal cancer. Presently she is a top ranked Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Calgary in the Department of Oncology. Her novel research investigates the long-term impact of cancer treatments on the gut microbiome, gastrointestinal and psychosocial symptoms in survivors of cancer, and developing integrative oncology interventions, such as the use of probiotics, to address these symptoms.
Deleemans is also a co-founder and current vice chair of AYA Can: Canadian Cancer Advocacy, a charity that advocates for accessible and timely access to cancer care for young people with cancer in Canada. Through her research and advocacy work, she’s passionate about helping others affected by cancer. Outside of the lab, she can be found attending pole fitness classes, on the golf course, creating something in the kitchen, and snuggling with her sweet tripod rescue kitty, Calvin.
Quote from Dr. Deleemans:
“Receiving the Postdoctoral Innovation Fellowship is a tremendous honour in recognition of the innovative program of research on cancer and the gut microbiome that I have been developing since 2018 when I started my PhD at the University of Calgary. I am also grateful to receive this recognition for my advocacy efforts to enhance accessible care for young people with cancer in Canada. Having personally survived cancer and supported loved ones with cancer, my research and advocacy work are causes dear to my heart. I believe I survived for a reason and that my purpose is to help others affected by cancer. Service to my community is how I fulfill this purpose. I am tremendously grateful for the Innovation Fellowship and the support that allows me to continue this innovative work.”
Dr. Eleanor Dickinson
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Dickinson received her PhD in Biological Sciences from Queen’s University Belfast, UK in 2021 where her research focused on modelling parasite transmission between wild and domestic mountain ungulates with the aim of contributing to holistic parasite management. She joined the University of Calgary shortly after to work with Dr Susan Kutz's research group where she concentrates on using One Health approaches to wildlife health and wildlife co-management in the Arctic, specifically for muskoxen and barren-ground caribou. Her research focuses on working closely with academic partners to develop novel approaches to wildlife health monitoring in the Arctic, and communicating this work to diverse audiences, including local communities and patrons of Arctic conservation.
Quote from Dr. Dickinson:
"Being awarded this fellowship is a testament to the incredible work being done by many people to support caribou and muskox health in the Arctic. Our collaborative work in the Arctic is a product of many years of partnership between local wildlife management organisations, non-academic partners and the Kutz Research Group. I am working to advance this research through using creative methods and communications to help ensure that healthy wildlife will be sustained in the face of climate change."
Dr. Anderson Hoff
Faculty of Science
Dr. Hoff holds a PhD in Physics from Brazil. His work as a postdoctoral researcher in the Chemistry department focuses on integrating new organic materials in pioneering technologies, including flexible electronic sensors for food spoilage detection and eco-friendly printed solar cells. Building on this innovative work, he founded a company dedicated to the development of flexible, semitransparent photovoltaic technology.
Quote from Dr. Hoff:
"The Postdoctoral Innovation Fellowship is an exciting recognition and powerful incentive to continue contributing to the vibrant innovation ecosystem at the University of Calgary. From developing sensors to advancing solar energy technology, my work will continue to drive real-world solutions with significant research impact, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in pursuit of more sustainable technologies.”
Dr. Claire Kamaliddin
Cumming School of Medicine
Dr. Kamaliddin is in the department of microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases. She is looking at how research data can drive better clinical practices for preventing the spread of infectious and antimicrobial-resistant diseases. She is also the co-leader of the Immigrant and International Women in Science network in Calgary.
Dr. Oluwatomiwa Osin
Faculty of Science
Dr. Osin is a chemist. He’s focusing on developing a vanadium extraction process from molecular binding agents. By extracting vanadium – increasingly used in many high-tech applications – from oil sands tailings, his work could reduce the environmental impact of sourcing it elsewhere.
Dr. Pratik Srivastava
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Srivastava has expertise in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and 3D cell cultures. His postdoctoral work is looking at toxoplasmosis prevention using genetically attenuated parasite (GAP) vaccines. This helps reduce the spread and impact of toxoplasma, one of the world’s most common parasites.
Dr. Perri Tutelman
Cumming School of Medicine
Dr. Tutelman has a PhD in clinical psychology from Dalhousie University. Her postdoctoral work in the departments of oncology and psychology concentrates on working with patients, caregivers, and clinicians to establish a national patient-oriented research agenda for cancer in adolescents and young adults in Canada.