Bringing over a decade of experience in providing support to medical divisions at Mount Sinai Hospital, Laurie spearheads administrative operations for both FLOURISH and the PERL lab.

Bringing over a decade of experience in providing support to medical divisions at Mount Sinai Hospital, Laurie spearheads administrative operations for both FLOURISH and the PERL lab.

Rashid Ahmed, MSc, is a Research Coordinator in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with research interests in clinical epidemiology, health economics, population and public health, community-based mixed methods, and health systems research. He completed a MSc with the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster, a graduate diploma in community-based research methodology, and is also the Research Manager for the McMaster Midwifery Research Centre (MMRC).

Rashid Ahmed, MSc, is a Research Coordinator in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with research interests in clinical epidemiology, health economics, population and public health, community-based mixed methods, and health systems research. He completed a MSc with the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster, a graduate diploma in community-based research methodology, and is also the Research Manager for the McMaster Midwifery Research Centre (MMRC).

Rizwana joined our team as a research associate in 2019. She is an international medical graduate and a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. She also completed the Clinical Research Certification Program from Michener Institute in 2020. Rizwana is passionate about working with the research team and providing meaningful contribution in improving women’s health and reducing maternal morbidity. She is currently also a graduate student in the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster University.

Rizwana joined our team as a research associate in 2019. She is an international medical graduate and a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. She also completed the Clinical Research Certification Program from Michener Institute in 2020. Rizwana is passionate about working with the research team and providing meaningful contribution in improving women’s health and reducing maternal morbidity. She is currently also a graduate student in the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster University.

Paige Gehrke is a research coordinator and registered nurse, with a variety of clinical and research experience. Through her work, Paige endeavors to optimize health system processes to foster safe and positive experiences for clinicians, patients, and families. Paige holds a BScN from Western University, a Critical Care Nursing certificate from Niagara College, and a MSc from McMaster. Her thesis work explored intensive care unit nurses’ experiences of moral distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included learning about their recommendations for organization-based mitigative interventions. Paige has collaborated on and led several projects focused on building community hospital research capacity, as well as critical care, moral distress, and qualitative research methods. She has over nine years of clinical experience practicing in a diverse range of settings, mostly situated within intensive care.

Paige Gehrke is a research coordinator and registered nurse, with a variety of clinical and research experience. Through her work, Paige endeavors to optimize health system processes to foster safe and positive experiences for clinicians, patients, and families. Paige holds a BScN from Western University, a Critical Care Nursing certificate from Niagara College, and a MSc from McMaster. Her thesis work explored intensive care unit nurses’ experiences of moral distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included learning about their recommendations for organization-based mitigative interventions. Paige has collaborated on and led several projects focused on building community hospital research capacity, as well as critical care, moral distress, and qualitative research methods. She has over nine years of clinical experience practicing in a diverse range of settings, mostly situated within intensive care.

Rachel Dadouch conducts research in obesity in pregnancy, among other maternal fetal medicine topics. One of the main projects she currently works on is the development of a core outcomes set for studies on obesity in pregnancy (COSSOPP). She recently defended her PhD at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Medical Science, which focused on a narrative study exploring clinical encounters between plus-size patients and their healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the communication challenges that arise. Rachel’s next steps involve advancing the knowledge translation of this work.

Rachel Dadouch conducts research in obesity in pregnancy, among other maternal fetal medicine topics. One of the main projects she currently works on is the development of a core outcomes set for studies on obesity in pregnancy (COSSOPP). She recently defended her PhD at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Medical Science, which focused on a narrative study exploring clinical encounters between plus-size patients and their healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the communication challenges that arise. Rachel’s next steps involve advancing the knowledge translation of this work.

Shakil, a medical graduate and a master of public health from Bangladesh, joined Dr. D’Souza’s lab as an MSc candidate of Health Research Methodology Program at McMaster University in Fall 2023. His research interests include maternal and child health, reproductive health and health systems of developing and underdeveloped countries. He will complete his master’s thesis on adverse pregnancy outcomes under the supervision of Dr. Rohan D’Souza.

