51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú

, Ph.D. Student, MAP-SWAN project coordinator (She/her)

Letitia holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from Beijing Forestry University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Gerontology at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú under the supervision of Dr.Atiya Mahmood. Her research interests lie at the intersection of art-based methods, community-engaged research approach and technology, to explore how to enhance accessibility, safety and independance for older adults with disabilities. Letitia coordinates multiple projects at the lab.

Hailey Thomas Ford, BA, BScN, MA, NeighbourABLE coordinator (she/her)

Hailey has a passion for working with older adults, and for the discipline of gerontology. She completed her Master’s degree in Gerontology under the supervision of Dr. Atiya Mahmood, and her research focused on the self-management health practices of those aging with spinal cord injuries. Hailey is interested in applied and community-based research, where she can foster public engagement and mentor students to learn about this vibrant form of knowledge production. Hailey has also previously worked as a Research Assistant with the lab during her graduate studies.

, B.Arch, MSc, Knowledge mobilization coordinator (she/her)

Samna's educational background is in architecture, followed by a research Master's in Urban Management & Development from Erasmus University, Rotterdam. Her professional training has focused on interdisciplinary and collaborative planning approaches for sustainable cities. Her research interests include design of inclusive public spaces, accessibility and walkability within neighborhoods.  

, Ph.D. Student, AIRP project coordinator (She/Her)

Nosaiba holds a Master’s degree in Health and Aging from McMaster University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Gerontology at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú. Her research interests sit at the intersection of aging, housing precarity and social inequities, with a particular focus on the lived experiences, gendered realities and service needs of older adults experiencing homelessness and housing precarity. Through her work, Nosaiba aims to strengthen services, policies and housing supports to better meet the needs of older adults facing housing challenges.

, M.A. Gerontology, AIRP project coordinator (He/Him)

Jean is an international student from Colombia, with a BSc in Psychology at the Universidad de Antioquia. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Gerontology at SFU. His research interests lie at the intersection of aging, identity, and housing, with a focus on how older adults maintain and express their identities in precarious or transitional living situations. More broadly, his research explores housing, accessibility, mobility, and the well-being of older adults, particularly those experiencing or with lived experience of homelessness.

Junghun Hoonie Byun, B.Sc (he/him)

Hoonie is an undergraduate student at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú majoring in Computing Science and minoring in Economics. He has a background in working at criminology and engineering labs. His interests lie in quantitative work and learning how surroundings can affect individuals’ quality of life.

, B.A. (she/her)

Melanie is an undergraduate student at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú majoring in Psychology with minors in Counselling and Human Development. Her research interests include increasing advocacy and education accessibility for older adult populations, as well as intergenerational environmental activism efforts.

Olivia Picariello, B.A. (she/her)

Olivia is an undergraduate student at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú, completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with a Certificate in Social Justice. Her research interests centre on the social and structural factors that shape the well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Drawing on her interdisciplinary background in psychology and social justice, she is eager to further develop her skills in community-based work that supports more inclusive environments.

, B.Sc. (she/her)

Nihaarika is an undergraduate student at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Úmajoring in Data Science. She is interested in using data to explore social and community issues as well as business and organizational challenges, especially in areas related to accessibility, health, and well-being. Through her training in data analysis and applied research, she is developing strong analytical and data storytelling skills to support inclusive, evidence-informed work across social and professional settings.

Atrooba Chaudhry, B.A (she/her)

Atrooba is an undergraduate Interior Design student at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU). Believing that spaces should prioritize human comfort, safety, and well-being over pure aesthetics, she focuses her design projects on sustainable, universal, and inclusive design solutions. Her commitment to community needs also led her to volunteer with the Deaf Reach Program, deepening her understanding of accessibility. As a Mitacs Intern at the Lab, Atrooba applies her background in spatial planning and project design to the "Aging in the Right Place" (AIRP) project, researching how thoughtful housing environments can better serve vulnerable older adults.

Corsini Wu, LL.B & BBA (she/her)

Corsini is an undergraduate student at the China University of Political Science and Law, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Public Administration and Business Administration. Her research focuses on comparative urban and social policy, with a particular interest in using quantitative methods to assess how public policy and the built environment shape health, mobility, and inclusion for older adults and people with disabilities.

Farkhanda Junejo, B.A (she/her)

Farkhanda is an undergraduate student in Public Administration with a minor in Sustainable Environmental Management. She believes in grassroots, community-driven approaches to policy and sustainability, working directly with communities rather than relying on top-down solutions. Her research interests centre on marginalized communities and on creating inclusive spaces, as reflected in her earlier research on the sustainability of taboos in the Pakistani context and the inclusion of transgender persons in climate policy.