Methodologist with a background in chemical engineering who’s passionate about research, statistics, and experimental reporting. As a volunteer with Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Canada and now as a troop leader with Scouts Canada, he’s seen firsthand the importance of diverse role models in guiding children towards becoming well-rounded adults. Through his work as… Continue reading Aaron Cowan
Team Group: Academic, office staff, and community peer researchers
Dr. Smita Pakhale, MD, FRCPC, MSc
Dr. Smita Pakhale is a respirologist at the Ottawa Hospital. Being raised in India, a country known for its caste system, Dr. Pakhale from the beginning of her career has recognized the pressing issue of health inequity that affects not only her home country but also North America. Her need to address the root of… Continue reading Dr. Smita Pakhale, MD, FRCPC, MSc
Jonathan
“I have worked with aboriginal companies in the past including Odawa’s 510 Drop-In for homeless or at risk of homelessness and Metis National Council. I have experienced homelessness for several years from my late teens to early 20’s. I suffered from addiction for most of my life but was always reaching for something better. Through… Continue reading Jonathan
Bruna C. Falavinha, M.Sc.
Bruna Falavinha is a Ph.D. student at University of Ottawa. Previously she completed her Master’s degree in Biosciences at FIOCRUZ. In Brazil, she was a coordinator at the nonprofit organization Techo, fighting extreme poverty in Latin America. Her research interests rely on social equity, public health, health inequities and Indigenous health.
Vanessa
Vanessa became a part of the Bridge during COVID Impact study in 2020. She is an extremely passionate person that puts a lot of her energy into helping others and fighting for human rights, especially for incarcerated people within CPEP (The Criminalization and Punishment Education Project). Vanessa is a spoken word poet, who writes poetry… Continue reading Vanessa
Meaghan Hegarty
Meaghan initially joined the Bridge as a youth researcher for TCAY Ottawa study focusing on Cannabis and Mental health but quickly she became involved in COVID Impact study. Meaghan is always innovative and full of ideas. She is one of two peer researchers who are leading Photovoice projects. Meaghan is very interested in helping others,… Continue reading Meaghan Hegarty
Terrence Hegarty
Before Terry joined the Bridge he was already intensely involved in working for the community. From the beginning, he was actively engaged in recruiting, consenting, administering surveys, and follow-ups in HPI study. Terry is also a member of the Bridge Community Advisory Committee and co-Investigator of many of the Bridge research studies. He is committed… Continue reading Terrence Hegarty
Asiya Hilowle
Asiya, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, joined the Bridge for COVID impact study. She excelled in participants’ recruitment, consenting, and administering surveys. Currently, she works as a Youth Community Peer Researcher in the Photovoice project, a part of TCAY Ottawa study. Asiya has many passions and is involved in running a NPO women… Continue reading Asiya Hilowle
Sadia Jama, M.Sc
Sadia Jama is a Doctoral Candidate in Epidemiology at the University of Ottawa. Her research areas are health inequities, tobacco health disparities, and the impact of cannabis use on mental health. She is passionate about health justice and has over 10 years of experience as an organizer on housing and food security issues, working alongside… Continue reading Sadia Jama, M.Sc
Michael “Max” Magwood
Max for a long time was a volunteer in various organizations focused on helping people who use drugs or experiencing homelessness. He joined the Bridge Team as a Participant during HPI study. His activism and curiosity led him to become community researcher. He laboriously participates in every stage of projects led at the Bridge. In… Continue reading Michael “Max” Magwood