Our Team

Dr. Mucsi is a clinician investigator and transplant nephrologist at the Ajmera Transplant Center and Division of Nephrology at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto. He is also an Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto. His current research focuses on understanding and reducing barriers and disparities in access to kidney transplantation and living donor kidney transplantation (KT) and assessing the impact of physical symptoms and psychosocial distress on clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients. Read more @ https://nefros.net/about-us/our-team/dr-istvan-mucsi-md-phd/

Heather comes to the group with varied work experience and education. Along with a Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Communications, she has a MA in Environmental Education and Communication. During the latter, she began working in clinical trials for the Multi-Organ Transplant program and found an interest in research and the transplant program. She is excited to be working with Dr. Mucsi and his research team, examining psycho-social and ethno-cultural influences on kidney transplantation access, a very important step to determining and improving the quality of life of those with kidney disease

Nathaniel Edwards is a data and analytics leader with expertise spanning healthcare, energy, and actuarial science. At Toronto General Hospital, he leads interdisciplinary teams in developing secure patient data platforms and automating large‑scale data pipelines that drive research quality and enhance clinical outcomes. With a strong foundation in predictive modeling, SQL database architecture, and Python automation, he brings both technical depth and strategic leadership to complex projects, fostering innovation through cross‑functional collaboration.

Rebecca Starkman is a qualitative researcher with over 10 years’ experience conducting research in academic and community settings. Rebecca has expertise in qualitative methodology and in numerous qualitative data collection tools including individual interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. Rebecca has conducted research with academic research teams in the fields of Education and of Childhood Study, as well as with education, culture, and arts-focused non-profit groups in Canada and the U.S. Rebecca completed her PhD in the Curriculum and Pedagogy Department at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Her thesis research used feminist lenses to explore the experiences of religious girls who attended public secondary schools in Toronto. Rebecca’s research examines how social, cultural, and political factors shape individual experiences of institutions such as education and health care. In addition to her focus on qualitative research, Rebecca is also passionate about designing mixed-method studies that effectively utilize qualitative techniques. Rebecca is part of the KHERG qualitative team and supports the development and implementation of qualitative aspects of ongoing team research.

Sara Macanovic is the team manager for the Kidney Health Education and Research Group at UHN with a background in neuroscience and mental health. In September 2019, she joined the ENKAT-LD Education Pillar Team as an ENAKT-LD, Core Transplant Curriculum (CTC), and Explore Transplant Ontario (ETO) coordinator.

Hi! My name is Nicole and I've just finished up my undergraduate degree at Queen's University. Here I studied Life Sciences with a specialization in Biomedical Discovery. During my time at Queen's, I completed an undergraduate research thesis looking into the ion channel basis of the pharmacological effects of amiodarone on electrophysiological properties. I'm planning to complete a Master's degree with U of T in the Pharmacology and Toxicology program and later apply to medical school. My goal is to contribute to the field of pharmacology and cardiology through innovative research to improve patient outcomes and experiences.

Hello! My name is Tibyan and I'm a graduate student at the University of Toronto, pursuing a Master of Science in medical science. My current projects with the team include enhancing patient centred care through ePROMs and addressing inequities in access to living donor kidney donation and transplant in African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities. My work on the team has greatly increased my passion for social determinants of health and being an advocate for racialized populations. I hope to pursue a career in medicine and public health.

I recieved my HBSc. from the University of Toronto in June 2016 and joined the team as a research trainee in September 2014. Here I completed my undergraduate thesis on the topic of health related quality of life of kidney transplant recipients. My interests focus on investigating the impact of psychosocial factors on access to kidney transplantation and quality of life. I also enjoy working with the data management team. In the future I plan to integrate my passion for health research with a career in medicine.

Anitra is an Industrial Engineering student at the University of Toronto, passionate about using data science, AI, and analytics to solve real-world engineering and business problems. He is currently a Junior Data Engineer with KHERG and has contributed to several data-driven projects.

My name is Anlan, I am a third-year undergraduate student at University of Toronto, studying Mathematics and Statistics, I am currently a Junior Data Engineer in KHERG and interested in applying statistical methods, data science to solve practical problems in health and decision-making.

Arnav Pratap Singh is a mechanical engineering student with experience in technical design, software development, and lab work. He has worked on engineering projects, automation tools, and diagnostic workflows involving DNA extraction and PCR. Currently, he is working as a student recruiter at KHERG.

