GIVS Council

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with a minor in French from the University of Waterloo in 2022, and a Master of Education from Ontario Tech University in 2024. I enjoy reading and have a deep passion for philosophy.

My work focuses on advancing the understanding of Sjögren’s syndrome-related dry eye disease as this is a highly debilitating autoimmune disorder with severe impacts on the quality of life of patients.

Sandra is a master’s student in the Vision Science program under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Hunter. Her research investigates cellular-level changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) associated with Stargardt disease, utilizing the lab’s state-of-the-art Adaptive Optics Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy (AOFLIO) system. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Optometry from India and a postgraduate diploma in Healthcare Administration from Canada. In addition to her research, Sandra serves as the Vice President of Graduates in Vision Science (GIVS) for 2025. Outside the lab, she enjoys painting, photography, and solving puzzles.

Cindy recently earned an Honours Bachelor of Science degree with distinction from the Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Waterloo. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong academic and research foundation in neuroscience, physiology, and experimental design, earning several awards including the President’s Scholarships of Distinction, Science Undergraduate Student Opportunity Award, and President’s Research Awards. She is now pursuing her Master of Science in Vision Science under the supervision of Dr. Ben Thompson in the Human Visual Neuroscience Lab.

Cindy’s research focuses on understanding how binocular vision can be improved in adults with amblyopia through perceptual training and visual neuroplasticity. Her current project examines how motion-based visual tasks can be used to study and enhance depth perception. The long-term goal of this work is to contribute to the development of accessible, evidence-based rehabilitation tools for improving binocular function.

Yangchen is a Master's student in the Vision Science program under the supervision of Dr. Krista Kelly. Her project involves investigating the role of binocular motor function during static balance in children with amblyopia. Outside the lab, she enjoys outdoor activities and travelling.

Sadaf completed her Bachelor of Optometry in 2022 and worked for two years in clinical practice before joining the Vision Science program at the University of Waterloo. She initially began her research under Dr. Kostadinka Bizheva and now works under the supervision ofDr. Jennifer Hunter and Dr. Nadine Furtado. Her project focuses on imaging neurovascular coupling in the healthy and glaucomatous retina using OCT to improve early glaucoma detection. Outside of research, Sadaf enjoys Pilates and swimming.

Lauren is PhD student in Vision Science. She is also the President of the Graduates in Vision Science Student Council. She is currently working on a project involving eye-body coordination during walking in children with amblyopia under the supervision of Dr. Krista Kelly. Outside the lab, she enjoys card/board games and photography.