Lab Members

Kara Yeh

Kara Yeh I am currently a biology student at UBC that is passionate about improving the quality of life for others. This passion stems from my previous experiences as a youth educator and research assistant at BC Children’s Hospital. As such, I hope to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the near future. […]

Stephanie Chan

Stephanie Chan I am a first-year Internal Medicine Resident at UBC. I graduated medical school at the Schulich School of Dentistry and Medicine at Western University in London, Ontario. I grew up in the Greater Toronto Area and moved to Vancouver in 2023 for my residency training. I hope to do a fellowship in Geriatrics […]

Ryan Lei

Ryan Lei Ryan Lei is a Grade 11 student at University Hill Secondary. He likes to program in his free time and inspires to be a leader in technology, exploring ways to improve people’s lives.

Lana Chan

Lana Chan ** Biography incoming** Lana Chan is a high school student volunteer with our design team. Profile icon from freepik*

Sonia Tang

Sonia Tang ** Biography incoming** Profile icon from Bingge Liu Art*

Sena Kholmatov

Sena Kholmatov I am Sena Kholmatov, an undergraduate student majoring in Cognitive Systems and minoring in Community, Adult, and Higher Education,also serving as a Research Assistant for the Sleepsense Project. My work with both the Sleepsense Project and the Co-Create Virtual Reality Project demonstrates my commitment to enhancing healthcare through technology. In my role as […]

Rachel Wan

Rachel Wan Rachel is passionate about caring for the elderly population and currently works with older adults as a registered nurse at the Vancouver General Hospital on the ACE unit. She is a volunteer at the IDEAlab and currently contributes her time and efforts to the Silent Disco Headphones and DemSCAPE World Cafe projects. Additionally, […]

Nasim Hosseini

Nasim Hosseini

Michelle Lam

Michelle Lam Michelle is a year 3 nursing student at UBC who is passionate about health equity and problem-solving. She also love building relationships and meeting new people, so she’s really excited to work with the IDEA Lab team to work towards advancing dementia care! In her spare time, I love eating, photography, and jewelry […]

Jastinne Diaz

Jastinne Diaz Hi everyone! My name is Jastinne Diaz, and I am a graduate student in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. Prior to pursuing my public health masters, I graduated with a BSc Specialization in Psychology also from the University of Alberta, with a particular interest in language and developmental […]

Jamie Lam

Jamie Lam Jamie Lam is a fourth year Cognitive Systems (Brain and Cognition) student in UBC. Through her degree and work in the Faculty of Digital Medicine which focuses on chronic disease management for multicultural communities, she has become passionate about utilizing innovative technology to provide patient-centered care and developing a learning health system. She also has experience working in the […]

Catherine Wu

Catherine Wu Catherine is a mission-driven researcher dedicated to leveraging technology for precision care and health equity. She has four years of experience in developing wellbeing initiatives, providing coaching support and designing innovative blended service designs for youth, families and adults with stress, depression and anxiety. She was once the primary caregiver for her grandma, who […]

Janna Zeid

Janna Zeid I’m currently a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Cognitive Systems. Having conversations with friends in different fields about the similarities between what we classify as distinct academic disciplines is always fascinating to me. I’m excited to apply that to a research environment and explore the nuances of dementia and assistive technologies, particularly for communities with less […]

Vaishali Sharma

Vaishali Sharma Vaishali Sharma, also known as Shelly, came to Canada as an international student and graduated with a degree in Biological Sciences in 2021. She worked for the UBC Can-SOLVE CKD network as a Research Administrative Coordinator for the past two years and has recently started her position at the PHSA BC Cancer Research […]

Bonnie Huynh

Bonnie Huynh Bonnie is currently a second-year student at UBC majoring in Neuroscience. Through her studies, she has gained interest in research on neurodegenerative diseases with an emphasis on the development of treatments and therapies to improve the care of patients living with dementia. She also enjoys working directly with people and her community through […]

Adam Lin

Adam Lin ** Biography incoming** Adam Lin is a part of the Learning Health Systems project. Profile icon from Bingge Liu Art*

Ana Sofia Groot

Ana Sofia Groot My name is Ana Sofia Groot. I am a third-year student at UBC, majoring in psychology with a big interest in older adults’ well-being. My goal with my studies, experience and further education is to better understand and advocate for older adults. I love hiking, swimming, and anything fitness. I’m a big […]

Helen Banh

Helen Banh Hi there! My name is Helen, and I graduated from UBC with a B.Sc. in Chemical Biology. I’m interested in the healthcare field, so I’m thrilled to join the IDEA Lab and work on projects implementing innovative technology to improve dementia care. I’m excited to interact with the community and bring joy to […]

