Elizabeth Alvarez is an experienced family/public health physician and Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University. After completing her medical degree and family medicine residency at the University of Toledo in Ohio, she earned a master’s degree in public health through the Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health, and a PhD in Health Policy at McMaster University. She also holds a certificate in medical cognitive behavioural therapy (CMCBT).

Her research uses policy analysis and qualitative and mixed methods for applied knowledge translation, spanning the role of context in evidence informed decision making, public health topics, sustainable health behaviour change across the lifespan, and multidisciplinary care.

Elizabeth Alvarez is an experienced family/public health physician and Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University. After completing her medical degree and family medicine residency at the University of Toledo in Ohio, she earned a master’s degree in public health through the Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health, and a PhD in Health Policy at McMaster University. She also holds a certificate in medical cognitive behavioural therapy (CMCBT).

Her research uses policy analysis and qualitative and mixed methods for applied knowledge translation, spanning the role of context in evidence informed decision making, public health topics, sustainable health behaviour change across the lifespan, and multidisciplinary care.

Sabrina Sorbara is a third year Health Sciences student at McMaster University. She published her case report on Italian COVID-19 Physical Distancing Policies & Epidemiology in 2023, and took on coordination of the larger project thereafter. Since, she has overseen meetings, organized the work of Dr. Alvarez’ students and larger team, wrote and edited manuscripts, updated the website, and presented on behalf of the Working Group. Her research interests include health policy, but she also enjoys basic sciences. As an Anatomy and Physiology Teaching Assistant, she guides students through scientific labs. Sabrina also works in Crohn’s disease bench-to-bedside research. In her spare time, Sabrina coaches soccer and enjoys knitting.

Sabrina Sorbara is a third year Health Sciences student at McMaster University. She published her case report on Italian COVID-19 Physical Distancing Policies & Epidemiology in 2023, and took on coordination of the larger project thereafter. Since, she has overseen meetings, organized the work of Dr. Alvarez’ students and larger team, wrote and edited manuscripts, updated the website, and presented on behalf of the Working Group. Her research interests include health policy, but she also enjoys basic sciences. As an Anatomy and Physiology Teaching Assistant, she guides students through scientific labs. Sabrina also works in Crohn’s disease bench-to-bedside research. In her spare time, Sabrina coaches soccer and enjoys knitting.

Donna M. Goldstein is a cultural and medical anthropologist currently working at the intersections of medicine, health, and environmental anthropology. She studied the social and political context of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Brazil in the early 1990s, and this project led to three major related research areas: first, the ethnography of race, class, and poverty in urban Brazil; second, human health and environment as related to industrial and nuclear toxicity; and third, ethnographic research of our contemporary political condition. Her 2003 book titled, Laughter Out of Place: Race, Class, Violence, and Sexuality in a Rio Shantytown (University of California Press, 2003, 2013) was awarded the Margaret Mead Award (1995). In addition to this current project that examines physical distancing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, she is also writing a book focusing on the history and futures of Brazil’s nuclear energy program titled, Nuclear Ambitions: From Cold War Science to Contemporary Populations at Risk. She is also editing (with co-author Kristen Drybread) a collection of essays on corruption and illiberal politics during the Trump presidency (Routledge Press, 2021).

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Donna M. Goldstein is a cultural and medical anthropologist currently working at the intersections of medicine, health, and environmental anthropology. She studied the social and political context of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Brazil in the early 1990s, and this project led to three major related research areas: first, the ethnography of race, class, and poverty in urban Brazil; second, human health and environment as related to industrial and nuclear toxicity; and third, ethnographic research of our contemporary political condition. Her 2003 book titled, Laughter Out of Place: Race, Class, Violence, and Sexuality in a Rio Shantytown (University of California Press, 2003, 2013) was awarded the Margaret Mead Award (1995). In addition to this current project that examines physical distancing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, she is also writing a book focusing on the history and futures of Brazil’s nuclear energy program titled, Nuclear Ambitions: From Cold War Science to Contemporary Populations at Risk. She is also editing (with co-author Kristen Drybread) a collection of essays on corruption and illiberal politics during the Trump presidency (Routledge Press, 2021).

