Personnel
Our family of professional researchers bring their experience and acumen together to manage the challenges and projects we take on. We’re always pushing ourselves and each other to try new things and think outside the box. Get to know the people of the Simpson Lab — an unbelievable source of information and inspiration.
Dr. Jeremy Simpson
Principal Investigator
I use classical physiology combined with proteomic techniques to study cardio-respiratory physiology and pathophysiology in multiple areas.
Leslie Ogilvie
PhD Candidate
After completing my undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics here at the U of Guelph, I decided to pursue a MSc in the Human Health and Nutritional Sciences department under the supervision of Dr. Jeremy Simpson. Part way through my MSc, I just couldn’t get enough of research, so I transferred directly into my current PhD program. My research is centered around women’s cardiovascular health and improving our understanding of how the heart relaxes (i.e., diastolic function). Specifically, my work aims to understand how the structure and function of the heart pathologically change with 1) ovarian cancer, and 2) menopause. My technical skills include small animal surgery, histology, and hemodynamic and echocardiographic assessments of the heart. I’m thrilled to work with such talented and dedicated individuals in this lab to answer exciting questions in the cardiovascular and cardio-oncology fields.
Jade Marrow
PhD Candidate
Born and raised in Guelph, I completed my undergraduate degree in the Human Kinetics program at the U of G before starting into the MSc program in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences. Soon after, I transferred into a PhD program and haven't looked back! I've always loved health and sports sciences, which is why my research focuses on ergogenic aids and non-canonical roles of erythropoietin in the body. I feel extremely fortunate to work with the talented, creative, and intelligent individuals from this lab and to be a part of a collaborative and hardworking team.
Razan Alshamali
PhD Student
In the fourth year of my undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph, I took the cardio-respiratory course that Dr. Jeremy Simpson taught. The class quickly became my favourite class that I ever attended in my undergraduate program. I was very intrigued by the laboratory methods we were taught in class, however what pulled me into pursuing a graduate degree were the scientific discussions we had just outside the lecture hall after every lecture. During my Master’s I learned a variety of technical skills including the Langendorff setup, echocardiography, invasive hemodynamics, histology and animal husbandry. My master’s project focused on the effects of endogenous cardiac-derived Erythropoietin on cardiac function. After almost two years away from the lab (and having a baby) I am beyond thrilled to be back and pursuing a PhD degree. My goal for this degree is to explore the clinical aspect of my previous projects and expand on the translatability of the research that we do. I feel very blessed to be surrounded by so many brilliant minds that help me grow daily and satiate my curiosity!
Bridget Coyle-Asbil
PhD Student
I completed my undergraduate degree here at the University of Guelph in the human kinetics program. After falling in love with cardiac physiology I decided to pursue a master’s degree in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences in the Simpson lab! My current research aims to understand the development of diastolic dysfunction in post-menopausal women, with the specific focus on the role of cardiac fibrosis.
Alexa King
MSc Student
During my undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics here at the University of Guelph, I took Dr. Simpson’s cardio-respiratory physiology course and was inspired by the integration of two typically distinct areas. I have always been interested in scientific research and am thrilled to be a master's student in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science. My research incorporates both cardiovascular and respiratory fields by examining the effects of acute myocardial infarction on the heart and lungs.
Lily Hopkinson
MSc Student
While completing my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences here at the University of Guelph, I had the opportunity to conduct both a literature review and various lab projects, and quickly discovered a passion for research. I always had an interest in the cardiovascular system, but my first deep dive into the physiology of the heart was in Dr. Simpson’s cardiorespiratory physiology course. I’m grateful to work as a Master’s student in his lab and for the opportunity to learn from so many intelligent and passionate individuals. My thesis project will focus on exploring the physiological relationship between the heart and the spleen, particularly how the heart responds when the spleen is removed.