OUR TEAM

CANTRAIN Management Team

Bruno J. Battistini

BSc, MSc, PhD

National Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, Quebec

+1 (XXX) XXX-XXXX

bruno.battistini@wecantrain.ca

Dr. Bruno Battistini has over 25 years of professional experience in the health/medical research sector. Before becoming President, CEO and Scientific Director of a Provincial Health Research Foundation, he occupied senior positions in the private sector (CSO, VP, (Senior) Director), was a Health Research Scholar and Assistant-Professor (Medicine) at Université Laval, and Scientist at Hôpital Laval – Quebec Heart & Lung Institute, and still lectures at the Université de Sherbrooke and Adjunct-Professor at uOttawa.Bruno fostered strategic investment plans, developed many new programs/value demonstration initiatives, partnered and established alliances with many charities, federal agencies, national programs in aging, and the private sector, fostering an overall exponential increase in the Foundation’s activities and investment in the Health Research Enterprise and the knowledge economy.Bruno created several Chairs at universities and the first NCE-AgeWell National Innovation Hub called APPTA who he Chaired from the start. He served on several provincial and national advisory committees, peer-review committees, and boards, was Co-Chair of www.naphro.ca and the Forum of Health Research Funders, continue to Chair the Research Oversight Committee of the $100M FACS program at CQDM for the past 4 years and is the recipient of many national awards and honors, >125 publications and >350 presentations.

BScH, BEd, MA, PhD

Chief Operating Officer, Ontario

+1 (416) 516-1684

lisa.goos@wecantrain.ca

Dr. Lisa Goos has over 20 years’ experience in research administration, knowledge translation and education in academic health science settings. Lisa received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Queen’s University, a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from York University, and was a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Postdoctoral Fellow in the Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health at The Hospital for Sick Children. In addition to more than 10 years’ experience teaching students at the secondary and post-secondary levels, Lisa has provided scientific communications expertise to organizations such as the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto and the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at SickKids, and is co-author of an authoritative manual on the use of DNA evidence in the judicial system.

An exceptional corporate change agent, Lisa has held senior research administration positions at Baycrest Health Sciences, the Rotman Research Institute and The Hospital for Sick Children. In these roles, Lisa has driven institutional capacity development in order to optimize success in clinical research. She has developed both corporate and divisional strategic plans, led teams through the completion of large strategic projects, and implemented operational systems and procedures to support the effective management of the research enterprise.

BAA, MA

Chief Transformation Officer, Quebec

+1 (514) 886-4524

julie.dessureault@wecantrain.ca

Julie joins CANTRAIN as Chief Transformation Officer following the development of the strategic plan published in February 2024. Holding a B.A.A. and an M.A. in Art History, certified by the International Coach Federation, she is involved as a business mentor at Réseau M, a coach at Startup Montreal, and vice-president of the board of directors of the Jean-Talon Hospital Foundation. She teaches at HEC Montreal and owns an art gallery. Julie has acquired her expertise and developed her network of contacts in entrepreneurial and philanthropic circles through numerous consultative, managerial, and commercial experiences. Her extensive experience has shaped her profile as an agile advisor and a keen and innovative strategist. Before starting her own business, she held executive positions in international trade, advertising, the art market, and the health sector, developing solutions to facilitate access to primary care and leading solicitation activities and the development of strategic alliances with investor partners in health and R&D. In 2018, Julie completed the Centech program at ÉTS as Chief Strategy Officer for a tech start-up serving autistic individuals. More recently, she has led mandates in marketing and business strategy, positioning, and philanthropy for architecture and engineering firms, mental health organizations, and visual arts projects. Julie is inspired by the vision and mission of CANTRAIN and the people who support it.