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Marie-Carmel Gedeon is currently employed at the University Integrated Health Center of the Nord-de-l’île de Montréal (CIUSSS NIM). She is an alumni from both McGill University in Montreal and Heidelberg University School of Public Health and holds a Master of Science in International Health. Having held positions in South Africa, South America, South Asia and the United States, she has advisory experience in program monitoring and evaluation, capacity strengthening in various global settings. With field experience in sectors related to foreign politics, not solely tied to health, she engages herself with communities. Marie currently remains on the ERU roster of the Canadian Red Cross for future international operations deployment. Via CONVERGE initiatives, she joined and contributed to the World Pandemic Research Network because of her vivid interests in qualitative methods for operational, public policy research and implementation. She is an international public health practitioner, who is passionate to advocate for and advise on public health issues. She worked for the Canadian Red Cross during the peak of the first wave of COVID-19 in CHSLDs across Quebec.

Marie-Carmel Gedeon is currently employed at the University Integrated Health Center of the Nord-de-l’île de Montréal (CIUSSS NIM). She is an alumni from both McGill University in Montreal and Heidelberg University School of Public Health and holds a Master of Science in International Health. Having held positions in South Africa, South America, South Asia and the United States, she has advisory experience in program monitoring and evaluation, capacity strengthening in various global settings. With field experience in sectors related to foreign politics, not solely tied to health, she engages herself with communities. Marie currently remains on the ERU roster of the Canadian Red Cross for future international operations deployment. Via CONVERGE initiatives, she joined and contributed to the World Pandemic Research Network because of her vivid interests in qualitative methods for operational, public policy research and implementation. She is an international public health practitioner, who is passionate to advocate for and advise on public health issues. She worked for the Canadian Red Cross during the peak of the first wave of COVID-19 in CHSLDs across Quebec.

Dr. Edris Alam is an Associate Professor of Integrated Emergency Management and Business Continuity Management, Faculty of Resilience, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Dr. Alam has earned his PhD in Disaster Risk Reduction from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia. Dr. Alam has over 20 years of experience working on disaster and emergency management, and climate change adaptation. Dr. Alam both studied and worked in Bangladesh, Australia and the United Kingdom. In the past, Dr. Alam worked for country governments, NGOs, and the United Nations in different capacities. To-date, Dr. Alam has published as a lead author over forty research papers on disaster risk management and sustainability science in major international journals.

Dr. Edris Alam is an Associate Professor of Integrated Emergency Management and Business Continuity Management, Faculty of Resilience, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Dr. Alam has earned his PhD in Disaster Risk Reduction from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia. Dr. Alam has over 20 years of experience working on disaster and emergency management, and climate change adaptation. Dr. Alam both studied and worked in Bangladesh, Australia and the United Kingdom. In the past, Dr. Alam worked for country governments, NGOs, and the United Nations in different capacities. To-date, Dr. Alam has published as a lead author over forty research papers on disaster risk management and sustainability science in major international journals.

Ahmed is a PhD candidate in the Health Policy PhD program at McMaster University. He works as a researcher at the McMaster Health Forum and is a Teaching Assistant for two graduate courses and one undergraduate course at McMaster University. His research interests lie in the field of organizing and supporting public engagement and advocacy in health policymaking. Ahmed is a licensed physician in Egypt, where he worked for 6 years as a family doctor. He completed his Master’s degree in public health from Memorial University of Newfoundland in June 2016, where his research focused on maternal and child health in war-affected areas. After completing his MPH, he worked as the Assistant Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit in the Egyptian Ministry of Health, where he was one of the team leaders formulating the Egyptian National Multisectoral Plan for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2017-2021. He was the president and one of the founders of the ‘Egyptian Medical Students’ Association’ NGO, whose vision was to empower young healthcare professionals to have an impact within their communities.

Ahmed is a PhD candidate in the Health Policy PhD program at McMaster University. He works as a researcher at the McMaster Health Forum and is a Teaching Assistant for two graduate courses and one undergraduate course at McMaster University. His research interests lie in the field of organizing and supporting public engagement and advocacy in health policymaking. Ahmed is a licensed physician in Egypt, where he worked for 6 years as a family doctor. He completed his Master’s degree in public health from Memorial University of Newfoundland in June 2016, where his research focused on maternal and child health in war-affected areas. After completing his MPH, he worked as the Assistant Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit in the Egyptian Ministry of Health, where he was one of the team leaders formulating the Egyptian National Multisectoral Plan for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2017-2021. He was the president and one of the founders of the ‘Egyptian Medical Students’ Association’ NGO, whose vision was to empower young healthcare professionals to have an impact within their communities.

