{"id":636,"date":"2021-01-15T13:15:08","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T13:15:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lab.research.sickkids.ca\/hayeems\/?page_id=636"},"modified":"2026-03-16T23:04:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T23:04:18","slug":"research-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lab.research.sickkids.ca\/hayeems\/research-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Research Team – CURRENT"},"content":{"rendered":"

Robin Hayeems, <\/b>Senior Scientist<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"Robin<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Dr. Hayeems is a Senior Scientist in Child Health Evaluative Sciences (CHES) at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and an Associate Professor in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME) at the University of Toronto. Dr. Hayeems is trained in genetic counselling (ScM, Johns Hopkins University), public health and bioethics (PhD, University of Toronto), health policy research (University of Toronto, IHPME Postdoctoral Fellowship) and health services research (University of Toronto, Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship).<\/p>\n

Hayeems\u2019 research focuses on the development and implementation of high quality genomic screening and diagnostic tools for the maternal-child health context. Using applied health services and policy research methods, her work focuses on the delivery, evaluation, and governance of genomic screening and diagnostic tools in the prenatal, newborn, and early childhood periods. As a member of several provincial advisory committees, her work informs and is informed by policy development in this area.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Research Staff<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"Viji<\/div><\/div>
Viji Venkataramanan<\/span>Database Manager<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Viji holds a Master\u2019s degree in Psychology and is interested in the field of genetics, child health, patient experience, arthritis and health policy. She is involved in a few projects and one of her main projects explores the trajectory of care following genetic testing including whole genome sequencing (WGS), especially in children with a heart condition. In addition, this project aims to understand the types of health services utilization and associated costs. She is also working on a study learning about the parents\u2019 journey of dealing with a newborn baby coupled with receiving an uncertain Newborn Screening Result.<\/p>\n

Fun fact:<\/b> Viji has lived in many countries and visited many more.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Stephanie<\/div><\/div>
Stephanie Luca<\/span>Senior Clinical Research Project Manager<\/span><\/div>
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Stephanie completed an Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in Social Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University. As a project manager in the Hayeems\u2019 lab, she plays a central role in overseeing numerous projects. Her main focus is the development of a novel outcome measure to capture the clinical utility of genetic testing, known as C-GUIDE™. Skilled in qualitative research methods, Stephanie also uses semi-structured interviews as a form of data collection for a variety of projects, and she is certified in project management (PMP).<\/p>\n

Fun fact:<\/b> Stephanie enjoys long distance running and uses racing as an excuse to travel to new places.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Elise<\/div><\/div>
Elise Poole<\/span>Clinical Research Project Manager<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Elise completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Brandon University, as well as a Master of Health Science in Medical Genomics at the University of Toronto. Elise joined the Hayeems Lab as a practicum student to expand upon her knowledge of genomics through a clinical and personal utility lens. During her placement, Elise assisted on the Secondary Findings Impact Study and P-GUIDE™ project, and is now continuing with her work on these projects as a Clinical Research Project Manager.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> Elise is an avid baker and spin enthusiast.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Abby<\/div><\/div>
Abby Hansen<\/span>Clinical Research Project Assistant<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Abby graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Molecular Biology and Genetics at McMaster University. As a Clinical Research Project Assistant, Abby will be working on a project exploring the factors that influence patients\u2019\/parents\u2019 decisions to decline secondary findings from genome-wide sequencing and also assisting with the Secondary Findings Impact Study.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> Abby used to be on the varsity swim team at McMaster! <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Daniel<\/div><\/div>
Daniel Assamad<\/span>Clinical Research Project Coordinator<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Daniel is a trained genetic counsellor who completed a Bachelor\u2019s of Science in Genetics, Physiology and Psychology and a Master of Health Science in Medical Genomics at the University of Toronto. He then went on to complete his Master of Science in Genetic Counselling at the University of British Columbia. One of Daniel\u2019s main projects, the P-GUIDE™ aims to develop a novel patient-reported outcome measure to capture the personal-utility of genomic medicine, and he is currently working on developing a similar tool for adolescents. Daniel is also involved in numerous other projects including the Secondary Findings Impact Study and Virtual Navigator.<\/p>\n

Fun fact:<\/b> Daniel grew up in the Middle East before he moved to Canada for university.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Celine<\/div><\/div>
Celine Chen<\/span>Clinical Research Project Coordinator<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Celine completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University and a Master of Science in Global Health at McMaster University. Celine is a Clinical Research Project Coordinator for the Canadian Population Screening for Risk of Type 1 Diabetes Research Consortium. This consortium aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of Type 1 Diabetes screening to inform implementation in the general population. Celine is also supporting the Secondary Findings Impact Study.<\/p>\n

Fun fact:<\/b> Celine collects business cards of restaurants she dines at and creates wall decor with them.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Erin<\/div><\/div>
Erin Hsue<\/span>Clinical Research Project Assistant<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Erin holds a Master of Health Science in Medical Genomics from the University of Toronto and an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in English and Cultural Studies from McMaster University. She first joined the team as a practicum student, contributing to projects such as P-GUIDE and the Secondary Findings Impact Study, and now continues to support these initiatives as a Clinical Research Project Assistant. Her work reflects a strong interest in the intersection of genomics, communication, and policy.<\/p>\n

Fun fact:<\/b> Erin dislikes caffeine.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Dhayo<\/div><\/div>
Dhayo Khangsar<\/span>Research Administrative Coordinator<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Dhayo holds a Honours Bachelor of Health Studies Degree in Health Management from York University as well as a Post-Graduate Certificate in Project Management from George Brown College. She is CAPM Certified and is extremely versatile and joins us from SickKids Foundation where she gained over 3 years of administrative, fundraising, customer service, and non-profit project experience. Dhayo currently provides support to three research scientists and their labs as an Administrative Coordinator. A natural planner and organizer, Dhayo supports the research endeavours of the Hayeems Lab by supporting grant applications, managing meetings, onboarding new staff, tracking expenses and conducting general administrative functions.<\/p>\n

Fun fact:<\/b> Dhayo can speak four languages and they are Tibetan, English, Hindi and Nepali.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Trainees<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"Lena<\/div><\/div>
Lena Dolman<\/span>Paediatrics Resident<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Lena completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology at Queens University, and a Master of Science in Human Genetics at McGill University. After completing her Master of Science, Lena completed her Doctor of Medicine at the McMaster University School of Medicine. Currently, she is a Paediatrics Resident at the University of Toronto. Her main project is focused on creating a modified version of the C-GUIDE™ tool to measure and quantify the clinical utility of genomic sequencing in neonatal critical care settings.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> Lena once spent two days filming a flashy music video with Arcade Fire in a tiny salsa club in Montreal!<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Michael<\/div><\/div>
Michael Mackley<\/span>Medical Genetics Resident<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Michael completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Medicine at Dalhousie University, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences at the University of Oxford. Currently, he is a resident physician in the Medical Genetics & Genomics Program at SickKids and the University of Toronto. Michael is interested in the clinical and ethical implications of the widespread use of genomics and is working on projects related to clinical implementation and genome diagnostics, including work through Genome-wide Sequencing Ontario and the Secondary Findings Impact Study.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> Michael is from Nova Scotia, and enjoys exploring Toronto one-coffee-shop-at-a-time with his toddler and partner.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Bowen<\/div><\/div>
Bowen Xiao<\/span>Post-Doctoral Research Fellow<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Bowen completed her Ph.D. in Psychology at Carleton University. Her general research interests are in the areas of children\u2019s socio-emotional functioning and developmental psychopathology. Bowen began working at SickKids as a Research Fellow in 2022, and is involved with P-GUIDE™ project. She is also working on a project to investigate public attitude toward Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT).<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> Bowen is a big Argentina soccer fan! <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Whiwon<\/div><\/div>
Whiwon Lee<\/span>Post-Doctoral Research Fellow<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Whiwon is trained in genetic counseling (M.S., University of Minnesota) and practiced as a genetic counselor in Seoul, Korea, and in Minnesota, USA. Recently, she completed a PhD degree in Health Services Research at the University of Toronto Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation (IHPME). Her main focus of research is the development and implementation of new genomics service delivery models to increase patient access and efficiency.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> In her spare time, Whiwon enjoys singing, reading, watching soccer, and cooking spicy food.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Arthiga<\/div><\/div>
Arthiga Arumugarasan<\/span>Graduate Student - MSc Candidate<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Arthiga completed an Honours Bachelor of Life Sciences from McMaster University. Her passion for genetics and patient care led her to join SickKids in 2022, where she became drawn to research in neurodevelopmental outcomes. In Hayeems Lab, she aims to bridge her interests in neurodevelopment and genetic testing through the lens of health services research while exploring multicultural barriers in patient care.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> Arthiga has been trained in classical Bharatanatyam since the age of 7 and continues to love all forms of dance! <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Abidur<\/div><\/div>
Abidur Rahman<\/span>MSc - Genetic Counselling Student<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Abid completed his undergraduate degree in molecular genetics and psychology at the University of Toronto. During his undergrad, he was involved in multiple research projects, from understanding pathways in bacterial infections to cardiac tissue bioengineering. Abid is currently pursuing genetic counselling at the University of Toronto and he is excited to create a more culturally sensitive version of the P-Guide as a way to understand racialized perspectives in genetic testing.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> Abid is always looking for an excuse to spend time in nature!<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Joyce<\/div><\/div>
Joyce Yan<\/span>Research Student<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Joyce completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics at McMaster University and is currently completing her Doctor of Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Western University). Joyce joined the Hayeems Lab as a co-op student during her undergraduate and went on to continue her work as a Clinical Research Project Assistant. During her time, Joyce assisted on the Secondary Findings Impact Study and various other projects, and is now continuing her work with the Hayeems Lab as a Research Student.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> Joyce enjoys going to the gym, snowboarding, and exploring different cafes in Toronto.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Kayla<\/div><\/div>
Kayla Krolowski<\/span>Research Volunteer<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Kayla is a graduate student in the Medical Genomics program at the University of Toronto. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences, Specializing in Health Sciences with Biology, with a Major in Genetics from the University of Western Ontario. She aims to combine her knowledge of public health with her interest in genomics, hoping to improve the quality of life for patients. She is currently assisting with the P-GUIDE project.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> In her spare time, she enjoys running and trying new recipes!.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\"Risha<\/div><\/div>
Risha Loungani<\/span>Research Volunteer<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Risha is pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. As a research student, she is contributing to the Secondary Findings Impact Study, which explores the effects of secondary findings in genome-wide sequencing as well as assisting in the development of a core outcome set for a Type 1 diabetes screening program.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> During her free time, Risha enjoys going on long walks with friends, baking and watching crime thrillers!<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Anna<\/div><\/div>
Anna Do<\/span>Research Volunteer<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Anna graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Ottawa and a Master of Science in Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University. As a research volunteer, Anna is working on a scoping review to inform decisions on making the P-Guide more culturally relevant.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and learning languages.\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Amna<\/div><\/div>
Amna Shah<\/span>Research Volunteer<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Amna holds a Master of Health Sciences in Medical Genomics from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Nottingham, where she was the valedictorian of the Class of 2020. In addition to her humanitarian interests, Amna has contributed to high-impact initiatives such as PanelApp Ontario, supporting the development of structured gene panels to standardize rare disease diagnostics across the province. She is currently working on a scoping review to inform decisions on the cross-cultural validation of P-GUIDE, aiming to enhance its applicability across diverse populations. Amna is committed to advancing equity in precision medicine through evidence-informed research that seeks to reduce disparities in genetic services and healthcare access.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> I love the sound of nature and spend summers hiking long trails, but I might cry if they go over 15 km.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Alexandria<\/div><\/div>
Alexandria Freeman-Idemilih<\/span>Research Co-Op Student<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Alexandria is currently completing her Honours Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. Alexandria is joining the Hayeems Lab as a research co-op student. For her placement she will assist on projects like P-GUIDE, Genetic Navigator and Secondary Findings, learning and experiencing the amazing realm of genomics research.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> Alexandria is from Northern British Columbia and sees lots of black bears in her backyard<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Tessa<\/div><\/div>
Tessa Kolar<\/span>Research Volunteer<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Tessa is a certified genetic counsellor who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Western University, and a Master of Science in Genetic Counselling degree from the University of British Columbia. Tessa first joined the Hayeems lab as a summer student, and now returned to the lab as a volunteer to assist with the P-GUIDE project.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> In her spare time, Tessa enjoys running and playing volleyball.\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Abby<\/div><\/div>
Abby McIntosh<\/span>Research Volunteer<\/span><\/div><\/div>
Abby graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physiology. During her undergraduate studies, she gained exposure to genetics through laboratory research and developed an interest in its clinical applications and policies. She is joining the team to contribute to the multicultural adaptation of the PGUIDE project.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/b> She ran varsity track & field at McGill.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>