Curriculum Vitae

Distinctions

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    • Recipient of the Alexander Graham Bell doctoral scholarship (CGS D3) by NSERC
    • Nominated for a Banting postdoctoral scholarship by the University of Saskatchewan
    • Nominated for a Killam doctoral scholarship by the University of British Columbia
    • Spearheading setting up an organoid and non-embryonic stem cell facility at the University of Saskatchewan
    • Holds a valid B.C. teaching certificate, and has over a decade of teaching experience
    • Over 1.5 million views across two youtube channels

Education

Ph.D. Thesis

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  1. Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biochemistry & Molecular Biology ❖ University of British Columbia ❖ Kelowna, BC, Canada ❖ 2020
  2. Chemistry credits not used towards a degree ❖ University of the Fraser Valley ❖ Abbotsford, BC, Canada ❖ 2016
  3. Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Curricular Development and Instruction ❖ Simon Fraser University ❖ Burnaby, BC, Canada ❖ 2014
  4. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Biological Sciences ❖ Simon Fraser University ❖ Burnaby, BC, Canada ❖ 2009-2013
  5. Science credits used towards Bachelor of Science ❖ Douglas College ❖ New Westminster, BC, Canada ❖ 2009-2012

Employment

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Postdoctoral Fellow ❖ University of Saskatchewan ❖ Saskatoon, SK, Canada ❖ 2020-2021

    • Spearheading setting up an organoid and non-embryonic stem cell facility
    • Characterizing cellular functions of brain organoids using a novel methodology with aims to subequently use this data to investigate therapies and diagnostic tools for age-related diseases in elderly and children

Teaching Assistant ❖ University of British Columbia ❖ Kelowna, BC, Canada ❖ 2017-2020

    • Taught statistics in a variety of courses, using R and Python for graphing and statistical analysis
    • Collaborated with instructors and professors to design scaffolded questions and learning-objective oriented questions for exams and assignments
    • Partnered with instructors and professors to improve curriculum design, leading to improved student learning (see #9,13 under presentations)
    • Assisted teaching the following courses: Biochemical Basis of Disease, Environmental Microbiology, Introductory Microbiology, Developmental Biology, Biology for Science Majors I, Biology for Science Majors II, Introduction to Biostatistics, 3rd Year Biochemistry Lab

Senior Lab Member ❖ University of British Columbia ❖ Kelowna, BC, Canada ❖ 2017-2020

    • Mentored several undergraduate and graduate students, leading to their publication of first-author primary manuscripts
    • Supervised several directed studies and honours projects of undergraduate and undergraduate students, respectively
    • Generated unique projects and research directions for the lab
    • Managed a relational database for chemical and biological inventory

Teacher ❖ Hope Secondary ❖ Hope, BC, Canada ❖ 2015-2016

    • Designed and taught problem-based curriculum for Biology 11 and Biology 12
    • Implemented modern scientific literacy into curriculum
    • Co-managed special education department, focusing on improving student’s academic and life skills
    • Designed individualized education plans (IEPs) for students, and implemented them into their yearly curriculum

Teacher ❖ Flying Colours Learning Centre ❖ New Westminster, BC, Canada ❖ 2014-2015

    • Provided supplementary support to students completing their post-secondary degree
    • Designed and facilitated curriculum for grade 8 through second year university students, including advanced placement (AP), honours, international baccalaureate (IB), english as a second language (ESL) students, and students with documented learning disability

Teacher ❖ Cariboo High School ❖ New Westminster, BC, Canada ❖ 2014

    • Taught Science 8, Science 10, Biology 11, and AP Biology 11 with 32 students
    • Coordinated with special education staff to appropriately support and assess students with individualized education plans (IEPs)
    • Engaged students with creative self-designed projects and labs focus on utilizing new media and creativity

Project Development ❖ Overmined Entertainment ❖ Vancouver, BC, Canada ❖ 2010-2015

    • Organized and coordinated a team of 9 people for filming events
    • Interacted with and organized large capacity events for underage persons
    • Created and maintained official website and social media of company
    • Delegated with clients to produce desired photography, cinematography and audio branding

Teacher ❖ Oxford Learning ❖ Coquitlam, BC, Canada ❖ 2012-2014

    • Taught grades eight through twelve biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and English
    • Taught over two dozen students each school year
    • Focused on relating current learning to their university and college educational interests
    • Adapted lesson plans to each student’s individual learning profile and preferences

