Past Researchers and Trainees

Creative artist/graphic designer with an interest in the use of art and technology.

The Urban Health Research Network strives to share stories that empower voices within Toronto’s urban health landscape. Ava Pearson, an intern with Toronto Metropolitan University’s Urban Health Research Network, has been interviewing experts, photographing Toronto’s urban landscapes, and creating documentary content surrounding the work of PhD student Rezwana Rahman and Nurse Practitioner Erin Ziegler. Through this work, she hopes to promote inclusivity and showcase urban health from a fresh and more personal perspective.

Mohit Prashar is an undergraduate student in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. He is actively involved in clinical and rehabilitation research, with a focus on advancing mobility among older adults through the use of digital health tools. Mohit also has a strong interest in improving cardiovascular outcomes by examining non-pharmacological interventions and enhancing preoperative patient education for individuals undergoing cardiac surgery. He is passionate about bridging research and clinical practice to advance equitable and evidence-informed care.

Joy Anne Gaitmann is in her final year of the Master of Nursing program, specializing in Leadership in Health Care Policy and Education stream at Toronto Metropolitan University. She serves as a clinical research coordinator, leading clinical trials within the cardiovascular program. Joy holds specialized certifications in emergency medicine, acute care, and cardiac catheterization. She is dedicated to being a supportive mentor for students, colleagues and clinicians. Her research interests are cardiovascular nursing, medical devices and knowledge translation.

Arjun Singh is a medical student at Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tampa Bay. His research focuses on obesity-related neuroinflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline, with particular interest in NF-κB–mediated insulin resistance pathways and the therapeutic potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in Alzheimer’s disease. He has contributed to literature and scoping reviews examining metabolic dysfunction, cardiometabolic risk, and neurodegeneration. His work includes systematic review methodology, structured data extraction, and synthesis of translational and clinical evidence.