The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.
-Frank Lloyd Wright
Even in something as natural as aging, advancements in research and innovation can make the process smoother, improving the quality of life for older adults. In its 2013 Strategic Plan, the University of Waterloo identified an opportunity to become a leader in aging research. In 2014, the Network for Aging Research (NAR) was created to expand the field of aging research and support aging-focused researchers.
The development of NAR, as identified by the University’s Vice-President Academic & Provost, was a strategic and essential step toward advancing aging research. NAR acts as a networking tool for aging-focused researchers, and fosters collaborative aging research across the university.
News
Emerging Researchers - Khalil Husein
Meet Khalil Husein, a Master’s student at the University of Waterloo whose research explores how music can evoke autobiographical memories and enhance well-being in aging populations. Blending his scientific background with a lifelong passion for music, Khalil is uncovering how elements like lyrics uniquely support memory recall in older adults—offering promising insights for therapeutic use in cognitive aging.
Emerging Researchers - Yasmeen Alshehabi
Meet Yasmeen Alshehabi, a neuroscience researcher driven by a passion for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases. A recent Master’s graduate from the University of Waterloo’s Department of Biology, Yasmeen conducted research in Dr. Dale Martin’s lab on potential drug therapies for Huntington disease. Her work focuses on restoring autophagy—a cellular cleanup process impaired in Huntington disease—by targeting the protein p62, which plays a key role in clearing toxic protein aggregates. Her research bridges cell culture studies with mouse model characterization and explores shared mechanisms between Huntington disease and ALS.
Yasmeen’s academic journey includes an Honours BSc in Biomedical Sciences with minors in French, Psychology, and Medical Physiology. Beyond the lab, she founded the University of Waterloo Neurodegenerative Research Association and organized the university’s first Symposium on Neuroscience Research. Currently continuing in Dr. Martin’s lab as a research scientist, Yasmeen plans to pursue a career in health care, bringing with her a deep scientific understanding and a commitment to improving outcomes for individuals affected by neurodegenerative conditions.
Emerging Researchers - Nancy Orr
Meet Nancy Orr, a PhD candidate in Planning at the University of Waterloo, supervised by Dr. Mark Seasons. With a background in environmental science, economic development, and a Master’s in rural planning from the University of Guelph, Nancy’s research focuses on aging well in non-metropolitan communities. Her work explores how housing design, local services, and inclusive planning can better support older adults—especially in areas lacking urban infrastructure.
Motivated by a lifelong commitment to community and collaboration, Nancy’s research aims to address housing gaps, promote dignity in aging, and ensure that seniors are recognized as vital contributors to society. Her approach blends policy insight with real-world impact—driven by the belief that when older adults thrive, entire communities benefit. Read more about her research journey here
Events
Aging Without Dementia: How Can AI help? - Lecture by Dr. Mohamed Elmasry
Dementia is a growing health concern in Canada as population age. While the average lifespan is 80 years, health span is only 65 years, leaving many seniors with chronic diseases and conditions, including dementia.
Dr. Mohamed Elmasry will speak on how AI can help in the early detection of dementia and, most importantly, empower individuals at any age to reduce their risk through lifestyle changes.