Our Team
We are committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness.
Clement Lin
Clement is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at McMaster University. He is planning on pursuing a career in medicine and is interested in pediatrics, orthopedics, and sports medicine.
Rayirth Sivakumar
Ray is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) program at McMaster University. His research interests lie in immunology, allergy, and nutrition. Beyond academics, he enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and trying new food.
Projects:
Anaphylaxis
Angela Wang
Angela is an undergraduate BHSc at McMaster. Her current interests include immunology and health policy/public health. She also enjoys baking and travelling.
Sam Al-Rammahy
My name is Sam Al-Rammahy and I’m a medical student at the University of Queensland in Australia. As a first-year student, I’m hoping to explore a variety of interesting fields as I begin my journey into medicine!
Dr. Sonia Brar
MD
I am currently a pediatrics resident at Cohen Children’s Hospital in Queens, NY and I am originally from Buffalo, NY.
I am currently a pediatrics resident at Cohen Children’s Hospital in Queens, NY and I am originally from Buffalo, NY.
Erica Aranha Suzumura
MSc
Erica is an Associate Researcher at the Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment at UMIT – University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology in Hall in Tirol, Austria, and a PhD student at the Preventive Medicine Department of the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil. Her main research interests include systematic reviews and meta-analyses, HTA, and cost-effectiveness analysis in health economics.
Erica is an Associate Researcher at the Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment at UMIT – University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology in Hall in Tirol, Austria, and a PhD student at the Preventive Medicine Department of the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil. Her main research interests include systematic reviews and meta-analyses, HTA, and cost-effectiveness analysis in health economics.
Dorota Borovsky
I'm a 2nd year medical student at McMaster and I'm interested in contributing to evidence-based medicine to impact the practice of allergy and asthma.
Projects:
Food allergy risk factors
Dr. Falana Sheriff
MD, BMSc, FRCPC
Falana is a fellow in the Allergy and Immunology program at McMaster University. She completed her pediatrics training at the University of Ottawa. Her research interests include asthma and food allergy.
Falana is a fellow in the Allergy and Immunology program at McMaster University. She completed her pediatrics training at the University of Ottawa. Her research interests include asthma and food allergy.
Dr. Yunli Zhao
PhD candidate
Visiting Student in Health Research Methodology at McMaster University, Geriatrician of West China hospital, Sichuan University.
Visiting Student in Health Research Methodology at McMaster University, Geriatrician of West China hospital, Sichuan University.
Projects:
Optimal use of antihistamines
Andy Zhu
Andy is an incoming second year student at McMaster University in the BHSc program. His research interests include the mechanisms of allergy and immunology, as well as infectious diseases of a bacterial or viral origin.
Shakil Popatia
Shakil is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences at McMaster university. He is passionate about anatomy, immunology, and clinical research. Outside academics Shakil actively enjoys music and acting.
Projects:
Optimal use of antihistamines
Dr. Roshan Dinparastisaleh
I am an internist, passionate about interdisciplinary research in Pulmonology and Endocrinology fields with 1.5 year of research experience in Johns Hopkins University. Also interested in art (especially playing piano and photography)
Kiki Wang
Hello, my name is Kiki Wang and I am a fourth year Health Sciences student at McMaster University. I’m an avid self-learner and love to discover new things!
Dr. Melanie Wong
Melanie is a medical student at McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Her research interests have revolved around allergy & immunology, and all things internal medicine. Outside of school, Melanie loves trying out new restaurants in Hamilton (Burnt Tongue being one of her favourites!), playing piano and spending time with her family.
Dr. Paul Oykhman
MD, MSc, FRCPC
Dr. Oykhman is a board-certified Allergist and Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor, McMaster University
Dr. Oykhman is a board-certified Allergist and Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor, McMaster University
Projects:
1) Optimal management of CRSwNP
2) Relationship of diet, atopic dermatitis and food allergy
2) Relationship of diet, atopic dermatitis and food allergy
Dr. Arnav Agarwal
Dr. Agarwal is a clinical fellow in general internal medicine. His research interests are systematic reviews, clinical guideline development, knowledge translation and GRADE. He is involved with systematic reviews and guideline work related to food allergy and atopic dermatitis as a member of the Allergy in Evidence team.
Daniel Cao
Daniel is a McMaster medical student (c2024) interested in internal medicine. Some research interests include allergy, gut health, and technology. He also enjoys runs and watching NBA basketball.
Projects:
Steroids and chronic urticaria
Leonardo Ologundudu
I am BHSc III at McMaster interested in allergy/immunology. I also enjoy playing sports and meeting new people!
Projects:
Steroids and urticaria
Awards:
2023 BHSc (Honours) Summer Research Scholarship
Dr. Archita Srivastava
Dr. Archita Srivastava is a recent Queen’s Medicine graduate who will be starting her Internal Medicine Residency at Western University this July.
Dimitrios Deris
Dimitri is a 3rd year student in the McMaster BHSc. He enjoys a variety of topics including neurology immunology, and urogenetics. Aside from academics, Dimitri enjoys playing video games and watching basketball.
