Ask a student

Maria Abarca (she/her)

Program: Master of Public Health

Email: mea34@sfu.ca

Hi everyone, my name is Maria. I was born and raised in Mexico, City. I completed my Bachelor in Medicine, as well as ENT specialization in my home country. Throughout my work as a clinical and research physician in public and private hospitals in Mexico I became aware of the impacts of social inequities and cultural behaviors on health and wellbeing in my patients, especially on minority groups. I started my program on Fall 2021 interested in designing strategies focused on health inequities and providing evidence-based decision-making to address the connections across social determinants of health, discrimination, communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases.

Currently, I am working as a research assistant in SFU’s Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office developing content and available resources for those impacted by domestic violence.

The MPH program at SFU has a comprehensive curriculum on health equity and social justice with emphasis on interdisciplinary collaborative work. Although sometimes the workload is quite intense during the program, try to keep in mind work/life balance by organizing and prioritizing tasks. Get time to enjoy amazing outdoor places and hang around with the incredibly diverse community of SFU.

If you have any questions about graduate students' lives at SFU, especially if you are from another country like me, please do not hesitate to reach out.

My advice for new students is to take one step at a time in this long learning journey..

Joy Abasta (she/her)

Program: Master of Public Health

Email: gabasta@sfu.ca

Hello, my name is Joy. I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and moved to Vancouver, Canada in 2014. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as Master’s degrees in Nursing and Education in my home country. My work as an RN back home included reproductive health, leadership, emergency response and disaster risk management. Currently, my public health interests include Indigenous health and immigrant health.

The MPH program at SFU offers an extensive pedagogy on health inequities and social justice. While the learning experience at FHS is comprehensive, it is important to develop a school/work-life balance and a routine that works for you. As a student, it is essential to plan ahead and include scheduled breaks regularly. That said, when I’m not in school, I love exploring the hike trails in Lower Mainland, do yoga, planning for my next trip, learn about history, as well as reading books!

If you have any questions, especially if you are from another country like me, please reach out and I’d love to chat with you!

Maryum Chaudhry (she/her)

Program: Master of Public Health

Email: mbc6@sfu.ca

I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and completed a BSc. in Behaviour, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Windsor. During my bachelors degree, I worked on an honours thesis project, where I was able to examine learning and memory in mutated fruit flies. I also spent a lot of my time teaching elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students. Even currently, I am working as a teaching assistant for an epigenetics course. Outside of academics, I spent my time volunteering for non-profit organizations, including the homeless shelter, hospice, and United Way, which ultimately demonstrated to me the power of constructive  and effective solutions and how they can be utilized to advocate for equitable healthcare. This realization inspired me to search for a career where I would have the resources to provide sustainable aid to vulnerable communities on a larger scale – the result led me to Public Health.

The MPH program has been an enriching and exciting experience for me, especially as it is very different from the biology-focused content I was so used to learning. I really enjoy doing the assignments as I feel each assignment asks me to dive deep into a certain issue and consequently learn about the different health barriers present in diverse communities, not only locally, but globally as well. Sometimes, balancing courses, work, and social life can be hard, especially if you’re new to this field,  but it’s important to remember that everyone is learning at their own pace and that if you take things calmly one thing at a time, everything will fall into place! Also, in this program, a million eager people ready to help you succeed!

Beth Clark (she/her)

Program: Master of Public Health

Email: beth_clark@sfu.ca

Hello/Hola! My name is Beth, and I was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It will always have a special place in my heart even though I've lived, traveled, and worked in 16 countries. My undergrad was in Linguistics and Spanish, and I've always been fascinated with global studies. Most of my vocational background was in educational or non-profit institutions, but a personal health challenge made me switch career paths to health/wellness. The past 3 years I've been a health coach and it was in discussion with colleagues that the idea arose of expanding my career in the field of public health.

