Our Team

After completing her Bachelor of Science in Biology at UBC in 2023, Michaela began her Master of Science in Zoology in UBC’s renowned comparative physiology group. With a broad interest in the neural control of autonomic processes, her thesis aims to shed light on the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying periodic breathing in neonatal mammals. She has also been volunteering with the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society since 2023, helping rehabilitate hundreds of harbour seal pups. Along with Julia A. and Naeem, she will be assisting in SiLab’s investigation into the anatomical and physiological aspects of swallowing in harbour seals during development to further improve rehabilitation practices. Outside of the lab, Michaela is an avid crocheter and loves trying out new bread recipes (not sourdough though…bread should not be sour).

Megan received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology from UBC. She will be continuing at UBC as she pursues her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. She has experience in preclinical research and is interested in learning more about clinical research with the Si-Lab. She is interested in research related to biomarkers in swallowing and improving patient care. Outside of the lab, Megan supports children who are neurodiverse as a behaviour interventionist and SLPA. 

Julia is a fourth-year Neuroscience student at UBC with experience in clinical environments and neurodegenerative research. She is interested in the intersection between clinical research and patient care, particularly in understanding how interdisciplinary approaches can improve overall quality of life. Julia is passionate about translating findings into meaningful patient outcomes and hopes to pursue a future career in medicine.

Dr. Camilla Dawson is a Consultant Speech and Language Therapist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, one of the biggest hospital Trusts in the UK, hosting the largest single critical care unit in Europe, with 100 bed spaces. Camilla is a clinical academic, working clinically within critical care, with people who have undergone surgical treatment of head and neck cancer and those with altered airways. Camilla is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Institute of Clinical Sciences at the University of Birmingham, and an Honorary Research Associate in the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine at The University of British Columbia.

Camilla’s doctoral research explored dysphagia following head and neck cancer surgery in the acute phase of recovery. This work identified the perspective of the individual following reconstructive surgery and their requirements from the surgical and rehabilitation team to improve outcomes. Her post-doctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia, under the supervision of Dr. Skoretz, explored post extubation dysphagia, the impact of tracheostomy on swallowing and novel comparative medical research investigating swallowing across species.

Camilla has published a range of qualitative and quantitative research with international multi-disciplinary research teams, exploring dysphagia, tracheostomy, patient advocacy, and COVID-19 outcomes. Camilla provides leadership, management and mentorship to a large team of Speech and Language Pathologists and clinical academics. She was the 2021 winner of the British Academic Conference of Otolaryngology Allied Health Professional award and is an invited speaker at national and international conferences exploring dysphagia.