Jashan Saini

$27 hour

I am a dedicated and experienced tutor with a strong background in research and medical sciences. Throughout my academic journey, I have been able to hone my teaching and knowledge translation skills through experiences such as a Physiology Teaching Assistant, and high-school tutor. I have had the privilege of conducting significant research in fields such as Critical Care Medicine and Respiratory Neurophysiology, where I explored topics like the incidence and clinical outcomes of patients with Substance Use Disorders and the modulation of respiratory rhythms through deep brain stimulation. My contributions in these areas have resulted in multiple publications and poster presentations at esteemed events, reflecting my commitment to the advancement of medical knowledge. I am also a visual artist, with a focus on illustrating Greco-Roman history for which I have a deep passion and appreciation.

Subjects: University Biology, University Calculus, University Chemistry, University Neuroscience, University Physiology

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Qualifications

My educational journey includes a Master of Science in Medicine with Specialization in Translational Medicine and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Human Physiology, along with a Certificate in Biomedical Research, from the University of Alberta.

Resume

Jashan Saini

Education:

Master of Science in Medicine with Specialization in Translational Medicine

University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada

(2022 – Present)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Human Physiology, Certificate in Biomedical Research

University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada

(2016 – 2020)

Work Experience:

Critical Care Medicine; Critical Care Research and Quality Assurance Group (CCRQAG), Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB

Supervisor: Demetrios James Kutsogiannis, MD, MHS, FRCPC June 2020-Present Project: The Incidence and Clinical Outcomes of Patients admitted with Substance Use Disorders to Intensive Care

As part of my graduate studies, I am coordinating a study investigating the effects of substance use disorders on patient outcomes, patterns of practice, and hospital costs with the goal improving clinical practice for this vulnerable population. Substance use disorders (SUD), specifically opioid and stimulant use are a significant public health emergency in Alberta and across Canada. Critically ill patients with SUD pose additional complexities to ICU patient care, health care costs, and are represented within a broad spectrum of medical, trauma, and perioperative diagnostic groups. A better understanding of the magnitude and characteristics of patients being admitted to intensive care units with preexisting opioid, stimulant and other use disorders will inform future clinical management and research in this area.

Respiratory Neurophysiology; Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Supervisor: Silvia Pagliardini, PhD; September 2018-June 2020

Project: Modulation of Respiratory Rhythms via Periaqueductal Gray Optogenetic Stimulation

The project aimed to understand how the anatomical connections between the Periaqueductal Gray (PAG), and the modulate breathing. We studied the functional connection between the midbrain Periaqueductal Gray and breathing regions such as the parafacial respiratory group (pFRG), and the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) using Optogenetic stimulation. For credit towards degree (PHYSL 467, 468, 469; Undergraduate thesis) and Summer 2019 project supported by the Office of the Provost and VP (Academic) Summer Student Award 2019.

Common procedures: EMG recordings, viral injection, vagotomy, optogenetic stimulation, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, cryoprotection, thin sectioning.

Supervisor: Silvia Pagliardini, PhD; Co-supervisor: Vivian Biancardi Rossato, PhD May 2018- May 2019 Project: Neuroanatomical study – Brainstem Projections to the para-Facial Respiratory Group(pFRG) in adult male rats

The project aimed to identify key brainstem regions which exhibit projections to the para-Facial Respiratory Group (region of the ventrolateral medulla responsible for active expiration and rhythm generation). Neuronal tracing was facilitated by a unilateral injection of a retrograde virus into the pFRG of adult male rats. In addition to brainstem regions that project to the pFRG, the project also aimed to understand the phenotypes of the neurons in regions projecting to the pFRG. Paid position (by Pagliardini Lab (CIHR))

Common procedures: Retrograde-Virus Injection, Immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, RNAScope (RNA In-situ Hybridization), cryoprotection, thin-sectioning.

Chief of Research Operations
FentaGone Inc, Edmonton AB July 2021 – Present
FentaGone is currently working on an innovative medical device concept with the ability to detect and inform substance users of a potentially fatal overdose before consumption of various substances. I am working with Fentagone’s executive team in designing a study to gather broad feedback from focus groups of substance users about their interest in this harm reduction technology, in order to tailor the technology to their specific needs. I am passionate about working with and advocating for this at-risk population in preventing fatal opioid overdoses.

Co-Program Director
Venture Healthcare (VHC), Edmonton AB June 2020 – October 2021 Students from low socioeconomic (SES) and indigenous backgrounds are less likely to have access to mentors, resources, and opportunities in pursuing careers in healthcare. Our goal at VHC was to reduce barriers for students in obtaining relevant experiences in healthcare. As the co-program director under the supervision of Dr. Jill Konkin, I successfully helped adapt programming to a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through my interactions with the students and upon learning their interests, I connected them with professionals and helped orchestrate their support network with each other.

Physiology Teaching Assistant
University of Alberta, Edmonton AB September 2019 – April 2020 Under the direction of Dr. Jamie Mitchell, weekly tutorial sessions were held for students taking the introductory human physiology courses, Physiology 212 and Physiology 214, and my role was to facilitate the help-sessions with two additional teaching assistants. Assistance was provided to students in the realm of core concepts in human physiology, and scientific writing for assigned term papers.

Undergraduate Research Initiative – Peer Mentor
Undergraduate Research Initiative, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB September 2019 – April 2020 Working with the Undergraduate Research Initiative, my role as a peer mentor was to assist an undergraduate student, particularly at an early stage of their undergraduate career with getting involved in undergraduate research.

Canadian Journal of Undergraduate Research (CJUR) – Journal Editor
University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC May 2018 – May 2021 I oversaw the quality of submitted articles and peer-review of manuscripts, and ensured reviewers and authors submitted required material on time. I also worked with other editors and members to develop the concept for a knowledge translation initiative through which authors could summarize their studies in lay language. Note: Although CJUR is based at UBC, my contributions and responsibilities were carried out remotely via the Open Journal Systems (OJS) publishing system.

Vice President – External
Tutors for Affordable Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB September 2017 – May 2019 In addition to my role as a chemistry/biology tutor, I represented the on-campus tutoring service for high-school students. I was the primary liaison to school staff and maintained clear communication in providing regular updates regarding program scheduling, new initiatives, and answering inquiries from the public.