About Us
The HD Biobank was established by Dr. Michael Hayden in the 1980’s and later developed in collaboration with Dr. Blair Leavitt. Samples from Canadians have facilitated important discoveries in the field of brain disorders and will undoubtedly continue to contribute to new advances research. It is a fruitful partnership that continues to benefit Canadians affected by neurodegeneration.
The Vision of the HD Biobank
Leadership and staff of the biobank share a common vision: to live in a world with less burden from neurodegenerative diseases. Our mission is to bank high-quality samples and robust clinical data, and to serve as an essential resource for research into neurodegeneration—including dementias, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders—across Canada and around the world.
HD Biobank Directors
Dr. Michael R. Hayden:
Dr. Hayden is a Killam Professor and Canadian Research Chair in Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Since the 1980’s, Dr. Hayden has worked tirelessly to understand the pathogenesis of HD. His lab developed the first predictive test for HD, which was implemented in 1986 in British Columbia, Canada and is now in routine practice globally. His work on HD and other inherited disorders has earned him international recognition including being named one of the 50 Canadians born in the 20th century who have changed the world. Dr. Hayden has exceptional knowledge in how to find treatments for genetic disease. His work produced the first approved gene therapy product (Glybera) in a major market in 2012.
Dr. Blair R. Leavitt
Dr. Leavitt is a full Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics & the Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology (Associate) at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Leavitt is a consulting neurologist and Director of Research at the UBC Centre for Huntington Disease. A scientist and physician, Dr. Leavitt’s time (both clinical and research) is dedicated to developing new treatments for genetic brain disorders such as Huntington disease. He also works on other neurodegenerative diseases including Frontotemporal dementia and Fragile X.
Biobank Administration
Biobank Manager: Stephanie Bortnick
Stephanie has worked with gifted patient samples for the past decade. Sample integrity, clinical comprehensiveness, and donor privacy are the cornerstones of research excellence, and Stephanie reflects this understanding in her care for each sample. She respects that each sample is donated with the hope of a treatment. She has a strong passion for facilitating the connection between the Canadians and researchers, and the impact that it continues to foster.
Clinical Coordinator: Kyla Javier
Kyla has been involved in patient care and research since 2022, when she joined the HD Biobank. She works with families, guiding them through the donation process and ensuring they feel supported. She also assists researchers by collecting detailed clinical information to accompany each donation. Her work is guided by a commitment to supporting families and contributing to meaningful research, shaped by her early experience assisting with clinical drug trials and witnessing the impact of compassionate, research-driven care on families affected by neurodegeneration.
Research Associate: Hailey Findlay Black
Hailey has been involved in neurodegenerative disease research since 2015, and joined the HD Biobank in 2025. Her research focuses on understanding the impact of rare genetic variants in HD and other neurodegenerative diseases, and she brings this passion for research to her work at the HD Biobank. She knows that each donated sample is an important piece of the puzzle and treats every sample with utmost care and attention to detail.
Eugene
Eugene is an integral member of the HD Biobank team. All DNA extraction from blood, saliva, and tissues is done by Eugene, the robot.
Contact Us
Email address: hd.biobank@ubc.ca
Phone: 604-875-3811
Mailing Address:
HD Biobank at the UBC CMMT
950 West 28th Avenue, Room 3007
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V5Z 4H4
Website: www.cmmt.ubc.ca
Researching Life to Change Lives
The HD Biobank acknowledges with gratitude and respect that we operate on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.