Research in focus: Jessica Kalra

Name:

Jessica Kalra

My pronouns:

she/her

Title:

Assistant Professor (EL)

Faculty/Department/Unit:

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Location:

Vancouver

Year I started working at UBC:

2021

Provide an overview of your research in 75 words or less:

Complex in vitro models (CIVM) such as organoids and organ-on-chip represent advanced tools for studying biological processes and drug effects in a controlled laboratory setting. By incorporating multiple cell types, extracellular matrix components, and dynamic conditions (e.g., fluid flow or mechanical forces), CIVMs provide a more physiologically relevant alternative to traditional 2D cell cultures. My lab is working on overcoming the challenges which remain as barriers to widespread adoption.

What do you hope will change as a result of this research?

I hope this research improves the translation from drug discovery to clinical application. By developing innovative models and methodologies, I believe we can improve the predictive power of drug discovery research while reducing reliance on animal studies. This shift could enhance the efficiency and ethical standards of research, accelerating the development of effective therapies. My goal is for this work to foster more reliable and humane drug development pipelines, benefiting both science and society.

Are there any research collaborators you'd like to acknowledge and why?

I would like to acknowledge my talented multidisciplinary team, whose expertise makes our research possible. Science is inherently complex, and no one person can address all its challenges. Our chemists, formulation scientists, cell and tissue culture experts, physicians and industry partners collaborate to ensure our work is rigorous and impactful. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, creating a synergy that strengthens our ability to tackle complex problems and deliver robust, translational biomedical research.

What have you learned during your research that has surprised you the most?

What surprised me most during my research is the profound synergy between teaching and research. Research enriches my teaching by providing real-world examples, fresh insights, and up-to-date evidence, making complex concepts more relatable for students. Conversely, teaching challenges me to simplify, rethink, and clarify ideas, often sparking new research questions. This dynamic interplay has shown me how deeply these roles are intertwined, each continuously enhancing and shaping the other in meaningful ways.

Describe any interesting research milestones you are approaching

As we approach the five-year mark, my lab is reaching an exciting milestone: publishing the first series of studies from research initiated in a space previously unused for this purpose. Building the lab from the ground up, recruiting multidisciplinary collaborators, and establishing a strong foundation has been a transformative journey. These upcoming publications reflect not just scientific progress but the culmination of years of effort to create a thriving research environment.