Shruthi Dakey is a Ph.D. student at the National Institute of Technology (VNIT), India, in the Department of Architecture and Planning. She is a Civil Engineering Urban Planner. Her research academic interests include Disaster Risk Reduction, Coastal Socio-Ecological Systems, Resilience, Urban and Rural Planning. She is currently working on her PhD research titled “Socio Ecological Systems approach for gaining resilience in Coastal Regions in India”. She also worked on Planning for climate resilient coastal cities: A case of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.  She was a Pan-Asia Risk Reduction Fellow and also an IRDR Young Scientist (A joint Program of ISC and UNISDR). She has researched on “The need for Socio Ecological Resilience as a Sustainable development Strategy for Sitios (Villages) in Philippines”, during her fellowship at University of Los Banos, Philippines. She is a member of the research project “Socio Ecological Resilience as a Sustainable development strategy in Different geo climatic zones in India.”

Shruthi Dakey is a Ph.D. student at the National Institute of Technology (VNIT), India, in the Department of Architecture and Planning. She is a Civil Engineering Urban Planner. Her research academic interests include Disaster Risk Reduction, Coastal Socio-Ecological Systems, Resilience, Urban and Rural Planning. She is currently working on her PhD research titled “Socio Ecological Systems approach for gaining resilience in Coastal Regions in India”. She also worked on Planning for climate resilient coastal cities: A case of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.  She was a Pan-Asia Risk Reduction Fellow and also an IRDR Young Scientist (A joint Program of ISC and UNISDR). She has researched on “The need for Socio Ecological Resilience as a Sustainable development Strategy for Sitios (Villages) in Philippines”, during her fellowship at University of Los Banos, Philippines. She is a member of the research project “Socio Ecological Resilience as a Sustainable development strategy in Different geo climatic zones in India.”

Melanie Bermudez is a fourth-year undergraduate student at McMaster University in the Bachelor of Honours Life Sciences program. Melanie’s passion lies in the realms of public health research, epidemiology, global health, and health policy. In addition to her dedicated efforts in COVID-19 policy research, she holds the position of vice president of public relations at Watsi McMaster. Melanie is also a representative for the Faculty of Science and has actively contributed to COVID-19 vaccination clinics across the GTA. Her ultimate goal is to obtain a career in public health, engaging in meaningful projects related to health policy.

Melanie Bermudez is a fourth-year undergraduate student at McMaster University in the Bachelor of Honours Life Sciences program. Melanie’s passion lies in the realms of public health research, epidemiology, global health, and health policy. In addition to her dedicated efforts in COVID-19 policy research, she holds the position of vice president of public relations at Watsi McMaster. Melanie is also a representative for the Faculty of Science and has actively contributed to COVID-19 vaccination clinics across the GTA. Her ultimate goal is to obtain a career in public health, engaging in meaningful projects related to health policy.

Ishita Aggarwal is a fourth-year undergraduate student at McMaster University in the Bachelor of Honours Life Sciences program. Ishita is extremely passionate about public health research, global health, and health policy and strives to achieve a potential career in these fields in the near future. To add to her keen interest in COVID-19 policy research, she was also involved in Pandemic Screening and COVID-19 control at the Brampton Civic Hospital where she gained extensive experience in COVID-19 management. Ishita is also a representative for the Faculty of Science and has taken on a Presidential role for various extracurricular clubs at McMaster University. She is also very involved in volunteering at long-term Home clinics, hospitals, and COVID-19 Mass vaccination clinics, where she has gained profound knowledge about public health, and healthcare pertaining to COVID-19.

Ishita Aggarwal is a fourth-year undergraduate student at McMaster University in the Bachelor of Honours Life Sciences program. Ishita is extremely passionate about public health research, global health, and health policy and strives to achieve a potential career in these fields in the near future. To add to her keen interest in COVID-19 policy research, she was also involved in Pandemic Screening and COVID-19 control at the Brampton Civic Hospital where she gained extensive experience in COVID-19 management. Ishita is also a representative for the Faculty of Science and has taken on a Presidential role for various extracurricular clubs at McMaster University. She is also very involved in volunteering at long-term Home clinics, hospitals, and COVID-19 Mass vaccination clinics, where she has gained profound knowledge about public health, and healthcare pertaining to COVID-19.