BScN, MSc

Manager, Administration & Finances, Quebec

+1 (438) 540-1866

aude.lerendu@wecantrain.ca

With a master’s degree in the political economy of health, Ms. Le Rendu worked in France in a private health group as project manager and then as Deputy Director of Operations. Her role was to coordinate the management of hospital structures and to ensure the administrative and budgetary management of the structures as well as the management of the personnel.Subsequently, she joined a hospital group as manager of the consultation centers. Her function was to supervise the administration and operations of paramedical teams. In cooperation with the hospital’s medical team, she also contributed to the creation of a consultation center dedicated to women’s pathologies.In her spare time, Aude enjoys continuing to discover Montreal, her adopted city, and spending time with her husband, son and friends.

Manager/Administrator, IT Systems, Quebec

+1 (438) 518-2015

mohamed.mahfoudi@wecantrain.ca

Mr. Mohamed Mahfoudi has 17 years of experience in the administration of network systems, integration of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and implementation and administration of websites. He was webmaster of one of the largest press companies in his native country (www.liberte-algerie.com, 2005-2019). He worked as such in several other companies as part of a project funded by the Ministry of Small and Medium companies where he had to implement an Integrated Management System by importing existing data, customizing and training end users.

During his career, Mohamed also worked as a consultant, network and web administrator with several companies where he had to manage computers, network parks, web servers and websites.

MBBS, MBA, MSc, PhD(c)

National Manager, Awards & Internships Programs, Quebec

+1 (xxx) xxx-xxxx

sharmistha.biswas@wecantrain.ca

Sharmista completed her medical degree in India then a MBA, with a compelling track record of integrating professional knowledge and interpersonal skills in multicultural multidisciplinary collaborative environments through leadership and training roles dedicated to improved patient care and business efficiency. She moved to Canada and received her MSc in Epidemiology, Graduate Diploma in Health and Social Services Management, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs experience Certificate. She is currently putting the final touch on her PhD in Experimental Medicine at McGill University. She is skilled in clinical trials development, including operations and regulatory, research design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. She believes in strategic partnerships for sustainable and effective initiatives that are especially needed in the multistakeholder domain of healthcare. She brings a unique confluence of healthcare experience from perspectives as a clinician, co-investigator of investigator-initiated Phase III drug trial, as well as that of a senior-level management executive in the pharmaceutical industry (Bharat Serums and Vaccines Ltd., India). Over the past decade, she published research in critical care and respiratory medicine. She developed and conducted training at corporate and institute levels and has been an integral part of successful research grant teams. She is naturally inclined towards purposeful problem solving, has a creative and innovative spirit with a healthy appetite for challenging projects. She has led interesting out-reach and bridging initiatives – and in her current role – she will manage CANTRAIN yearly awards programs – joined by other partnering CTTP -and connect awarded students, their supervisors, with those programs and mentors to help them advance their professional journeys.

BEng

Research Software Developer, Quebec

+1 (438) 495-0376

luis.garcia@wecantrain.ca

Mr. Luis Armando García Garza has a solid experience of almost 30 years in programming and administration of computer systems. During his career in his native Mexico, he obtained an academic degree as an Electronic Systems Engineer at the Tecnológico de Monterrey. He has given proof of his abilities in the coordination and programming for a ‘’Quick Vote Count System’’ for an important electoral process and from that experience, he has been invited to participate in the maintenance of the electronic catalog of The Mexican Federal Judicial Weekly of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation. He then participated in an IT management team and local network administration for one of the most recognized university centers in the north of the country.

In his Canadian experience in Montreal, Quebec, Luis Armando has served as an IT Consultant for the Respiplus organization (www.respiplus.com), implementing the graphic design of teaching materials, the development for an online exercise learning platform, and the well-known ‘’Living Well with COPD’’ series. He also served as technical coordinator for the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, contributing to the rebranding and design for the new website of the Canadian Cohort Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (CanCOLD www.cancold.ca).