Online Teaching Assistant ❖ Douglas College ❖ New Westminster, BC, Canada ❖ 2010-2012

    • Tutored all levels of grade and post-secondary school in science, mathematics, nursing and English
    • Tutored over a four hundred different people, successfully helping them through their course
    • Tutored students through many applications such as Microsoft Word, Skype, online Tablet PC conferencing, and Jing
    • Taught PHYS 1110 temporarily and ran after class tutorial for PHYS 1110 under Kuros Gadareh
    • Ran after class tutorial for MATH 1120 under Larry Tomboulian

Media Designer ❖ ScrewAttack LLC ❖ Fort Worth, Texas, USA ❖ 2009-2010

    • Designed and coded physical, as well as digital, media for several DVD products, including Metal Gear Ben and Too Hot for the Internet

Publications

ORCID
Google Scholar

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a. Articles published or accepted in peer-reviewed journals

    1. Wenzel TJ, Ranger AL, McRae SA, Klegeris A. (2021). Original Research: Extracellular cardiolipin modulates microglial phagocytosis and cytokine secretion in a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-dependent manner. J. Neuroimmunol. 353: 577496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577496
    2. Wenzel TJ, Gates EJ, Ranger AL, Klegeris A. (2020). Original Research: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) alone or in combination regulate select immune functions of microglia-like cells. Mol. Cell. Neurosci. 105: 103493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103493
    3. Wenzel TJ, Kwong E, Bajwa E, Klegeris A. (2020). Review: Resolution-associated molecular patterns (RAMPs) as endogenous regulators of glia functions in neuroinflammatory disease. C.N.S. Neurol. Disord. Drug Targets 19: 483-94.  https://doi.org/10.2174/1871527319666200702143719
    4. Lowry JR, Marshall N, Wenzel TJ, Murray, TE, Klegeris A. (2020). Original Research: The dietary fatty acids α-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA) selectively inhibit microglial nitric oxide production. Mol. Cell. Neurosci. 109: 103569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103569
    5. Wenzel TJ, Bajwa E, Klegeris A. (2019). Original Research: Cytochrome c can be released into extracellular space and modulate functions of human astrocytes in a toll-like receptor 4-dependent manner. Biochim. Biophys. Acta Gen. Subj. 1863: 129400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.07.009
    6. Leitner G, Wenzel TJ, Marshall N, Gates E, Klegeris A. (2019). Review: Targeting toll-like receptor 4 to modulate neuroinflammation in central nervous system disorders.  Expert Opin. Ther. Targets. 23: 865-82. https://doi.org/10.1080/14728222.2019.1676416
    7. Pointer C, Wenzel TJ, Klegeris A. (2018). Original Research: Extracellular cardiolipin regulates select immune functions of microglia and microglia-like cells. Brain Res. Bullet. 146: 153-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.01.002
    8. Wenzel TJ, Klegeris, A. (2018). Review: Novel multi-target directed ligand-based strategies for reducing neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease. Life Sci. 207: 314-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2018.06.025

b. Articles submitted to peer-reviewed journals or in revision

    1. Murray TE, Wenzel TJ, Simtchouk S, Gibon J, Klegeris A. (2021). Original Research: Extracellular cardiolipin modulates select immune functions of astrocytes in toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-dependent manner. Submitted to Mediators Inflamm.
    2. Wenzel TJ, Haskey N, Kwong E, Gates EJ, Gibson DL, Klegeris A. (2021). Original Research: Dietary fats modulate neuroinflammation in mucin 2 knock out mice model of spontaneous colitis. Submitted to Biochim. Biophys. Acta Mol. Basis Dis.

