Our lab is proud to share that Dr. Paola Marignani has been named one of the 2026 recipients of the Alumni of Distinction Award from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University. This award recognizes alumni who have made meaningful contributions to research, healthcare, and their broader communities. Dr. Marignani completed her MSc in Neurobiology at Western, where she developed early foundations in biomedical research that continue to inform her work today.

Her research has focused on understanding the molecular basis of cancer and exploring how these insights can be translated into approaches that improve patient outcomes. Alongside this work, she has remained committed to mentoring trainees and supporting the development of early-career researchers across academic and applied settings.

From Western’s announcement:

Paola Marignani, PhD, is a Full Professor at Dalhousie University, whose research leadership has advanced fundamental understanding of HER2-positive breast cancer and lung cancer. Her work is known for developing innovative mouse models that recapitulate both human breast and lung cancers, helping to uncover key signaling and metabolic vulnerabilities that have informed novel combination treatment strategies, including approaches that progressed toward clinical testing.

Internationally recognized for her contributions, she holds prominent governance positions for international cancer organizations, conference leadership roles and editorial appointments, and is frequently invited to present her discoveries and innovations on the international stage. Bridging the gap between science and commercialization, Marignani serves as a mentor scientist and business strategist for Creative Destruction Lab-Atlantic and Cancer Streams.

Marignani is also a pioneer in applying single‑cell transcriptomics, machine learning and advanced computational approaches to cancer biology, expanding how complex cellular states are analyzed and interpreted. Equally impactful is her commitment to strengthening the research ecosystem through mentorship, infrastructure development and inclusive leadership. Her work bridges discovery and application while prioritizing equity, reflected in patient‑engaged and disparity‑focused research initiatives that connect scientific innovation with real‑world impact.

Working in a focused research environment allows for close collaboration and a high degree of involvement in all aspects of the work. This recognition reflects not only Dr. Marignani’s contributions, but also the values that shape our lab’s approach: curiosity, rigor, and a commitment to advancing meaningful science.

Full announcement at https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/about/news-events-community/news/2026/six-alumni-honoured-with-2026-alumni-of-distinction-awards.html