Sarah De Buono is a 5th year undergraduate student at McMaster University in the Arts and Science program. Her primary interests include epidemiology, policy, infectious diseases, health infrastructure, public health history, and patient education. Sarah was recently on an international exchange at the University of Copenhagen in 2022 where she took courses in medical anthropology and sustainable transition. In addition to her work in COVID-19 based research, Sarah is a member of the Multi-Organ Transplant Student Research Training Program at Toronto General Hospital under Dr. Joseph Kim. This program strengthens her knowledge and skills in a variety of disciplines related to clinical research and patient care. Her main work centers around a project studying the use of artificial intelligence to predict outcomes of delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients. She has also been volunteering for the LetsStopAIDS charity in Toronto for several years and worked with Dr. Yvonne Su on LetsStopAIDS’ 2023 sexual health research report. Sarah likes to recharge by playing the piano, watching musicals, biking, and going to museums.

Sarah De Buono is a 5th year undergraduate student at McMaster University in the Arts and Science program. Her primary interests include epidemiology, policy, infectious diseases, health infrastructure, public health history, and patient education. Sarah was recently on an international exchange at the University of Copenhagen in 2022 where she took courses in medical anthropology and sustainable transition. In addition to her work in COVID-19 based research, Sarah is a member of the Multi-Organ Transplant Student Research Training Program at Toronto General Hospital under Dr. Joseph Kim. This program strengthens her knowledge and skills in a variety of disciplines related to clinical research and patient care. Her main work centers around a project studying the use of artificial intelligence to predict outcomes of delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients. She has also been volunteering for the LetsStopAIDS charity in Toronto for several years and worked with Dr. Yvonne Su on LetsStopAIDS’ 2023 sexual health research report. Sarah likes to recharge by playing the piano, watching musicals, biking, and going to museums.

Hossein is a recent graduate from the Honours Life Science program at McMaster University (BSc) and is now attending the University of Toronto for the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program. He is interested in overall human health, dental public health and health policy. Hossein is actively a part of the CAN HEAL research project at McMaster University which examines how to improve the health and wellbeing of immigrants and ethnic minorities across Canada. He has also previously worked with the McMaster Children and Youth University (MCYU) to create and facilitate science-based workshops for youths in Hamilton.

Hossein is a recent graduate from the Honours Life Science program at McMaster University (BSc) and is now attending the University of Toronto for the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program. He is interested in overall human health, dental public health and health policy. Hossein is actively a part of the CAN HEAL research project at McMaster University which examines how to improve the health and wellbeing of immigrants and ethnic minorities across Canada. He has also previously worked with the McMaster Children and Youth University (MCYU) to create and facilitate science-based workshops for youths in Hamilton.

Saduni Rajapaksa is in her fourth year of the Bachelors of Health Sciences (Honours) program at McMaster University. Her research interests include public health, mental health, health policy. She has been involved in research projects that involve the assessment of the barriers and facilitators to perinatal services for caregivers from at-risk populations, and the analysis of hair cortisol to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on perinatal stress. Saduni hopes to participate further in research involving public health and mental health, and pursue a career in health policy research or healthcare.

Saduni Rajapaksa is in her fourth year of the Bachelors of Health Sciences (Honours) program at McMaster University. Her research interests include public health, mental health, health policy. She has been involved in research projects that involve the assessment of the barriers and facilitators to perinatal services for caregivers from at-risk populations, and the analysis of hair cortisol to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on perinatal stress. Saduni hopes to participate further in research involving public health and mental health, and pursue a career in health policy research or healthcare.

Janany Gunabalasingam is in her third year of the Bachelors of Health Sciences Program (BHSc) program at McMaster University. Her academic interests include public health, health policies, epidemiology, and pathology. Her previous research includes studying the effects of exercise on reducing tumor necrosis factor alpha and attenuating serotonin transporter gene expression. Janany wishes to further work on public health projects and pursue a career in healthcare.

Janany Gunabalasingam is in her third year of the Bachelors of Health Sciences Program (BHSc) program at McMaster University. Her academic interests include public health, health policies, epidemiology, and pathology. Her previous research includes studying the effects of exercise on reducing tumor necrosis factor alpha and attenuating serotonin transporter gene expression. Janany wishes to further work on public health projects and pursue a career in healthcare.