BBA, MBA

Administrative Assistant, Quebec

+1 (438) 509-2988

andrea.florencio@wecantrain.ca

Cynthia Diaz Lopez

BSc, MSc

Administrative Assistant, Quebec

+1 (438) 391-3086

cynthia.diaz@wecantrain.ca

BA, MA, PhD

Communication Specialist

+1 (514) 883-9688

valerie.simon@wecantrain.ca

BSc, MSc

Team Leader Program Designer & Developer, Quebec

+1 (819) 943-1825

caroline.buote@wecantrain.ca

Originally from the Montérégie region, Caroline Buote first studied a year in architecture at the Université de Montréal before moving to the Estrie region and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, followed by a master’s degree in clinical genomics, with a bioinformatics component, at the Université de Sherbrooke. She then worked as study director at IPS Therapeutic, a preclinical research CRO in evaluation of new drugs’ efficacy and safety, while completing, in parallel and remotely, a certificate in business administration – management with the Université de Laval.

Caroline later moved to the South Shore of Montreal and, while working part-time for the NPO Sherbrooke Genomic Medicine as a next-gen sequencing (NGS) data analyst, began working as a clinical research coordinator in oncology at the Centre for Innovative Medicine (CIM) within the RI-MUHC. Having worked there for more than 5 years, she has managed clinical trials on head and neck cancers, sarcomas, gastrointestinal cancers, breast cancers and melanomas.

Within the last 3 years, she has been specializing in training: building content, developing an onboarding program including hands-on practice, workshop and training delivery for staff and C&RA Experience students, creating eLearning modules integrated to a learning management system, authoring multiple working instructions as a subject matter expert (SME) and being a big part of the CIM compliance committee.

BBA, MBA

Program Designer & Developer, Nova Scotia

+1 (902) 979-2774

khoa.ha@wecantrain.ca

Khoa has nearly four years of instructional design experience, specializing in interactive design, gamification, and integrating eLearning modules into Learning Management Systems. Having worked with subject matter expert from IWK Health Centre
and Nova Scotia Health Authority
on various projects, Khoa brings his expertise and knowledge to enrich learner’s training experience and contribute to the development of CANTRAIN’s programs.

BEng, MIB, MEng

Software Developer, New Brunswick

+1 (506) 260-6305

vikram.devaguptapu@wecantrain.ca

Vikram has over 15 years of a quite diverse experience in health research and related technologies, product development, and business administration. Previously, he held a research role in a New Brunswick Regional Health Authority and served as the Founder and CEO of an e-health company. In these capacities, Vikram led the development innovative software products based on the research conducted via successful pilot studies in New Brunswick and British Columbia. He was also a co-investigator on various projects, securing grants from reputable organizations such as CIHR, CABHI, and ResearchNB. Moreover, Vikram established data collection systems, monitored data integrity, and maintained ethical standards in such clinical research project. His ability to collaborate with investigators, departments, and stakeholders demonstrates his skill in fostering partnerships and supporting program operations. Vikram’s previous work has taken him across the globe, including period of training in Singapore, the UK, and India. This international exposure has given him a global perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse business practices. He will contribute to the design and developing new functionalities of CANTRAIN’s software platform, as well as creating technology roadmaps and technical documentation for sustainable growth and scaling.

BA, MIS

National Coordinator, Trialists Stream, Ontario

+1 (416) 662-4561

katie.bainbridge@wecantrain.ca

Prior to joining CANTRAIN, Ms. Katie Bainbridge set up and managed the Office of Clinical Research Professionals at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario. There, she developed and ran an onboarding and orientation program, a variety of professional development opportunities, and led networking, mentorship, and staff engagement initiatives. Central to this role was providing access to information, education and training, and establishing a connected community using various communication channels. Katie worked closely with a Clinical Research Advisory Committee to advocate for the professionalization of clinical research roles, improved resources, and more collaboration and understanding across departments.Previously, Katie helped coordinate the SickKids Clinical Research Secretariat which oversaw the launch and development of the patient and family engagement in research program, the education and training program, and the redesign and launch of a streamlined clinical research approvals process.Katie has several years’ experience in information management, publishing, and communications.

National Coordinator, Graduate & Postdoctoral Trainee Stream, Quebec

+1 (514) XXX-XXXX

christina.farant@wecantrain.ca

As the National Coordinator focusing on the Postgraduate Training stream of CANTRAIN, Ms Christina Farant’s objectives are to include high-quality connected online and experiential learning and training, as well as broadening the range of possible careers for postgraduate students interested in clinical trials and regulatory affairs.

