People

 

Dr. Jeff Brubacher

Program Lead

Dr. Jeff Brubacher is a scientist at the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Associate Professor in the University of British Columbia Department of Emergency Medicine, and Director of Emergency Medicine Research Program at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. He practices clinically as an Emergency Physician at Vancouver General Hospital and has training as a clinical toxicologist. Jeff holds a scholar award and Health Professional Investigator award from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research. His research interest focuses broadly on injury prevention with a special interest in road safety, traffic policy evaluation and  drug impaired driving.

 

Dr. John Staples

Researcher

Dr. John Staples is an academic general internist and Clinical Assistant Professor at University of British Columbia. After graduating from medical school at the University of Alberta he completed a residency and fellowship in general internal medicine (UBC), a Masters of Public Health (Harvard University), a New England Journal of Medicine Editorial Fellowship, and a Health Services Research Fellowship (Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto). His research interests include traffic safety and medical risk factors for injury.

Alex Jiang

Statistical Analyst

Alex is a statistical analyst working with Dr. Jeff Brubacher at the Department of Emergency Medicine. She has a Master of Data Science from the University of British Columbia. Her research interests include machine learning, regression analysis, and data engineering. Alex is currently working on a project to identify the relationship between air quality and emergency department visits. In her spare time, she enjoys playing guitar and volunteering.

Ariel Cheung

Research Assistant

Ariel is a research assistant working on the Active Transportation Injuries Circumstances and Outcome Study. She completed her BA (Hons.) in Psychology with a minor in Criminology at Simon Fraser University. Her research interests include executive functions, neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD, autism), health behaviours, and health promotion. In her free time, she enjoys Thai boxing, cooking, and volunteering.

Bianca Boicu

Research Coordinator

Bianca is a research coordinator working with Dr. Jeff Brubacher at the Department of Emergency Medicine. She has a Master of Science in psychological research from KU Leuven, specializing in decision making. Her research interests include substance use and health behaviours. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, hiking, and exploring new cities.

Daniel Daly Grafstein

Statistical Analyst

Daniel is a statistical analyst working on the Crash Risk after Cardioverter-defibrillator Implantation (MVC-ICD) study led by Dr. John Staples. He has a Master of Statistics from Simon Fraser University. His research interests include causal inference, Bayesian statistics, and sports analytics.

Durr Al-Hakim

Research Assistant

Durr is a research assistant working with Dr. Brubacher at the Department of Emergency Medicine, with a primary focus on the National Drug Driving Study. She graduated with a B.Sc. in Biology from University of British Columbia. Her research interests include understanding the risk and prevalence of MVCs with respect to long-term prescription drug use (e.g. medical cannabis, opioids), and exploring its implications among populations with chronic pain. Outside of research, Durr is the founder of The Good Day Charitable Society, an NPO targeting social marginalization within BC. In her free time, she also enjoys weightlifting and long coffee walks with friends and family. 

Dr. Herbert Chan

Research Associate

Dr. Herbert Chan is a research associate with Dr. Jeff Brubacher at the Department of Emergency Medicine and an associate member of the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation. His research interests include emergency department visits, road traffic trauma surveillance, and alcohol/drug impaired driving.

Lina Jae

Research Coordinator
Lina is a research coordinator with the Department of Emergency Medicine. She graduated with a Master of Science in Public Health from McGill University. Lina is currently working on the Active Transportation Injuries Circumstances and Outcomes Study. She is interested in building a safe environment for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclist. She enjoys hiking in the summer and snowboarding in winter.

Lulu Pei

Statistical Analyst

Lulu is a statistical analyst with the Department of Emergency Medicine. She recently graduated with a Master of Biostatistics from UBC, primarily investigating statistical applications to the field of human nutrition. Lulu is currently working on a project investigating the association between cycling infrastructure and risk of cyclist collision with a motor vehicle, using spatial analysis techniques. She also assists with the National Drug Impaired Driving Study and the Road Trauma Outcome Study.

Mayesha Khan

Research Coordinator

Mayesha manages the Crash Risk after Cardioverter-defibrillator Implantation (MVC-ICD) study led by Dr. John Staples. This study uses health and driving records to examine crash risk among ICD patients in BC. She has a Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology from Concordia University, specializing in substance use in young adults. Some of her research interests include risk factors associated with trauma and addictive behaviours.

Dr. Michael Branion-Calles

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Dr. Michael Branion-Calles is a postdoctoral research fellow in the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine. He received his PhD in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University in 2020. His research interests lie at the intersection between transportation, health, and safety. Dr. Branion-Calles is the lead data analyst on a study investigating the safety of active transport users in British Columbia using a large, linked data set.