I'm currently in my first year of the MPH program. I appreciate the social justice lens that is applied throughout the program. The professors are both knowledgeable and caring, which makes for a robust yet supportive environment to learn and grow. Rather than be completely consumed by my studies, I remind myself of the need for work/life balance and take breaks to enjoy the AMAZING beauty of this location. Plenty of great places to hike, explore, and eat can be found in the Metro Vancouver area!

I welcome your questions about studies or life here so don't hesitate to ask. :)

Carolina Guerra (she/her)

Program: Master of Public Health

Email: bcg6@sfu.ca

Hello, my name is Carolina. I was born and raised in Monterrey and in Querétaro, México. I got my medical degree back in 2018 and worked in private and public healthcare settings afterwards. During my professional development, I noticed that patient health is greatly affected by the barriers within the healthcare system. Additionally, healthcare workers carry the burden of the inefficiency of the system. This led me to pursue public health. I wanted to experience public health from a different perspective than my own country, which is why I chose SFU to pursue my MPH.

The MPH program has its roots in social justice and health inequities. Being able to name what I’ve experienced as inequities has been an incredible experience. The program offers a constant learning process. That, while challenging, has let me know that I can rely on my peers and exchange ideas with them. It’s fascinating to hear perspectives from others who have a different background than yours. I’m very excited to complete the program and see what the future looks like from a new paradigm. To relax, I enjoy discovering Vancouver through its museums, diverse array of restaurants and cultures, its surrounding nature, and play videogames.

Isha Joshi (she/her)

Program: Master of Public Health

Email: ija14@sfu.ca

Hi, my name is Isha and I was born in India and was raised in India and the United States. In 2021, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology along with a minor in Public Health from George Mason University in Fairfax and started the MPH program. In Virginia, I have worked with multiple clinics as a Medical Assistant and an Outreach Intern. I am interested in analyzing equity implications of policies and frameworks that impact immigrant and indigenous health. Currently, I work as a Support Worker for an individual with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This service is funded by Community Living BC. Access to a wide interdisciplinary faculty, a strong focus on social justice, and a Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation were the most prominent reasons that I chose this program and moved to BC. The MPH program is the best way to step closer to a career in the field of public health. 

I would like to encourage new students to manage their time well and also indulge in self-care to avoid burnout.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out and I will respond as soon as I can. 

Yuki (Weng Sut) Sio (she/her)

Program: Master of Public Health

Email: wss4@sfu.ca

Hello, my name is Yuki. I was born and raised in Macau, China, and moved to Taiwan to pursue my Doctor of Medicine degree. I graduated from medical school in 2011 and then trained as an ophthalmologist. My work as an ophthalmologist focused on myopia control in schoolchildren, diagnosis and medical management of glaucoma and other general ophthalmology diseases. During my practice, I met a lot of schoolchildren in Taiwan suffering from myopia. Besides prescribing eye drops and glasses to them, I wondered what else I could do to help these young patients. Therefore I joined the MPH program in 2021 to see if I could contribute to this field from a different perspective. 

The MPH program at SFU offers an extensive pedagogy on health inequities and social justice. While the learning experience at FHS is comprehensive, it is essential to develop a school/work-life balance and a routine that works for you. It is necessary to plan and include scheduled breaks regularly. When I’m not in school, I love exploring new recipes, hiking trails on the Burnaby Mountain, and enjoying dramas!

If you have any questions, especially how life is as an international student, please reach out, and I’d love to chat with you!

Siobhan Ennis (she/her)

Program: Master of Science

Email: siobhan_ennis@sfu.ca

Hi, I’m Siobhan! I was born and raised in the Vancouver area and completed my BSc in the Life Sciences stream here in FHS in 2018. During my undergrad degree I explored my interest in molecular biology and infectious diseases through the co-op program. I studied salmon genetic diversity in a federal fishery laboratory on Vancouver Island and researched pathogenic E. coli in Singapore. At the end of my degree I also held an Undergraduate Student Research Award to study virology at a laboratory in FHS, which eventually led to my Master’s research with the same supervisor (after a brief stint working in biotechnology). 

