
ABOUT THE LAB
We’re a group of researchers seeking to connect communities and bridge disciplines.
MEET THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Karen Bouchard
I am an Associate Scientist and Director of the Social Connections Lab at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, and an Assistant Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa.
I hold a PhD in Education (uOttawa), Master of Education and Bachelor of Education degrees (Queen’s University), and was a former elementary school teacher. Before starting my independent appointment, I completed a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
I am a mom to two preschoolers, a Toronto Maple Leafs and Tennis Canada fan, and love experiencing all that Ottawa has to offer (minus it’s icky hockey team).
Meet the Team
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Dr. Laura Quintero Silva
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Laura is a postdoctoral fellow, specializing in Qualitative Health Research. She hold a master's degree in Psychology from Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, Colombia, and a doctorate degree in Community Health from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. She has strong methodological expertise in qualitative research and a special interest in improving the quality of palliative care and bereavement services for individuals with chronic illnesses. She has two cats, Colombians like her, and she has spent most of her life studying music (singing and playing violin). In fact, she is currently a singer at the University of Ottawa Choir!
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Dr. Camille Rousseau
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Camille is a postdoctoral fellow, specializing in patient and community-oriented research. She joins the UOHI with a strong interdisciplinary background, including a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies (University of British Columbia), an M.A. in Child & Youth Studies (Brock University), and a B.Sc. in Psychology (University of Ottawa). For her postdoctoral work, she will explore research priorities in heart failure using a patient- and community-oriented approach, and will work to better understand and optimize patient engagement in research. Outside of work, she loves to share a meal with friends at new restaurants and play board games or solve puzzles.
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Mia Carbone
GRADUATE STUDENT
Mia received her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from Queen’s University. She is currently a first-year Master of Science graduate student in Epidemiology and Applied Health Research. Mia has a special interest in understanding how social determinants influence the health outcomes of patients with symptomatic and advanced heart failure.
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Victoria Bennett
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Victoria recently completed her bachelor of science (Hons.) with a specialization in kinesiology at Queen's University. She will begin her MSc in Kinesiology with a focus on exercise physiology at the University of Toronto in the fall of 2025. She has an interest in women’s health and the interplay between social and lifestyle factors and how they contribute to overall health and wellbeing relating to physiology. When she's not working for Dr. Bouchard, she likes to play soccer, exercise, and spend time at the cottage with friends and family.
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Kate Taplin
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Kate is a first year medical student at the University of Ottawa. She received a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from McMaster University in 2024. She is passionate about tackling health disparities and her research is focused on investigating the impacts of social determinants of health on patient and caregiver outcomes.
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Richard Wang
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Richard is a third-year student studying physiology at the University of Western Ontario. He has a strong interest in cardiovascular research and is excited to explore a unique perspective on cardiovascular health through social factors. In his free time, he likes to play jazz trumpet (Chet Baker fan), workout, and play volleyball.
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Jasmine Yang
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Jasmine is a third-year student studying biochemistry at the University of Western Ontario with a strong interest in cardiology, psychology, and research dissemination. She is especially passionate about using science communication to bridge the gap between research and patient care. Outside of academics, Jasmine enjoys hip-hop dance, and playing classical piano.

OUR VALUES
We foster a supportive, inclusive environment that encourages learning, curiosity, and innovation. We take our work seriously but we try not to take ourselves too seriously.