Natali Ochoa

GIS Research Assistant

Natali Ochoa is a dedicated GIS Research Assistant working with Michael Branion on the study of pedestrian and cyclist accidents. With a Master’s degree in Information and Communications Sciences, Geographic Information Sciences, and Cartography, Natali specializes in managing spatial databases to ensure data accuracy and integrity. She has expertise in ArcGIS Pro, PostgreSQL, QGIS, Jupiter notebooks, and Spatial Analysis. Beyond her professional work, Natali enjoys pursuing her hobbies of photography, reading, and engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

Renmart Buhay

Research Assistant

Renmart is a research assistant working on the Active Transportation Injuries Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Jeff Brubacher. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Physiology from Simon Fraser University. His research interests include implementation science, health promotion and addictions research. In his spare time, he likes exercising, longboarding and volunteering.

Dr. Sarah Simmons

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Dr. Sarah Simmons is a postdoctoral research fellow in the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine. She received a PhD in psychology from the University of Calgary in 2020. Her research interests are in transportation human factors, including topics such as drug- and alcohol-impaired driving, distraction, and vulnerable road user safety. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, cooking, gardening, computer programming, board games and motorcycling.

Shannon Erdelyi

Statistical Analyst

Shannon is a statistical analyst in the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine. She works primarily on road safety research, including road trauma surveillance, evaluations of new traffic policy, and crash risk associated with impairing substances.

Sneha Yadav

Research Assistant

Sneha Yadav is a Clinical Research Assistant working under Active Transportation Injury Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Jeff Brubacher at the Department of Emergency Medicine Research at Vancouver General Hospital. She is a Certified Clinical Research Professional with a Master’s in Biotechnology from Nottingham Trent University, UK where her project involved use of Nanotechnology in the detection of Cancer. Her past research projects involved therapeutic areas like Oncology, Metabolism and Endocrinology and Biopharmaceuticals. She is passionate about continuously conducting researches which aims to help people live longer, healthier and have better lives by improving healthcare and well-being of individuals and families.

Yu, Ying (Daisy)

Statistical Analyst
Daisy is a statistical analyst working with Dr. John Staples. She is currently working on a project that aims to understand and investigate the risk of having an illicit drug overdose after being discharged against medical advice. Daisy is a Ph.D. student majoring in Statistics at Simon Fraser University. Her research interest lies in machine learning application in statistical genetics.

Anahita Seraji

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)

Anahita is a research assistant for the Active Transportation Injury Circumstances and Outcomes (ATICO) Study led by Dr. Brubacher at Vancouver General Hospital. She is currently studying Biology at the University of British Columbia. Some of her research interests include emergency and rural medicine, feminist theory and women’s health, behavioural psychology, as well as animal biology and conservation efforts. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, film production, teaching and activism.

Brian Tang

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)
Brian is a research assistant working on the Active Transportation Injury Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Brubacher at Vancouver General Hospital. He is currently studying Biology at the University of British Columbia. He is unsure of his research interests but currently enjoys working on the ATICO study. In his spare time, he likes to volunteer around the community and learn new skills.

Catherine Xu

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)
Catherine is a research assistant working on the Active Transport Injuries Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Jeff Brubacher at Surrey Memorial Hospital and Royal Columbian Hospital. She is currently studying Pharmacology at the University of British Columbia. Some of her research interests include improving health outcomes and equity. In her free time, Catherine likes to play piano and try new food places.

Isaac Robinson

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)
Isaac is a research assistant working on the Crash Risk after Cardioverter-defibrillator Implantation (MVC-ICD) study led by Dr. John Staples. He is completing his B.Sc in Cellular, Anatomical, and Physiological Sciences at the University of British Columbia. He is interested in pursuing a career as a physician and loves to explore biomedical research. In his spare time, he enjoys fencing, cooking, weightlifting, and teaching.

Jacob Park

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)
Jacob is a research assistant working on the Active Transport Injuries Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Jeff Brubacher at Surrey Memorial Hospital and Royal Columbian Hospital. He is currently studying Biology at the University of British Columbia. He is interested in pursuing a career as a physician-scientist, with research interests in palliative care and mental health. In his spare time, Jacob enjoys exercising, listening to music, and going on coffee walks with friends and family.

Jennifer Park

Research Assistant (Part-time)
Jennifer works on the Active Transportation Injury Circumstances and Outcome Study led by Dr. Brubacher at Vancouver General Hospital. She also worked on the Road Trauma Outcome Study. She is currently completing the E2P PharmD Program at the University of British Columbia. Some of her research interests include emergency department visits, as well as impaired driving and prevention. Jennifer likes to spend her free time exercising and reading books.

