Shaarika Sarasija
Humane Society International / Canada
Ottawa, ON
As the Senior Strategist, Research and Regulatory Science for the Humane Society International/Canada, I use my 17 years of biomedical research experience to advocate for the reduction and replacement of animals in research and toxicological testing. I have made extensive use of in-vitro and in-vivo (both vertebrate and invertebrate) techniques while studying dementia, neurodegeneration, oxidative damage, mitochondrial functions, neuronal health, cancer biology, cardiovascular health, drug discovery, and assay development. This has allowed me to have a keen understanding of the drawbacks of using animal models while appreciating their need under certain circumstances. I find my current work particularly fulfilling given its intersection of science and policy, while aligning with my morals and values. I look forward to engaging with stakeholders to discuss means of reducing animal research and directing biomedical research towards a more human-focused paradigm.