Emerging Researchers

Meet Khalil Husein, a cognitive aging researcher passionate about the intersection of music, memory, and well-being in older adults. A Master’s student in the Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo, Khalil conducts research under the supervision of Dr. Myra Fernandes on how music - particularly lyrical content - evokes autobiographical memories and supports cognitive function across the lifespan. His work combines behavioral experiments with natural language processing to analyze emotional responses to music-evoked memories, with promising applications in dementia care and therapeutic interventions.  

Khalil holds an Honours BSc in Integrated Science from McMaster University, where his interest in aging research began through community-based musical outreach. He’s also collaborated with Dr. Marek Stastna from Applied Mathematics to develop scalable tools for memory analysis. As he prepares to begin his PhD at Waterloo, Khalil remains committed to advancing interdisciplinary, compassionate research that enhances quality of life for aging populations. Read about his research journey here.

Meet Nancy Orr, a PhD (Planning) student in the Faculty of Environment, supervised by Dr. Mark Seasons. With a background in environmental science, economic development, and a Master’s from the University of Guelph School of Environmental Design and Rural Development that focused on non-metropolitan housing affordability. Nancy’s current 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 communities where urban services and infrastructure may be less extensive.

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 a more comprehensive and person-centered care approaches.

Read more about her research here. 

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 Faculty of Science’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. Read about her research journey here.

Meet Nijani Nagaarudkumaran, an emerging researcher in the field of aging research, who is focused on exploring the intricate connections between aging, autophagy, and inflammation. Her work has the potential to transform our understanding and treatment of age-related ocular diseases

After completing her BSc in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Waterloo Faculty of Science, she continued her education journey with the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science/Waterloo Eye Institute, completing her MSc under the supervision of Dr. Lyndon Jones with the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE). She is now completing her PhD with member, Dr. William Ngo, with a goal of working towards addressing the root causes of inflammation and cellular dysfunction to promote the healthy aging of the ocular surface.

Read more about Nijani's research journey.