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OUR TEAM

Team Lead

Tejal Patel

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PharmD    

Clinical Associate Professor, Schlegel Specialist in Medication Management and Aging

University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, UW-Schlegel Research Institute of Aging

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 Coordinators

Rishabh Sharma (2023)

Rishabh Sharma

 

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.

PharmD, MSc Pharmacy

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Bincy Baby

 

Bincy completed her MSc in Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy under the supervision of Dr. Tejal Patel. Before that, she earned her PharmD and worked as a Neurology Clinical Pharmacist in India for 3.5 years. Her research focuses on finding practical, technology-enabled ways to help older adults manage their medications and maintain their independence, especially those living with neurological conditions and cognitive impairment.

 

Outside of work, Bincy enjoys playing badminton, hiking, traveling, and watching TV shows.

PharmD, MSc Pharmacy

PhD Students

Ghada Elba

Ghada Elba 2023

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. 

Shaheena Fakir

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BPharm, CDE, CPGx 

Shaheena is a Registered Pharmacist in Ontario with eight years of community practice experience and certifications in diabetes education and pharmacogenomics. She earned her BPharm in South Africa and is currently pursuing PhD in Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo while continuing to practice. Passionate about teaching, Shaheena has mentored numerous students throughout her career. She aims to use this opportunity to learn more about academia, research as well as build professional networks. 

Outside of pharmacy, she is a henna artist, enjoys playing badminton and exploring the outdoors in the summer.

Masters Student

Mathusha Jegatheeswaran

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BHSc Biology & Pharmacology, RAQC

Mathusha is an Honours Health Science graduate in Biology and Pharmacology from McMaster University and a regulatory affairs professional. She has research experience from St. Joseph’s Hamilton Healthcare and professional experience with Health Canada. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Pharmacy. Her interests center on translational science, with a focus on bridging research and patient outcomes. She is passionate about advancing innovative, technology-driven solutions to optimize medication management and improve adherence in older adults. 

 

In her free time, Mathusha loves to bake, read and travel.

Current Research Assistants

Karyman Ghanem

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BPharm, MSc Pharmacy

Karyman is from Cairo, Egypt, holds a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from RAK Medical and Health Sciences University. With three years of hands-on experience as a community pharmacist in the United Arab Emirates, she has gained valuable insights into patient care. Karyman is interested in research topics related to medication management, medication adherence technology, and pharmacist intervention.

 

Karyman enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and listening to music in her free time.

Jordan Litt

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BSc Biology (s)

Jordan is currently pursuing a BSc in Biology from the University of Waterloo. She has gained a variety of valuable research experiences through the University’s co-operative work program including placements in microbiology, optometry, and most recently with Dr. Patel’s team at the School of Pharmacy. She is passionate about learning and wants to support knowledge sharing to broader audiences in any way she can.

 

Besides research, Jordan enjoys reading, crocheting, and exploring local food spots.

Noah McCaffrey

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BSc Kinesiology (s)

Noah is a co-op student in the lab and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo. He has previous work experience in an ophthalmology clinic as an ophthalmic technician, as well as serving as a lab instructor assistant in the Kinesiology teaching laboratories at the University of Waterloo. Noah is passionate about education and research, with a particular interest in neuroscience.

In his spare time, Noah likes to cook, play the drums, and watch movies.

Minh Minh Tran

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PharmD (c)

Minh-Minh is a future PharmD student who will be starting the program in January, 2027. She began her academic journey through the Conditional Admissions to Pharmacy (CAP) program and has completed two years of Honours Science at the University of Waterloo. Originally from Kitchener, Ontario, Minh-Minh has worked as a pharmacy assistant in multiple community pharmacies, experiences that strengthened her passion for helping others and pursuing a career in pharmacy.

Her interests lies on understanding how innovation and research can drive advancements in healthcare. She is eager to expand her knowledge and contribute to improving health outcomes through evidence-based practice and emerging healthcare solutions.

In her free time, Minh-Minh enjoys staying active and pursuing long-standing hobbies.

 

A fun fact is that she previously taught piano and has a black belt in Taekwondo.

Halak Patel

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PharmD (c)

Halak is an incoming student at the University of Toronto's School of Pharmacy for her PharmD. She is passionate about pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare research, with a strong interest in exploring innovative approaches to improve patient care and medication management. Halak is particularly eager to engage in research that incorporates emerging technologies and evidence-based practices to advance healthcare. She hopes to use her PharmD degree in the future to contribute to patient-centered care, advance healthcare innovation through research, and help bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and their practical application in clinical settings.