I first developed my love for virology working with Marek’s Disease Virus, a herpesvirus that causes cancer in chickens. My thesis focuses on finding ways to understand how vaccines prevent disease by studying virus-host interactions in the natural host at the cellular level. My passion for infectious diseases was further developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was able to use the skills I’d developed in my own research to help understand this new emerging pathogen. I helped with diagnostics, antiviral materials, and vaccine development, as well as understanding SARS-CoV-2 immunology in vulnerable populations. These interdisciplinary projects enriched my grad school experience far beyond what I would have thought possible, expanding my connections within FHS, SFU, and the international research community.

I remember being so intimidated by people who seemed to have more experience and knowledge than me when I first started doing research. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to catch up or that I had anything to contribute since everyone else seemed so driven and confident. One of the most important things that I’ve learned in grad school is that everyone else has felt that way, and we’re all just here pretending we know what we’re doing. But then at some point you’ll actually know what you’re doing. Find a supervisor who believes in you and encourages you while you’re figuring it out. Their support can make all the difference.

Habib Lawal (he/him)

Program: Master of Science

Email: hlawal@sfu.ca

I was born and raised in Nigeria. I received my Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. After my undergrad, I had my first public health experience working as M&E associate for APIN Public Health Initiative in Lagos, Nigeria. During my time at APIN, I became interested in the power of global health data and technology. My interest and involvement in public health data led me to search for a program that would allow me to explore the power of global health data and give me the freedom to tailor my degree program to my career. The Health Science Program at SFU ticked all the boxes in this area. This flexibility, coupled with the university's affiliation to the various research centers, convinced me that SFU is the best fit. Besides, the health science program at SFU encourages group activities that help students learn from each other and become familiar with their cohort. Outside of SFU, I engage in various outdoor activities such as hiking, soccer, and kayaking. One of what I found hardest (especially during my early days at SFU) was effective time management. Life became more comfortable when I learned to prioritize. Vancouver is a beautiful city. I encourage everyone to make time to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver while studying at SFU. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions about graduate students live at SFU and Vancouver in general!

Raymond Lo (he/him)

Program: Master of Science

Email: ryl9@sfu.ca

Hi everyone, my name is Raymond and I was born and raised in Vancouver. I completed my BSc (Honours) in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at SFU and I am currently a MSc student in the Interdisciplinary Oncology Graduate Specialization (IOGS) Program. During my undergrad I had the opportunity to go on co-op and work on different projects in cancer research. At the same time, I was made aware of the IOGS program offered at SFU and combined with my interests in cancer research lead me pursue my MSc here. My current project focuses on identifying the molecular mechanisms controlling the development of treatment resistance in cancer cells.

A unique aspect of FHS that separates it from other programs is the emphasis on interdisciplinary research. This aims to not only broaden your perspective on current health issues, but also consider the impact and role your own research has on society. Grad school is an enriching experiencing to not only encourage growth and learning but also develop meaningful experiences and connections with your peers. I encourage everyone to find a good work life balance and have fun. Outside of the lab I enjoy travelling and learning about different cultures. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the program!

Luka Ivkovic (he/him)

Program: Master of Science

Email: luka_ivkovic@sfu.ca

Hi everyone, my name is Luka, and I was born and raised in Serbia. I completed my BA (with honours) in Sociology at the University of Alberta, and I am currently a first-year MSc student with the focus on health economics. My undergraduate education at the University of Alberta (UofA) is one of the main reasons I decided to study health sciences. In studying the sociology of mental illness at the UofA, I have developed an interest in Telehealth interventions. This class opened my eyes to the potential of Telehealth interventions to improve the efficiency of health services in Canada and was the primary reason I contacted Dr. David Whitehurst with a view to graduate-level (MSc) training in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Simon Fraser University. Indeed, I will be conducting a thesis project that comprises a trial-based economic evaluation of a multi-chronic disease management program delivered through the Internet focused on high-impact chronic diseases targeted to patients in rural communities and at the highest risk of further marginalization.

