Our Research Members

Christopher M. Yip
Yip, Christopher M.
PhD, PEng
U Of T Appointments

Full Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; Department of Biochemistry; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering
Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research

Contact Information
Dean, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Decanal Chair in Innovation
44 St. George Street
Toronto, ON M5S 2E4
Phone: 416-978-7853
[email protected]
View website
Diabetes Related Research Activities:

Our primary focus is in single molecule biophysics and specifically the interaction between biomolecules, including membrane receptors. Our primary research tools are single molecule microscopies (confocal / TIRF / atomic force) coupled with high-resolution infrared and fluorescence spectroscopies. We are motivated by a keen interest in the functional integration of these techniques to enable single molecule imaging in live cells. Our past efforts have included direct imaging of isolated insulin receptors in model membranes, single molecule force spectroscopy of insulin self-association, and mapping of glucacon fibril formation, and characterization of insulin crystallization by atomic force microscopy.

Catherine Yu
Yu, Catherine
U Of T Appointments

Associate Scientist and Associate Professor, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Other Appointments

Staff Endocrinologist, Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, St. Michael’s Hospital
Adjunct Scientist, Keenan Research Centre in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital

Contact Information
St. Michael's Hospital
61 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON M5C 2T2
Phone: 416-360-4000
[email protected]
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Diabetes Related Research Activities:

My research interests lie in the role of patient and clinician behaviour change in knowledge translation. I am particularly interested in the development of innovative strategies for continuing professional development and patient education in chronic disease management, specifically diabetes care. My projects include the role of interactive self-management websites, order sets, computer-based simulators and interprofessional workshops on knowledge, behavior change, clinical and psychological outcomes. My additional research specialties include endocrinology and medical education. 

Darren Yuen
Yuen, Darren
MD, PhD
U Of T Appointments

Assistant Professor, Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Other Appointments

Staff Physician, Division of Nephrology, St. Michael’s Hospital
Scientist, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute

Contact Information
St. Michael's Hospital
Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute
209 Victoria St.
Toronto, ON M5B 1T8
Phone: 416-864-6060 x77366
Fax: 416-867-3654
[email protected]
View website
Diabetes Related Research Activities:
My research program is focussed on the development of novel therapies targeting the fibrosis and endothelial injury that occurs in the diabetic kidney. As a nephrology clinician scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital, my research involves the use of both cell biology and animal models of diabetic injury. Current work in the lab is devoted to understanding: (1) mechanisms of diabetic endothelial injury, including both the early glomerular angiogenesis and the later capillary rarefaction that occurs in diabetes, (2) novel mechanisms of fibroblast activation in diabetes, including the relevance of fibroblast cytoskeletal rearrangements in this process, and (3) the effects of diabetes on podocyte structure and function.
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