My name is Ben Kopman and I am a volunteer for the Kidney Health Education and Research Group at the UHN. I recently graduated from the University of Guelph with an honors degree in Psychology. My goal is to pursue a masters degree and PhD in Clinical psychology with the hope of becoming a professor. I look forward to contributing to meaningful research projects that will strengthen the knowledge of mental health in the context of Patient-reported outcomes.

Devron Swaby is an Honours Life Sciences student at McMaster University. His research and community work focus on health equity for African, Caribbean & Black (ACB) communities; psychosocial factors in chronic kidney disease and transplantation; health research methodology and systemic barriers faced by neurodivergent Black youth. He is dedicated to promoting health equity and educational access for marginalized communities.

My name is Elena and I am a third year at the University of Toronto majoring in Human Biology and Immunology. I am a Clinical Research Assistant at the KHERG and I am interested in helping advance research that improves outcomes for transplant patients. My hobbies include the gym, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Hi! My name is Emma, and I am a Clinical Research Assistant at KHERG. I'm in my last year at the University of Toronto pursuing a double major in Human Biology and Psychology with a minor in Biomedical Ethics. I’m passionate about understanding how chronic kidney disease impacts mental health and how psychosocial and ethnocultural barriers shape patient care. During my free time, I enjoy reading and long-distance running!

Hi! My name is Gina, and I am a Clinical Research Assistant at KHERG. I studied Psychology at UBC and I am now doing my Master’s in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. I am very passionate about the intersection of physical health and mental health and how we can support well-being from a holistic perspective. Fun fact: I speak three languages: French, English, and Norwegian!

My name is Giuliano, and I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, studying Human Biology and Public Health. I am interested in health systems and clinical research, particularly in medicine and the psychosocial factors that influence health. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Researcher at U of T & UHN, and medical assistant at Appletree—working where data meets dignity. Designing ePROMs that capture silent symptoms, and supporting patients in moments that demand both skill and softness. Raised between cultures, I know presence isn’t the same as being seen. That’s why I build systems that listen deeply—so every patient, no matter their story, feels understood, valued, and cared for.

I am a second year Kinesiology student at the University of Toronto. I look forward to contributing to many different research studies here at KHERG, ultimately increasing kidney health education and improving patient outcomes.

Hi my name is Moeez! I'm a second year student at the University of Toronto, studying Health and Disease. My academic interests include how we can improve patient-centred care and comfort. My hobbies include reading writing and playing video games.

Hi! My name is Nishat Syeda and I am a research volunteer at the KHERG! I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, where I am double majoring in Health and Disease & Molecular Genetics. In my spare time, I enjoy watching horror movies and hiking!

I'm in my fourth year at the University of Toronto finishing my undergraduate studies in global health and medical anthropology. I've spent over two years on the team recruiting participants for our studies and writing abstracts analyzing patient-reported outcomes data. More recently, I am lead author for the Heart Failure Writing Group and the Research Project Manager Assistant. I plan to pursue a master's in public health next year with a focus in health policy and law. In my free time, you can find me enjoying the outdoors, exploring Toronto's food scene, and trying to improve my pickleball game!

Hi! I’m a fourth-year student pursuing Biology for Health Science and Psychology at the University of Toronto. I currently work as a Clinical Research Assistant at KHREG, and I’m passionate about exploring the connection between psychological and physiological health to improve patient outcomes. In my free time, I love going on nature walks and reading books!

Hey! My name is Romik and I am in my first year of my MSc in the Applied Clinical Pharmacology (ACP) at the University of Toronto. I'm interested in global health equity and want to understand how to better enable underserved communities to support their healthcare journey. In my spare time, I actively follow the NBA and spend time with friends and family.

Hi! I’m currently in my final year completing my Nuclear Medicine Technology clinical placement at St. Michael’s Hospital. My interests include understanding how social determinants of health influence patient outcomes and how we can work towards more equitable, patient-centered care. In my free time, I love trying new cuisines with my family, getting my daily 10k steps in, and enjoying a good book.

My name is Yonathan, and I am an undergraduate student enrolled in McMaster University’s Honours Life Sciences program. I am keenly interested in health equity at both a global and local scale, and seek to address the socioeconomic factors that impede marginalized communities from getting access to proper healthcare. I am looking forward to working with KHERG, and hope to learn new skills and gain valuable experience. In my free time, I like to play soccer, read books, and play the drums.

I am a Master of Information student at the University of Toronto, specializing in Information Systems and Data Science. I currently work as a Python Developer on the data team. My professional interests lie at the intersection of data, public health, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). In my free time, I enjoy figure skating and playing video games.