Christina previously worked as the Training Coordinator for the Desjardins Centre for Advanced Training (DCAT) of the McGill University Health Centre’s Research Institute (RI-MUHC, Montréal). Her primary responsibility was to plan and coordinate postgraduate trainees’ career exploration and development training programs, activities, and events. Christina is passionate about instructional and graphic design and is committed to expanding her education and skill set in order to provide students with the finest experience possible.

Outside the office, Christina enjoys reading novels and listening to true crime and history podcasts. In her hometown of Montreal, Quebec, she enjoys spending time with her husband, young daughter, and their two cats.

BSc, DESS

National Coordinator, Clinical Research Professionals Stream, Quebec

+1 (xxx) xxx-xxxx

monique.ostrout@wecantrain.ca

Monique is a clinical research professional with over 20 years of experience in drug development within contract research organizations and pharmaceutical sponsors.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Biology from McGill University and a Diploma of Superior Studies Specialized in Toxicology from the University of Montreal. Her experience spans from preclinical research to clinical research where she assumed pivotal roles within several organizations, including Sr CRA, Project Manager, Manager and Director.
Monique’s profound interest in both the human element and the quality of clinical trials led her into management roles where she was able to drive new initiatives aimed at building strong teams and elevating project delivery standards. Alongside managing her teams, she was appointed as a subject matter expert within her organization, to train the next generation of project leaders across North America and, as the Canadian agent for quality and global processes harmonization. She also spearheaded the establishment of a project management unit, defining roles, training programs and materials to equip teams for success. She contributed clinical expertise in the strategic plan for a national initiative aimed at optimizing the operational efficiency of clinical trials conducted in university hospital centers.
She believes that empowering professionals responsible for trial management is pivotal for their individual growth and engagement but also for the overall performance and quality of clinical trials.
Monique is a clinical research consultant and she will share her time with CANTRAIN as a National Educator developing and designing clinical trials training programs

RN MScN, PhD(C)

National Coordinator, Community Partners & Patients Stream, Ontario

+1 (613) 884-5932

linda.hunter@wecantrain.ca

Linda is a semi-retired executive health care leader and former Chief Nurse Executive and ICU nurse who has worked locally, nationally, and internationally in healthcare over the last 35 years. Linda has worked into clinics, in education, and administration, throughout the healthcare continuum, from neonates to adults and with seniors. Linda is an expert in quality improvement and performance measurement and has worked extensively in the quality and patient safety fields in healthcare. Linda is also a patient and has lived with chronic disease for years making her an excellent Patient Engagement Research Ambassador for CIHR. She has co-developed online educational modules for patients and researchers about Patient Engagement in Research. Linda is a member of the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance (CAPA) and is a member of the Fibromyalgia Association of Canada. As an Essential Caregiver to her Mum, who lives with dementia, and is a volunteer who provides palliative and end-of-life care to residents in LTC. Linda states: “It is vital that the patient voice is respected, listened to, and incorporated into change in the delivery of health care services, including research. Patients are experts about their disease and their lived experience, becoming more informed and knowledgeable.” Linda is CANTRAIN national coordinator of the community partners’ stream, Co-Chair of the Patient, Family and Community Member Working Group (CanPartners) and a member of the Working Group on equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility principles and indigenous engagement .

BN, MHM, PhD(C)

Team Leader, Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Quebec

+1 (514) 839-3118

mei.li@wecantrain.ca

Ms. Mei Li received a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Huaxi Medical Centre, Sichuan University, and a Master’s degree in Health Management from the University of New South Wales. She has over seven years of experience in teaching at the post-secondary level and received the systematic training on pedagogical skills in the Department of Education, Memorial University. Mei Li is a professional in developing educational programs and course materials for adult learning in health care settings, and conducting evaluations on learning activities. Mei Li has been involved in different healthcare training programs, including capacity building for primary health care, enhancing the capacity of health professionals in rural areas, and women’s sexual rights and health in marginalized communities.