Japleen Thind is a third-year undergraduate student at McMaster University in the Bachelors of Health Sciences program. She is interested in research on overall human health, public health and health policy. Japleen has previously contributed to research projects in the field of dermatology. She engages in tutoring services, youth mentorship, hospital volunteering and other equity-centered initiatives. Japleen aspires to pursue a career in healthcare and participate in projects related to public health.

Japleen Thind is a third-year undergraduate student at McMaster University in the Bachelors of Health Sciences program. She is interested in research on overall human health, public health and health policy. Japleen has previously contributed to research projects in the field of dermatology. She engages in tutoring services, youth mentorship, hospital volunteering and other equity-centered initiatives. Japleen aspires to pursue a career in healthcare and participate in projects related to public health.

Anna Wynfield is a PhD student at the University of Colorado Boulder in the Department of Anthropology. Her research interests include reproductive politics, clinical trials, and how experiences of health and illness are impacted by socio-political discourses. She is also currently conducting an ethnographic research project that considers the implications of limited data from pregnant and breastfeeding individuals during COVID-19 vaccine trials. Specifically, this research explores how individuals in the United States who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering pregnancy conceptualize decisions about whether to vaccinate. Anna plans to conduct research for her PhD in Ireland.

Anna Wynfield is a PhD student at the University of Colorado Boulder in the Department of Anthropology. Her research interests include reproductive politics, clinical trials, and how experiences of health and illness are impacted by socio-political discourses. She is also currently conducting an ethnographic research project that considers the implications of limited data from pregnant and breastfeeding individuals during COVID-19 vaccine trials. Specifically, this research explores how individuals in the United States who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering pregnancy conceptualize decisions about whether to vaccinate. Anna plans to conduct research for her PhD in Ireland.

Maryam Mooghali is currently working as a research associate in EVERSANA. After completing her medical degree at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, she earned a master’s degree in eHealth at McMaster University. Her academic interests include public health, health economics, hepatobiliary disease, oncology, and pathology. Her previous research experiences have focused on specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic tests, systematic and structure literature reviews, meta-analyses, and cost-effectiveness analyses. In her spare time, Maryam enjoys hiking, biking, and playing the piano.

Maryam Mooghali is currently working as a research associate in EVERSANA. After completing her medical degree at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, she earned a master’s degree in eHealth at McMaster University. Her academic interests include public health, health economics, hepatobiliary disease, oncology, and pathology. Her previous research experiences have focused on specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic tests, systematic and structure literature reviews, meta-analyses, and cost-effectiveness analyses. In her spare time, Maryam enjoys hiking, biking, and playing the piano.

Arwa Hilal is in her second year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program at McMaster University. Her academic interests include, but are not limited to, epidemiology, public health, pathology, immunology and health care. Beyond her work in COVID-19 based policy research, Arwa actively volunteers with youth mentorship programs and within clinical settings. In her spare time, Arwa is an avid mental health advocate, working with Jack.org as a certified Jack Talk Speaker to deliver mental health based talks to individuals within youth-centric communities. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in healthcare and medical research.

Arwa Hilal is in her second year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program at McMaster University. Her academic interests include, but are not limited to, epidemiology, public health, pathology, immunology and health care. Beyond her work in COVID-19 based policy research, Arwa actively volunteers with youth mentorship programs and within clinical settings. In her spare time, Arwa is an avid mental health advocate, working with Jack.org as a certified Jack Talk Speaker to deliver mental health based talks to individuals within youth-centric communities. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in healthcare and medical research.

Helena Kim is a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) student at McMaster University. She is particularly interested in exploring health policy, mental health and its connection to physical health outcomes, alongside the complexities surrounding healthcare. Her academic interests are vast and include topics beyond her science background such as law, foreign policy, and philosophy. Her previous research experience includes understanding mental health outcomes during COVID-19 and exploring childhood adversity and its impact on an individual’s sense of agency. In her free time, she leads a mental-health focused initiative called Create-ive Family, volunteers at a cardiology clinic, and sings for children at the McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Helena Kim is a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) student at McMaster University. She is particularly interested in exploring health policy, mental health and its connection to physical health outcomes, alongside the complexities surrounding healthcare. Her academic interests are vast and include topics beyond her science background such as law, foreign policy, and philosophy. Her previous research experience includes understanding mental health outcomes during COVID-19 and exploring childhood adversity and its impact on an individual’s sense of agency. In her free time, she leads a mental-health focused initiative called Create-ive Family, volunteers at a cardiology clinic, and sings for children at the McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Isabella Reis is a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) student at McMaster University. Her academic interests include health policy, education, neurology and the interplay between sex, gender and health. She is particularly interested in investigating the complexities of health and healthcare systems through an intersectional lens. Her previous research includes examining the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 and investigating the mental health impacts of neurofibromatosis through qualitative and quantitative research methods. Alongside academia, Isabella is passionate about community and non-profit work. She currently serves as the Director of Community at The Serenity Project and is part of the Cast for the Health Sciences Charity Musical.