Shakil, a medical graduate and a master of public health from Bangladesh, joined Dr. D’Souza’s lab as an MSc candidate of Health Research Methodology Program at McMaster University in Fall 2023. His research interests include maternal and child health, reproductive health and health systems of developing and underdeveloped countries. He will complete his master’s thesis on adverse pregnancy outcomes under the supervision of Dr. Rohan D’Souza.

Rizwana joined our team as a research associate in 2019. She is an international medical graduate and a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. She also completed the Clinical Research Certification Program from Michener Institute in 2020. Rizwana is passionate about working with the research team and providing meaningful contribution in improving women’s health and reducing maternal morbidity. She is currently also a graduate student in the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster University.

Rizwana joined our team as a research associate in 2019. She is an international medical graduate and a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. She also completed the Clinical Research Certification Program from Michener Institute in 2020. Rizwana is passionate about working with the research team and providing meaningful contribution in improving women’s health and reducing maternal morbidity. She is currently also a graduate student in the Health Research Methodology program at McMaster University.

Vedha Viyas is an electronics and biomedical engineer, who completed his Masters in Global Health. He has been a part of FLOURISH Lab since 2023 and has joined as MSc student in the Health Research Methodology program since Fall’ 2024.

Vedha Viyas is an electronics and biomedical engineer, who completed his Masters in Global Health. He has been a part of FLOURISH Lab since 2023 and has joined as MSc student in the Health Research Methodology program since Fall’ 2024.

Emma is a first year graduate student in the public health program. She is currently working on the Canadian (CanOSS) and International (INOSS) Obstetric Survey Systems projects, in gathering data on maternal morbidity and mortality case review around the world. She is also assisting a qualitative study titled, “Maternal Morbidity in Marginalized Communities,” which seeks to understand the unique pregnancy challenges faced by people identifying as LGBTQ2IA+ or living with disabilities.

Emma is a first year graduate student in the public health program. She is currently working on the Canadian (CanOSS) and International (INOSS) Obstetric Survey Systems projects, in gathering data on maternal morbidity and mortality case review around the world. She is also assisting a qualitative study titled, “Maternal Morbidity in Marginalized Communities,” which seeks to understand the unique pregnancy challenges faced by people identifying as LGBTQ2IA+ or living with disabilities.

Ali is currently in his fourth and final year of McMaster’s Honours Arts & Science program. Ali helps the lab in completing systematic literature reviews and Risk of Bias Assessments on INOSS projects. He is also currently completing his undergraduate thesis project on the social determinants of health and their relation to patient medication adherence. The project is a scoping review that aims to identify and understand larger trends in medication adherence in North America.

Ali is currently in his fourth and final year of McMaster’s Honours Arts & Science program. Ali helps the lab in completing systematic literature reviews and Risk of Bias Assessments on INOSS projects. He is also currently completing his undergraduate thesis project on the social determinants of health and their relation to patient medication adherence. The project is a scoping review that aims to identify and understand larger trends in medication adherence in North America.

Ruhi Nayar is a third year student in the Honours Health Sciences program at McMaster University. Her research involves doing a scoping review looking at risk factors for adverse outcomes in pregnant individuals with valvular heart disease. The goal of the review is to inform the development of an inclusive and accurate risk assessment tool for this population.

Ruhi Nayar is a third year student in the Honours Health Sciences program at McMaster University. Her research involves doing a scoping review looking at risk factors for adverse outcomes in pregnant individuals with valvular heart disease. The goal of the review is to inform the development of an inclusive and accurate risk assessment tool for this population.

