Members of the TRP community
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Come back soon for a more comprehensive list.
One of the most important parts of the TRP is the diversity of the people you will meet. From your cohort to committee members, mentors and patients, one of the key skills you will build will be the ability to network and collaborate with people from very diverse backgrounds.
Some of the people you may meet while in the program are listed below. These are all people who have played a role in the website such as discussants, who come in to talk to students and discuss ideas, to mentors and those who play a role in capstone research projects. We also list, where able, our alumni.
Mawada Tarhuni
2023 - 2025 cohort
I am a first-generation immigrant from Libya who studied medicine in Egypt and am now beginning a family medicine residency at the University of Saskatchewan.
Post-pandemic, I coordinated "Driving Rural Access to Vaccines," a grant project funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, which aimed to increase vaccine uptake in rural Alberta. This experience developed my passion for human-centered, evidence-based patient education. Later, as the research coordinator for the College of Family Physicians of Canada's Outcomes of Training project at the University of Alberta, I became interested in enhancing medical education for both learners and educators.
Through the TRP, I hope to acquire tools to translate and implement scientific evidence to improve medical education and patient care.
Research interests
- Learner analytics in medical education
- Health literacy
- Sex and gender difference in nephrology
Mikhail Lobo
2023 - 2025 cohort
I have a background in Global Health from the University of Toronto, where I explored human-centered design to improve healthcare accessibility. My work has focused on co-designing solutions with marginalized communities, including leading an initiative at Fontbonne Ministries Mustard Seed to develop a laundry program tailored to the needs of unhoused individuals.
Currently, my Capstone Project - Project POTS focuses on co-creating solutions with physicians to address diagnostic barriers in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and improve care pathways for patients.
Beyond research, I have participated in innovation-driven initiatives, including the African Impact Challenge Health Entrepreneurs and the University Innovation Fellows (UIF) program by Stanford d.school, where I applied design thinking to healthcare challenges and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Miranda Chan
2023 - 2025 cohort
Miranda is originally from Alberta but moved to Ontario to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours Degree in Psychology and Biology at Carleton University.
She’s continuing her education through the Translational Research Program with the goal of improving patient experience via reducing the necessity of patients and their family members to have to advocate for treatment and quality care.
Although medicine and medical research are her primary academic passions she simply just loves to learn. Outside of academia Miranda enjoys writing fiction, drawing, and yoga.
Research interests
- regenerative medicine
- hematology
- space medicine
- oncology
- pathology
- solid organ transplant
- pediatric care
Oscar Palacio Vasquez
Graduated 2022
Strategic marketing and business leader with 8+ years of experience in consulting, project management, and growth strategy across North America, Latin America, and Europe. Proven record of scaling brands, managing multimillion-dollar portfolios, and guiding start-ups from ideation to commercialization. Skilled in building trusted relationships with C-suite executives, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering measurable impact in high-growth environments. Bilingual in English & Spanish.
Parnian Puramat
2023 - 2025 cohort
Hafsah graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in Linguistics and French.
She has always been interested in advancing the healthcare industry and advocating for members of marginalized communities.
After being a caregiver for her grandmother, Hafsah became passionate about working with aging adults. Outside of school, she enjoys watching hockey and basketball, spending time with friends and family, and reading.
Research interests
- Chronic pain management, long-term effects of post-concussion syndrome, and neurodegenerative diseases — specifically Parkinson’s and dementia.
Philippa Beaden
Graduated 2022
Philippa is a Registered Nurse who obtained her BScN (honors) from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and has a love for bedside nursing because of her patients; she has always been people-centered. Having experience healthcare services in and out of Canada, Philippa understands the importance of the influencing factors of optimal health and hopes to share both her research and clinical expertise with health professionals, especially in developing countries and revamping global health networks. It’s her hope to partner with WHO in Global Health programs that will change the lives of people across the globe. She has volunteered with several organizations such as TAIBU Sickle Cell Support Group and Women’s Health in Women’s Hands which led to her nomination and a recipient of the prestigious 150 Canada Youth Award. Philippa is also the Co-founder and Director of Administration for Black Physicians of Tomorrow where she mentors children and youth who wish to pursue careers in medicine, allied healthcare, and STEM by providing resources such as academic support, shadowing, volunteering, leadership, and research opportunities.
Rachel Sinclair
2023 - 2025 cohort
Reza Vali
Graduated 2018
Dr. Reza Vali is a leader in the field of nuclear medicine, bringing an unmatched level of expertise and orchestration. As Staff Physician at the prestigious SickKids Hospital for over a decade, and the Program Director of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Toronto (#1 Ranked University in Canada), Dr. Vali has consistently pushed the boundaries of medical imaging. His academic journey, spanning from a medical degree in Iran to fellowships across Europe and North America, reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Dr. Vali currently serves as President of the Pediatric Imaging Council of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), solidifying his reputation as a global authority. His mastery in PET/CT oncology and pediatric nuclear medicine has positioned him as a sought-after judge in various nuclear medicine activities, where his keen eye and critical expertise are relied upon to shape the future of the field. A dual master of clinical practice and academic research, he completed an extra groundbreaking M.Sc. in Translational Research in 2018 on top of his Medical Degree achieved decades ago, reinforcing his position at the forefront of medical innovation.
Dr. Reza Vali is not only a leader in nuclear medicine practice but also a prolific author whose scholarly contributions have significantly impacted the field. He is the Lead Author of The Official Procedure Standard EANM Practice Guideline on Pediatric PET/CT for Oncology, a key document that sets the global standards for imaging protocols in pediatric oncology, ensuring precision and safety in nuclear medicine for young patients.
With over 2,000+ citations across his extensive body of work, Dr. Vali has authored numerous scholarly articles that shape the future of diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine. His research spans advanced techniques in PET/CT, pediatric nuclear medicine, and translational medicine, making him a highly respected figure in academic and clinical circles worldwide.
With a career marked by significant leadership roles and a profound influence on the nuclear medicine landscape, Dr. Vali is a driving force in shaping the future of medical imaging.
Robby Spring
Graduated 2018
Robby Spring (BSc, MSc, MHSc) is Chief of Staff at adMare BioInnovations, where she plays a critical role in driving adMare’s strategy of building the Canadian life science ecosystem. Since early 2019, Robby was a Senior Trade Advisor for Health and Life Sciences at the Danish Trade Council in Toronto, helping to create value for Danish health and life science companies. This work included public affairs and government relations for Canadian subsidiaries of Danish pharmaceutical companies, as well as market entry and implementation planning for Danish companies entering Canada. She previously spent over 10 years in various research roles at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest, which included a collaboration with the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance helping develop their Toronto Cognitive Assessment iPad program, now implemented in several hospitals.
Robby also co-founded the website HIIO Inc, which aims to help health innovators navigate the complex health innovation implementation pathway in Ontario.
Robby has a BSc in Medical Biophysics from the University of Western Ontario, an MSc in Neuroscience and MHSc in Translational Research, both from University of Toronto.
Roofaidah Durdana Haque
2023 - 2025 cohort
Roofaidah graduated from the University of Toronto in Honours Bachelor of Science, majoring in Human Biology and double minoring in Physiology and Immunology.
She is interested in improving cardiac health. Her specific research interests include neonatal and pediatric cardiac health and osteoarthritis.
She is a current volunteer of Michael Garron Hospital.
Her passions outside of academics include swimming and playing the piano. She is a swimming instructor with the City of Toronto.
Find out more
Spotlight on Roofaidah Durdana Haque
Research interests
- Management of hand osteoarthritis, neonatal and pediatric cardiology in congenital heart disease.