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-Present

    • 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 Developer ❖ 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, Haskey N, Kwong E, Gates EJ, Gibson DL, Klegeris A. (2022). Original Research: Dietary fats modulate neuroinflammation in mucin 2 knock out mice model of spontaneous colitis. Biochim. Biophys. Acta Mol. Basis Dis. 1868: 166336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166336
    2. 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. Mediators Inflamm. In press.
    3. 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
    4. 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
    5. 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
    6. 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
    7. 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
    8. 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
    9. 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
    10. 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. Three articles in preparation.

Presentations

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  1. Wenzel TJ, Alcorn J, Mousseau DD (2022). Title to be determined. International Society of Neurochemistry and the Asian Pacific Society of Neurochemistry 2022 Meeting. Honolulu, HI, USA: Poster Presentation.
  2. Wenzel TJ, Alcorn J, Mousseau DD (2022). Repairing embryoid bodies restore the normal development and cytoarchitecture of novel brain organoids with cells of astrocyte, microglia, neuron and oligodendrocyte lineage. 15th Annual Canadian Neuroscience Meeting. Toronto, ON, Canada: Poster Presentation.
  3. Taryn M, Wenzel TJ, Noyovitz Narayana BK, Gray TE, Le J, He J, Simtchouk S, Gibon J, Mousseau DD, Zandberg WF, Klegeris A. (2022). Extracellular cardiolipin enhances the uptake of amyloid-β(1-42) by microglia and brain organoids. 33rd Hybrid World Congress of Neuropsychopharmacology. Taipei, Taiwan: Poster Presentation.
  4. Wenzel TJ. (2022). Search for a cure: modelling Alzheimer disease using animal models, cell monolayers and organoids. UBCO Biochemistry 407: Biochemical Basis of Disease. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Guest Lecture.
  5. 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. Online (pandemic): Poster Presentation.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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. Online (pandemic): Poster Presentation. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.047338
  10. 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 
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Wenzel TJ. (2019). Host-microbial interactions: symbiotic associated and normal flora. UBCO Biology 232: Human Infectious Disease. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Guest Lecture.
  17. Wenzel TJ. (2018). Research methods in pharmacology. UBCO Biochemistry 308: Pharmacology I.  Kelowna, BC, Canada: Guest Lecture.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. Wenzel TJ. (2018). The pharmacology of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. UBCO Biochemistry 308: Pharmacology I. Kelowna, BC, Canada: Guest Lecture.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
    Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this award was provided as a travel award to the ISN-ASPN 2022 meeting in Honolulu, HI, USA
  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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Trainee Communication Committee Member & Secretary ❖ Stem Cell Network ❖ Ottawa, ON, Canada ❖ 2022-Present

  • Help organize Canada’s yearly stem cell conference (Till & McCulloch Meetings)
  • Brainstorm and execute learning opportunities for trainees throughout the year as well as at the Till & McCulloch Meetings
  • Recruit experts for panels at the Till & McCulloch Meetings
  • Write detailed records of all communication between committee members

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 and 2021 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