APEX Access Program
The APEX Access program empowers the next generation of leaders in health diagnostics through targeted mentorship, hands-on training, and a national network designed to accelerate career growth.
Ready to grow your career in STEM and related fields?
Apply below to join the next APEX Access mentee 2027-28 cohort starting September 2027
We’d love to learn more about your goals and how we can support your professional journey.
*Registration for the current 2026-27 cycle is closed
Why?
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a strong platform for emerging professionals to pursue research and leadership roles in cutting-edge healthcare diagnostics technology development through mentorship, hands-on training, and access to a supportive network.
>50
The APEX Access program has enabled over 50 professionals launch careers in both academia and industry.
APEX Access Training and Professional Development
The APEX Access program offers a range of training and professional development opportunities tailored to students and early-career professionals in the life sciences. Through a series of focused workshops each year, participants gain practical skills in areas such as collaborative research, grant writing, and career navigation across academic and industry settings. In addition, APEX Access supports professional growth through student research awards and partnerships with community organizations, offering access to educational content, mentorship, and networking within the life sciences ecosystem.
We are not currently offering any undergraduate research awards, but we hope to do this again in the future
Meet Former APEX Access Student Research Awardees
Gabriel Ceballo
Development of LC-MS based analytical standard for mammalian plasma and serum metabolomics
Gavin Head
State-of-the-art rapid detection of bacteria in hemodialysis patients system
Diya Athwal
Descriptive epidemiology of the bloodstream pathogen, Candida tropicalis in the Calgary Bloodstream Infection (CBSIC) cohort
Julia Adug
Isotope tracing alternate carbon sources, acetate and lactate, in the metabolic pathways of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Ben Chew
Using Machine Learning platform to accurately predict Antimicrobial resistance from whole genome sequencing data.
Sasha Sharow
Differences between Staphylococcus lugdunensis bacteremia and other CoNS bacteremia
Jasmine Parhar
Metabolic Profiling of antimicrobial resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae aconitase mutants
Student Reflections on their Research Experience
Keerat Kooner
Genomic and clinical analysis of Group D Streptococcal bloodstream infections
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My research experience with the Lewis research group has been profoundly enriching, equipping me with a diverse set of skills and a deep understanding of the world of academia. Working in the lab allowed me to further develop my laboratory skills to a point that I am extremely comfortable with designing and running my own experiments with accuracy and safety. During my time in the lab I got to work with so many brilliant people that helped mentor me through the summer and provided excellent feedback and advice. I feel extremely confident going into my third year of my undergraduate with the skills I have learned, and hopefully I will be able to apply some of them to my future courses. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity that the Lewis research group provided me.
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This summer, I conducted a genomic and clinical analysis of Group D Streptococcal bloodstream infections as a part of the APEX Access Student Research Award. My project involved combining bioinformatics with patient data to explore species-specific differences in virulence, antimicrobial resistance and clinical outcomes. I learned how to analyze large genomic datasets, interpret epidemiological trends and translate my findings into meaningful clinical insights. This experience introduced me to medical-style research and has furthered my passion for medicine and ignited an interest in data science.
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Through this award, I was able to have the privilege to work with the Lewis Research Group and the Buzatto Research Group with very friendly, encouraging, and knowledgeable professionals. I was able to immerse myself in a very productive and interdisciplinary community that connects the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, engineering, microbiology, and chemistry. As a chemistry student, being immersed in such a diverse professional environment had taught me a lot about connecting disciplines to accomplish projects that point towards global and clinical impacts. I was introduced to cutting-edge technology, very supportive people, research and practical skills from different disciplines, which helped me achieve contribution to a poster presentation at a conference and an R&D internship at one of the world's leading vaccines companies. Everybody at both research groups were extremely encouraging and made time to develop and support an undergraduate's career and philosophy, I'm very thankful for this opportunity.
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My research experience with the Lewis research group has been profoundly enriching, equipping me with a diverse set of skills and a deep understanding of the world of academia. Working in the lab allowed me to further develop my laboratory skills to a point that I am extremely comfortable with designing and running my own experiments with accuracy and safety. During my time in the lab I got to work with so many brilliant people that helped mentor me through the summer and provided excellent feedback and advice. I feel extremely confident going into my third year of my undergraduate with the skills I have learned, and hopefully I will be able to apply some of them to my future courses. I couldn't be more grateful with the opportunity that the Lewis research has group provided me.
