Welcome to The Radiophotonics Lab
Welcome to the Radiophotonics Lab at the Sunnybrook Research Institute. Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing innovative cancer therapies through the integration of radiation oncology, nanomedicine, and molecular biology. Founded in 2023 by Dr. Deepak Dinakaran, the lab focuses on the development of radiation-activated therapeutic platforms designed to improve treatment precision while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Through interdisciplinary research and a strong emphasis on clinical translation, we aim to address fundamental challenges in cancer treatment, with particular focus on glioblastoma and the tumor microenvironment.
Meet Our Research Team
Our team consists of accomplished researchers, scientists, and professionals who bring a wealth of expertise to our research endeavors. With a strong focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing, our team members work together to tackle intricate scientific problems and explore new frontiers of research. Each member plays a vital role in shaping the dynamic research environment at The Radiophotonics Lab, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
Principal Investigator
Principal Investigator
Dr. Deepak Dinakaran
Dr. Deepak Dinakaran, MD, PhD is a clinician–scientist in radiation oncology at the Sunnybrook Research Institute and Odette Cancer Centre. His translational research program focuses on therapeutic and diagnostic applications of biophotonics in cancer, with particular emphasis on radiation-activated photodynamic therapy (radioPDT), nanoparticle-based therapeutics, and image-guided treatment strategies. Dr. Dinakaran’s work integrates nanomedicine, biomedical imaging, and radiation oncology to develop clinically translatable approaches for cancer diagnosis and therapy, including central nervous system malignancies.
Lab Members
Dr. Ziba Jaberansari
Manager
Ziba Jaberansari is a Canadian life sciences professional, researcher, and laboratory operations manager with a strong background in biomedical science, innovation, and project management. She holds a PhD in Biology and Life Sciences from Goethe University Frankfurt, and a MS in Stem Cell Biology from University of Minnesota, USA. She has built a diverse career spanning academic research, laboratory management, and scientific operations.With extensive experience at University of Ottawa, Ziba has led high-performing research laboratories, managed complex scientific projects, optimized operations, supervised teams, and ensured compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Her expertise includes laboratory operations, research coordination, procurement, stakeholder management, process improvement, and strategic planning. Ziba’s scientific background includes work in biomaterials, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, cell biology, and translational research. She is also recognized for her entrepreneurial mindset and innovative contributions, holding two patents in the field of life sciences and biomedical innovation.In addition to her technical expertise, Ziba is passionate about advancing healthcare, biotechnology, and research excellence through leadership, collaboration, and innovation. She is currently focused on research operations, project management, biotechnology, and healthcare organizations where she can drive impact and support scientific progress. She love outdoor activities such as hiking, and in her free time she enjoys gardening, cooking and making artworks with her family.
Dr. Muhammad Rafiq
Postdoctoral Fellow
Muhammad Rafiq received his B.Sc. (Honors) degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences and later earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan. After completing his master’s degree, he joined the Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan, where he worked as a Research Assistant from August 2019 to June 2023. During his Ph.D., he was awarded an International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) scholarship and served as a visiting researcher in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto from May 2023 to April 2024.In April 2024, Muhammad joined the Dinakaran Lab as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, where he is working on the development of radioPDT and drug release strategies for the treatment of brain cancer. Outside the lab, he enjoys exploring new technologies, playing badminton, and spending time outdoors.
Ajay Singh
Research Technician
Ajay Singh completed his Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience and Molecular Biology from the University of Toronto. He is interested in developing an AI-based method of radiotherapy planning, as well as the predictions of therapies upon tumours of the CNS. As he pursues the path of a Ph.D in Medical Biophysics, he hopes to become a professor, where he can teach about and tackle cancer with his future students. Ajay enjoys the practice of martial arts, as well as health and wellness-oriented hobbies such as yoga and meditation. On the side, he aims to become a yoga teacher where he can hold free classes for the elderly.
Sachin Sivaraja
co-op student
Sachin is a third-year student at McMaster University with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician. He has a strong interest in clinical research and is passionate about advancing child healthcare through both medicine and scientific inquiry. He is eager to gain hands-on experience in research and contribute to meaningful healthcare initiatives while pursuing his medical career goals
Manjusha Muralidharan
Research Technician
Manjusha Muralidharan, MTech is a Research Technician in the Dinakaran Lab at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, where she joined in November 2024. Trained as an engineer, she brings interdisciplinary perspective to her work on radiation-activated photodynamic therapy (radioPDT) and glioblastoma models, with a particular passion for in vivo mouse studies and nanotechnology-based cancer therapeutics. Prior to joining the lab, Manjusha worked on an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) project at the Adyar Cancer Institute and Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Hospital, gaining valuable experience in translational cancer research. Outside the lab, she channels her creativity into painting vibrant artworks, enjoys experimenting with new recipes, reading, traveling, and spending time with her dog.
Samuel Holm
Research Technician
Sam completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Toronto, graduating with distinction. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted research in a behavioural epigenetics lab, where he explored molecular mechanisms related to synaptic plasticity. He completed his Master’s degree in Biology at York University, where his research focused on synaptic mechanisms involved in active forgetting. Sam joined the lab as a Research Technician in April 2026. Outside of the lab, Sam enjoys cooking, learning about science and technology, and spending time outdoors with his dogs.
Devlin Moniz
Summer student
Rushil Dutta
Summer student
Rushil Dutta is a third-year Health Sciences student at Queen’s University with an interest in both clinical and preclinical research. He hopes to pursue a career in medicine and is also passionate about medical education research. Outside of academics, Rushil is passionate about volunteering in correctional services, enjoys playing sports such as soccer, golf, and tennis, and loves travelling and learning about science and history.
Devlin is a second-year health sciences student at McMaster University and joined the lab in May 2026. He is interested in pursuing a career in biomedical science and is also drawn to neuroscience-related research. Outside of the lab, Devlin enjoys competing on McMaster’s varsity squash team, helping lead a Scout Troop, and playing the piano.
Alumni
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Eitan Fishman
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Xinqiao Zheng(Joan)