Isabella Reis is a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) student at McMaster University. Her academic interests include health policy, education, neurology and the interplay between sex, gender and health. She is particularly interested in investigating the complexities of health and healthcare systems through an intersectional lens. Her previous research includes examining the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 and investigating the mental health impacts of neurofibromatosis through qualitative and quantitative research methods. Alongside academia, Isabella is passionate about community and non-profit work. She currently serves as the Director of Community at The Serenity Project and is part of the Cast for the Health Sciences Charity Musical.

Katrina Bouzanis is a recent graduate from McMaster University’s MSc. Global Health Program, and holds a BSc. in Microbiology and Immunology with Honours from Dalhousie University. Since embarking on her global health studies, Katrina has been involved in various health research projects and initiatives. She is particularly interested in infectious disease care, global health policy, health equity and the social determinants of health. In her free time, Katrina has worked to engage students and young professionals to tackle global health challenges as the Canadian Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases’ Students and Young Professionals Ambassador.

Katrina Bouzanis is a recent graduate from McMaster University’s MSc. Global Health Program, and holds a BSc. in Microbiology and Immunology with Honours from Dalhousie University. Since embarking on her global health studies, Katrina has been involved in various health research projects and initiatives. She is particularly interested in infectious disease care, global health policy, health equity and the social determinants of health. In her free time, Katrina has worked to engage students and young professionals to tackle global health challenges as the Canadian Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases’ Students and Young Professionals Ambassador.

Peter Miller is a graduate of the Life Sciences program (BSc. Honours) at McMaster University. His academic interests include public health, the effects of government policy and institutional practice, epidemiology, and the long-term social etiology underlying disease. His previous research experiences have focused on institutional approaches on how health services are advertised and provided as well as how program/intervention efficacy is measured. He is currently an active Toastmaster and an amateur writer who enjoys playing with the intricacies of the written and spoken word.

Peter Miller is a graduate of the Life Sciences program (BSc. Honours) at McMaster University. His academic interests include public health, the effects of government policy and institutional practice, epidemiology, and the long-term social etiology underlying disease. His previous research experiences have focused on institutional approaches on how health services are advertised and provided as well as how program/intervention efficacy is measured. He is currently an active Toastmaster and an amateur writer who enjoys playing with the intricacies of the written and spoken word.

Dorsai Boreshnavard is a recent graduate from the Bachelor of Honours Life Sciences program at McMaster University and is currently pursuing a future career in professional healthcare. Her wide ranging academic interests include but are not limited to health policies and their implementation, innovative care techniques, and population health trends with a focus on underserved communities. In addition to researching COVID-19 related policies, Dorsai has also explored the therapeutic effects of music on elderly patients experiencing cognitive impairment, a topic which deeply overlaps with both her enjoyment of playing the violin and her participation in orchestra outside of the classroom. During the pandemic, she has taken the opportunity to be an active volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross, primarily focusing her time there with seniors in need of assistance.

Dorsai Boreshnavard is a recent graduate from the Bachelor of Honours Life Sciences program at McMaster University and is currently pursuing a future career in professional healthcare. Her wide ranging academic interests include but are not limited to health policies and their implementation, innovative care techniques, and population health trends with a focus on underserved communities. In addition to researching COVID-19 related policies, Dorsai has also explored the therapeutic effects of music on elderly patients experiencing cognitive impairment, a topic which deeply overlaps with both her enjoyment of playing the violin and her participation in orchestra outside of the classroom. During the pandemic, she has taken the opportunity to be an active volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross, primarily focusing her time there with seniors in need of assistance.