Organizing Committee
Leads
Yasmin Alhamdah (She/Her)
Program: MSc – Second-year
Field of Research: Depression in older surgical patients
If you could speak to someone who is not alive today, who would you talk to and about what?
Nizar Qabbani was a Syrian poet. In fact, he was considered Syria’s national poet. He played a huge role in how my parents met, and how my sister and I were named. He is well known for his poems on love and the city of Damascus. I would love to talk to him about his muse and influential work.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person?
My grandfather was a highly respected and educated man. He would always tell me that education is a sword that I can use to fight in this world, whether it is for science, policy, or basic human rights.
Sufyan Shaikh (He/Him)
Program: MSc – 2nd Year
Field of Research: Urology medical devices
If you could speak to someone who is not alive today, who would you talk to and about what?My paternal grandmother was an extremely hardworking and enterprising lady who lived through good and bad times. I would want listen to her stories once again, to learn about her resilience and resourcefulness, and also receive her prayers and blessings.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person? Shoot for the stars, you will at least reach the moon. Don’t let your dreams and ambitions be limited, take risks and work as hard as possible to achieve them, but then leave the rest to God.
Deputy Lead
Stefan Aguiar (He/Him)
Program: IMS – 2nd year
Field of Research: Psychosocial Oncology, MAiD and EOL care
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care? The end of life has always been considered this abstract-taboo part of journey that many people avoid talking about. But in fact, it is this journey, that everyone must go through at one point in their life. I’ve always wanted to learn about this journey, what people endure at this time, and how to support them as they walk this long road. It has come to define my graduate project at the IMS which focuses on end of life and MAiD decisions.
If you could speak to someone who is not alive today, who would you talk to and about what? My grandfather who passed away a few years ago. I’d ask him about his journey and was it worth it to continue his life or would he have opted for an intervention like MAiD (if it was available to him), which would have greatly eased his suffering.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person? Life is about your relationships and family. Materialistic desires and your appearance will all fade one day… hopefully those around you are here to stay.
Nikou Kelardashti (She/Her)
Program: IMS MSc.
Field of Research: Pain Neuroimaging
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care? Having spent time with elderly individuals and those at the end-of-life, I have come to understand the importance of human connection, compassion, and empathy. This experience has sparked my specific interest in enhancing end-of-life care for the more vulnerable members of our community, ensuring they receive the dignity, respect, and support they deserve during their final stages of life.
If you could speak to someone who is not alive today, who would you talk to and about what? I would talk to my grandmother, whom I never had the chance to meet. I would ask her about her life stories, seeking to understand her experiences, wisdom, and the legacy she left behind.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person? Surround yourself with people who make your life brighter, so you have their light to guide you when times get tough.
Organizing Team Members
Hania Siddiqui (She/Her)
Program: MSc- First year
Field of Research: Emergency Medicine
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care?
I find elderly and end-of-life care particularly interesting because it necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. It’s not just about medical treatment; it involves understanding and addressing the social, psychological, and spiritual needs of the individuals. This field offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by providing compassionate support and honoring the unique wishes of people as they navigate through a significant and difficult stage in their life.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person?
Be kind to everyone you encounter, for each person is navigating their own unique journey through life.
Anthaea-Grace Patricia Dennis (She/Her)
Program: MSc- First year
Field of Research: Parkinson’s Disease, Artificial intelligence & Machine Learning
If you could speak to someone who is not alive today, who would you talk to and about what?
If I could speak to someone who is not alive today, I would speak to Margaret Thatcher. I would ask her what it was like in politics as the only female world leader.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person?
Be patient with others and with yourself, because sometimes people are just too impatient.
Siya Verma (She/Her)
Program: MSc. – First-year
Field of Research: Biomarker Studies in Clinical Research
If you could speak to someone who is not alive today, who would you talk to and about what?
Amelia Earhart – to know what actually happened.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person?
To live with the perspective of what 70 year old you would want.
Stephanie Benjamin (She/Her)
Program: MSc. – Second-year
Field of Research: Paediatric Cardiology
If you could speak to someone who is not alive today, who would you talk to and about what?
My paternal grandmother who passed away shortly after I was born. I hear often from family members and family friends that I take after her in many ways. She loved writing poetry, so I would ask her about her inspirations and how her life was growing up.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person?
(1) Always be kind to others, we were placed on this earth to coexist in peace. (2) Before you do anything in life, THINK TWICE! Always choose the path that feels right. If you don’t know what to do, SEEK ADVICE! Seeking advice is smarter than choosing blindly.