Presentations

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  1. Murray TE, Wenzel TJ, Simtchouk S, Gibon J, Klegeris A. Extracellular cardiolipin regulates select immune functions of astrocyte-like cells in a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-dependent manner. Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2021. Colorado, USA: Poster Presentation.
  2. Wenzel TJ. (cancelled due to COVID pandemic). Title to be determined. 2020 ISN-JNC Flagship School. Alpbach, Austria: Presentation Style To Be Determined. Competitive entry.
  3. Murray T, Wenzel TJ, Klegeris A. (2021). Extracellular cardiolipin regulates select immune functions of astrocyte-like cells in a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-dependent manner. Virtual Glia 2021. Online: Poster Presentation.
  4. Wenzel TJ. (2020). An Introduction to the Gut-Brain Axis. USask Psychiatry 851: Introductory Neuroscience. Saskatoon, SK, Canada: Guest Lecture. https://wnzl.ca/PSIA851-GutBrainAxisVideos
  5. Wenzel TJ, Ranger A, Murray T, McRae S, Klegeris A. (2020). Extracellular cardiolipin modulates glial phagocytosis and cytokine secretion in a toll-like receptor 4-dependent manner. Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2020. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Poster Presentation. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.047338
  6. Murray T, Wenzel TJ, Klegeris A. (2020). Cardiolipin regulates select functions of astrocytes dysregulated in chronic neuroinflammatory states. Cell-to-Cell Metabolic Cross-Talk in Physiology and Pathology. Online: Poster Presentation. https://doi.org/10.3390/Cells2020-08926 
  7. Murray T, Wenzel TJ, Klegeris A. (2020). Extracellular cardiolipin regulates select immune functions of astrocytes in a TLR-4 dependent manner. Undergraduate Research Conference. Kelowna, BC: Poster Presentation.
  8. Wenzel TJ, Ranger A, Klegeris A. (2019). Extracellular cardiolipin (CL) modulates microglial phagocytosis and cytokine secretion in a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-dependent manner. 9th International DAMPs and Alarmins Symposium. Okayama, Japan: Poster Presentation.
  9. Wenzel TJ, Ranger A, Klegeris A. (2019). Extracellular cardiolipin (CL) modulates microglial phagocytosis and cytokine secretion in a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-dependent manner. UBCO Biology Graduate Symposium 2019. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Poster Presentation.
  10. Wenzel TJ, Bajwa E, Rheault MR, Klegeris A. (2019). Extracellular cytochrome c modulates astrocyte functions in a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-dependent manner. 15th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Lisbon, Portugal: Poster Presentation.
  11. Wenzel TJ. (2019). Probiotics reduce cytokine secretions, as well as claudin 5 loss, induced by gut inflammation in vivo. Brown Bag Seminar. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Invited Oral Presentation.
  12. Wenzel TJ. (2019). Host-microbial interactions: symbiotic associated and normal flora. UBCO Biology 232: Human Infectious Disease. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Guest Lecture.
  13. Wenzel TJ. (2018). Research methods in pharmacology. UBCO Biochemistry 308: Pharmacology I.  Kelowna, BC, Canada: Guest Lecture.
  14. Wenzel TJ, Bajwa E, Rheault MR, Klegeris A. (2018). Extracellular cytochrome c modulates astrocytic phagocytosis and cytokine secretion in a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-dependent manner. UBCO Biology Graduate Symposium 2018. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Poster Presentation.
  15. Wenzel TJ, Gustafsson E, Hurren H, Klegeris A. (2018). Generic problem-solving skills are distinct from the academic ability of students and could be developed through experiential learning. 14th Annual Learning Conference. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Oral Presentation.
  16. Wenzel TJ, Pointer C, Klegeris A. (2018). Extracellular cardiolipin modulates microglial phagocytosis and their cytokine secretion in a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-dependent manner. 12th Annual Canadian Neuroscience Meeting. Vancouver, BC, Canada: Poster Presentation.
  17. Wenzel TJ. (2018). The pharmacology of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. UBCO Biochemistry 308: Pharmacology I. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Guest Lecture.
  18. Wenzel TJ, Edwards C, Klegeris A. (2017). Pro-inflammatory molecules released by activated microglia are not attenuated by individual short-chain fatty acids. UBCO Biology Graduate Symposium 2017. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Poster Presentation.
  19. Wenzel TJ, Hurren H, Klegeris A. (2017). Tutor-less problem-based learning: Effects on problem-solving skills in large science undergraduate classes. 13th Annual Learning Conference. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Poster Presentation.
  20. Wenzel TJ. (2017). The pathophysiology of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. UBCO Biochemistry 407: Biochemical Basis of Disease. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Guest Lecture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJeo-mxxUek