In addition to ensuring the deliverables based on the program plan, Mei Li is proactive in providing the learners with resources and assistance for their academic and professional development, adopting the learner-oriented approach both virtually and in person.

Mei Li has a proven track record of successfully managing projects in health care and capacity building initiatives, which involve in diverse stakeholder engagements and partnership building.

As a researcher, Mei Li has engaged with research projects in the domain of family caregiving, primary health care, chronic disease management and women’s health.

BSc

Program Designer & Developer, Quebec

+1 (514) 809-1651

lucie.couderc@wecantrain.ca

After obtaining her degree in biochemistry, Ms Lucie Couderc accumulated several years of experience within contract clinical research organizations (CRO). During her previous jobs, Lucie acquired an in-depth understanding of the clinical research process and more particularly of the various actors and institutions playing a role in it.

Before joining CANTRAIN, Lucie worked as a scientist and trainer. Beyond training her colleagues and developing educational materials, she was responsible for ensuring the transfer of knowledge and the standardization of processes across the various sites of her company. Lucie is convinced that by offering the appropriate tools and resources to students and professionals, we allow them to achieve professional success and broaden their horizons.

Outside of work, Lucie is passionate about sports, especially Pilates and rugby, which she has been practicing for several years.

BSc, MMASc

Mentorship Programs Coordinator, New Brunswick

+1 (506) 230-2115

srijain.shrestha@wecantrain.ca

Srijain completed a B.Sc. from the University of New Brunswick. Then a Master of Management of Applied Sciences, specializing in Global Health Systems at Western University. As an undergrad, Srijain worked in different laboratories ranging from carbon isotope to cellular biology research. He he co-authored and published three academic articles on topics such as vaccine equity, long term care homes, and short-term health outcomes of wildfires. Srijain co-coordinated and co-analyzed SARS-CoV-2 data from wastewater sample sites in ON, Fiji, Columbia, Venezuela, and Ghana. He worked in a non-for-profit as a Coordinator for NB Social Pediatrics. Srijain is passionate about utilizing his experiences and skills to create a learner-centered and performance-based training program such as CANTRAIN to increase the clinical trials capacity within NB and beyiond.

BSc, Msc, CCRA

Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Alberta

+1 (780) 222-4491

jeffrey.narayan@wecantrain.ca

Jeff completed an undergraduate degree in immunology and a Master’s degree in molecular biology at the University of Alberta, before becoming a study coordinator and later a Quality Manager Clinical Trial Project Lead at the Clinical Trials Office of the University of Alberta for Quality Management in Clinical Research. The wide scope of this work exposed him to varied methods for conducting effective clinical research. This was supplemented by his years of work as a study monitor, which allowed individualized training of study coordinators. He is interested in sharing his experiences to develop and deliver impactful training programs for clinical research professionals. Jeff is interested in implementing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives at Alberta’s institutions, focusing on clinical research.

BSc

Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Alberta

+1 (780) 914-8598

janis.cole@wecantrain.ca

Janis received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta and worked in the non-profit sector as a public services coordinator and educator. Following her non-profit work, she engaged into the world of research working on a wide range of research studies in varying capacities. Over the last eleven years in research, she has noticed a need for consistent training within and among institutions. After informally training and supporting colleagues and students over the years, Janis is looking forward to standardizing institutional training. She believes providing a supportive environment, tools, knowledge and education to new research personnel will ensure success for both the projects and the institutions. As the designated CRE in Alberta, she is responsible for introducing CANTRAIN Clinical Trials Training Programs to graduate and postgraduate trainees, clinical research professionals and Trialists across all Alberta academic institutions, organizations and clinical trials’ sites.

