The Van Raamsdonk Lab

Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute
University of British Columbia (UBC)

Welcome to the Van Raamsdonk Lab.  Led by Dr. Catherine Van Raamsdonk, we are located in the Life Sciences Institute at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

We study pigment cells, called melanocytes, to understand both their normal development and the process by which they are transformed into malignant melanoma. Click on the "Research" tab above to learn more.


Click on the "Publications" tab to download open access versions of lab publications.



Recent highlights from the lab:

  • The LSI during one of its many (pre-Covid) Research sharing days
    The LSI during one of its many (pre-Covid) Research sharing days
  • Roula Farag successfully defended her thesis and graduated in May 2021!
    Roula Farag successfully defended her thesis and graduated in May 2021!
  • Convocation ceremony for graduate students, Oscar Urtatiz and Fagun Jain. Congratulations! November 2019
    Convocation ceremony for graduate students, Oscar Urtatiz and Fagun Jain. Congratulations! November 2019
  • Our paper was featured on the cover of PCMR in Nov 2020. This is CNS melanoma in the mouse.
    Our paper was featured on the cover of PCMR in Nov 2020. This is CNS melanoma in the mouse.
  • Dr. Mugdha Deo is now a Senior Clinical Scientist leading clinical trials at Immunocore! - Dec 2020
    Dr. Mugdha Deo is now a Senior Clinical Scientist leading clinical trials at Immunocore! - Dec 2020
  • Dr. Oscar Urtatiz recently accepted a Scientist position at Gemina Labs - March 2021
    Dr. Oscar Urtatiz recently accepted a Scientist position at Gemina Labs - March 2021
  • Van Raamsdonk Lab at the Molecular Genetics Wing retreat - June 2019
    Van Raamsdonk Lab at the Molecular Genetics Wing retreat - June 2019
  • Fagun Jain is the Microsurgery Lab and Research Coordinator at Vancouver General Hospital! June 2020
    Fagun Jain is the Microsurgery Lab and Research Coordinator at Vancouver General Hospital! June 2020
The LSI during one of its many (pre-Covid) Research sharing days
The LSI during one of its many (pre-Covid) Research sharing days

Roula Farag's presentation in the 3MT competition. Congratulations Roula!

December 2021 publication in eLife

                              Co-culture of melanocytes (red) 
                          and keratinocytes (by Oscar Urtatiz)

Thank you to the funding sources for research in our lab: