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Ziying Zhang
Ziying Zhang Ziying Zhang is a PhD candidate in Gerontology at Simon Fraser University and an incoming postdoctoral fellow in the IDEA Lab at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on dementia care, person-centred care, and how social, physical, and organizational environments shape the everyday lives of older adults in long-term care. Her […]
Jolie Wong
Jolie Wong Jolie is passionate about Biology and scientific research. As a student volunteer at the UBC IDEA Lab, she contributes to the Smart Little Dolls project and enjoys connecting with older adults. In her free time, she plays competitive table tennis, volunteers as a youth leader, and enjoys performing piano pieces.
Catherine Youngren
Catherine Youngren Catherine Youngren is a Fraser Health Authority Family Partner. In 2015, Catherine’s husband Ken was diagnosed with dementia and was in residential care from 2017 until his passing in 2022. Catherine has been a member of the Fraser Health LTCAL Research Partners Group and the Co-Lead of the Fraser Health Regional Resident and […]
Marsha and Tobias Jesso
Marsha and Tobias Jesso Marsha and Tobias Jesso are lived experience partners with the Idea Lab, contributing to research on learning health systems and long-term care transitions. They bring firsthand insight into aging, care, and community, helping ensure research stays grounded in the real needs of older adults and families. Marsha was diagnosed with Cognitive […]
Elizabeth Louie
Elizabeth Louie Elizabeth is a student volunteer at the UBC IDEA Lab, where she contributes to the SmartLittle Dolls project, supporting research focused on healthy aging and improving the well-being of older adults. Outside of the lab, she enjoys playing golf and violin and competing in math olympiads.
SmartLittle Dolls
SmartLittle Dolls Culturally meaningful companion dolls supporting connection, emotional wellbeing, and person-centred care in long-term care. Watch video Learn about the project Bringing culture to dementia care This video introduces the SmartLittle Dolls and how they may support meaningful engagement in care settings. Why culturally meaningful companion dolls? There has been growing interest in non-pharmacological […]
Ruby Kong
Ruby Kong Hi everyone! I’m Ruby, a final year MSN student at UBC. I currently work as a nurse in the NICU and ER. I’m extremely passionate about providing equitably care, especially amongst marginalized populations and those living in remote communities. I’m excited to continue exploring ways we can promote holistic wellbeing, by creating positive […]
Wenxin Zheng
Wenxin Zheng Hi, my name is Wenxin Zheng, and I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Hong Kong, majoring in Chinese Language and Literature and Comparative Literature. I am a Mitacs Globalink Research Intern at the UBC IDEA Lab, where I am excited to learn how research can support older adults, improve […]
Cindy Wang
Cindy Wang Hi, my name is Cindy! I am an undergraduate student at UBC. My academic interests lie in psychology, nursing, and statistics. In my spare time, I volunteer at Fraserview Retirement Community, where many residents live with dementia. I enjoy leading them to do exercises and taking them out for walks. Seeing the impact […]
Samuel Koett
Samuel Koett Hey there! I’m currently an undergraduate student in Honours Cellular, Anatomical, and Physiological Sciences at UBC and a student researcher at St. Paul’s Hospital. Seeing my now eighty-something-year-old grandparents age, I joined the IDEA Lab in December 2025 to further my research experience and aid families in similar situations to mine. So far, […]
Arshia Akhgari
Arshia Akhgari Arshia Akhgari is an Integrated Sciences student at the University of British Columbia, specializing in Neuroepidemiology. He conducts clinical research at BC Children’s Hospital’s Cochlear Implant and Pediatric ENT Clinic and contributes to research at the IDEA Lab. As Vice President of the Student Committee, Arshia works to strengthen the student community within […]
Louis Ding
Louis Ding Louis is a second-year Health Sciences student at Queen’s University. He is passionate about finding ways to make care feel more engaging and supportive. Louis is currently a volunteer working on the SmartLittle Dolls project. Outside of school, Louis enjoys hiking, playing basketball, and trying new food spots.