BSc, ACRP-CP

Partnership Engagement Coordinator

+1 (604) 518-0463

alicia.murdoch@wecantrain.ca

Alicia is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (ACRP-CP) with over 15 years of clinical research experience. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Victoria, BC, she worked in a wet lab before transitioning to clinical trials. She has worked as (i) a research coordinator in HIV, arthritis, and anesthesia, (ii) an ethics and regulatory coordinator in critical care and pulmonary clinical trials, and (iii) a research ethics board (REB) review manager. Those positions have given her experience and a broad knowledge of clinical trials research processes. In her most recent position as Project Manager within the Can-SOLVE CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) Network, she was involved in the creation of several educational courses and webinars, which sparked her passion for education. She is excited to join CANTRAIN as Partnership Engagement Coordinator based in BC, engaging and supporting research clinicians / trialists and fellow Clinical Research Professionals to build capacity for clinical trials research in BC and all over Canada.

BSc, MScBMC

Program Designer & Developer, Quebec

+1 (514) 661-1674

vanessa.nguyen@wecantrain.ca

Ms. Nguyen obtained an undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Montreal (2017). Following graduation, she realized that she had a love for both art and science and didn’t want to choose between them for a career. She decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Biomedical Communications at the University of Toronto (2023). During her studies, she had the opportunity to transform complex scientific concepts into clear and informative visuals for a large variety of audience including patients, healthcare professionals and scientists. With CANTRAIN, Vanessa is excited about using storytelling, gamification techniques and interactive design principles to develop creative and engaging learning material and create environments that will contribute to support clinical trials research in Canada.

MA, PhD

Partnership Engagement Coordinator, Alberta

+1 (587) 589-9984

yuliia.deviatko@wecantrain.ca

Yuliia received her MA and PhD majoring in translation studies and health science terminology management from Ukraine. Having been working for almost a decade as a health science translator/editor, she also was deeply involved in a clinical trial environment being worked in the role of a translator. On top of that, she has teaching experience in her areas of expertise both in her backcountry and in Canada.

In 2022, she arrived in Canada to conduct her research as a part of a short-term scholarship granted by University of Alberta. Afterward, she worked as a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant at the Faculty of Arts, UofA, and simultaneously volunteered with Alberta Urology Institute in the role of Research Assistant. Her diverse experience in health science translations and pedagogy, combined with her involvement in clinical research, has enabled her to pursue further endeavors in this domain.

As the designated Provincial Coordinator for AB, SK, and MB, she is responsible for engaging, presenting, and guiding institutions into CANTRAIN clinical trials training programs in the above-stated provinces to extend the presence and usage of the platform programs to all academic institutions and clinical research organizations in the region.

BSc

Consultant Partnership Engagement, Eastern Canada

+1 (514) 715-6809

jeanclaude.sabourin@wecantrain.ca

Jean-Claude is a person with an atypical background, and therefore has a great knowledge of the world and institutions in health research, both institutional and corporate. He studied biochemistry, information and marketing, as well as training in intellectual property, management and finance. He has always walked in innovative universes in order to satisfy his intellectual curiosity. He has had the chance to travel the entire life sciences “chain”, whether in industry (large pharma), the public sector (health network) or the interface between the two (valorization of university research). In addition, he has held roles that have exposed him to basic research, clinical research, legal affairs, intellectual property, regulatory affairs, medical information, and sales and marketing. Thus, at this stage of his career, he is able to pass on the experience acquired and create as significant a social impact as possible and that is why “I am joining the CANTRAIN team”. On a lighter note, he is also a cultural columnist on a web media, another string to his bow.

PT, BPE, BSc, MSc, PhD

Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Ontario

+1 (613) 612-2930

jacquie.vanierssel@wecantrain.ca

Jacquie has over 25 years of professional experience as a clinician, researcher, and educator in health sciences. She was a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Postdoctoral Fellow with the Emergency Concussion Research team at The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (CHEORI) and sport physiotherapist. In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate students as an adjunct lecturer and clinical supervisor (Physical Therapy) at the University of Toronto and a guest lecturer (Physiotherapy) at the University of Ottawa, Jacquie was the founder of an evidence-based concussion education program.

She held leadership positions on national pediatric and adult concussion guidelines, was committee member of the 6th International Consensus on Concussion. Jacquie is passionate about knowledge translation (Sport Physiotherapy Canada).

