Discovering a Path in Science

When Courtney Marshall first began her undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Manitoba, she wasn’t sure where her passion for science would take her. Like many students, she thought becoming a doctor was the only path forward. “Where there wasn’t a tonne of exposure, what was communicated to me is that if you like science and you want to pursue science, you got to be a doctor.”

But a summer internship with one of her professors changed everything. She was introduced to research, creating an online histology manual and learning how science could be a way to both ask questions and help people. “I thought, OK, this sounds really cool. You get to help people, you get to do science experiments and learn about how things work – and you learn a lot every single day.”

That curiosity led Courtney to join the University of Manitoba’s science co-op program, where she completed a placement at AdMare Bio-innovations in Vancouver, working on antimicrobial resistance. A mentor there connected her with Dr. Neeloffer Mookherjee, an internationally recognized immunology researcher in Winnipeg. After completing another co-op placement in Dr. Mookherjee’s lab, Courtney began her master’s degree in immunology, later transferring into the PhD program where she continues her research today.

A Personal Connection to Asthma

Courtney’s interest in asthma research is also personal. “My younger sister had asthma when I was younger, so I had seen her have to take the puffers and I was told that I have exercise-induced asthma, so having to deal with that myself has given me that connection.”

Breaking New Ground in Asthma Treatment

Today, her PhD research focuses on how sex as a biological variable influences immune responses in asthma, with a particular focus on Innate Defence Regulator (IDR) peptides. These peptides are small molecules designed to regulate the immune system’s response to airway inflammation. By studying how males and females respond differently to treatment, Courtney’s research seeks to advance the development of personalized asthma therapies—innovations that could help patients who do not respond well to current medications.

This work is significant because nearly half of people with asthma in Canada live with uncontrolled symptoms, even though effective treatments exist. By uncovering new therapeutic pathways, Courtney hopes her research will help close that gap.

Powered by Asthma Canada’s Support

Courtney’s pioneering work is supported by the Asthma Canada Graduate Student Research Award, which has provided her with $90,000 over several granting periods to fund her research. This support ensures that innovative, patient-centered science like hers can continue to move forward.

“The support from Asthma Canada has been incredible. Receiving this award not only allows me to continue my research but also connects me to a community of people who are passionate about improving the lives of those living with asthma. Knowing that my work is backed by a national organization so dedicated to patients makes this journey even more meaningful.”

Asthma Canada’s investment not only helps fund Courtney’s work but also strengthens the connection between cutting-edge research and the lived experiences of the more than 4.7 million people in Canada affected by asthma. With this backing, Courtney is contributing to a future where asthma treatment is more personalized, effective, and life-changing.

Asthma Canada is committed to advancing research toward a future without asthma by supporting efforts across the country through our Research Strategy.

Our goal is to raise $1 million in research funding by 2027 and $2 million by 2030, which will require enhanced fundraising and strong partnerships with donors, families, and industry and government supporters. 

Research Priorities 2025-2030

We aim to accelerate asthma research by focusing on the following key themes:

1. 1. The Impact of Social and Environmental Factors on People Living with Asthma
2. 2. Understanding the Causes, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Comorbidities of Asthma
3. 3. Advancing Treatments and Symptom Management for Asthma