Contacts

Hao's research leverages large-scale electronic medical records to answer critical clinical and policy questions in aging and mental health. I apply state-of-the-art epidemiological, statistical, and machine learning methods to identify modifiable risk factors for adverse health and mental health outcomes and to understand the consequences of major health conditions that are common in older adults. Conditions of particular interest in my research are dementia, depression, multimorbidity and frailty.

Bonaventure finished his PhD with Dr. Hirdes in 2024 (Understanding Longitudinal Changes in The Performance of Activities of Daily Living in Long-Term Care Settings: Trajectories, Transition Patterns, Predictors and Associated Health Outcomes).

Jacobi is a Scientist with Lawson Research Institute and holds Adjunct Assistant Professor appointments at Western University (Faculty of Health Sciences) and the University of Waterloo (School of Public Health Sciences).

Danielle completed her PhD with Chris Perlman in October 2023.

Danielle is an Assistant Professor in the Arthur Labatt School of Nursing at Western University. Danielle is passionate about the use of applied biostatistical approaches to health data. Her work spans several research areas, including mental health, health systems, and health equity.

Jo Ann is a Professor in the School of Early Childhood Education at Seneca College in Ontario, Canada and supervises undergraduate research in the Bachelor of Child Development program. Dr. Iantosca obtained her PhD from the Faculty of Education, specializing in Applied Psychology at Western University. She has a Master of Education degree, an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Developmental Psychology, and Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Windsor. Dr. Iantosca is also an Ontario certified teacher (OCT) and registered early childhood educator (RECE).

Reem Mulla completed her PhD with John Hirdes in 2024 (Transitions in Mood Among Residents of Canadian Long-Term Care Facilities: The Effects of COVID-19 Individual Risk Factors and Regional Characteristics)

Annie’s current research focuses on better understanding the biopsychosocial factors related to the aging process with much of her research focusing specifically on those living with frailty in the community and in long-term care homes. Her research also aims to improve the quality of life and reduce social isolation of older adults living with frailty across the continuum of care and their caregivers.

Aynharan's research focuses on quantitative health services research in palliative care, as well as designing, implementing and evaluating early palliative care models of care across the care continuum.

Gilbert specializes in the assessment and treatment of complex disorders as well as co-occurring mental health and substance-related disorders, including as an expert witness in juvenile courts assessing parenting skills of parents with substance use disorders and young people in difficulty

Luke completed his PhD with Dr. Hirdes in 2019.

Luke Turcotte (2019). Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Adverse Events Following Discharge from Ontario Complex Continuing Care Hospitals. UWSpace.

Luke completed his MSc with John Hirdes in September 2014. Thesis title: Clinical Predictors of Protracted Length of Stay in Complex Continuing Care Facilities

Julie Weir is a Masters prepared nurse with extensive experience in acute care, long term care, infection control, and health system management. She is currently completing a doctorate in interdisciplinary studies with a research focus on use of interRAI systems to support and enhance quality of care and quality of life in long-term care homes. 

Gustavo completed his PhD with John Hirdes in April 2025. Thesis title: Extreme weather events and the health of vulnerable populations

Raquel completed her PhD with John Hirdes in December 2016.  Thesis title: Caregivers in distress: Using interRAI assessments to target and evaluate community-based interventions. 

Jenn completed her MSc with John Hirdes in April 2015. Thesis title: Older Stroke Survivors in Home Care: Factors Associated with the use of CCAC Rehabilitation Services 

Judy Castaneda is a current student of Chris Perlman.

Byung Wook completed his PhD with John Hirdes in April 2026. Thesis title: Health, Health Service Use and Informal Caregiver Distress among Older Korean Home Care Clients in Canada and Korea

Clare completed her PhD with John Hirdes in July 2021. Thesis title: Predictors of Palliative Home Care Costs in Ontario, Canada

Shannon completed her PhDwith John Hirdes in June 2014. Thesis title: Planning at the End-of-Life: Potential Use of the interRAI Palliative Care Assessment Instrument Clinical Assessment Protocols (interRAI PC CAPs) to Identify the Needs of Persons Receiving Palliative Home Care Services in Ontario, Canada

David Grant is a current student with Chris Perlman. 

Norma completed her PhD with John Hirdes in June 2010. Thesis title: Integrating supportive housing into the continuum of care in Ontario.

Sophie finished her PhD with Dr. Hirdes in 2019 (Specialized Geriatric Services Use by Older Home Care Clients).

Bert Kaempfe is a current PhD student with Chris Perlman.

Karolina is a current PhD student with Chris Perlman. 

Loni Kolas is a current PhD student with Chris Perlman.

Brittany is a current PhD student with John Hirdes.

Jerrica completed her PhD with Dr. Hirdes in 2021. Thesis title: Measuring and Responding to Mental Health Needs of Emerging Adults Receiving Care in Canadian Psychiatric Settings: Evidence for the Importance of Assessing Anxiety Symptoms)

Jerrica completed for MSc with John Hirdes in December 2015. Thesis title: Predictors of Alternate Level of Care within Mental Health Inpatient Units across Ontario

Vahe completed his PhD with John Hirdes in June 2011. Thesis title: Relationships between Quality of Life and Selected Resident and Facility Characteristics in Long Term Care Facilities in Canada

Kathleen completed her PhD with John Hirdes in June 2023. Thesis title: Widening the View: A Standardized Approach to Capturing Family Members’ Perspectives on Qualify of Life in Long-term Care

Amanda completed her PhD with John Hirdes and George Heckman in July 2025. Thesis title: : An Exploration of Quality-of-Life and Indicators in Long-Term Care Homes

Sandra completed her MSc in June 2023. Thesis title: Predictors of Loneliness and Transitions in Loneliness in Ontario Home Care Clients

Joanna finished her PhD with Dr. Hirdes in 2019 (From Less Invisible to More Transparent: Need for and Outcomes of Formal Personal Support Services in Long-Stay and Short-Stay Home and Community Care).

Ken completed his PhD with John Hirdes in August 2020. Thesis title: Predicting resource use of community mental health services at the transition from in-patient psychiatry

Please reach out to Marianne for interRAI expense reimbursements.

Please reach out to Tina to request airline quotes to attend interRAI meetings.

Please note: Financial approval will be required by your committee chair and John Hirdes.