Jacquie’s clinical research interest is in improving health outcomes in children with neurological disorders. Her work has been adopted into clinical practice, informed industry programs of care, received international recognition (International Brain Injury Association), and has been published in high impact journals. She has presented on concussion at numerous conferences, scientific meetings, on broadcast interviews, and has won clinical teaching awards. She will now use all of her experience and expertise toward constructing the next generation of knowledge and competency-based e-Training modules and engaging graduate and postgraduate students, clinical research professionals and trialists at the OHRI and those across Ontario in the pursuit of clinical trials.

BSc

Clinical Research Educator, Nova Scotia

+1 (902) 430-0702

dan.lafreniere@wecantrain.ca

Following undergraduate studies in Microbiology & Immunology, Dan gained experience in translational research through work as a Research Associate in the Department of Pharmacology at Dalhousie University. This work involved overseeing the design, conduct and reporting of pre-clinical research as part of University-Industry drug development grants.

Through work as a Medical Writer in the Pharmaceutical Industry, Dan had the opportunity to lead regulatory applications from their initial conceptualization to their final presentation at international regulatory body hearings. Dan has first-authored peer-reviewed clinical/scientific reviews and book chapters, in addition to a two-part medical education podcast and an award-winning accessible writing media publication.

As a Manager within the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, Dan supported the strategic development of “Priority Interdisciplinary Medical Research’’. This work spurred Dan’s interest in the use of evaluation methods for impact assessment.

Dan’s involvement in clinical research at Nova Scotia Health has allowed him to observe the process of clinical trials from the perspective of Trialists-Clinical Investigators, Clinical Research Educator for Nova Scotia, and patient partners. As the designated Clinical Research Educator for Nova Scotia, Dan will support the development and delivery of CANTRAIN Clinical Trials Training Platform across academic institutions, organizations, and clinical trials’ sites.

BSc

Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Ontario

+1 (647) 850-9002

munaza.jamil@wecantrain.ca

BSc, MSc, PhD, R. Kin

Clinical Research Educator, Ontario

+1 (416) 567-8333

olinda.habibperez@wecantrain.ca

BScN, RN, MN

Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Newfoundland & Labrador

+1 (709) 777-6996

krista.cuff@wecantrain.ca

Krista graduated from Dalhousie School of Nursing with a focus on critical care. Her specialty grew with the completion of her diploma in critical care nursing through the British Columbia Institute of Technology. She further graduated from the University of Victoria with a Master’s in Nursing with a specialty in Nurse Education. Krista is a veteran senior registered nurse with over 16 years of experience in cardiac critical care. Krista is a research coordinator with NL Health Services working half-time as a clinical research educator (CRE) within CANTRAIN.

Part of her previous work focused mainly on infectious diseases while she also coordinated studies in respiratory, cardiac, and endocrine disorders. She worked in several provinces including Nova Scotia, British Colombia, and now Newfoundland. Krista has a strong interest in rural nursing education, dissemination of knowledge, and knowledge translation. Her work has a critical theory lens and a strong focus on anti-oppressive education.

As the designated CRE in Newfoundland and Labrador, she is responsible for introducing CANTRAIN Clinical Trials Training Programs to graduate and postgraduate trainees, clinical research professionals and Trialists across all Nfld academic institutions, organizations and clinical trials’ sites.

BSc, ME

Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Quebec

+1 (226) 338-9632

brooke.turkalj@wecantrain.ca

Ms. Turkalj completed an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at Wayne State University in Detroit (2021), followed by a M.E. in Biological and Biomedical Engineering from McGill University (2024). She has six years of research experience in neuroscience and has co-authored 2 scientific publications focused on neurodegenerative disease. Brooke has 8 years of education and facilitation experience through assistant teaching, student council, varsity student-athlete and coaching positions. She completed the Clinical and Regulatory Affairs Experience (CRAE) offered by Desjardins Centre for Advanced Training (DCAT) of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center (RIMUHC) and served as a student advisor for the CANTRAIN Graduate and Postdoctoral Trainees (GPT) stream. Because of her previous engagement into CANTRAIN initiative to support clinical trials research and investing in the specialized training of personnel, it became natural to become a Clinical Research Educator (CRE) in our team. Brooke looks forward to foster and support graduate students and post-docs’ professional transition into clinical trials research by delivering accessible training material.