Projects:
Antihistamines
Eric McMullen
Eric McMullen is a medical student in the class of 2024 at McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Before McMaster, Eric studied Health Studies (co-op) at the University of Waterloo. His current research interests include internal medicine, Evidence Based Medicine, and anesthesiology.
Dr. Omar Almatrafi
MBBS, MPH
Omar: I am a fellow in the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at McMaster University. My research interests focus on food allergy and urticaria.
Omar: I am a fellow in the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at McMaster University. My research interests focus on food allergy and urticaria.
Awards:
2022 AAAAI Annual Meeting Presentation
Haseeb Faisal
Haseeb is a first year medical student at McMaster University with an interest in pediatrics! After enjoying various volunteering opportunities where he had the opportunity to interact with children, he is now exploring research as it relates to children.
Dr. Anja Fog Heen
Dr. Anja Fog Heen is an internist, working at Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Norway and a researcher in MAGIC Evidence Ecosystem Foundation. Her work centers on shared decision-making, integration of patients’ values and preferences in guidelines and how evidence-based treatments and tests affect the daily life of patients and people causing harm and burden to them, a matter often unrecognized by prescribers.
Dr. Lina Chen
Lina Chen is a medical student at the University of Ottawa. Her research interests include atopic dermatitis and quality improvement. She also enjoys running, painting, and advocating for sustainability in healthcare and mental health.
Projects:
Patient partnership in allergy
Awards:
AAAAI Chrysalis Project
Dr. Tasnuva Ahmed
MBBS MPH MSc
I am a HRM PhD student. When it comes to health, prevention is better than cure. I am working towards finding ways to develop disease-prevention strategies harnessing evidence-based medicine as potent research tool.
I am a HRM PhD student. When it comes to health, prevention is better than cure. I am working towards finding ways to develop disease-prevention strategies harnessing evidence-based medicine as potent research tool.
Projects:
Improving allergy clinical trials
Dr. Devyani Bakshi
Devyani is a PGY1 Internal Medicine resident passionate about Clinical Allergy and Immunology. Her research interests include asthma therapy, drug reactions, and food immunotherapy. Devyani has a bachelor's of Life Sciences from Queen's University with a specialization in viral immunology and microbiology and completed her medical school at McMaster University. In her spare time she loves hiking, traveling, playing with her puppy Boo, and learning how to cook food from around the world.
Projects:
Triple therapy in asthma
Layla Bakaa
Layla: I am a third-year student at McMaster University majoring in Neuroscience, pursuing a minor in Justice, Law and Order and a student researcher in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact. I am a strong advocate for life-long learning and have an optimistic attitude towards challenges and learning new skills.
Awards:
2022 EAACI Annual Conference Research Presentation
Dr. Niveditha Devasenapathy
MBBS, MSc (Clinical trials), PhD
I am an academic researcher from India, passionate about research methods. My research work is focused in generating quality evidence to improve patient care in resource poor setting.
I am an academic researcher from India, passionate about research methods. My research work is focused in generating quality evidence to improve patient care in resource poor setting.
Alexandro Chu
Alexandro is a BHSc(Hons) student at McMaster University interested in the evidence and guidance surrounding clinical immunology, particularly food allergy. Outside of academia, he enjoys working on graphic design and volunteering with organizations.
Awards:
CIHR CGS-M
2023 CSACI Summer Studentship
2024 AAAAI Scholarship
2023 CSACI Summer Studentship
2024 AAAAI Scholarship
Dhruv Dhall
Dhruv is a second year student in the BHSc program at McMaster. Alongside his academic interests in allergy/immunology and clinical research, Dhruv enjoys swimming and baking in his free time.
Projects:
TITAN, TRADE
Margaret MacDonald
Margaret MacDonald is a first year medical student at McMaster University, with an interest in Pediatrics and Family Medicine. She previously attended Western University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences.
Dr. Antonio Bognanni
Dr. Bognanni is an MD from Italty and current HRM PhD Student
Projects:
DRACMA, FACT
Awards:
2022 Covidence Global Scholarship
2021 Eva Eugenia Lillian Cope Graduate Scholarship
2021 Eva Eugenia Lillian Cope Graduate Scholarship
Dr. Anna Whalen-Browne
MD, FRCPC
Anna is a fellow-in-training in McMaster’s clinical immunology & allergy program. She completed a Bachelor of Sciences in Microbiology & Immunology at Dalhousie University, followed by a Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Alberta, and core Internal Medicine training at McMaster University. She enjoys all aspect of clinical immunology & allergy, with particular research interests in asthma, immunodermatology, and anaphylaxis.
Anna is a fellow-in-training in McMaster’s clinical immunology & allergy program. She completed a Bachelor of Sciences in Microbiology & Immunology at Dalhousie University, followed by a Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Alberta, and core Internal Medicine training at McMaster University. She enjoys all aspect of clinical immunology & allergy, with particular research interests in asthma, immunodermatology, and anaphylaxis.
