Leadership Team
Dr. Scott Ramsay, RN, PhD
Scott Ramsay, PhD, RN is a member of Métis Nation BC and an Assistant Professor in the UBC School of Nursing. He has a strong clinical background, having worked at BC Children’s Hospital for over a decade, where he also leads the Indigenous Child Health Knowledge Super Hub with Dr & Elder Roberta Price at the BCCH Research Institute. Dr. Ramsay’s program of research focuses on health equity research on neurotrauma (HERON) in children and adolescents in British Columbia. His approach to research involves community (e.g., partner with the Provincial Community Brain Injury Program for Children and Youth) and is based on his own lived experience having suffered 5 concussions and persistent symptoms as a high-level hockey player. Dr. Ramsay welcomes students and collaborations from equity-deserving groups.
Staff
Research Program Manager – Olivia Hale, MSc
Olivia brings over a decade of experience in project management and research leadership to her current role as Research Program Manager in the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia. She has overseen the development and execution of high-impact international research projects spanning a range of interdisciplinary themes, including mental health, nutrition, education, emergency medicine, substance use, and pediatric health.
Her work is guided by a commitment to advancing rigorous, innovative research that addresses complex health challenges and contributes to meaningful societal change.
Research Assistant – Hunter Lloyd, BSc
Hunter (she/her) began working with Dr. Ramsay in 2024. She completed her BSc in Psychology at Queen’s University, where she developed an interest in the relationship between mental health and the autonomic nervous system. Her research interests include autonomic dysfunction following traumatic brain injury, as well as improving the accessibility of mental health supports and services for individuals living with TBI. Hunter also volunteers with the BC Crisis Line, providing compassionate support and resources to people in crisis. Outside of her professional work, she is an avid reader and enjoys pilates classes, and you’ll often find her at a good coffee shop or organizing a board game night.
Graduate Research Assistant – Aliya Khan, RN, CpedN(C), MSN, BSc
Aliya began her nursing career in pediatric inpatient medicine and has since grown into leadership roles focused on nursing education and practice development. Aliya is an active member of her unit’s BIPOC committee and is committed to advancing antiracism, equity, and cultural safety in healthcare. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing in August 2025 at UBC and contributes to nursing education as a guest lecturer in the UBC undergraduate nursing program. Some of her interests include pediatric growth and development, youth mental health, knowledge translation, and promoting nurse autonomy. Outside of work, Aliya enjoys café hopping, video and board games, and spending time with her family, friends, and kitten Luna.
Collaborators
Jessica Harasym, PhD, MSLP, R.SLP AB, S-LP (C)
Dr. Jessica Harasym (she/her) is a clinician scientist with expertise in pediatric brain injury, qualitative research methods, communication science, and rehabilitation medicine. She earned a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Alberta. She joined the HERON lab in 2024 as a postdoctoral research fellow.
Drawing on two decades of clinical experience as a speech-language pathologist, Dr. Harasym prioritizes the voices and experiences of children, youth, and families throughout the research process. Through her research, she aims to promote the health and wellbeing of children, youth and their families through equitable access to innovative, evidence-based pediatric brain injury care and education.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Harasym enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and hiking. She is often found cheering her daughters on at soccer games and dance competitions.
Graduate Students
Rochelle Chuahan, MSc
Rochelle Chauhan is a PhD student in Interdisciplinary Studies, being co-supervised by Dr. Scott Ramsay and Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul. She holds a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Sciences from UBC, where her MSc thesis explored how physical and social activities can improve recovery in youth with concussions, reflecting her deep passion for neuroscience and its practical applications. Her PhD research will continue to explore concussion treatment and recovery. During her spare time, Rochelle enjoys hiking and doing puzzles!
Undergraduate Students
Ella Moir
Ella is currently in her third year at UBC, pursuing a Major in Neuroscience and a Minor in Speech Sciences. She volunteers with the UBC Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Best Buddies program, where she works with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her research interests include pediatric brain injury and neurodevelopment, particularly concussion impacts and recovery. She is also interested in the neural mechanisms underlying communication and language, as well as female sexual health, through her work with the UBC Sexual Health Lab. Outside of her studies, Ella enjoys spending time outdoors, travelling, and connecting with friends and family.
Erin Kropp
Ella Erin is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience within the Cognitive and Behavioural stream. She is particularly interested in the neural mechanisms underlying brain injury, psychiatric disorders, and addiction, with a focus on treatment approaches and their behavioural impacts. Through her volunteer work with Vancouver Coastal Health, Erin has developed a strong interest in how neuroscience research can inform clinical interventions and improve patient outcomes. Outside of academics, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and connecting with friends and family.
Hannah Podoaba, BSc
Hannah is currently a UBC BSN student and previously completed a BSc in Behavioural Neuroscience with a minor in Health & Society at UBC. For her directed studies, she conducted rodent research examining how monoamine uptake blockers affect impulsivity in situations where punishment cues are present in the face of reward. Currently, Hannah is leading a STEM outreach non-profit called Flavourful Science and also works in childcare. She is also in the UBC Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, assisting with a study on how music can affect wellbeing and executive function in those experiencing mild cognitive decline. Hannah’s research interests have always been directed towards the cognitive neuroscience realm, but recent years have shifted to include clinical research, and what factors shape various health outcomes. Outside of school, Hannah loves reading, going to the gym, hiking, playing tennis, playing Hay Day (someone in the lab convinced me to start) and drawing.
Jacob Heir
Jacob is a third-year undergraduate student in the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia. Prior to nursing, he enrolled in the School of Kinesiology at UBC, where he spent two years before making the switch to the BSN program. Jacob’s research interests are largely informed by his clinical experiences as a student, working in the hospital among individuals with neurological deficits. His particular area of interest is in pediatric neuro-trauma, stemming from his past involvement in contact sports, such as football. Outside of academics, Jacob enjoys staying physically active through strength training and basketball. His recent hobbies involve playing the guitar and learning to play the piano.
Makenna Jacklin
Makenna is currently in her final semester of nursing at UBC and hopes to work in pediatrics following graduation. In addition to her studies, she volunteers with Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), contributing to the training and development of future service dogs. Her current research interest includes pediatric neurological health including concussions and their lasting impacts as well as advancing universal design for learning to better support university students. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, going to the gym, and relaxing at the beach.
Pawan Singh Aulakh, BSc
Pawan is a BSN student who previously completed his BSc in Neuroscience at UBC, where he specialized in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience. His academic background includes an interest in understanding the biological foundations of brain health, disorder, and behaviour. For his capstone, he focused on improving psychiatric care in inpatient settings, aiming to enhance patient experiences and outcomes. Pawan’s current research interests explore how acquired brain injury affects family dynamics and how healthcare teams can better support both patients and their families during recovery. Outside of school, he enjoys playing Hay Day, spending time with his family, and savouring sweet treats.
Sahara Mand, BSc
Sahara completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) at the University of Calgary and is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UBC. She worked as a vision therapy coordinator at an optometry clinic where she assisted in concussion rehabilitation. Sahara’s research interests include concussions and ocular dysfunction. In her spare time, Sahara enjoys going on walks with her dog and crocheting.