MS Research and Care
in St. John’s, NL

Doors open at 6:00pm, with the first session beginning at 6:30pm. The event will run until 8:30pm

Join us in St. John’s, NL for an engaging community event highlighting the latest in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, care and community support. The session will feature lightning-round presentations from Memorial University research trainees, alongside insights from local researchers and clinicians including, Dr. Craig Moore, Dr. Deepak Kaushik and Dr. Shane Arsenault. MS Canada Ambassador Florence Kennedy and leadership volunteer Jennine Loder will share their experiences of living with MS and highlight current programs and supports. The event will conclude with a networking session, offering attendees an opportunity to connect with presenters and one another.

Dr. Craig Moore is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland, with a cross-appointment in Neurology, and a former Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience and Brain Repair. His translational research program investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying MS, neuroinflammation, and central nervous system injury and repair, integrating human clinical samples, experimental models, and cell-based approaches. His work has particular emphasis on glial and immune cell biology, myelination, biomarkers, extracellular vesicles, and the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Dr. Moore contributes extensively to scientific peer review and leadership within the MS community, including serving as Chair of MS Canada’s Biomedical Grants Review Committee, member of the Chair of the International Progressive MS Alliance Grant Review Committee, and as a reviewer for MS Canada, ACTRIMS, and other national and international research organizations. Dr. Moore has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and leads several nationally funded research programs aimed at improving the understanding, treatment, and well-being of people affected by MS.

Dr. Deepak Kaushik is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s, NL. His research focuses on understanding how the body's immune system contributes to diseases that affect the brain and spinal cord, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS). He is especially interested in how the way immune cells produce and use energy influences their behavior and their ability to cause or resolve inflammation. During his postdoctoral training, he conducted pioneering research on the role of immune cell metabolism in MS. Today, his laboratory studies immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, using advanced techniques and preclinical models to better understand MS and identify new treatment approaches for MS and other neuroinflammatory diseases. His research is supported by funding from MS Canada, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). 

Dr. Shane Arsenault (MD, FRCPC, MPH, MSc) is a staff neurologist with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services and a part-time Clinical Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland. A national leader in early-career physician leadership and academic neurology, Dr. Arsenault is dedicated to strengthening equitable access to neurological care, advancing clinician-investigator training, and building sustainable research infrastructure in Atlantic Canada. He completed his neurology residency at Memorial University, followed by a clinical fellowship in multiple sclerosis and neuroinflammatory disease at the Barlo MS Centre (University of Toronto). His academic work focuses on translational biomarkers, advanced neuroimaging, and clinical trials in multiple sclerosis, with active collaborations across Canada. He currently serves as Clinical Trials Research Director for Neurology in Newfoundland and Labrador and is spearheading the development of a clinician-investigator training program to support the next generation of physician-scientists. At the national level, Dr. Arsenault has held senior leadership roles in physician advocacy and medical education, including service on national governance and accreditation bodies. His work bridges clinical excellence, research innovation, and health system leadership, with a strong commitment to mentorship, patient-centred care, and improving health outcomes in underserved and geographically dispersed populations.

Florence Kennedy draws on her background as a retired RN, over 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry, and her lived experience with multiple sclerosis to inform her volunteer and advocacy work within the MS community. Following her diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 2019, Florence found knowledge, community, and hope through MS Canada, an experience that inspired her to give back as a volunteer. What began with participating in her first virtual MS Walk in 2021 has grown into a range of volunteer and advisory roles. Today, Florence serves as an MS Canada Community Representative, helping bring the perspectives of people living with MS into the research funding review process. She also volunteers as an MS Canada Ambassador, helps moderate the MS Canada Community Facebook page, co-founded and now co-facilitates the Atlantic Canada MS Peer Support Group, and supports MS Canada’s annual MS Walk and Burgers to Beat MS fundraisers. Beyond MS Canada, Florence serves as a volunteer Patient and Family Experience Advisor with NL Health Services and is a member of Roche Canada’s MS Patient Council. Florence lives and works with her husband, Glen, in downtown St. John’s. She enjoys writing and birdwatching, while she and Glen love exploring local restaurants, travelling, and enjoying regional cuisine, especially in France and Spain. Whenever they can, they pack a picnic and head for the water, a tradition they adopted during their time in France.

Jennine Loder is married with two children. They have an energetic Husky mix and a mischievous house cat that likes to make an appearance during video calls – both of which keep life very furry and interesting. She has a Masters of Employment Relations and a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University and had a 20+ year career in post-secondary education (College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University), specifically in Human Resource Management and Employee/Labour Relations. In June 2021, she was formally diagnosed with Progressive MS and in October 2023, she began long term disability from my Employer. She has been actively involved with physiotherapy and occupational therapy through NL Health for several years and has found a very good and knowledgeable group of people to help her and her family adapt to her changing needs. In 2025 she became a Patient and Family Advisor with Newfoundland Health, specifically dealing with issues related to adult rehabilitation. Soon after joining the Atlantic Canada Multiple Sclerosis Peer Support Group on Facebook, she became an MS Canada peer facilitator. She saw this as an opportunity to help others navigate the significant life changes that may accompany a MS diagnosis. Recognizing that she felt alone and isolated following her diagnosis, she wanted to prevent others from having a similar experience. Finding this group and the resources available through MS Canada, she found lifelong friends and resources that she has come to rely on as she navigates the daily struggles of MS.

This discussion is an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge MS research taking place in Newfoundland and hear how health care providers are supporting people affected by MS through innovative care and clinical expertise.

Hosted at the Whale Atrium at Memorial University on September 24, 2026. Doors open at 6:00pm, with the first session beginning at 6:30pm. The event will run until 8:30pm. Attendance is free, but registration is required and closes on September 10, 2026. Space is limited. Event details will be sent via email to registered attendees within two weeks of the event. If you have any questions pertaining to the event, please contact treena.gracey@mscanada.ca. 

• Please note that all travel and hotel costs are the responsibility of the participant. 
• This event is offered in English only.
• The event will be recorded. 

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