Meet the Team
MS Innovation Program Co-Leads
Dr. V. Wee Yong and Dr. Sarah Morrow
V. Wee Yong, PhD
Dr. V. Wee Yong is a scientist, mentor, and champion for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). As a Professor at the University of Calgary and a world-renowned leader in MS research, his groundbreaking discoveries have shaped how we think about repair and recovery in MS.
For Dr. Yong, science is deeply personal—it’s about improving lives. He co-leads the MS Innovation Program to accelerate new treatments and ensure that research is guided by the voices of people living with MS. His goal is simple yet profound—to move discoveries from the lab to real impact in people’s lives. His passion and leadership continue to inspire a future where repair and recovery from MS are truly possible.
Sarah Morrow, MD
Dr. Sarah Morrow is a clinician, educator, and advocate for people living with MS. As a Neurologist, Professor and MS Clinic Director at the University of Calgary, she has dedicated her career to improving care and quality of life for those affected by MS. Her clinical research has advanced how cognitive changes and symptoms in MS are understood and managed, helping shape more compassionate and effective care.
For Dr. Morrow, every discovery begins with listening to the experiences of people with MS. She co-leads the MS Innovation Program to bridge research and real-world care, ensuring that new insights lead to better outcomes for patients. Her vision and commitment continue to drive a future where innovation in MS research translates into tangible hope and improved lives.
MS Innovation Program Team Members
Drs. Katayoun Alikhani, Jeff Biernaskie, Lenora Brown, Tyson Brust, Jodie Burton, Kevin Busche, Carlos Camara-Lemarroy, Fiona Costello, Antoine Dufour, Jeff Dunn, Maryam Faiz, Richard Frayne, Bradley Goodyear, Adrianna Giuffre, Colleen Harris, Scott Jarvis, Marcus Koch, Hedwich Kuipers, Jonathan Krett, Wei-Qiao Liu, Alexander Lohman, Aaron Mackie, Dan McGowan, Rajiv Midha, Sarah Morrow, Shalina Ousman, Gerald Pfeffer, Bruce Pike, Jodie Roberts, Pere Santamaria, Peter Stys, Robin Yates, Michael Yeung, V Wee Yong, Yunyan Zhang
MS Program Manager: Dr. Trisha Lichtenberger
Scientific Advisory Board
Soheila Karimi
Dr. Soheila Karimi is a Professor and Vice-Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Manitoba and founding Director of the Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre. She leads an internationally recognized research program developing regenerative therapies to repair the brain and spinal cord in multiple sclerosis, with a strong focus on translating discoveries toward future treatments. A respected leader in the MS research community, Dr. Karimi has held numerous national and international leadership roles, is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers, and continues to advance collaboration and innovation in MS research across Canada.
Jack Antel
Dr. Jack Antel is a Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University and one of Canada's most influential multiple sclerosis researchers. Over the past four decades, his pioneering work has transformed our understanding of the immune and nervous system interactions that drive MS and has helped shape the development of modern MS therapies. Through his leadership in advancing clinical research in Canada, as well as his commitment to mentorship and international collaboration, Dr. Antel has made lasting contributions that continue to improve research, clinical trials, and care for people living with MS.
Shannon Kolind
Dr. Shannon Kolind is an Associate Professor of Neurology and Associate Head (Research) at the University of British Columbia. An internationally recognized leader in MRI for multiple sclerosis, her research develops advanced imaging tools to detect myelin damage, monitor disease progression, and evaluate emerging therapies. By bringing together expertise in imaging, neuroscience, and clinical care, Dr. Kolind is helping translate innovative MRI technologies into better tools for research, clinical trials, and ultimately, improved care for people living with MS.
Mike Meldrum
Mike Meldrum joins the Scientific Advisory Board as the community representative, bringing a unique combination of elite athletic achievement, coaching leadership, and lived experience with multiple sclerosis. A member of the Canadian National Swim Team for seven years, Mike represented Canada at the 1988 Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games before spending 35 years coaching and mentoring athletes in Calgary, including as Head Coach of the Killarney Swim Club. Diagnosed with MS while completing his studies at the University of Calgary, Mike offers an invaluable perspective that will help ensure the MS Innovation Program's research priorities remain grounded in the experiences of people living with the disease and focused on improving their lives.