Alan Estrada
Alan Estrada Hi, my name is Alan Estrada, and I am entering my fourth year in Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology at UBC. I am currently a Research Assistant at the UBC IDEA Lab, where I am excited to contribute to research that supports older adults, improves dementia care, and promotes meaningful innovation in health. Outside […]
Muhammad Al Muhtadin
Muhammad Al Muhtadin Muhammad Al Muhtadin, or better known as Addin, is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Biomedical Engineering. Ever since middle school he has always been passionate in learning about health and biology, hoping to one day be able to create an innovation that could help many. In his free time, he enjoys playing […]
Vansh Patodia
Vansh Patodia I am a fourth-year student studying Business and Computer Science at The University of British Columbia. I am passionate about developing technology that creates meaningful, positive impacts in the lives of people living with dementia.
Natalie Viegas
Natalie Viegas Natalie is an undergraduate Microbiology & Immunology student at UBC. Her experiences volunteering with seniors affected by dementia led her to join the IDEA Lab. Natalie looks forward to collaborating with the IDEA Lab team on projects that enhance the wellbeing of the aging population. Outside of academics, Natalie is involved in debating […]
Amber Chan
Amber Chan Amber is a third year student in the faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC where she hopes to combine her background in pharmaceutics with psychological practices to pursue a career in psychiatry, working to create more equal access to healthcare and scientific fields for underserved and underrepresented populations. It is through her coursework […]
Sara Nishad Shaikh
Sara Nishad Shaikh Sara Nishad Shaikh is a high school student from Goa, India, with a strong interest in Music and Robotics. She is specifically passionate about the development of humanoid robots designed for social causes. She aims to combine her creative and technical skills to develop robotic solutions that make a meaningful difference in […]
Amber Geekee
Amber Geekee Amber is a third-year student studying Cognitive Systems with an emphasis on the Brain and Cognition at UBC. She has a deep passion for increasing accessibility to mental health and care resources, alongside promoting patient-centred research. Her research interests lie at the intersection of psychology and technology, with a particular focus on interventions to […]
Hameeda Irfan
Hameeda Irfan Hameeda is a BSN student at UBC-Vancouver with a strong passion for health promotion and early prevention. She is actively involved in AMS health club initiatives, including Women’s Health Project and Planetary Health, and works as a student researcher studying cardiovascular health in postpartum women. Her background in sales, marketing, fundraising, and long-term care volunteering has strengthened her […]
Jiangning Fu
Jiangning Fu I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the IDEA Lab. I received my PhD in Aging Psychology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. For the past decade, my work has focused on the psychological well-being of older adults. At IDEA Lab, I continue my research in aging and explore how technological […]
Sherry Baker
Sherry Baker Sherry Baker has owned and operated a private consulting and counselling practice since 1990. She was hired as the Executive Director of the BC Association of Community Response Networks in July 2010. In the subsequent 14 years she built a province-wide network of 92 community networks dedicated to raising the awareness and prevention […]
Kaili Chiang
Kaili Chiang Kaili is currently an undergraduate student at UBC, completing the final year of her studies in Neuroscience. She is keenly interested in dementia research, seeking to learn more about the cognitive and functional changes associated with the aging brain. She is also passionate about working with older adult populations and the implementation of […]
Fernanda Fonseca
Fernanda Fonseca Fernanda is pursuing a Master’s in Design at the Federal University of Paraná, in Brazil. She also has a degree in Graphic Expression and extensive experience with developing technological tools centered on older adults. Fernanda is supporting the IDEA lab with 3D modeling and design, as well as collaborating on various projects benefiting […]
David Chen
David Chen Hello! I’m currently an undergraduate student in Microbiology and Immunology at UBC, with a strong interest in health sciences, research, and fitness. At UBC, I’ve been involved in both academics and extracurriculars—serving on the Microbiology and Immunology Student Association (MISA), volunteering with organizations like the Red Cross and Blood for Life, and engaging […]