Kyle Fernandez

Student Research Assistant
Kyle is a research assistant working on the Active Transportation Injury Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Jeff Brubacher at Surrey Memorial Hospital and Royal Columbian Hospital. He is currently studying Integrated Microbiology and Public Health at the University of British Columbia. Some of his research interests include infectious diseases, science communication, and intersectionality and equity in public health practice. In his spare time, Kyle enjoys drawing, painting, watching horror movies, and listening to music.

Masih Golbidi

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)
Masih is a research assistant for the Active Transport Injury Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Brubacher at Vancouver General Hospital. He is currently studying Integrated Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of British Columbia. His research interests include the use of exercise as a preventative health measure and the circumstances leading to injury during exercise. Outside of the lab, Masih enjoys hiking, weightlifting, and reading.

Nazanin Sadoughian

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)
Nazanin is a research assistant working on the Active Transportation Injury Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Jeff Brubacher at Vancouver General Hospital. She is currently studying Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. Some of her research interests include developmental and cognitive psychology, and understanding the neurobiology of pain. In her spare time, Nazanin enjoys reading, playing the violin, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

Nicole Hu

Data Analyst
Nicole is a data analyst working on the Drug Overdose after Discharge against Medical Advice study led by Dr. John Staples. She is currently studying statistics at the University of British Columbia. Some of her research interests include longitudinal data analysis, survival data analysis, and statistical machine learning. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, playing tennis, and exploring new restaurants.

Parvin Malhi

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)
Parvin is a research assistant working on the Active Transportation Injury Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Jeff Brubacher at Surrey Memorial Hospital and Royal Columbian Hospital. She is currently studying Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia. Some of her research interests include injury prevention, risk factors for injury, disparities in health outcomes, and improving health outcomes. In her spare time, Parvin enjoys playing soccer, hiking, reading, volunteering in her community, traveling and catching up with friends and family.

Roxanna Akhtary

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)
Roxanna is a research assistant working on the Active Transportation Injury Circumstances and Outcome Study led by Dr. Brubacher at Vancouver General Hospital. She is currently studying Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. Her research interests include health psychology and the mind-body factors affecting injury recovery. In her spare time, Roxanna enjoys reading, music production, and gardening.

Sarissa Chew

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)
Sarissa is a research assistant working on the Active Transport Injury Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Jeff Brubacher. She is currently studying Neuropharmacology and Urban Health at the University of British Columbia. Some of her research interests include injury disparities and emergency department workflows. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, playing the piano, and spending time in the sun.

Stephanie Chow

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)
Stephanie is a research assistant for the Active Transportation Injury Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Brubacher at Vancouver General Hospital. As a UBC Behavioural Neuroscience and Kinesiology student, she is passionate about promoting long-term well-being in an interdisciplinary way. In her free time, Stephanie likes to rock climb, cook, play piano, and sing.

Vivian Nguyen

Student Research Assistant (Co-op Student)
Vivian is a research assistant working on the Active Transport Injuries Circumstances and Outcomes Study led by Dr. Jeff Brubacher at Royal Columbian Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital. She is currently studying Integrated Neuroscience and Physiology at the University of British Columbia. Her research interests include sports injury prevention and the impact of drugs and trauma on human behavior and cognitive functioning. Outside the lab, Vivian enjoys going on road trips, skiing, playing the guitar, and doing high adrenaline activities.

Alumni

  • Kate Merchant, Research Coordinator
  • Leona Shum, Research Coordinator (Road Trauma Outcome Study, RTOS)
  • Manal Masud, Research Coordinator (National Drug Driving Study)
  • Yue Yuan, Research Coordinator (National Drug Driving Study, Provincial Cannabis Policy Evaluation Study)
  • Louise Meddings, Research Assistant (RTOS)
  • Wency Chan, Research Assistant & UBC Science Co-op Student (RTOS)
  • Anmol Sangha, Research Assistant (RTOS) and UBC Science Co-op Student
  • Dylan Stephanian, M.Sc.
  • Vahid Mehrnoush, M.Sc.
  • Angela Peng, UBC Science Co-op Student
  • Candace Yip, UBC Science Co-op Student
  • Sasha Mohsenian, UBC Science Co-op Student
  • Jocelyn Cheng, UBC Science Co-op Student
  • Rebecka Lee, UBC Science Co-op Student
  • Sera Bao, UBC Science Co-op Student
  • Manish Toofany, UBC Science Co-op Student
  • Christine Seo, UBC Science Co-op Student
  • Bernice Huynh, UBC Science Co-op Student
  • Katherine Lam, UBC Science Co-op Student
  • Amir Hosseini, UBC Science Co-op Student