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Meet Dr. Thomas M. Kwok, a postdoctoral scholar whose work sits at the intersection of robotics, healthcare, and aging. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the National University of Singapore, Dr. Kwok is developing teleoperated robotic systems that enable caregivers to remotely assist older adults—particularly those in underserved or remote communities. Motivated by personal experience and a global vision for aging-in-place, his research combines human action recognition, real-time mental and physical monitoring, and autonomous robotic support to transform how care is delivered across distances. 

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.

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.

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

Meet Maral Ghodsi, an emerging researcher completing her MSc in Kinesiology under Dr. Laura Middleton at the Brain and Body Lab. With a background in anesthesiology and clinical experience, Maral's journey into aging research was deeply influenced by her family's experiences. Her work focuses on the intersection of kinesiology, neuroscience, gerontology, and mental health, exploring how physical activity and sleep quality can reduce anxiety and depression in older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairments. By promoting non-pharmacological interventions, Maral aims to enhance mental well-being and quality of life for the aging population, paving the way for more holistic and person-centered care approaches.

Please note that the submission deadline for this year's Catalyst Grant “Resilience and Sustainability in Aging Populations” has been extended. The new submission deadline is Wednesday, April 30th, 2025, at 4:00pm. 

Meet Nijani Nagaarudkumaran, an emerging researcher in the field of aging research, who is focused on unraveling the complex relationship between aging, autophagy, and inflammation, which could transform how we understand and treat age-related ocular diseases.

We are excited to announce that applications for the Spring 2025 Catalyst Grant call are now open.

The theme of this year’s Catalyst Grant is “Resilience and Sustainability in Aging Populations,” supporting projects that advance sustainability in geriatrics research. Submission deadline is April 18, 2025, at 4:00pm. 

The Network for Aging Research (NAR) is pleased to announce the University of Waterloo’s Conference on Aging, COVID-19 and the Adoption of Health Technology on March 24-25, 2021 from 1-5 p.m. each day.

The Network for Aging Research has released a call for research proposals related to COVID-19 & older adults.