Our Team

Team Lead

Tejal Patel

PharmD

Tejal Patel’s research interests include the assessment, classification, and management of drug-related problems in persons presenting with cognitive impairment, dementia, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease as well as the frail elderly in primary care settings with a particular focus on medication management capacity and adherence to medications.

On a personal note, Tejal likes to watch movies, particularly hero movies.

Research Coordinator

Peter Farquharson

BMus, Teacher's Certificate

Peter has been involved with education, corporate training and administration for 35 years. He enjoys using his skills and experience to support Dr. Patel and her team as they improve lives through their research activities. In his spare time, Peter enjoys pickleball, composing music and spending time with his grandchildren.

PhD Students

Ghada Elba

BSc Pharm, PharmD, MSc

Ghada is a currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Waterloo. She has completed her masters degree in 2021 majoring in pharmacy practice . Ghada’s research focus is in the area of assessing and improving medication adherence through the development of smart and innovative tools. Ghada has also experience in medication use evaluation projects, clinical practice skills training and academic teaching.

In her free time, Ghada loves to read, paint, cook and explore new travel destinations.

Master's Candidates

Rishabh Sharma

PharmD, MSc (c)

Rishabh Sharma is from Punjab, India. He completed his PharmD in 2020 from the Indo Soviet Friendship College of Pharmacy and worked as an associate in the health economics and outcomes research department.

Rishabh’s research interests are in gerontological and geriatric care. He has published several papers on the topic entitled "potentially inappropriate medication in older adults" in highly reputed journals and has earned several awards in national and international conferences.

One fun fact about Rishabh is that he loves to travel to different parts of the world.

Bincy Baby

PharmD, MSc (c)

Bincy Baby is from Kerala, India. She completed her PharmD from Kerala University of Health Sciences and has 3.5 years of experience as Neurology Clinical Pharmacist from India. Bincy’s research interests include neurological diseases such stroke, headache, cognitive disorders and geriatric care.

In her leisure time Bincy loves to read books, watch TV shows and travel around.

Current Research Assistants

Arshia Chauhan

BSc Honours Science (c)

Arshia is a fourth year Honours Science student at the University of Waterloo with a minor in Biology. At the Patel Lab, she hopes to better understand the factors that make electronic medication adherence products more accessible for older adults and gain insight into how real-world research is conducted. She intends on pursuing a career in the biotechnology field with a focus on pharmaceuticals and medical devices. In her free time, Arshia enjoys playing guitar and reading.

Prapti Choudhuri

Honours Science (c)

Prapti is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo. She is currently in Honours Science with Conditional Admission to Pharmacy status. During her time at the Patel Research Lab, she hopes to further her knowledge on the impact of cognitive impairments on medication adherence in older adults through the integration of electronic medication adherence products in pharmacy practice. Her research interests include industrial pharmacy, polypharmacy, and pharmacoepidemiology. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, skating in the winter, and playing 8-ball pool.

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Ayesha Firoz

Honours B.A (c)

Ayesha is a third-year student at the University of Toronto studying Criminology/Sociolegal Studies and Sociology. She aspires to further her studies in criminology at grad school and eventually attend law school. Ayesha also enjoys reading in her free time!

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SooMin Park

PharmD (c)

SooMin completed two years of Honours Science and is currently a second-year pharmacy student at the University of Waterloo. She hopes to learn more about how healthcare professionals can help improve medication adherence in older adults with barriers. Her research interests include reducing polypharmacy in older adults to optimize health outcomes.

SooMin likes to go skating in the winter and go camping with her family in the summer.

Current Volunteer Students

Nischal Ghookal

Honours Bsc (c.)

Nischal is a second year engineering student at the University of Waterloo, with a goal of furthering his knowledge of research and development. He hopes to work on designing medical devices in the future. In his free time, Nischal likes to read while listening to music.

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Sabiha Lakhi

Bsc Biomedical Sciences

Sabiha recently graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. Sabiha is keen on expanding her research experience in the realm of biomedical sciences. She is dedicated to exploring new advancements and contributing to the ever-evolving field. With a strong academic foundation and a drive for learning, she is excited to embark on this journey of professional growth and make a positive impact in the field of scientific research. Sabiha loves a good coffee, and she enjoys to hike in her free time!

Victoria Nguyen

PharmD (c)

Victoria is a second-year pharmacy student at the University of Waterloo. She hopes to gain a better understanding on how to optimize pharmacotherapy in vulnerable populations. Her research interests include identifying opportunities for de-prescribing in older adults. In her free time, Victoria enjoys reading and creative writing.

Tanaya Sharma

Honours BSc (c)

Tanaya is in her fourth-year of Honours Science at the University of Waterloo. She hopes to obtain some hands on learning experience and further her understanding on neurological disorders and the field of pharmacy. In her free time, Tanaya likes to read, work out and spend time outdoors.