DÉSIR Hamilton

About Us

Hamilton RIOT has been dedicated to raising awareness about the progress and promise of cancer research across the city of Hamilton and southern Ontario.

Working in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Hamilton RIOT engages with corporations, high schools, and residential communities to promote cancer research advancements. The team also organizes an annual event for high school students, providing them with valuable insights into the latest developments in cancer research and inspiring the next generation of scientists and advocates.

Meet the Hamilton Team

Maxwell Topley

Co-Chair
Daniel Mobilio

Co-Chair

About RIOT Hamilton Members

Max is a PhD student in the Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences program at McMaster University. His research focuses on glioblastoma, an aggressive and often treatment-resistant form of brain cancer. He is particularly interested in identifying novel therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes for patients affected by this devastating disease. Max has been a co-chair at RIOT Hamilton since the Fall of 2024. As a co-chair of RIOT Hamilton, Max has been actively involved in organizing cancer awareness initiatives, including planning Relay for Life and coordinating the Let's Talk Cancer conferences. Outside of work, Max enjoys playing hockey, golfing, skiing, playing guitar, and competing in squash.
My name is Daniel Mobilio, and I am a PhD student in the Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences program at McMaster University. My research focuses on metastatic brain cancer, these are ‘secondary’ tumours that develop when cancer cells spread from other organs to the brain. The overall goal of my PhD is to develop new therapeutic options for these patients as currently there are no effective therapies. As co-chair of Hamilton’s RIOT team, I am eager to bridge the gap between academia and society in the effort to provide hope for a brighter future for cancer patients! Outside of the lab and extracurriculars, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing hockey, and studying chess.

Our Impact

Let's Talk Cancer

Hosted by the RIOT in partnership with Let’s Talk Science, Let’s Talk Cancer is a free and accessible one-day symposium for grade 11 and 12 students interested in the world of cancer research. Students will have the chance to explore the different facets of cancer research, to learn how different disciplines are instrumental in advancing cancer research and interact with cancer researchers.
Relay for Life

Relay for Life supporters have helped us provide hope to those with cancer in our communities. Now more than ever, we know that those affected by cancer need our support. Together, we can show Canadians with cancer that they don’t have to go through their journey alone – we’re here every step of the way. When you join Relay, you’re helping us improve survival rates and quality of life for people with cancer across the country.
Run for the Cure

The CIBC Run for the Cure gives families, friends and supporters the opportunity to join together to honour and celebrate their loved ones and make a real difference. These events unite an incredible collective of Canadians who are dedicated to changing the future of breast cancer.