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I had an enjoyable experience doing research over the summer. I performed isotope tracing experiments on Neisseria gonorrhoeae using 13C-acetate to elucidate exogenous acetate utilization. These experiments helped me practice and improve the lab skills I will need for my future as I enter into a master's program. This experience allowed me to further familiarize myself with growing this fastidious organism, which will enable me to continue working with this organism for my master's project and contribute knowledge about this pathogen. This experience also increased my confidence in being more independent in the laboratory.
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Throughout this summer, I learned how to code in RStudio in order to perform an analysis on bloodstream infection patients in Alberta. The Lewis Research Group was granted access to patient outcomes, demographics and proteomics data from blood isolate samples of patients infected with a common blood culture contaminant, Staphylococcus lugdunensis. I was tasked to filter this data set and use data visualization techniques in RStudio to determine any patterns that S. lugdunensis may follow when infecting patients. We were able to conclude that S. lugdunensis bacteremia is more serious and has a higher incidence of clinically significant bacteremia than previously reported.
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The APEX access award enabled me to pursue summer research without having to hold down another job over the summer. By removing financial barriers, the APEX access awards helped me focus on my work and build long-lasting connections with people in my field. I am so grateful to the APEX access program for making this experience possible for me.
This summer I began working on the metabolic profile of antimicrobial resistant aconitase mutant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These mutations modify antimicrobial resistant fitness by improving their ability to grow and reproduce, understanding the metabolic profile of these strains can help illustrate the mechanism by which fitness deficits are overcome. I worked with a team of scientists to grow four mutant strains each with a missense mutation on acnB (gene encoding aconitase) in addition to mutations that conferred resistance to ceftriaxone, an antibiotic. We found that (1) the growth profile of the mutants is distinct from the parent strains, (2) the location of the point mutations on acnB generated unique metabolic profiles, and (3) the fitness compensation phenotype may be associated with greater energy metabolism via the Krebs Cycle and the Pentose Phosphate Pathway.
Workshops
Is common sense really that common? How culture shapes
Educational Workshop Series 2026-27, facilitated by Dr. Marija Drikic
Is common sense really that common? How does culture shape us? Have you ever wondered why you get so competitive in board games? Why is your friend always late for your coffee date? Why is that cousin from abroad so rude in responding to your questions?
In this interactive workshop, Marija Drikic invites you to explore the invisible forces that shape our behavior, communication styles, and social expectations. Uncover how culture influences everything from emotional expression to everyday etiquette.
What to expect: Snacks, Games, Group Discussions, Transferrable (Soft) Skills to bring to any job
What not to expect: Lectures, Definitions, DOs and DONTs – Exam style content
Fall 2025 Dates: Friday, October 23, 3 - 5 pm
Location: University of Calgary Main Campus, Room BI186
This workshop is only open to our current mentee 2026-27 cohort!!
Dr. Marija Drikic is an Open Science Specialist at the University of Calgary, where she leads the development and implementation of institutional initiatives to advance open scholarship. She brings more than a decade of experience in life sciences research and over five years of experience managing and facilitating research projects, having previously served as a manager of research operations at the University of Calgary with a focus on metabolomics, virology, and microbiology. Originally from Serbia, Marija earned her BSc and MSc from the University of Trieste and her PhD from the University of Calgary. She has contributed to student-focused programs including iGEM Calgary and the APEX Access mentorship and training initiative, served as a Graduate Peer Coach, and facilitated workshops on communication and project management to help students develop professional skills alongside their academic training.
Past Events and Workshops
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This workshop was conducted in collaboration with CIDE STEM Unity group!
It brings together undergrad students from multiple departments at various level of their expertise to exchange their ideas and experiences regarding various career path and university related things such as awards etc.
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The Negotiators Toolkit (Series 3)
Facilitated by Marija Drikic
Think you understand conflict? Think again.
We all know what we are supposed to do in tense moments; stay calm, communicate clearly, be reasonable. And yet… the minute conflict hits, everything falls apart.
Why?Join us for an insightful 3-part workshop series and discover what actually drives conflict beneath the surface and how your cultural background quietly shapes the way you react. You walk away with fresh insight and practical tools to handle everyday tough conversations with far less stress.
