OUR TEAM
CANTRAIN Principal Nominated Investigator
Dr. Jean Bourbeau is a clinician scientist, professor, and full-time researcher at McGill University who is trained as a Respirologist in epidemiology and biostatistics from McGill University, and Senior Scientist at the Center of Outcome Research and Evaluation (CORE), Research Institute McGill University Health Centre(RIMUHC). He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academia of Health Science (FCAHS), has received the “Distinguished Scientist Award”, McGill University (2020-2025), “CIHR-ICRH/CTS Distinguished Lecturer Award in Respiratory Sciences (2024).”
CANTRAIN Management Team
Lisa M. Goos
BScH, BEd, MA, PhD
Chief Operating Officer, Ontario
+1 (416) 516-1684
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.
Julie Dessureault
BAA, MA
Chief Transformation Officer, Quebec
+1 (514) 886-4524
Sharmistha Biswas
PhD, MBBS, MBA, MSc (Epi)
National Manager, Awards & Internships Programs, Quebec
Bruno J. Battistini
BSc, MSc, PhD
National Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, Quebec
Aude Le Rendu
BScN, MSc
Manager, Administration & Finances, Quebec
+1 (438) 540-1866
Mohamed Mahfoudi
Manager/Administrator, IT Systems, Quebec
+1 (438) 518-2015
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.
Luis Armando García Garza
BEng
Research Software Developer, Quebec
+1 (438) 495-0376
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).
Andrea Florencio
BBA, MBA
Administrative Assistant, Quebec
+1 (438) 509-2988
Cynthia Diaz Lopez
BSc, MSc
Administrative Assistant, Quebec
+1 (438) 391-3086
A keen traveler, Cynthia is curious and enjoys discovering new places and cultures.
Valérie Simon
BA, MA, PhD
Communication Specialist
+1 (514) 883-9688
It was while working academically in the humanities that Valérie chose to develop communications and social media skills and ultimately pursue work in the field of communications. She chose communications because it allows her to make a difference for the most marginalized people by creating content that helps diverse audiences integrate the best data and practices into their professional work.
Valérie is pleased to join the CANTRAIN team because as a committed advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, women’s and lesbian health, HIV/AIDS, and COVID and Long COVID, she cares deeply about how these different communities can benefit from and participate in research on health issues affecting them.
As a communications specialist at CANTRAIN, Valérie will work to engage and inform different target audiences and promote CANTRAIN’s mission of providing inclusive, cutting-edge clinical trial research curricula to transform how Canadians are trained and prepared to develop, conduct, participate in, and benefit from future clinical trials.
Caroline Buote
BSc, MSc
Team Leader Program Designer & Developer, Quebec
+1 (819) 943-1825
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.
Khoa Ha
BBA, MBA
Program Designer & Developer, Nova Scotia
+1 (902) 979-2774
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.
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
Javeria Qadar
MBBS, MBA, ACRP-CP. PMP, BCMAS
Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Alberta
+1 (780) 699-1525
Throughout her career, Javeria has been actively involved in developing and implementing strategic initiatives to communicate clinical data and medical insights effectively. Her hands-on experience in clinical research has provided her with a deep understanding of product development processes and the critical importance of providing healthcare professionals (HCPs) with access to the latest evidence-based information.
A significant focus of Javeria’s work has been on training healthcare professionals through tailored educational programs. She has organized and conducted workshops that empower HCPs, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to incorporate advancements into their practices.
Javeria is excited to join the CANTRAIN team, drawn by its commitment to enhancing clinical research education and improving patient outcomes. At CANTRAIN, she aims to leverage her expertise in medical affairs and clinical research to design and implement impactful training initiatives, fostering a community of informed healthcare providers dedicated to excellence in patient care.
Monique Ostrout
BSc, DESS
National Coordinator, Clinical Research Professionals Stream, Quebec
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
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
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.
Lucie Couderc
BSc
Program Designer & Developer, Quebec
+1 (514) 809-1651
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.
Srijain Shrestha
BSc, MMASc
Mentorship Programs Coordinator, New Brunswick
+1 (506) 230-2115
Jeffrey Narayan
BSc, Msc, CCRA
Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Alberta
+1 (780) 222-4491
Janis Cole
BSc
Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Alberta
+1 (780) 914-8598
Alicia Murdoch
BSc, ACRP-CP
Partnership Engagement Coordinator
+1 (604) 518-0463
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.
Vanessa Nguyen
BSc, MScBMC
Program Designer & Developer, Quebec
+1 (514) 661-1674
Yuliia Deviatko
MA, PhD
Partnership Engagement Coordinator, Alberta
+1 (587) 589-9984
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.
Jean Claude Sabourin
BSc
Consultant Partnership Engagement, Eastern Canada
+1 (514) 715-6809
Jacquie Van Ierssel
PT, BPE, BSc, MSc, PhD
Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Ontario
+1 (613) 612-2930
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.
Dan Lafreniere
BSc
Clinical Research Educator, Nova Scotia
+1 (902) 430-0702
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.
Munaza Jamil
BSc
Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Ontario
+1 (647) 850-9002
Munaza feels deeply passionate about training and education, finding immense joy in fostering the professional growth of clinical research professionals. She is on Faculty at McMaster University, where she teaches in the Applied Clinical Research Program. She is on the executive board of ACRP Canada. She also sits on the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trials Competency at the MRCT Center at Harvard, which has defined the core competency framework for clinical research professionals globally. She is passionate about EDI principles, integrating them into all her work, with a special focus on the inclusion of immigrants in clinical trials.
Olinda Habib Perez
BSc, MSc, PhD, R. Kin
Clinical Research Educator, Ontario
+1 (416) 567-8333
At the University of Toronto, Olinda has taught graduate students from clinical, health, and engineering programs. She has led interactive sessions for physical therapy students, focusing on the application of neurophysiological research tools in clinical practice. She has developed curricula and delivered lectures on critical appraisals, motor control, motor development, motor learning, and fall prevention in the Rehabilitation Sciences and Kinesiology departments. Olinda has mentored numerous graduate students throughout her extensive research experience.
As a researcher, Olinda has led site-, provincial-, and national-level projects, coordinating with co-investigators, research assistants, working groups, and committees. Olinda has collaborated with clinicians, health administrators, researchers, community service providers, and individuals with lived experience across the continuum of care. Additionally, she has facilitated in-person and online workshops and summits for health service research projects.
Olinda is passionate about knowledge mobilization and educational resource development. In recognition of her research, she has received awards and presented at conferences on brain injury, spinal cord injury, rehabilitation, and health policy. As a Clinical Research Educator, Olinda is excited to bring her clinical research experience to help prepare clinicians and scientists for conducting and leading clinical trials.
Krista Cuff
BScN, RN, MN
Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Newfoundland & Labrador
+1 (709) 777-6996
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.
Brooke Turkalj
BSc, ME
Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Quebec
Simona Meier
BSc, BA (Hons), CCRP, ACRP-CP
Clinical Research Educator (CRE), Saskatchewan
+1 (306) 966-2726
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.
