Dr. Iacovos Michael, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Dr. Iacovos Michael earned his MSc in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. He carried out his postdoctoral training in the Swiss Institute of Cancer Research at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, under the mentorship of Dr. Douglas Hanahan, during which he examined the regulation of cancer plasticity and metastasis. His work has been published in high-profile scientific journals and recognized by prestigious awards and fellowships, such as from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the International Human Frontier Science Program Organization. Dr. Michael is currently a Canada Research Chair in Tumor Biology and Precision Oncology, a Scientist at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto.

Lab Manager

Rusha has been a Research Technician in Michael's Lab since August 2023. She manages the lab and takes care of the animal facility on a day-to-day basis. She completed her Master's in Biotechnology in 2017 at Symbiosis International (Deemed University) and then worked four years at the Department of Biotechnology, Gov. of India-National Centre for Cell Science (DBT-NCCS) in India. Rusha has expertise in Neurogenetics research and Neural imaging. Beyond the lab, she is a devoted "dog and cat magnet," finding joy in frequent interactions with furry companions and proving that science and snuggles go hand-in-paw! 🐾✨

Postdoctoral Fellow

Nilakshi received an Honors degree in B.Sc. Pharmacy and an M.Sc. degree in Genetic Diagnostics from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Subsequently, she was a Lecturer (2011-2016) in the Pharmacy Degree program of the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Nilakshi then completed her PhD in Medical Sciences (2020) at Kanazawa University, Japan, under the supervision of Professor Chiaki Takahashi (Division of Medicine), during which she was awarded the Japanese Government MEXT scholarship. Nilakshi joined the Michael lab as a Postdoctoral Fellow in 2022. Her main projects aim to dissect the role of Hmgb3 in cancer plasticity and develop pre-clinical models for neuroendocrine cancers. Outside the lab, Nilakshi enjoys baking and traveling.

PhD student

Zoey completed her Master’s in Biological Science (Pathology) at the University of Cambridge and began her PhD in the Michael lab in September 2022. She is working to understand the role of neuronal mimicry in tumour progression. Zoey is a recipient of a Doctoral Research Award from the Cancer Research Society. Outside of the lab, Zoey may be found enjoying a good book, a cozy cup of tea, and a couple gin-and-tonics with friends. 

PhD student

William obtained HBSc in Molecular Biology and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto and joined the Michael lab in January 2024 as a PhD student in Medical Biophysics. He aims to explore the molecular signatures of metastatic cancers. William is a recipient of the QEII-GSST Award. In his personal time, William is also a badminton player, powerlifting enthusiast, drummer, snowboarder, and can enjoy some good margaritas. 

PhD student; co-supervised by Dr. Chao Wang

Bronte earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph and her Master’s in Cancer Research and Precision Oncology from the University of Glasgow. She joined the Michael lab in 2025 as a PhD student and, in collaboration with the Wang lab, is interested in the role of the nervous system in cancer progression. Outside of her academic pursuits, Bronte is learning to snowboard, and enjoys exploring new musicals, and finding new food tours around the city. 

PhD student

Areeba completed her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Physiology from the University of Toronto in 2022. She then worked as a research technician in the Michael lab, during which she established a syngeneic mouse model of breast cancer brain metastasis. She started her PhD in the Michael lab in May 2025. She is interested in studying the interactions between neurons and cancer cells in the brain. When Areeba is not in the lab, she enjoys watching football, learning how to play the guitar, and dancing.

Research Technician  

Manjusha joined the Michael and Dinakaran Labs as a Research Technician in November 2024. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering from SRM University (Deemed), Chennai, India. Previously, she worked at the W.I.A. Adyar Cancer Institute, where she contributed to developing therapeutic strategies for oral cancer and oral submucous fibrosis. Her research focuses on glioblastoma and nanotechnology. Beyond the lab, Manjusha draws inspiration from the world of art, channeling her creativity into painting vibrant canvases that reflect her deep connection to colors and imagination.

Co-op Student  

Selin is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, studying Pharmacology & Biomedical Toxicology Specialist and Immunology Minor programs. She joined the Michael lab as co-op student in May 2025. She studies the role of BH3 mimetics in initiating apoptosis in NETs to understand their potential as neuroendocrine cancer therapeutics. Beyond research, she is also a soprano, clarinetist, volunteer for an environmental NGO, and enjoys exploring art markets and cafes around town.

Summer Student  

Lufei is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto (Class of 2027) pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Life Science. As a 2025 summer researcher in the Michael Lab, she studies the role of CARTPT in GEP-NET metastases, employing techniques such as lentiviral shRNA-mediated gene knockdown, intrasplenic injections in mice to establish liver metastases, and bioluminescent imaging to monitor tumour progression. Beyond research, she enjoys playing the piano and longboarding.