Meet The Team
Tyler Dong
Fourth-year Medical Sciences Student
Role in the Haddad TL Lab: Thesis Student
My current academic interests include both clinical pharmacology and scientific communication.
Witnessing the wave of misinformation that came with COVID, I realized that scientific communication is an essential field needed to bridge the gap between scientists and the average person. Training in science communication allows scientists to reach out to the greater public, allowing them to efficiently communicate their research to the layperson. This can help grow interest in the field and allow scientists to gain more recognition for their hard work. Scientific communication can also be used to help refute scientifically incorrect claims, directly benefiting the greater public. Despite the benefits of teaching science communication, the field has only recently gained traction by academics. My goal is to help expand our knowledge on science communication and develop new ways to teach (and learn) science communication!
Outside of class, I like to play video games, read comics, and take photos with my camera.
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Amy Li
BMSc '24
Role in the Haddad TL Lab: Volunteer
My research interests lie in AI implementation in healthcare, digital health technologies, and medical genomics.
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Science communication is essential for conveying research findings to a technical and lay audience, reducing stigma associated with diseases, and increasing one’s curiosity about scientific discoveries. After participating in the Science Internship Program and taking courses that emphasized scientific communication, I realized that proper training in science communication is necessary to prepare students for the competitive job market. I joined the lab because I want to contribute to the development of effective science communication strategies, ultimately working towards making scientific knowledge more accessible and relatable to society.
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In my free time, I like to take dance classes in hip hop and urban choreography. I also enjoy thrifting for vintage clothing.

Rasbir Marwaha
Third-year Medical Sciences student
Role in the Haddad TL Lab: work-study student
I'm interested in researching science communication because I believe there is a large gap between the scientific community and the general public in terms of understanding and appreciation of scientific knowledge. This gap may make it difficult for non-experts to make informed decisions about important science-related issues. Additionally, important scientific discoveries that are not effectively communicated to the public may not be put into practice or utilized to their full potential. As a result, there is a need for effective scientific communication that can bridge this gap, increasing the general public’s scientific literacy and knowledge of scientific advancements.
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Beyond science communication, my research interests include Neuroscience, Public Health, and Education
In my spare time, I enjoy reading books, playing chess, and spending time with family and friends.
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Han Cao
Second-year Medical Sciences student
Role in the Haddad TL Lab: work-study student
I am personally drawn to the field of science communication research, motivated by a belief in the significant impact it can have on connecting the scientific community with the wider public. My interest is rooted in the recognition of the tremendous opportunity that science communication presents to bridge the gap between scientists and the general public. My experiences as a tutor have allowed me to actively witness the impact of effective communication in science education. As I engage in presenting and discussing scientific concepts, I am motivated by the transformative potential of bridging this communication gap. I believe that by enhancing science communication training and incorporating it into academic curricula, we can contribute to increased public engagement, understanding, and the overall advancement of science. This belief drives my passion to contribute to the field of science communication research, aiming to address the critical need for improved communication between scientists and the wider community.
In my leisure time, I find solace and joy in nurturing vibrant blooms in my garden and capturing their beauty through the lens of my camera.

Karen Huo
Second-year Medical Sciences student
Role in the Haddad TL Lab: Volunteer
My scientific interests include physiology, pharmacology, and museology (public history)!
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At the heart of science is communication and dissemination. As someone who has both been the distributor and receiver of good and bad scientific communication, I believe that research in this field has major implications on how we perceive, understand, and learn about our modern world. I became especially interested in this field through my work as a private tutor, where I actively see and participate in the innovation of science education through teaching, presenting, and talking about science.
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Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, visiting museums, and watching re-runs of Law and Order!
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Past members
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Haya Tawfik (Jan-May 2023) - After working at the Haddad lab and graduating from Western with a degree in Basic Medical Sciences, Haya went on to join the MBiotech program at the University of Toronto.
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Haoming Tang (Aug-Oct 2023) - Haoming is currently completing a PhD in Education.
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Austin Robertson (Feb-Dec 2023) - Austin completed his work-study at the Haddad lab and is currently completing a PhD in Neuroscience.
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Nicole Wieland (Mar 2023-Apr 2024) - Nicole graduated and found a full-time position in her hometown of Calgary, Alberta.
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Ali Aghamohammadi (Mar 2023-Apr 2024) - Ali graduated and is currently attending Dental School at the University of Toronto.