Among the most valuable things I have learned from my MSc program so far is how to critically appraise research papers. This is why I would recommend to future students to take the Principles of Epidemiology for Public Health course with Dr. Travis Salway. He is an extremely supportive professor, and his class will challenge you to think critically about all research articles that you have ever come across off.

My advice for future students is to reach out to potential supervisors as soon as possible. Contacting them ahead of time will give you an opportunity to ask them about funding, workload, and how your project will look like. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the program!

Leena Chau (she/her)

Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Email: leena_chau@sfu.ca

Hello! My name is Leena and I am a second year PhD student under the supervision of Dr. John O’Neil. I was born in China, spent a few of my childhood years in Australia, and immigrated to Canada in 1996. I received my MSc in Population and Public Health and BA in Psychology from UBC.

Currently I am working on three global mental health projects implementing the scale-up of an evidence-based depression intervention in Vietnam using mobile health technology (VMood - a smartphone-based app). These projects are based out of the Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction within FHS, which I joined in 2017 after working at UBC for 7 years.

My research will test the feasibility of implementing VMood in the Vietnamese im/migrant community in BC using a mixed-methods participatory approach. I was very excited to pursue my training at FHS because it has a well-established population and public health program that includes global health as a research concentration, and is recognized for its expertise in mental health and addiction research. I am fortunate to work with and receive mentoring from an international mental health research group (led by my supervisor) on the exciting projects that are helping to create policy change in Vietnam.

Throughout, I have truly enjoyed learning from my peers. My advice for new students is to talk and connect with others in your program, both to share positive experiences and also any struggles you have. Everyone is super friendly and supportive. Ultimately, I hope you enjoy your unique journey!

Please feel free to reach out at leena_chau@sfu.ca. I look forward to connecting!

Undarmaa Enkhbat (she/her)

Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Email: uenkhbat@sfu.ca

Undarmaa Enkhbat’s research looks at the effects of air pollution on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. The study population are women and children living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia as one of the most polluted cities in the world.  Five hundred forty pregnant women were recruited for the study were randomly located into intervention groups to receive high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air purifiers throughout the pregnancy. “Our work looks at the impacts of reducing air pollution during pregnancy on neurodevelopment in children. Results from the study may provide further evidence that air pollution exposure during pregnancy has a negative impact on neurodevelopment in children.”

 “Coming from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to join the research team at FHS has been an incredible experience. I find the professors and faculty staff to be very supportive, and felt at home right away. Working on research that I am familiar with and reminding myself that the impact my work can have on human life excites me to work on my research.”

Before coming to FHS, Undarmaa held a faculty position at the School of Public Health of Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, one of FHS’s international collaborating centers.

Jaimy Fischer (she/her)

Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Email: jaimyf@sfu.ca

Tanshi! Nimeytaen ainwapimitan— I’m glad to see you. My name is Jaimy and I’m a second year PhD student. I’m Otipemisiwak and a member of the Métis Nation of BC. I have a BA in Geography from the University of Victoria, with a concentration in human geography and geomatics. I am using that foundation in my PhD to study how people in cities use active transportation to get around.

I chose to pursue graduate studies at SFU because I had the opportunity to work on an exciting project in the CHATR lab. Our lab focuses on various topics at the intersection of health, transportation, and city design, and my work in particular uses big data to understand how investment in All Ages and Abilities (AAA) bicycle infrastructure impacts ridership, safety, and equity for different population groups. In the lab, I’m lucky to work with a diverse and supportive group of people.

I am also a graduate fellow with SFU’s Community Engaged Research Initiative where I am working in the community around issues of mobility justice—a grounding for understanding the differential ways people experience transportation and street safety. In this capacity, I am working toward building relations with community service providers, Indigenous communities, and youth to advance equity and amplify community perspectives of safe and healthy mobility.