Anish Samanthapudi
Anish is a third year student in the Honours Biochemistry program at McMaster with a strong passion for clinical immunology and allergy. Outside of research, Anish is passionate about graphic design, staying active and and advocating for both physical and mental health.
Projects:
(re)TITAN, TRADE
Jeremy Steen
I am a health science (honours) student at McMaster University who is passionate about research in dermatology, internal medicine, and global health. My goals include pursuing an MD program and to one day run my own research lab.
Ananya Pathak
Ananya is an MSc student in the Health Research Methodology Program at McMaster University who completed her undergraduate study in Kinesiology. Some of her research interests include ipv, food allergy, cannabis, mental health disparities, and surgery.
Jared Dookie
My name is Jared and I am a medical student at Western University. I’ve only begun to scratch the surface in learning about the world of medicine but I’ve quickly developed an interest in Allergy and Immunology that I plan to further explore along my journey!
Renata Ceccacci
I am a first-year medical student at McMaster University with an interest in immunology, having completed a Bachelor of Medical Sciences at Western University.
Awards:
2022 McMaster Medical School Research Day
Raquel Ocvirk
Raquel is a student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at McMaster with research interests in immunology and reproductive health. Beyond academics, Raquel is passionate about gender advocacy and coaches for the Special Olympics.
Projects:
(re)TITAN, TRADE
Dr. Ming Liu
Ming is a visiting PhD student in health research methodology at McMaster University focusing on evidence-synthesis in allergy/immunology, including the Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Projects:
1) EoE treatments 2) Safe medications 3) Integrative medicines in allergy
Awards:
China Scholarship Council
Ella Rival
Ella is a third-year student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at McMaster University and has interests in food allergy, immunology and clinical research. Beyond academic interests, she enjoys long distance running, hiking and reading.
Projects:
TITAN, TRADE
Dr. Keon Maleki-Yazdi
MD, MSc
I am PGY2 Internal Medicine at McMaster. Future interests of mine include pursuing a Clinical Fellowship in Allergy & Immunology, with continued research in the field.
I am PGY2 Internal Medicine at McMaster. Future interests of mine include pursuing a Clinical Fellowship in Allergy & Immunology, with continued research in the field.
Heather Le
Heather is a dedicated and results-oriented Clinical Research Coordinator orchestrating and managing diverse clinical trials in adherence to stringent regulatory standards. She is an adaptable problem solver who loves exploring the world, one dish at a time.
Projects:
TRADE, TITAN
Dr. Nazmul Islam
A physician from Bangladesh and current HRM PhD Student, I am an aspirant clinician-scientist. I hope to develop evidence-syntheses, identify risk factors, and develop clinical practice guidelines in the diagnosis and management of food allergy and anaphylaxis.
Projects:
Prediction in food allergy
Awards:
The Louis Minden Scholarship
HRM Graduate Scholarship
HRM Graduate Scholarship
Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis
MD, MSc, FRCPC, DABD
Dr. Rachel Netahe Asiniwasis is a board certified Dermatologist currently practicing in her original hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan. Rachel has been identified as Canada's first Indigenous Dermatologist by many of her peers and colleagues.
Dr. Rachel Netahe Asiniwasis is a board certified Dermatologist currently practicing in her original hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan. Rachel has been identified as Canada's first Indigenous Dermatologist by many of her peers and colleagues.
Projects:
Dermatologic and Allergic Diseases among North American Indigenous Peoples
Xiajing Chu
Xiajing is an HRM PhD Student. I am passionate about my work. I would describe myself as a hard-working and driven individual who isn't afraid to face a challenge.
Projects:
Best practices for urticaria
Awards:
China Scholarship Council
Aaron Wen
Aaron is a 4th year Health Sciences student completing his certificate in Immunology, Virology, and Microbiology. He is also a researcher in the Witelson Lab, and a teaching assistant for both Anatomy and Physiology and Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Projects:
Antihistamines for atopic dermatitis
Dr. Karl Maxemous
I am a first year Internal Medicine resident at Western University. I completed my medical school training at the National University of Ireland, Galway. I am passionate about resident advocacy and well-being. I am currently a PARO GC Representative and PGY1 Representative at my school. Outside of work, I enjoy bouldering, running and reading.
Projects:
Triple therapy for asthma
Dr. Nima Makhdami
Nima is an internal medicine resident at McMaster University. His research interests include: evidence- based medicine, systematic reviews, quality improvement research, and clinical trials.
Vineeth Jarabana
Vineeth is a second-year Health Sciences student at Queen's University. His research interests include evidence synthesis, food allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
Projects:
Food allergy risk factors.
Equity/inclusiveness in Indigenous skin and allergy research.
Equity/inclusiveness in Indigenous skin and allergy research.
Irene Zhao
Irene is a third year student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at McMaster University. She is passionate about immunology, virology, and clinical research. Beyond academic interests, Irene enjoys hiking and playing the violin in various musical ensembles.
Awards:
2023 MMRSD - 1st place Oral Presentation
Click below to meet some of our past team members!
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