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Conflict Across Cultures (Series 2)
Facilitated by Marija Drikic
Think you understand conflict? Think again.
We all know what we are supposed to do in tense moments; stay calm, communicate clearly, be reasonable. And yet… the minute conflict hits, everything falls apart.
Why?Join us for an insightful 3-part workshop series and discover what actually drives conflict beneath the surface and how your cultural background quietly shapes the way you react. You walk away with fresh insight and practical tools to handle everyday tough conversations with far less stress.
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The Conflict Blueprint (Series 1)
Facilitated by Marija Drikic
Think you understand conflict? Think again.
We all know what we are supposed to do in tense moments; stay calm, communicate clearly, be reasonable. And yet… the minute conflict hits, everything falls apart.
Why?Join us for an insightful 3-part workshop series and discover what actually drives conflict beneath the surface and how your cultural background quietly shapes the way you react. You walk away with fresh insight and practical tools to handle everyday tough conversations with far less stress.
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Beyond Academia: Navigating Post-Grad Careers
Have you ever wondered what career paths exist beyond academia after graduate training? Join us for an interactive career development workshop with Dr. Malcolm Eaton (Innovate Calgary) designed to help students explore industry opportunities.
In this two-hour hands-on session, participants will learn how to understand the job market, build a compelling professional story, and identify career paths that align with their strengths. The workshop will also include live LinkedIn and job-board searching activities, so participants are encouraged to bring a laptop if possible.
Open to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and senior undergraduate students interested in exploring careers beyond academia.
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GAC (Graduate Award Competition) Application Peer Review Session—a peer-to-peer feedback event open to graduate students from all departments.
Just bring your bring a draft of your current GAC award application, proposal, or related work for review (printed or digital)
This session offers a supportive, low-stakes space to share GAC award applications, proposals, or related materials and receive constructive feedback from fellow graduate students. You’ll be placed in small, interdisciplinary groups to:Exchange constructive peer feedback
Discuss clarity, structure, and presentation of ideas
Gain fresh perspectives from students in other fields
Build community across departments
All feedback is provided by peers (not faculty or evaluators) and is meant as optional advice—participants are free to take or leave any suggestions they receive. Graduate students at any stage of drafting are welcome, from early ideas to near-final applications.
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Non-Verbal Communication & Culture: What’s Left Unspoken?
Body language, facial expressions, and gestures often speak louder than words—but their meanings can vary dramatically across cultures. In this workshop, we’ll examined how different cultures interpret eye contact, personal space, hand gestures, and silence. By becoming more aware of these subtle cues, we can foster deeper connections and communicate more effectively across cultural boundaries.Item description -
Verbal Communication & Culture: More Than Just Words
Have you ever wondered why you get so competitive in board games? Why is your friend always late for that coffee date? Why is that cousin from abroad so rude in responding to your questions? Have you ever misinterpreted someone’s words or felt lost in translation? This workshop session dived into how culture impacts verbal communication, from direct vs. indirect speech styles to differences in storytelling, politeness, and even humor. By exploring these nuances, we can develop better cross-cultural communication skills and avoid misunderstandings in both personal and professional settings.
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Cultural Models: How Do They Shape Our Thinking?
Culture influences the way we see the world, shaping our values, behaviors, and decision-making. In this workshop, we’ll explored different cultural models, such as individualism vs. collectivism and high-context vs. low-context communication using relevant websites and group discussion. Understanding these frameworks can help us navigate cultural differences more effectively and recognize how our upbringing shapes our interactions. -
This workshop was conducted in collaboration with CIDE STEM Unity group!
This workshop brings together undergrad students from multiple departments at various level of their expertise to exchange their ideas and experiences regarding various career path and university related things such as awards etc.
-
Non-Verbal Communication & Culture: What’s Left Unspoken?
Body language, facial expressions, and gestures often speak louder than words—but their meanings can vary dramatically across cultures. In this workshop, we’ll examined how different cultures interpret eye contact, personal space, hand gestures, and silence. By becoming more aware of these subtle cues, we can foster deeper connections and communicate more effectively across cultural boundaries. -
Verbal Communication & Culture: More Than Just Words
Have you ever wondered why you get so competitive in board games? Why is your friend always late for that coffee date? Why is that cousin from abroad so rude in responding to your questions? Have you ever misinterpreted someone’s words or felt lost in translation? This workshop session dived into how culture impacts verbal communication, from direct vs. indirect speech styles to differences in storytelling, politeness, and even humor. By exploring these nuances, we can develop better cross-cultural communication skills and avoid misunderstandings in both personal and professional settings.
