OVC Clinical Trials
OVC Clinical Trials
red brick building with large concrete steps including a center black railing going to the double front doors with a half circle window on top on the second floor. Planters frame the doors at the top of the steps. An elaborate decorative white concrete door frame stretching to window on the top floor with the words “Ontario Veterinary College” engraved in it above the door. Several large, tall rectangle windows symmetrically placed on all 3 floors. A large tree in on both sides of the steps with white benches in front.

Our Team

Mikaela Eng-Toogood | BSc, MSc, PhD

Dr. Vic Parks Clinical Trials Manager l OVC Clinical Trials and Bench to Bedside Institute for Translational Health Research Innovations

Mikaela holds a PhD in Medical Sciences, with expertise in infection, obesity, and the microbiome, as well as a background in immunometabolism and cancer research. She has experience managing complex projects, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, and overseeing research initiatives. As Clinical Trial Manager, Mikaela ensures the smooth execution of clinical studies, optimizing trial design, logistics, and regulatory compliance to advance veterinary medicine.

📧 Email: mengtoog@uoguelph.ca

📍 Office: ANCC Rm 2155

Deirdre Stuart | VT, BScH, MSc

Biobank Coordinator | OVC Clinical Trials and the Institute for Comparative Cancer Investigation

Image of Deirdre with a black cat

Deirdre has worked with small, large, exotic, and research animals since graduating from Centralia College’s Veterinary Technology program in 1993. She later earned a BSc and is completing an MSc in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph. As Biobank Coordinator, she ensures the efficient collection and management of biological samples, providing researchers with high-quality materials to advance cancer studies.

📧 Email: tumor.bank@uoguelph.ca
📞 Phone: 226-979-8467

Fernando Freitas | DVM, MSc

Clinical Trials Intern l OVC Clinical Trials

Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Fernando earned his veterinary degree from São Paulo State University before moving to Canada, where he completed a Master’s degree and a Small Animal Rotating Internship at the University of Saskatchewan. He later pursued Small Animal Surgery Internships at the University of Prince Edward Island and VEC-Toronto. Passionate about surgery, teaching, and research, he aspires to a surgical residency and faculty position. Outside of work, Fernando enjoys hiking, kayaking, and playing guitar, and he finds immense fulfillment in helping patients recover from surgery.

📧 Email: ovc.clinicaltrials@uoguelph.ca

Alyson Reid | RVT

Donna Moore Equine Research Technician | OVC Clinical Trials

Alyson became an RVT in 2001 after graduating with honours from Seneca College and receiving the OVMA Excellence in Clinical Practice Award. She spent 23 years at the OVC Large Animal Clinic, providing expert nursing care for horses, farm animals, and exotics while mentoring students and supporting clinical teams. Now, as the Donna Moore Equine Research Technician, she contributes to advancing equine and translational research. A lifelong equestrian, Alyson has a strong background in dressage, jumping, and cross-country, along with specialized training in sports medicine, neonatal care, and large animal rescue.

📧 Email: ovc.clinicaltrials@uoguelph.ca

Erin Sonser | RVT

Companion Animal Technician | OVC Clinical Trials

Erin holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as a Veterinary Technician Diploma from Georgian College. Erin has worked in small animal general practice as a Registered Veterinary Technician for 7+ years, where she has enjoyed caring for both feline and canine patients. As the Clinical Trials companion animal RVT, Erin is involved in both hands-on patient care, as well as research study coordination and data management.

📧 Email: ovc.clinicaltrials@uoguelph.ca

Himaya Gamage Weerawansa

Ontario Work Study Program

Volunteers

Megan Weise l BA Criminology and Psychology

Brianna Chan l BHSc Candidate, Animal Biology