We’re a group of researchers seeking to connect communities and bridge disciplines.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Richard is a third-year student studying physiology at the University of Western Ontario. He has a strong interest in cardiovascular disease research and is excited to explore a unique perspective on cardiovascular health through upstream social factors. In his free time, he likes to play jazz trumpet (Chet Baker fan), go to the gym, and play volleyball.

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.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Gabrielle is a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Health Promotion field of the Health and Rehabilitation Science Program at the University of Western Ontario. She has completed her MPH (University of Western Ontario), Post-Graduate Certificates in Health Informatics (Toronto Metropolitan University) and Adult Training & Development (University of Toronto), and a BSc in Health Sciences, Anthropology, and French (University of Toronto). Her focus is an upstream approach to public health to help mitigate and prevent chronic disease. She is an avid sports fan (soccer, tennis, Formula 1, rugby, and basketball) and loves going to the theatre (Les Misérables and Lion King are her favourite musicals)!

Justine McIntosh is a third-year Public Affairs and Policy student at Carleton University, completing a minor in Health Sciences and a certificate in Science and Policy. She currently works at the Treasury Board Secretariat on the Employment Equity Policy team; she also held roles at StatsCan, the Canadian Health Coalition, and the RCMP. Justine is passionate about how commercial and social determinants drive cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, spending time with loved ones, and baking!