I started the MSc program in 2018 and quickly realized that I love research and working with my supervisor, so last year I transferred to the PhD program. Transitioning from a masters to a PhD was challenging but has offered me time to grow as a researcher. I love the interdisciplinary nature of FHS, and my advice is to seek out the wide range of opportunities and support that the faculty, staff, and program have to offer. Also, if you don’t have a clear path laid out ahead of you, that’s ok—it will come together, especially if you can build your support network and are willing to take chances. I’m happy to answer any questions you have about the program and my FHS experience.

Kate Hosford (she/her)

Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Email: khosford@sfu.ca

I completed a BASc at Quest University and a MSc in the Faculty of Health Sciences here at SFU. My undergrad training was very interdisciplinary in nature and sparked a curiosity in how we can improve health through city design. I chose to come to SFU for my master’s for the opportunity to work in the CHATR lab on research related to cities, health, and transportation. My master’s research focused on understanding all things related to Vancouver’s bike share program - how did it impact cycling? who uses it? who doesn’t use it? Throughout my master’s I quickly realized how much I loved research and working with my supervisor. And so, I decided to stay in the Faculty of Health Sciences for a few more years to embark on a PhD. For my PhD, I am studying the health and equity implications of a potential transportation policy for the Metro Vancouver region. 

I’ve really enjoyed my experience in the Faculty of Health Sciences at SFU. There is lots of flexibility to design a program that makes the most sense for you. Doing a PhD can be isolating, so my advice is to find your support people early on in your degree. Also, take lots of breaks! Things often come together for me when I’m out on a walk or run. Happy to answer any questions about the program or doing a PhD.

Angel Kennedy (she/her)

Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Email: angel_kennedy@sfu.ca

I completed my BSc in Health Sciences (Population and Quantitative Health Stream) and a Master of Public Health degree at SFU. Throughout these three degrees, I was able to network through the faculty and partnering universities to get involved in a series of projects, teams, and networks. More specifically, I work for the Environment, Community Health Observatory (ECHO) Network, Ecohealth International, the REAFFIRM (Researching Environments that Affirm 2S/LGBTQ+ Identities, Relationships & Mental Health) Collaborative on MindMapBC, the BC Alliance for Monitoring Mental Health Equity, and as the Research Manager for the Research for EcoSocial and Equitable Transformation (RESET) Team.

Throughout these experiences, I developed both a strong passion for working on issues that intersect eco-social health and mental health equity, and a deep love of research (with a particular focus on community engagement and knowledge exchange). This created the conditions in which I decided to pursue a PhD under the RESET Team’s TAKE NOTICE project, looking at promoting the mental health of youth by consolidating strategies for communicating about the climate crisis.

Through the Faculty of Health Sciences’ appreciation of interdisciplinary lines of inquiry and cross-cutting themes, I was not forced to make my project fit neatly into one area of health sciences, but rather was able to pursue research that crosses various fields that I feel passionate about. Further, I was able to find supportive faculty members and mentors who supported this journey.

Some pieces of advice that I entered the PhD program with are: Endlessly ask questions, pursue any projects/questions/opportunities that feel inspiring or nourishing to you (even if they don’t feel relevant at the time), and don’t compare your academic journey with anyone else’s – we all have something unique to contribute!

I would love to connect with you if you have any questions!

Natalie Kinloch (she/her)

Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Email: nkinloch@sfu.ca

Born and raised in the Vancouver area, I completed my BSc (Honours) in Health Sciences at SFU. In my final years of undergrad, and after stints in various labs at SFU and at BC Cancer Research Centre as part of co-op, I started working in the lab I’m currently doing my PhD. Our lab focuses on HIV pathogenesis and evolution. I quickly realized how much I loved research and how meaningful it can be to be a part of a wider community of people all putting their heads together to try to help others around the world. Three years later I haven’t left! Outside of the lab, I can be found reading about difference places around the world or out on the pitch playing field hockey.

