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.

RESEARCH COORDINATOR

Rhonda holds a Master’s in Health Informatics from Swansea University (UK), a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) from Carleton University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Project Management from Algonquin College. She has an interest in social determinants of health and enjoys the challenge of turning complex health information into something clear and relatable for the community, especially through graphic design and short videos. Outside of the lab, she loves teaching dance to teens and is an avid Grey’s Anatomy fan.

RESEARCH COORDINATOR

Emily completed a Master of Public Health at Western University and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Life Science from Queen’s University. She cares deeply about social determinants of health because they shape all of our lives, and she believes it’s important to understand their intersectional impacts through disaggregated views of populations and to develop research and programs alongside the people they are meant to serve. Outside of work, she is a big book nerd, loves trying new cafés and spending time with friends.

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

Kate is a second-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)!

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

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!

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Darryl is a Biomedical Sciences graduate from the University of Waterloo and a first-year MPH student in Epidemiology at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. He is particularly interested in population-level prevention, focusing on how community-based approaches and cultural understanding can improve cardiovascular disease knowledge, behaviours, and health outcomes. Outside of work, he enjoys fitness, nutrition, and spending time with his dog Rio, a super cute Rottweiler.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Tiana is a fourth-year student studying Life Sciences at McMaster University with a minor in psychology. She is particularly interested in exploring how lifestyle factors influence health, the interplay between psychosocial and physical well-being, and how research and policy can be translated into community-based initiatives to promote overall wellness. Outside of her studies, she enjoys playing the piano and reading, as well as staying active outdoors through walking, running, and cycling.