Christy Chan is a Data Analyst for the ARCH Lab. Christy completed her BSc Honours in Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences at University of Guelph and her MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Chinese University of Hong Kong. Christy has extensive clinical research experience in cardiology and public health. She is excited to bring her statistical expertise to the field of child and youth mental health. Christy enjoys playing with her cat and trying new recipes during her spare time.

Trainees

Megan Dol is pursuing a PhD in Public Health and Health Systems at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr. Mark Ferro. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies at the University of Waterloo in 2019, where she completed two systematic reviews for her Independent Studies and Honours Thesis under the supervision of Dr. Mark Oremus that focused on the risk of developing substance use disorders via prescribed opioid use. She previously worked as a research assistant in the “Work and Qualitative Health Research Lab” under the supervision of Dr. Ellen MacEachen and the “Prevention Neuroscience Laboratory” under the supervision of Dr. Peter Hall. Through these experiences, Megan developed an interest in mental health and problematic substance use. Megan is interested in gaining more skills and knowledge in the area of child and youth mental health, mental health service use, and suicidal ideation. In the future, Megan hopes to work as an Epidemiologist in academia or the public sector. Outside of school, Megan enjoys volunteering with the Kid’s Help Phone as a crisis responder. In her free time, Megan enjoys playing guitar, reading, going to the gym, and spending time with friends.

Dominique Basque is a PhD student in the School of Public Health and Health Systems at the University of Waterloo, under the supervision of Dr. Mark Ferro. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (specializing in psychology) in 2016 and obtained her Master of Arts in Psychology in 2021 at the Université de Moncton. Her thesis evaluated the feasibility of a self-compassion psychoeducational website using a minimally monitored delivery model among adults with chronic pain. Dominique also worked as a research assistant at the NB FASD Centre or Excellence and as research coordinator at the Vitalité Health Network in New Brunswick where she developed an interest in children’s physical and mental health. She wants to gain more skills and knowledge in the areas of chronic illness, mental health and mental health service use. Outside of academics, Dominique enjoys travelling, reading, trying new foods and spending time with friends and family.

Melissa Elgie is pursuing a PhD in Public Health as part of the School of Public Health at the University of Waterloo. Melissa has worked extensively in the mental health field, specifically working with children and adolescents, including for the ARCH Lab on the MY LIFE and DETOUR studies. Melissa has completed an Honours BA at the University of Guelph in Psychology and Neuroscience. She has also earned a Master’s of Science degree at McMaster University in Neuroscience, where her work focused on cognitive and clinical features of youth with OCD. Melissa’s graduate work will focus on factors related to mental health in youth with mental and physical health conditions. Outside of school, Melissa enjoys travelling, cooking and spending time with her dog, friends and family.

Chris Barclay is pursuing a Masters of Science in Public Health and Health Systems under the supervision of Dr. Mark Ferro. He recently completed his Bachelor of Public Health with a Health Informatics Option at the University of Waterloo. For his Honours Thesis, he worked under the supervision of Dr. John Hirdes, examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the functional status of homecare recipients living with vision loss. Through his Masters, he is hoping to learn more about physical-mental multimorbidity in children, as well as the field of epidemiology and biostatistics as a whole. When he is not busy studying, he enjoys exploring the neighbourhood around campus, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, and spending time with his dog Sherwood.

Kiran Dhuga is pursuing a Masters of Science in Public Health and Health Systems at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr. Mark Ferro. She recently completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with a minor in Neuroscience at the University of Guelph. During her undergraduate degree, she worked alongside Dr. Elena Choleris assessing the effects of sex hormones on brain development and social behaviour. She was also a research assistant for Dr. Glen Pyle and focused on knowledge translation on topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is excited to learn more about epidemiology and biostatistics and apply this knowledge to the field of mental health. Outside of the lab, Kiran enjoys spending time with family and friends, swimming, and reading.

Lauren Gosse is pursuing a Masters of Science in Public Health and Health Systems at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr. Mark Ferro. She recently completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience with a minor in Biochemistry at Memorial University of Newfoundland. For her Honours project, she worked alongside Dr. Ashlyn Swift-Gallant examining the delineation of subtypes of autism spectrum disorder in Eastern Newfoundland using a latent class analysis model. She is excited to start her Master’s project in the ARCH lab, to learn more about epidemiology and biostatistics, and to contribute meaningful research to the field of child and youth mental health. When she is not in the lab, Lauren loves spending time with her family and friends, enjoying a good cup of tea, and singing in the choir.