IDEA Lab Monthly Newsletter: April 2025
IDEA Lab Monthly Newsletter: April 2025 IDEA Lab Monthly Newsletter: April 2025 April has been full of great progress! ✨ We are pleased to share our continued progress on our exciting collaborative projects. This past month, we have been expanding our relationships and building up strong funding to support our staff, volunteers, and community partners!🤩 […]
2025 Interdisciplinary Conference in Rehabilitation Science of BC (INCREASE BC)
We had a wonderful day presenting at the 2025 Interdisciplinary Conference in Rehabilitation Science of BC (INCREASE BC), held at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute! Patient and family partners, students, and trainees from the UBC IDEA Lab shared our work across several oral and poster presentations. We’re proud to see our lab’s work and […]
Radja Aleandro
Radja Aleandro Aleandro is a second-year engineering student at UBC who is passionate about developing assistive technologies for older adults using his skills in CAD design, microcontrollers, and data analysis. Outside of school, you’ll find him cycling through Vancouver’s trails or hitting the slopes for some skiing. Be sure to say hello if you see […]
Ashley Woo
Ashley Woo Ashley is a third-year Biology student at the University of British Columbia. She is passionate about discovering innovative ways to support individuals with dementia and improving the quality of life for those in long-term care homes. She strives to make a meaningful impact in healthcare by enhancing patient well-being and serving the aging […]
Anmol Kaur
Anmol Kaur Hello! My name is Anmol, and I am a registered nurse with experience in emergency care and mental health. I’m passionate about health equity, advocacy, and improving healthcare accessibility for underserved communities. At the IDEA Lab, I look forward to contributing to meaningful research that drives positive change. In my free time, I […]
IDEA Lab Monthly Newsletter: March 2025
IDEA Lab Monthly Newsletter: March 2025 March has been a busy month! ✨ From attending the PATHS Conference to visiting long term care homes for our Indigenous VR Storytelling and Silent Disco projects, we can’t wait for what the future holds! 🤩 Check out our full newsletter for more details! 🔥 This issue features:✨ Member […]
Celebrating Success at PATHS to a Cure 2025
PATHS to a Cure 2025, held on March 1st, was a remarkable success, highlighting groundbreaking advances in neuroscience and dementia care. The event featured an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Jim Mann and invaluable insights from Dr. Lillian Hung, who contributed her expertise as one of our esteemed competition judges. Researchers from UBC IDEA Lab […]
Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging Celebrates Inaugural Research Day
We are delighted to announce our participation in the inaugural Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging Research Day! This event brought together leading experts in aging research, providing an exceptional platform for knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary collaboration. We were honored to showcase our innovative, patient-oriented projects through engaging oral presentations and informative posters. Our […]
IDEA Lab Monthly Newsletter: February 2025
IDEA Lab Monthly Newsletter: February 2025 February has been a month of innovation and collaboration! 🤩From exploring Indigenous VR and sharing insights at ELCHA Research Day to advancing our Virtual Team-Based Care study and driving progress in Learning Health Systems, we’re excited about what’s ahead. 📚💡Check out our full newsletter for more details! ✨ This […]
Building a Learning Community to Improve Dementia Care Transitions
Sharing our findings with researchers, clinicians, and the community. 2025Building a Learning Community to Improve Dementia Care Transitions, PATHS to a Cure 2025 2026 Fostering Collaborative Dialogue in a Learning Community: Patient Journey Mapping as a Tool to Enhance Dementia Care Transitions – CAG 2026, 55th Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting. 2026Facilitators and Barriers to […]
January – 2025
January – 2025 We kicked off the Lunar New Year with a wonderful celebration, bringing together our team and valued partners! The event featured delicious food, thoughtful gifts, and engaging project discussions, setting the stage for a year filled with collaboration, innovation, and meaningful impact. We’re excited for all that we’ll achieve together!
Dr Freeman Visits IDEA lab
Dr. Freeman from the University of Northern British Columbia visited the lab for the first time on February 26th, 2025. The visit was primarily to attend an Indigenous VR project coordination meeting in person and to explore opportunities for future collaboration.