Stephen Holland

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT STEPHEN HOLLAND

A PhD Candidate studying at the University of Ottawa with a strong background in biochemistry, post-translational modifications (glycosylation and phosphorylation), animal research and creation of cell-based models. Currently contributing my work with Dr. Hanns Lochmuller at the Children\'s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute. My journey began with a Bachelor\'s degree in Biochemistry from Carleton University where I found my passion for research. I then proceeded to study at the University of Ottawa for my Master\'s where I joined Dr. Cowan\'s research lab at the Children\'s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute. Here, I studied novel therapeutic strategies for an aggressive pediatric cancer called neuroblastoma. In addition, I studied the role of abnormal post-translational modification had on a protein channel called Pannexin 1, which occurred in patient-derived neuroblastoma cell lines. Here, I learned the value of animal research, and the how to formulate a research question, and produce publication worthy data. I transitioned to the world of neuromuscular research with the world-renowned neuromuscular specialist Dr. Hanns Lochmuller. He and his team study various neuromuscular disorders, and aim to not only further elucidate the pathomechanism but also find novel therapeutic strategies. My PhD focused on elucidating the pathomechanism of glycosylation-based congenital myasthenic syndromes. Here, mouse and cell based models were prepared and studied, leading to more outstanding results. During my PhD, I became interested in science policy, advocating for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and researchers from across Canada to improve their funding at the federal level. I became executive members of both the Ottawa Science Policy Network and Support Our Science. Here, we spoke with politicans explaining the need to improve funding of research and its researchers. In 2024, funding of over $3 billion was approved in the federal budget leading to substantial increase in funding that Canada provides to research. In this role, I continue to learn the power of communication, and perseverance, one goal that I continue to use in my research today.