Luoci Zhang

Luoci Zhang Luoci Zhang is a Chinese designer and artist currently studying and residing in Chicago. She works on graphic design, experimental video, images, printing, and installation. Her work is interested in subtle relationships behind items and ambient feelings, from descriptive and abstract text to visualization. She hopes to apply her learning experiences and background […]

Samaa ElSayed

Samaa ElSayed Hi, My name is Samaa and I am an international student from Egypt. I am in my fourth year of studying International Relations. I am very interested in getting involved in my community, learning, and giving back. I am also deeply curious about the fast-paced and innovative technology and the health care system […]

Rachel Xia

Rachel Xia Hi! I’m currently a third year Cognitive Systems student at UBC. I’m interested in gerontology, rehabilitation, and applications of technology in healthcare. I’m excited to be involved in improving dementia and aging care through innovations with the IDEA Lab. In my free time, I enjoy making food, spending time with family and friends, […]

Yumna Hayat

Yumna Hayat I’m a third-year student at UBC. I’m doing my undergrad in pharmaceutical sciences. I am very excited to be a part of the IDEA lab, and to be involved in projects that harness technology to deliver innovative solutions to improve healthcare through patient-centred research. In my free time, I like hiking and going […]

Sahar Allen

Sahar Allen Sahar is a new graduate from University of British Columbia with a Bachelor in Science in Behavioural Neuroscience. During her undergraduate degree, she was extensively involved with research through different labs such as the Visual Cognition Lab, Centre for Cognitive Development and Coping with Neurological Symptoms Lab. Throughout her research & community involvement, […]

Mary Van

Mary Van Mary is an Integrated Sciences Major at UBC studying Immunology & Neurobiology who is hoping to pursue graduate studies further and have a career in the healthcare field. She finds deep value and joy in making positive contributions to the lives of others through her community involvement – big or small. She is […]

Harleen Hundal

Harleen Hundal Harleen is passionate about health equity, patient advocacy, and medicine. She is currently studying at UBC in the Combined Major in Science program (chemistry, life science, earth and environmental science) with a Minor in Health and Society. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in healthcare that will allow her to […]

Alice Entong Yi

Alice Entong Yi I am passionate about improving elder health, well-being, and quality of life. This passion led me to challenge myself daily and learn new skills as a member of the IDEA lab with the team. I was an internal medicine physician, having 20+ years of experience in primary care in China. I hope […]

Hannah Fong

Hannah Fong Hannah is a student in the nursing program at the University of Alberta. She is passionate about health promotion and disease prevention. Hannah is interested in innovative ways technology can improve healthcare for the aging population. In her spare time, Hannah can be found watching nature documentaries, spending time with friends and family, […]

Peter Yong Zhao

Peter Yong Zhao I am currently a graduate student in the MHLP-SC program. Before that, I have been a physician majoring in infectious diseases with career development in Beijing, China. Besides my clinical practices, I participated in some clinical and basic laboratory research. The increasing aging population has become a global issue and more attention […]

Albin Soni

Albin Soni Hello! I’m currently a second year Biomedical Engineering student here at UBC. At IDEA Lab I hope to pursue my interests in healthcare accessibility and innovation, while at the same time helping those with dementia and related conditions. As a seasoned long term care home volunteer, I’ve become familiar with some of the […]

Jason Fu

Jason Fu I am a third year Biomedical Engineering student studying at UBC with a focus on Biomechanics and Biomaterials. As a robotics research assistant at the IDEA lab, I will be involved in various projects that utilize robotics to improve the lives of individuals with dementia and age-related conditions. My goal is to collaborate […]

Ian Chan

Ian Chan I am a full-time student of MHLP Seniors Care of UBC. My background is being a geriatrician from Hong Kong, focused on innovative community geriatric care, inpatient service reengineering and quality improvement initiatives. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (UK), I work voluntarily for the College Clinical Medicine journal as […]

Ruth Khong

Ruth Khong Hi, I am Ruth. A little about myself, I grew up in Malaysia and speak four languages (English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Malay). I am an introverted extrovert, I enjoy being around people, and that is why I love being a Registered nurse, and the ability to form relationships with my residents/patients; but I also […]

Sandy Chau

Sandy Chau Sandy Chau is a nursing student at UBC. She is passionate in advocating for health equity for patients from the elderly population and marginalized groups. Sandy has always had a keen interest in translational research. She is excited to explore on how integrating technology in long-term care homes can benefit and improve the […]

Joelle Rivera

Joelle Rivera Hi! My name is Joelle Rivera, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy at The University of British Columbia. I have a passion for accessibility and the exploration of creative avenues that can improve the quality of life for different populations. Through the IDEA lab I hope to learn more […]

Hadil Alfares

Hadil Alfares My name is Hadil Alfares. I am a fourth year science student at UBC, majoring in Integrated Sciences. Through my studies, I hope to further my knowledge on the effects of exercise and nutrition on human physiology for disease prevention and treatment. My ultimate goal is to attend medical school and follow my […]