Hamzah Khan (He/Him)
Program: PhD – 2nd year
Field of Research: Cardiovascular Surgery
About: Hamza is a first-year PhD. student at IMS researching Cardiovascular Surgery.
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care? When you look at your grandparents it’s hard to imagine that they were once young and vibrant like all of us are. We will also age and become elderly. They deserve the compassionate care like everyone else.
If you could speak to someone who is not alive today, who would you talk to and about what? My grandparents, and what life was like for them growing up in Pakistan.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person? Life is short, don’t take it too seriously
Niki Akbarian (She/Her)
Program: IMS MSc – 2nd Year
Field of Research: Psychiatric Genetics
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care? End-of-life care can be very complex, as medical, ethical, and emotional challenges and concerns all intertwine. It’s intriguing to see how laws and practices have evolved over time to deliver compassionate and thorough care for the elderly, while addressing ethical challenges and prioritizing the dignity of those at the end of their lives.
If you could speak to someone who is not alive today, who would you talk to and about what? I would talk to my grandfather, who passed away from cancer before I was born. My father has shared many amazing stories about him, and I’ve always wished I had the chance to get to know my grandfather personally and know more about his life and experiences.
Maia Zilberman (She/Her)
Program: MSc – 1st year
Field of Research: Addictions Neuroimaging
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care? I was practically raised by my grandparents and they took incredible care of me when I needed it. As they get older, I want to know what I can do when it is my turn to care for them.
Elsa Salvant (She/Her)
Program: MSc
Field of Research: Pediatric Autoimmune Disease
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care? The legal aspect of end-of-life care interests me as it has major implications for how the elderly and patients choose their healthcare, what supports they have and what that looks like across Canada. There is still much that is misunderstood about MAiD and the legal aspects of it, so it is important to have a better understanding of this as a community.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person? “Focus on your experiences and not just the tangible things”
Stephanie Nanos (She/Her)
Program: PhD – 1st Year
Field of Research: Psychosocial Oncology
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care? I’m primarily interested in the experience of family caregivers at end-of-life with the hope to better understand how supportive care can be improved to meet their needs before and after their loss.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person? If you feel like you’re a late bloomer, chances are you’re right on time.
Shimin (Mello) Mo (She/Her)
Program: IMS, PhD – 1st Year
Field of Research: Neuroplasticity and speech perception outcome in new cochlear implant users
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care? Although this topic relates to all of us, I knew little about it. I want to learn what end-of-life care is like nowadays, with improvements in healthcare, ethical considerations, quality of life, and the acknowledgment of dignity and compassion.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person? Never be afraid to explore the unknown
Mahbod Ebrahimi (He/Him)
Program: IMS – 2nd year
Field of Research: Neuroscience
Samantha Ricardo ( She/Her)
Program: IMS MSc.
Field of Research: Genetic Kidney Disease
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care? I think elderly and end-of-life care is a very underrepresented field. With the aging population growing, it is vital that we work towards solutions that uplift the elderly population and provides support to those who need it.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person? Always make time for your friends and family! And never stop moving!
Graphic Design Artist
Jeah Kim (She/Her)
Program: MSc – First-year
Field of Research: Biomedical Communications
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care?
I am interested in the potential to enhance the quality of life during the later years through innovative care strategies that ensure those extra years are lived with dignity and less discomfort. The focus on improving the experience of aging and making end-of-life care more compassionate and person-centered truly resonates with my professional values. As a medical illustrator, I aim to create visual materials that help the elderly, families, and caregivers better understand what to expect, which can facilitate more informed decision-making and reduce anxiety. Also, I hope my works raise awareness of groundbreaking research in aging reversal.
If you could speak to someone who is not alive today, who would you talk to and about what?
Walt Disney, You are my dream!
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person?
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Advisor
Shaghayegh Foroozan (She/Her)
Program: IMS PhD – Fifth-year
Field of Research: Gut inflammation in Spondyloarthritis
What interests you about elderly and end-of-life care?
The care of elderly and end-of-life patients deeply moves me because it involves managing complex medical needs alongside ethical, emotional, and cultural factors, necessitating a comprehensive and compassionate approach. Additionally, helping to maintain a high quality of life and supporting families and caregivers through the profound impact makes this field deeply fulfilling and meaningful.
If you could speak to someone who is not alive today, who would you talk to and about what?
I would talk to my dad about my life.
What is a memorable piece of advice you’ve received from an elderly person?
My grandma always used to tell us to cherish every moment with loved ones because time is fleeting.
UofT Talks 