Media Attention

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  1. Wenzel TJ, Klegeris A. (2020). Extracellular cytochrome c: a novel damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) of the brain. Atlas of Science. https://atlasofscience.org/extracellular-cytochrome-c-a-novel-damage-associated-molecular-pattern-damp-of-the-brain/

Training

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  1. Pluripotent Stem Cell (Organoid) Training Workshop ❖ STEMCELL Technologies ❖ Vancouver, BC, Canada ❖ 2020
  2. Interactive Computational Neuroscience Workshop ❖ Neuromatch Academy ❖ Online ❖ 2020
  3. British Columbia Teaching Certificate (Valid 2014 – Present) ❖ Simon Fraser University ❖ Burnaby, BC, Canada ❖ 2014
  4. College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) Level III: Master Certified Tutor ❖ Douglas College ❖ New Westminster, BC, Canada ❖ 2011

Techniques

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Science

  1. Inducible pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) maintenance and differentiation
  2. Organoid generation (e.g. brain with microglia, intestinal) and downstream data analysis
  3. Cryosectioning
  4. Western blotting
  5. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs)
  6. Primary human and murine glia (non-neuronal cell) extraction (e.g. microglia and astrocytes)
  7. Widefield and confocal fluorescence microscopy
  8. Immunostaining
  9. Molecular ligand-receptor docking in silico
  10. Statistical analysis with R
  11. Cell culturing (e.g. primary human cells, stem cells, primary mouse cells, cell lines)
  12. Solid phase extractions
  13. Liquid-chromatography mass-spectrophotometry analysis
  14. Protein extraction from tissue and normalization (e.g. bicinchoninic acid assay and Bradford’s assay)
  15. Independent manuscript preparation
  16. Stereotaxic Injections

Education

  1. Problem-based learning activities, culminating in a cumulative project
  2. Learning-objective oriented curriculum development
  3. Formative assesements and guided questioning
  4. Implementing interim and self-assessment into curriculum design
  5. Learning-objective oriented, balanced, summative assessments
  6. Learning-objective based grading
  7. Course content delivery using flipped classroom, didactic, and creative-learning teaching methods

Awards

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  1. Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS D3) ❖ Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) ❖ 2020
  2. 2020 International Society of Neurochemistry-Journal of Neurochemistry (ISN-JNC) Flagship School Award ❖ ISN-JNC ❖ 2020
  3. University Graduate Fellowship ❖ University of British Columbia ❖ 2018-2020
  4. Graduate Travel Grant ❖ University of British Columbia ❖ 2018-2019
  5. Irving K. Barber Transfer Scholarship ❖ Irving K Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society ❖ 2010
  6. Ken Caple Entrance Scholarship ❖ Simon Fraser University ❖ 2010-2011
  7. President’s Entrance Scholarship ❖ Douglas College ❖ 2009-2011

Volunteer & Service

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Volunteer Judge for Institutional Events ❖ University of Saskatchewan ❖ Saskatoon, SK, Canada ❖ 2020-2021

  • Provided a score and feedback for presentations at the following institutional events: (1) 2021 Life and Health Sciences Research Expo, (2) 2020 University of Saskatchewan Student Union (USSU) Undergraduate Research Symposium , (3) 2020 and 2021 Student Undergraduate Research Experience Symposium, (4) 7th Annual Three Minute Thesis Competition

Volunteer Research Assistant ❖ Simon Fraser University ❖ Burnaby, BC, Canada ❖ 2015-2016

  • Setup and disassembled water flow-through system containing salmon eggs
  • Monitored the alkalinity, oxygenation, and flow rate of the water flow-through system
  • Recorded developmental abnormalities of salmon in response to varying concentrations of agricultural pesticides

Student Ambassador ❖ Douglas College ❖ New Westminster, BC, Canada ❖ 2009-2013

  • Spearheaded several charity fundraisers which raised thousands of dollars
  • Organized and led student orientation
  • Facilitated graduation ceremonies

Student Representative for Scheduling Committee ❖ Douglas College ❖ New Westminster, BC, Canada ❖ 2010-2011

  • Elected by senior institutional administration to be the student representative at meetings discussing course scheduling
  • Responsible for collecting the concerns of other students about the course schedule
  • Expressed the concerns of students about times that courses were scheduled, as well as the amount of sections offered for each course, at administrative meetings.

Associations

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  • Canadian Association of Neuroscience
  • International Society for Neurochemistry