 

In her free time, she enjoys trying new recipes, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

Past Research Employees

Peter F 2023

Peter Farquharson
Mar 2023 - Nov 2023

BMus, Teacher's Certificate

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Jessica Ivo
May 2017 - Feb 2023

BSc, MHI

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Sarah Abu Fadaleh
Feb 2021 - Dec 2022

BSc Pharm, MSc

Past Postgraduate Students

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Sadaf Faisal

(Sep 2019 - May 2022)

PhD in Pharmacy, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy

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Haya Fernandez

(Sep 2015 - Aug 2017)

MSc in Pharmacy, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy

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Hamed Tabeefer

(Jan 2015 - Dec 2016)

MSc in Pharmacy, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy

Co-supervision with Dr. Chang

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Mo Chen

(Sep 2014 - Dec 2016)

MSc in Pharmacy, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy

 

Co-supervision with Dr. Chang

Past Undergraduate Students & Volunteers

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Matthew Zullo

Sep 2025 - Dec 2025

University of Waterloo

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Lucy Choi

Jun 2025 - August 2025

Western University

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Tanaya Sharma

Jan 2024 - Aug 2024

University of Waterloo

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Ayesha Firoz

Sept 2023 - April 2024

University of Waterloo

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Hawa Patel

Jan 2022 - Aug 2023

University of Waterloo

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Abiramy Srirangan

(May 2020 -  Apr 2022)

University of Waterloo

School of Pharmacy

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Labiba Nahian

(Sep 2020 - Dec 2020)

University of Waterloo

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Jessica Ivo

(May 2017 - Aug 2017)

 University of Waterloo

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Niraj Maulkhan

(Jan 2014 - Aug 2014)

University of Waterloo

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Kowtham Nanthakumar

Sep 2025 - Dec 2025

University of Waterloo

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Maddie Park

Jan 2025 - April 2025

University of Waterloo

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Jose Adur

June 2024 - Aug 2024

University of Waterloo

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Sabiha Lakhi

Sept 2023 - April 2024

University of Waterloo

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Yusra Aslam

Jan 2023 - Aug 2023

University of Waterloo

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Pruntha Kanagasundaram

Aug 2021 - Oct 2023

University of Waterloo

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Daniel Jin

(May 2020 - Aug 2020)

University of Waterloo

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Akriti Pandey

(Jan 2017 - May 2017)

University of Waterloo

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Amy Chan

(May 2014 - Aug 2014)

University of Waterloo

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Qamar Mobayed

Jan 2025 - August 2025

University of Waterloo

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Astha Patel 

Jan 2025 - April 2025

University of Waterloo

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SooMin Park

Sept 2023 - April 2024

University of Waterloo

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Imra Hudani

Sept 2023 -April 2024

University of Waterloo

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Devine Samoth

Jan 2023 - May 2023

University of Waterloo

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Farah Alam

(Sept 2021 -  Dec 2021)

University of Waterloo

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Clea Heathfield

(Jan 2020 - May 2020)

University of Waterloo

School of Pharmacy

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Shail Patel

(May 2016 - Aug 2016)

University of Waterloo

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Mikaela Klie

(Sept 2013 - Dec 2013)

University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy

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Alexander Stavropoulos 

Jan 2024 - August 2025

University of Waterloo

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Arshia Chauhan

Sept 2023 - Dec 2024

University of Waterloo

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Victoria Nguyen

Sept 2023 - April 2024

University of Waterloo

Prapti C
Prapti Choudhuri

May 2023 - Aug 2024

University of Waterloo

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Heather Schlere

Jan 2023 - March 2023

University of Waterloo

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Andrea Ta

(Feb 2021 - Apr 2021)

University of Waterloo

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Catherine Lee

(Jan 2019 - Aug 2019)

University of Waterloo

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Chao Dong Hu

(Jan 2016 - Aug 2016)

University of Waterloo

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Nathaniel Askett

(May 2011 - Aug 2011)

University of Waterloo

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Halak Patel 

May 2025 - August 2025

University of Waterloo

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Brent McCready-Branch

May 2024 - August 2024

University of Waterloo

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Nischal Ghookal

Sept 2023 - April 2024

University of Waterloo

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Jasdeep Kaur Gill 

May 2023 - Aug 2023

University of Waterloo

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Neil Mahajan

(May 2022 -  Aug 2022)

University of Western Ontario

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Saanchi Singh

(Feb 2021 - Apr 2021)

University of Waterloo

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Aidan McDougall

(May 2018 - Aug 2018)

 University of Waterlo

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Maheen Farooqi

(Jan 2016 - Apr 2016)

 University of Waterloo

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