Welcome to Dr. Samantha Payne, who joined the Ontario Veterinary College’s (OVC) Department of Biomedical Sciences on September 1, 2021.
Dr. Samantha Payne, OVC’s Department of Biomedical Sciences
A two-time University of Guelph alumna, Payne completed her B.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences and stayed on in the department to complete an MSc, studying blood vessel growth during tail regeneration in the gecko.
She went on to complete her PhD in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto, with a focus on developing cell transplantation strategies for brain repair after stroke. Most recently, she held a Postdoctoral Scholar position at Tufts University for three years, where she studied the role of bioelectric signaling in breast cancer metastasis.
Payne’s current research interests focus on understanding what mechanisms control cell behaviour following injury – migration, proliferation and differentiation - and how these mechanisms can be harnessed to promote tissue regeneration. In particular, her lab will focus on signals derived from neurons and other cells of the nervous system and how they influence the process of regeneration.
Her teaching duties as an Assistant Professor in OVC’s Department of Biomedical Sciences will include VETM*3070 Veterinary Anatomy.
She’s enjoyed the company of various pets throughout her life including dogs, cats, fish, a rabbit, a cockatiel, and leopard geckos, but currently has just one extremely spoiled cat. When not thinking about her research, she likes to spend time outdoors, play guitar, and is currently trying to learn how to play hockey. She is looking forward to meeting faculty, staff, and students at the OVC!