SBME Synergy Showcase 2026

The SBME Synergy Undergraduate Summer Research Program is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain paid hands-on research experience in one of UBC’s world-class biomedical engineering labs; partners include researchers from Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH), Genome Science and Technology Graduate Program (GSAT), International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Care Anywhere CREATE, Edwin S. H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, and of course, SBME. During the program, students work on a defined research project with a UBC supervisor, participate in professional development programming, network at student socials, and present their research at our Synergy Showcase.

Learn more about the Synergy program here.

Speaker bio:
Dr. Marissa Lithopoulos is a scientist, musician, and comedian. She currently holds a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on harnessing the potential of stem cells to treat conditions affecting the developing brain. She also provides policy interest holders with accessible information on cutting-edge biotechnologies. Dr. Lithopoulos hosts a live event called, “Science, Stand-Up, & Song” and a podcast called, “Beaker Banter”. Her original science-themed music has over 25,000 listeners from across the world. Dr. Lithopoulos is the recipient of a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship, a Canadian Association for Neuroscience Brain Star Award, and a Michael Smith Laboratories Pathway to Independence Award. In grade 8, Dr. Lithopoulos was voted most likely to become a millionaire. This has not yet come to fruition, but she considers it an accolade nonetheless. To connect, visit drmarissalithopoulos.com.

Check out our event abstract booklet to learn more about the research our students will be presenting:

Synergy Showcase Abstract Booklet