Administration
Director
Dr. Sian Spacey
Dr. Sian Spacey is a clinician-scientist in the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine. Dr. Spacey combines clinical practice with basic science research. Her clinical interest is neurogenetics and her laboratory research focuses on the genetics of neurological disease such as episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2), spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) and familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM). All three diseases have been shown to arise from mutations in the P/Q-type calcium channel in many patients. Dr. Spacey screens for novel mutations in P/Q-type calcium channels from clinical patients and investigates the biophysical implications of the mutations using molecular biology and electrophysiological techniques. Dr. Spacey took over as Director of the UBC Clinician Investigator Program in September 2005.
Program Coordinator
Tessa Feuchuk
Tessa Feuchuk joined The James Hogg Research Centre in October 2004. Originally from the Philippines, Tessa spent 16 years working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In the Middle East she gained experience working in a research and clinical environment. She was the recruitment coordinator at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, a top-notch research centre and tertiary hospital in the Middle East. She was involved in coordinating the recruitment of scientists, technical staff, nurses, coordinators and administrative staff for the research centre.
Tessa wears two hats: She is the Research Grants Facilitator of the UBC James Hogg Research Cetnre and the Program Coordinator/Director’s Assistant of the UBC Clinician Investigator Program. Tessa is responsible for the overall administrative functions of the UBC Clinician Investigator Program. She is involved in the recruitment of candidates to the program, coordinates the residents’ evaluations, annual research day, and meetings. Outside of work, Tessa is studying to complete a Business Management and Leadership program at Vancouver Community College.
Tessa and her husband Danny love to travel, go camping and hiking. They have three beautiful children and are looking forward to the day when son#1 becomes a successful old home and castle restorer, son#2 becomes a world renowned chef, and Natasha, their only daughter (aged 12) becomes a pediatric cardiologist!