Azra Hasan, PhD

Director, Biospecimen Repository and Facilities

Dr. Hasan joined NDRI in 2024 and is responsible for leading NDRI’s College of American Pathologists accredited biorepository, an integral part of our mission to provide the highest quality specimens to investigators. In this role, she provides technical support to investigators working with human tissue and explores ways in which NDRI can work with its source network to facilitate the recovery and shipment of tissue while maintaining the biospecimen quality standards.

Dr. Hasan has more than a decade of research experience, with a particular focus on the molecular biology of neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. She also worked as a Research Manager with Biobank Newfoundland during the pilot phase of the project and played a key role in establishing Biobank NL. She also worked as a Research Associate with UHN Biospecimen Services, a hospital-based biobank.

Dr. Hasan earned her doctoral degree in Biology (Molecular Biology & Genomics) from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. She also earned certifications in Cancer Genomics & Precision Oncology, Genetic Testing & Sequencing Technologies, and Clinical Drug Development from Harvard Medical School to stay up to date in the field. Dr. Hasan actively contributes to the standardization of biobanking expertise by volunteering on various ISBER committees.