Arisa Kinugawa

Arisa Kinugawa I am a 3rd year student studying Psychology at UBC, aspiring to pursue further studies in Nursing. Joining IDEA Lab, I was driven to share the same simple but powerful values of improving the quality of life of those who suffer from dementia. I am hoping to apply my experiences at IDEA Lab […]

Katrina Yuen

Katrina Yuen Hi! My name is Katrina and I am entering my third year, studying Integrated Sciences with a focus on Neuroscience and Immunology. I am interested in the study of neurodegenerative diseases and abnormal psychology. I am excited to see how new technologies can be applied to existing obstacles, and especially excited to be […]

Caitlin Lee

Caitlin Lee Caitlin is a new graduate from Western University and holds an Honours B.M.Sc. She has experience volunteering with the Alzheimer Society, working in labs, and is deeply involved in the philanthropy community. Caitlin is extremely passionate about making positive changes within and beyond the field of healthcare. She is excited to join the […]

Lauren Lee

Lauren Lee Lauren Lee is an undergraduate student studying at the University of Western Ontario pursuing her studies in Health Sciences. Through research projects and volunteering, Lauren has found a great interest in the interconnectedness of healthcare and well-being. Eager to explore her passions in geriatric care, she is committed to learning from her fellow […]

Diane Pan

Diane Pan Diane is currently in second year studying Behavioural Neuroscience. She is passionate about sustainability, health, and wellness and she is excited to be involved in improving long-term care through technology. She loves to help design graphics and posters for the Idea Lab. In her free time, she loves to go hiking with friends, […]

Grace Hu

Grace Hu Hi! My name is Grace and I am a fourth-year UBC student majoring in Physiology and Immunology and minoring in Health and Society. My interest in geriatric care first stemmed from volunteering at local retirement homes! Through playing the piano for seniors and keeping them company, I learned of the ways in which […]

Afshan Feroz

Afshan Feroz Afshan is pursuing a Master’s in Health Leadership and Policy with a focus on clinical education at UBC. She is a practicing pharmacist and has served communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan. She is also a board-certified diabetic educator and is passionate about helping people manage their diabetes.  Afshan aspires to be a leader […]

Ranbir Rai

Ranbir Rai My name is Ranbir Rai. I completed a Master of Science in Nursing in the year 2020. My Knowledge Translation project was on the Implementation of Patient-centered measurement tools among healthcare professionals working with elderly patients. My focus is to work with patients and their caregivers as a team to achieve quality care. […]

Deborah Liao

Deborah Liao Deborah Liao is a part-time student of the Masters of Health Leadership and Policy Program in Seniors Care.  She is a Registered Nurse in Long-Term Care and is passionate about delivering quality, person-centred care to all seniors.  She also has an interest in the application of technology in health care and hopes to […]

Katrina Jang

Katrina Jang Hi there! I am a second-year student occupational therapist at the University of Toronto. I also completed a Health Sciences degree at Simon Fraser University, where I fell in love with research, public health, and gerontology. I currently work in aging and advance care planning research and gravitate especially towards research on racialized minorities […]

Karen Wong

Karen Wong TV Study Project Lead Karen Lok Yi Wong is a second-year Ph.D. student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) School of Social Work. Her research interests include ageing and cultural, racial, immigration, and language diversity, the experience of people living with dementia, and aging and technology. She is a recipient of the […]

Cromwell Acosta

Cromwell Guerrero Acosta, RN, MSN, GN(c) His adult health nursing interest spanned from his classroom and bedside experiences as a Medical-Surgical nurse before migrating to Canada in 2012. He has taught and assumed administrative roles as OIC-Dean and as Clinical Coordinator at Notre Dame University and Lyceum of the Philippines University in the Philippines, respectively. […]

Haniya Bharucha

Haniya Bharucha Haniya Bharucha, born and raised in Pakistan ventured to Canada to study Human Biology and Sociology at the University of Toronto. She then went on to work for various not-for-profit organizations. Over the years she developed a passion for biological and psychosocial well-being. When she’s not studying for her clinical research certification you […]

Kevin Dong

Kevin Dong As a medical student at UBC, Kevin has been volunteering with the IDEA Lab since his freshman undergraduate year. He hopes to bridge the gap between clinicians and scientists and bring attention to an older population that has been marginalized by healthcare disparities, ageism, and poor long-term care infrastructure.  <– 🤫 Look at […]

Amanda Yee

I am a 1st year PhD student at the University of Toronto, under the Faculty of Pharmacy. My research interests are in geriatrics, polypharmacy, and technology-based interventions. By being a part of the IDEA Lab, I hope to work with a multidisciplinary team to integrate technology into geriatric care and improve the quality of life […]