-
Cultural Models: How Do They Shape Our Thinking?
Culture influences the way we see the world, shaping our values, behaviors, and decision-making. In this workshop, we’ll explored different cultural models, such as individualism vs. collectivism and high-context vs. low-context communication using relevant websites and group discussion. Understanding these frameworks can help us navigate cultural differences more effectively and recognize how our upbringing shapes our interactions. -
Item description
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Panelists:
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
Dr. Sean Asselin – Plant Breeding
Dr. Hector Carcamo – Pest Management
Dr. Jess Vickruck – Beneficial Insects
Alisha Greene – Student Research
Public Health Agency of Canada
Dr. Brent Dixon – Bureau of Microbial Hazards
Dr. Rebecca Guy – Genomics
Dr. Jennifer Tanner - Special Bacteriology
Alberta Public Health
Dr. Tarah Lynch – Genomics & Bioinformatics
Panelists discussed:
What does your day-to-day work look like? Who are your main collaborators?
What are the main steps in the hiring process? What is the application process like?
What are the pros + cons of government versus academic/private sector work?
What do some potential government career paths in your field look like?
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Panelists:
Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister, Assistant Professor, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph
Dr. Tarah Lynch, Program Lead for Genomics & Bioinformatics at the Provincial Public Health Laboratory, Founder of Diversity Scientific
Dr. Mehdi Mohammadi, Co-Founder and CEO of Fluidome, Postdoctoral Associate, University of Calgary
Dr. Keir Pittman, Scientific Writer, Lewis Research Group, University of Calgary
Panel moderator: Anika Westlund, PhD student, University of Calgary
About the workshop: A health-sciences related degree can give you many career options, but often deciding what skills to focus on and where to go next can be a daunting task. Join this panel discussion from the Alberta Precision Exchange (APEX) Access Program featuring four experts in the health sciences who have varied career paths and learn how they navigated career decisions in this broad field. Our panelists Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister, Dr. Tarah Lynch, Dr. Mehdi Mohammadi, and Dr. Keir Pittman have experience in academic, clinical, and industry careers and each followed a unique path to success filled with challenges along the way. Participants will have time to ask questions directly to the panelists and network after the event.
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with APEX Director Dr. Ian Lewis
Dr. Lewis currently oversees over 30 researchers and $20M in funding across several large-scale research projects that are directly integrated with Alberta’s clinical testing laboratories. In this workshop, Dr. Lewis presented strategies that have helped him successfully obtain large-scale collaborative grants that involve industry partners and internationally recognized research institutions, including Harvard University and the Broad Institute. In this workshop, we also discussed strategies for incorporating meaningful and authentic EDI statements into research proposals.
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Special thanks to Carly Chan, Marija Drikic, Rajni Pushpker, and Stephanie Bishop for facilitating!
Different perspectives lead to better science and will help us solve complex problems that directly affect the community as a whole. However, the current research system often awards individual efforts above collaborative efforts, thus encouraging a competitive research environment. In this interactive workshop filled with team building activities, we discussed issues related to competitive research environments and strategies for developing an effective collaborative research environment.
Stay tuned.
Sign up for our mailing list to learn about the latest opportunities in the APEX Access Program.
MSc student Spencer Wildman and Dr. Marija Drikic conducting research on SARS-CoV-2 in the CL-3 facility at the University of Calgary
APEX Access Workshop - Building a Collaborative Research Environment
Rajni Pushpker, PhD student, engaging with the public at a community outreach event
APEX Access Mentorship Program
APEX Access and summer research students in the Lewis lab
APEX Access Mentorship Program Kick-off event
APEX Access mentees engaging in a discussion with one of our mentors, Troy Feneer, during a career talk
APEX Access mentees engaging in an online discussion with one of our mentors, Anupama, during a career talk
APEX Access Mentees in one-on-one conversation with Mentors during Mentorship Pod session
Participants at APEX Access Intercultural Communication Workshop with Marija Drikic
Participants at APEX Access Intercultural Communication Workshop with Marija Drikic
Meet the Team
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Stephanie Bishop, PhD
Director
Dr. Stephanie Bishop is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Western University in London, Ontario. She recently completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Dr. Ian Lewis’ research group at the University of Calgary. She holds a BSc in Chemistry and Spanish from the University of British Columbia (Vancouver) and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from UBC Okanagan (Kelowna). She also brings international experience through her work as a Language and Cultural Assistant for the Government of Spain in Madrid.
