Habib Rezanejad

Dr. Habib Rezanejad is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at MacEwan University, where he teaches courses in genetics, cell biology, animal physiology and developmental biology. His research focuses on diabetes and pancreatic biology, with particular interest in the diversity and regenerative potential of pancreatic ductal cells.

Over the past decade, his work has explored how different pancreatic cell populations contribute to tissue repair and the development of diabetes. His laboratory uses advanced experimental approaches including human organoid models, which allow researchers to grow miniature versions of pancreatic tissue in the lab, and CRISPR-based gene editing technologies to investigate how specific genes regulate pancreatic cell identity and regeneration. This work aims to better understand how the pancreas responds to injury and how regenerative mechanisms could one day be harnessed to restore insulin-producing cells.

Dr. Rezanejad earned his PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology in 2014. He completed postdoctoral training at Harvard University (2014–2018), where he studied pancreatic cell plasticity and heterogeneity, followed by further postdoctoral research at the University of Alberta. His research integrates stem cell biology, regenerative medicine and diabetes research to better understand how pancreatic tissues develop, function and regenerate.