I deeply value the interdisciplinary nature of the FHS curriculum and feel it has greatly enhanced my learning and understanding of the world and other people in ways that would not have been possible if I exclusively focused on my research work. Learning from my peers during graduate school has been such an enriching experience. I have also been so fortunate to receive incredible mentorship/supervision throughout my research/graduate career and cannot underscore enough the importance and value of this as well. Grad school is an extraordinary time for learning and growth. Follow your interests, listen, take chances, push yourself, have fun!

Stefanie Machado (she/her)

Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Email: stefanie_machado@sfu.ca

I am Indian by origin and was born and raised in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I moved to Canada in 2013 and graduated from Dalhousie University with a BSc Health Promotion, a unique program during which I conducted my honours thesis on international university students’ access to sexual health services. I moved to Vancouver in 2017 to pursue the MPH degree at SFU, where I continued to pursue my interests in immigrant health. During my MPH practicum with the Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity (CGSHE), I supported qualitative research with im/migrant women in Vancouver, learning about their sexual and reproductive health access and needs. I am currently continuing my work in this area as a PhD student at CGSHE and within the Faculty of Health Sciences, which I’m very excited about! 

I’ve always wanted to find a place to call home in Canada, and I think I may have found it in Vancouver! I love the balance of city and nature here, and living on the coast is where I feel most at home. I grew up constantly traveling and love meeting and learning from people from different countries and cultures, making this diverse city so great. Like most experiences, including my time at Dalhousie and SFU, I believe that your academic experience is what you make of it. I encourage everyone to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the opportunities that come your way. Whether you have a clear passion or goal, or have no idea where you want to be, take the time to explore, learn from others, question everything, take chances, and aim high!

Aniqa Shahid (she/her)

Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Email: ashahid@sfu.ca

I was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. I moved to Vancouver as an international student in 2012 and have lived here since then. I finally called Canada my home when I became a permanent resident in 2017.

I am a basic science researcher by education and training. I have worked in HIV/AIDS molecular biology and immunology research since 2010. After finishing basic education in Pakistan, I worked at the Aga Khan University in Karachi. Then I relocated to Canada and joined the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU) to pursue my MSc degree. After graduating from SFU, I joined the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BCCfE). It was when my former MSc supervisor, Dr. Zabrina Brumme, became the new laboratory director at the BCCfE, I decided to return to SFU and pursue my PhD. And here I am! You may read about my research work here.

Outside research, I am passionate about engaging with the community, which has led me to various volunteer opportunities and mentorship roles. I have worked with MOSAIC and IECBC to help immigrant and refugee families become self-sufficient and adjust to life in Canada.

In the end, to make the most of your educational and professional experience, it is important to have a work-life balance. It helps a lot if you have things that you enjoying doing in your spare time. So, when I am not in the laboratory, I am either reading a book or hiking (obviously, weather-permitting, because hey, we live in Van(rain)couver!).

You may connect with me by email at ashahid@sfu.ca or via my linked in.

Gisele Umviligihozo (she/her)

Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Email: gumvilig@sfu.ca

Hello, my name is Gisele. Originally from Rwanda, I completed my BSc. at the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Rwanda and a Postgraduate Certificate in Infectious Diseases from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. My previous work in Rwanda as a clinical research laboratory technician included studying the dynamics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and testing potential HIV vaccines. I moved to Vancouver to join the MSc. program in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, then transferred to the PhD program. My current laboratory research focuses on the assessment of the role of HIV accessory proteins on HIV pathogenesis as well as on the consequences of immune escape mutations on the function of viral proteins.

While the multidisciplinary aspect of the FHS graduate program at SFU offers unique flexibility to explore other disciplines, it is important that students stay focused and broaden knowledge to develop their own area of study. Develop a study plan and take advantage of the excellent mentoring offered by the FHS faculty and the student community for support and guidance to successfully navigate the program.

Vancouver and the surrounding area of ​​our campuses have very beautiful mountains, ocean / lakes, wildlife and vegetation! Outside of my work, I enjoy outdoor activities (hiking, biking or a road trip) and like to travel to new places!

My advice to new students, be yourself, set your goals and take it one step at a time

I am happy to answer your questions or share more about my SFU experience!