During her graduate studies, Stephanie was a committee member in the Women in Science and Engineering Mentoring Program for four years, where she organized and presented professional development and networking events for students and professionals. She is currently a committee member and co-developer of the mentorship program for Womxn in Metabolomics (WomiX), an organization focused on professional development in metabolomics and related disciplines.
Stephanie also enjoys science communication and community engagement. She has volunteered with programs such as Let’s Talk Science, virtual mentoring initiatives, and local science fairs.
She is honored to serve as Director of the APEX Access Program, where she supports mentorship and training opportunities for students and early career researchers across the life sciences.
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Mirna Damergi, MSc
Program Advisor
Mirna Damergi is a Product Manager at Rapid Infection Diagnostics Inc. (RID), where she supports the development of mass spectrometry-based diagnostic tools for infectious disease detection. In her role, she collaborates with scientists and engineers to shape product strategy, guide development, and align solutions with stakeholder needs. She is also the Site Lead for the Alberta Centre for Advanced Diagnostics, helping coordinate collaborative efforts across the province’s health innovation ecosystem.Mirna holds an MSc in Genomics and Proteomics from Saint-Joseph University of Beirut and an MSc in Biophysical Chemistry from the University of Calgary, where she used quantum mechanics to study protein function. Her academic and professional background spans both research and operations, with a focus on delivering thoughtful, actionable solutions in science and health.
Outside of her role at RID, Mirna is Vice Chair and Director of Content at the YYC Data Society, where she helps build and share data-focused programming in Calgary. She is also Co-Director of the Charter Membership Program at CELS (Canadian Entrepreneurs in Life Sciences), supporting Canadian founders in the San Francisco Bay Area through curated events and peer networks.
Additionally, she co-coordinates the Mentorship Program at APEX Access and supports strategic planning for the organization. She enjoys working across disciplines and brings a strong focus on partnerships, product, and people to everything she does.
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Rajni Pushpker, MSc
Communication Lead
Rajni is a PhD student whose research focuses on Plasmodium falciparum and its role in the evolution of sickle cell anemia in humans. Her work investigates the complex interplay between malaria parasite metabolism and the human genome, aiming to uncover how host-parasite interactions have influenced evolutionary outcomes.Outside the lab, Rajni is actively involved in science communication and mentorship. She volunteers with groups such as the Host-Parasite Interaction (HPI) group at the University of Calgary and the Calgary Youth Science Fair (CYSF), where she enjoys sharing science and supporting student engagement.
As the Communications Lead for the APEX Access Program, Rajni is excited to contribute to resources that showcase the wide range of career paths available to students in STEM. She is passionate about making research more approachable and helping students navigate their professional journeys with clarity and confidence.
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Anika Weslund
Mentorship Program Coordinator
Anika is a PhD student in the Lewis Lab, where she researches the molecular epidemiology of bloodstream infections. She helps coordinate the APEX Access Mentorship Program and is passionate about building connections between mentors and mentees to support students as they explore a range of career paths in STEM.
She views mentorship as a valuable way to build confidence, grow professional networks, and gain tailored guidance. Through her role in the program, Anika aims to create a supportive space where students can access insights and feel more prepared for the next steps in their academic and professional development.
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Leah Basanov
Mentorship Program Coordinator
Leah is a Gastrointestinal Sciences Master’s student whose research focuses on the mechanisms of the gut–brain axis and its role in generating symptoms of neurodevelopmental conditions. After navigating her own path while searching for science opportunities, she is passionate about helping others find careers that align with their strengths and interests through mentor talks, professional development workshops, and introductions to supportive scientific communities. Beginning as a mentee herself, Leah has since served as a Professional Development Coordinator and now as a Mentorship Program Coordinator, and she is excited to continue contributing to APEX’s legacy.
