Stories that inspire: A trainee alumna spotlight at Canadian Blood Services’ Research Day 2026

Canadian Blood Services’ Research Day is a by-invitation annual event designed to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and highlight the ongoing scientific work carried out by members of our extended research and education network. It also serves as a professional development opportunity for emerging scientists. 

Following last year’s example, the Research Day agenda featured a trainee alumna spotlight as an inspiring reminder of the impact our training programs have on shaping the next generation of leaders in health research. Dr. Melika Loriamini is a former trainee in the laboratory of Canadian Blood Services’ senior scientist Dr. Don Branch, a recipient of the Dana Devine Award in 2024, and is continuing her career in the blood system.

We invited Dr. Loriamini to share a few comments and reflections following the event.

As a trainee, how did you engage with Canadian Blood Services’ research and education network?

• Dr. Loriamini:  As a PhD trainee in Dr. Don Branch’s laboratory, I actively participated in Canadian Blood Services’ research environment through collaborative projects, seminars, trainee events, and scientific discussions. These opportunities allowed me to build valuable connections, strengthen my research skills, and gain a deeper understanding of transfusion medicine and the blood system.

What does your day-to-day role look like now?

• Dr. Loriamini:  I recently returned to work as a Clinical Laboratory Manager at Humber River Health. My role involves overseeing laboratory operations, supporting quality and process improvement initiatives, mentoring staff/students, and working closely with clinical teams to ensure high-quality patient care and laboratory services.

What learnings, experience, or supports from your time at Canadian Blood Services have you found to be most valuable as you’ve continued your career in the blood system?

• Dr. Loriamini:  My time at Canadian Blood Services taught me how to think critically, approach problems scientifically, and remain resilient when facing challenges. Beyond technical research skills such as experimental design, data analysis, and validation, I developed important professional skills including collaboration, adaptability, and leadership. Most importantly, the mentorship I received from Dr. Branch helped shape both my scientific thinking and my professional growth, and those lessons continue to influence my work every day.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for young trainees who are considering embarking on a career in transfusion-related research and/or the blood system?

• Dr. Loriamini:  Follow your goals even when the path is not straightforward. Research and healthcare careers often involve unexpected challenges, but persistence, flexibility, and continuous learning can open many opportunities. Find mentors who inspire and support you, stay curious, and remember that setbacks are often valuable learning experiences that can lead to growth and new discoveries.

Are there any other comments you’d like to share about attending Research Day?

• Dr. Loriamini:  It was a privilege to reconnect with former colleagues, mentors, and trainees and to see the exciting work being done across the organization. I especially enjoyed sharing my journey and hopefully encouraging trainees to pursue their goals with confidence and perseverance. It was also a meaningful opportunity to thank Canadian Blood Services and Dr. Branch for the role they played in shaping my career.

Want to know more about Canadian Blood Services and how it supports the next generation of leaders in health and science? Visit our Research pages on blood.ca to explore our research team, funded research projects, and more.

Canadian Blood Services – Driving world-class innovation 

Through discovery, development and applied research, Canadian Blood Services drives world-class innovation in blood transfusion, cellular therapy and transplantation—bringing clarity and insight to an increasingly complex healthcare future. Our dedicated research team and extended network of partners engage in exploratory and applied research to create new knowledge, inform and enhance best practices, contribute to the development of new services and technologies, and build capacity through training and collaboration. Find out more about our research impact.  

The opinions reflected in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Canadian Blood Services nor do they reflect the views of Health Canada or any other funding agency.