BSc, BA (Hons), CCRP, ACRP-CP

Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Saskatchewan

+1 (306) 966-2726

simona.meier@wecantrain.ca

Simona, a SOCRA- and ACRP-certified Clinical Research Professional (CRP) at the University of Saskatchewan, brings 16 years of experience to her role. She holds an educational background in Biology and Psychology, having completed her undergraduate studies in these fields from the University of Regina.

As a CRP, Simona facilitates the establishment, maintenance, and completion of clinical research studies, both contracted and Investigator-Initiated. She offers clinical research expertise to research sites, REBs, policymakers, and serves as a liaison among investigators, study staff, sponsors, and other research, regulatory, and health agencies, managing all administrative aspects of the studies.

Simona previously served in the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), contributing to the development of the ACRP Certified Professional (ACRP-CP) certification exam. With extensive experience in training and mentoring new clinical research staff, Simona derives satisfaction from creating tools to enhance their learning. As the designated Clinical Research Educator (CRE) in Saskatchewan, she looks forward to contributing to the standardization of institutional training and supporting the development and implementation of the CANTRAIN Clinical Trials Training Platform within the province.

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OUR TEAM

CANTRAIN Management Team

Bruno J. Battistini

BSc, MSc, PhD

National Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, Quebec

+1 (XXX) XXX-XXXX

Lisa M. Goos

BScH, BEd, MA, PhD

Chief Operating Officer, Ontario

+1 (416) 516-1684

Julie Dessureault

BAA, MA

Chief Transformation Officer, Quebec

+1 (514) 886-4524

Aude Le Rendu

BScN, MSc

Manager, Administration & Finances, Quebec

+1 (438) 540-1866

Mohamed Mahfoudi

Manager/Administrator, IT Systems, Quebec

+1 (438) 518-2015

Sharmistha Biswas

MBBS, MBA, MSc, PhD(c)

National Manager, Awards & Internships Programs, Quebec

+1 (xxx) xxx-xxxx

Luis Armando García Garza

BEng

Research Software Developer, Quebec

+1 (438) 495-0376

Andrea Florencio

BBA, MBA

Administrative Assistant, Quebec

+1 (438) 509-2988

Cynthia Diaz Lopez

BSc, MSc

Administrative Assistant, Quebec

+1 (438) 391-3086

Valérie Simon

BA, MA, PhD

Communication Specialist

+1 (514) 883-9688

Caroline Buote

BSc, MSc

Team Leader Program Designer & Developer, Quebec

+1 (819) 943-1825

Khoa Ha

BBA, MBA

Program Designer & Developer, Nova Scotia

+1 (902) 979-2774

Vikram Devaguptapu

BEng, MIB, MEng

Software Developer, New Brunswick

+1 (506) 260-6305

Katie Bainbridge

BA, MIS

National Coordinator, Trialists Stream, Ontario

+1 (416) 662-4561

Christina Farant

National Coordinator, Graduate & Postdoctoral Trainee Stream, Quebec

+1 (514) XXX-XXXX

Monique Ostrout

BSc, DESS

National Coordinator, Clinical Research Professionals Stream, Quebec

+1 (xxx) xxx-xxxx

Linda Hunter

RN MScN, PhD(C)

National Coordinator, Community Partners & Patients Stream, Ontario

+1 (613) 884-5932

Mei Li

BN, MHM, PhD(C)

Team Leader, Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Quebec

+1 (514) 839-3118​

Lucie Couderc

BSc

Program Designer & Developer, Quebec

+1 (514) 809-1651

Srijain Shrestha

BSc, MMASc

Mentorship Programs Coordinator, New Brunswick

+1 (506) 230-2115

+1 (514) 839-3118