People and Mentorship

Mrs. Dorte Bæk Olsen is a researcher, clinical nurse specialist, and PhD student in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet. Dorte has been engaged in a number of studies that include: A Qualitative Study on Patient Experiences While Waiting for Elective Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery; and  Early physical training and psycho-educational intervention for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The SheppHeart randomized 2× 2 factorial clinical pilot trial.

Dr. Renata Carvalho holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Nursing, with specializations in nephrology nursing and primary health care from the University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). She previously worked as a nephrology nurse at two university hospitals and contributed to anti-racist and intersectional policy initiatives. Currently, she is a registered nurse at Access Alliance in Toronto, providing community-based care to underserved populations. Her research focuses on nursing, health education, occupational health, precarious work, psychosocial risks, and mental health among nursing professionals.

Mrs. Dima Nasrawi is an Assistant Professor at Southern Cross University, Australia. Her emerging research programme focuses on implementation science, observational research, and co-design to translate evidence into cardiac surgical and nursing practice. Her work aims to improve perioperative care for adults undergoing cardiac surgery, addressing priorities in clinical practice and health policy. Grounded in implementation science and frameworks such as Participatory Action Research (PAR), her research responds to clinical needs while supporting improved surgical outcomes and reduced healthcare system burden.

Isabella Nita is a fourth-year Journalism student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Through her internship with the Urban Health Research Network, she is developing strong research, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, accessible content for diverse audiences. She is also gaining valuable experience creating engaging social media content that highlights the Network’s research, activities, and impact. Her contributions help communicate research findings, strengthen public engagement, and increase awareness of the Network’s initiatives and opportunities for collaboration.

Maurice Leung is currently a student in the Master of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Toronto. Before beginning his graduate studies, he participated in bioinformatics research, gaining experience in literature reviews, statistical modelling, data interpretation, and critical thinking. He continues to build on this foundation as he develops his knowledge of healthcare, research, and evidence-informed practice. His interdisciplinary background supports his interest in understanding how research can inform clinical decision-making and contribute to improving patient care, health outcomes, and quality of life.

Ahmad Shahid is a 4th-year biomedical sciences student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Through his academic and research experiences, he has developed skills in conducting literature searches across multiple databases, as well as article screening, data extraction, data organization, and the critical application of research. Ahmad is also proficient in the interpretation of evidence, identifying gaps or biases, and collaborating with others in a research setting. His research interests include pain management and rehabilitation to improve patient outcomes!

Laksman Murali is a fourth-year Honours Bachelor of Science student in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Currently working with the research team, he contributes to research activities drawing on his experience in literature reviews, structured participant interviews, data entry, and confidential information management. He is also developing his ability to communicate scientific information clearly to diverse audiences. His research interests include patient-centred care, recovery following illness or surgery, health education, and clinical research, with an emphasis on improving patient experiences and outcomes.

Simran Sangha is a fourth-year Biomedical Sciences student at Toronto Metropolitan University with a strong interest in cardiovascular health and recovery following cardiac surgery. Her current research examines the facilitators and barriers to recovery after heart surgery, with a focus on differences between high-income and low- and middle-income countries. Her work explores how health systems and access to care influences post-operative recovery outcomes, and she aims to pursue a future career as a cardiovascular perfusionist while contributing to research that advances equitable cardiac care.

Sarina Dhillon is a Health Sciences student at the University of Waterloo entering her third year of the Honours Health Sciences Co-op program. Through her academic and research experiences, she is developing skills in scientific literature reviews, data collection and management, and research proposal development through a critical health and wellness perspective. She is particularly interested in clinical research and patient-centred healthcare. Through her current work with the research team, Sarina continues to strengthen her research skills and expand her understanding of health research.

Khiem Do is a Registered Nurse and graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. His clinical experience includes medical-surgical, neurosurgical, and cardiac intensive care, with a focus on complex multisystem critical illness. Currently working with the research team, he is developing his clinical research skills and exploring ways to bridge evidence and practice to improve patient outcomes. His research interests include critical care, cardiovascular health, and health equity among immigrant and refugee populations. He is also interested in healthcare leadership and nursing education.

Aaliyan Asghar is a Bachelor of Science student at Western University, majoring in Biology with a minor in Political Science. Currently working with the research team, he contributes to research activities involving data entry, extraction, analysis, and synthesis. He also supports the preparation of scientific manuscripts through drafting and editing for publication. These experiences are strengthening his research, analytical, and scientific communication skills while expanding his understanding of evidence-based research. Aaliyan is continuing to develop his knowledge and experience in collaborative research and scholarly dissemination.

Jashanpreet Kaur is a final-year undergraduate Psychology student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Currently working with the research team, she is developing her research skills and applying her academic knowledge to health-related research. Her interests include mental health, well-being, and the social determinants of health. Through her coursework, she has gained foundational knowledge in research methods and statistical data analysis. Aspiring to become a physician, Jashanpreet hopes to integrate research, clinical practice, and community engagement to advance equitable urban health outcomes and improve population health.

Hossein Shayesteh graduated from the University of Toronto with a major in Human Biology and minors in Physiology and Immunology. With prior medical training in Iran, he brings a clinical perspective to his research. Currently working with the research team, he examines health equity and structural determinants of health in urban settings, including how housing instability contributes to healthcare access barriers and preventable hospitalizations among marginalized Toronto populations. He also contributes to biomedical research at St. Michael’s Hospital, focusing on translational applications in vascular disease.

Yamini Bhatt is a PhD candidate in the Urban Health program at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she has studied since September 2023. Her research focuses on immigrant women’s health, particularly cardiovascular disease prevention through culturally tailored lifestyle interventions. Holding a PhD in Human Nutrition from India, she brings extensive research experience in traditional food practices, maternal and child nutrition, and public health nutrition. Her interests include health equity, community-based health promotion, and inclusive public health strategies. She also contributes to interdisciplinary research through community engagement, data analysis, and knowledge mobilization.

Prabhkirat Kaur has been a research trainee since September 2024 and is currently a first-year medical student. Her research experience spans cardiovascular health, exercise, artificial intelligence, and industrial disparities. She previously completed a project with the European Space Agency on space situational awareness, leading literature reviews and developing a traceability matrix. Her research experience also includes multiple pregnancies and arrhythmias. Currently, she is examining the intersections of HIV, insomnia, and cardiovascular disease, with a focus on related health outcomes and implications for patient care.