Nyla is currently in her fourth year of the Honours Health Sciences Program at McMaster University. She is currently working on a systematic review on Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis in pregnancy. She is also currently completing her undergraduate thesis project on determining what constitutes severe pregnancy-related cardiovascular morbidity (SPCM). The goal of this project is to determine how many different definitions of SPCM are currently used in the literature, and how they compare in terms of component conditions included.

Nyla is currently in her fourth year of the Honours Health Sciences Program at McMaster University. She is currently working on a systematic review on Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis in pregnancy. She is also currently completing her undergraduate thesis project on determining what constitutes severe pregnancy-related cardiovascular morbidity (SPCM). The goal of this project is to determine how many different definitions of SPCM are currently used in the literature, and how they compare in terms of component conditions included.

Bronte is a Research Assistant in the D’Souza Lab who is working to understanding the impacts of enhanced obstetrical surveillance systems on maternal morbidity and mortality globally. In addition to her work in the D’Souza Lab, she is a Part-Time Instructor in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program at McMaster University. Bronte completed her BHSc and MSc here at McMaster and is currently a PhD student in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia where her doctoral work focuses on identifying and addressing contraception barriers for Vancouver Island Youth.

Affiliations: MMRC Research Fellow, MERIT Member, CGSHE & WHRI Trainee (UBC)

Bronte is a Research Assistant in the D’Souza Lab who is working to understanding the impacts of enhanced obstetrical surveillance systems on maternal morbidity and mortality globally. In addition to her work in the D’Souza Lab, she is a Part-Time Instructor in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program at McMaster University. Bronte completed her BHSc and MSc here at McMaster and is currently a PhD student in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia where her doctoral work focuses on identifying and addressing contraception barriers for Vancouver Island Youth.

Affiliations: MMRC Research Fellow, MERIT Member, CGSHE & WHRI Trainee (UBC)

Larry is also working on meta analysis of diagnostic accuracy and prediction model on neurodevelopment assessments.

Larry is also working on meta analysis of diagnostic accuracy and prediction model on neurodevelopment assessments.

Kiran Nabil is an international medical doctor from Pakistan and a former research assistant for the D’Souza lab. Kiran worked on the Covid-19 and Pregnancy outcomes: An Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis project. Kiran is currently enrolled in the PaCER research program at the University of Calgary, working for the maternal health team sponsored by Dr. D’Souza, on the Understanding pregnancy-related morbidity from a multicultural, family-centred, Canadian perspective project. She also completed Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) certification from McMaster University, in 202, and works as a research assistant at the Federation of Black Canadians in a Covid-19 qualitative research project Resiliency during Covid-19. 

Kiran Nabil is an international medical doctor from Pakistan and a former research assistant for the D’Souza lab. Kiran worked on the Covid-19 and Pregnancy outcomes: An Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis project. Kiran is currently enrolled in the PaCER research program at the University of Calgary, working for the maternal health team sponsored by Dr. D’Souza, on the Understanding pregnancy-related morbidity from a multicultural, family-centred, Canadian perspective project. She also completed Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) certification from McMaster University, in 202, and works as a research assistant at the Federation of Black Canadians in a Covid-19 qualitative research project Resiliency during Covid-19. 

Dr. Poonam Samyal is a trained Obstetrician and Gynecologist from India, where she completed her residency and gained extensive experience in women’s health, high-risk pregnancies, and gynecological surgery. After relocating to Canada, she became ECFMG certified and expanded her focus to include clinical research aimed at advancing maternal and fetal healthcare outcomes.

Currently, Dr. Poonam is engaged in several impactful research projects, including investigating factors associated with incomplete visualization of fetal anatomy at the mid-trimester scan, and contributing to a living systematic review evaluating the global impact of enhanced obstetrical surveillance systems through the International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems (INOSS). Her work aims to improve maternal-fetal care by promoting evidence-based practices and identifying strategies for reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity.

Dr. Poonam Samyal is a trained Obstetrician and Gynecologist from India, where she completed her residency and gained extensive experience in women’s health, high-risk pregnancies, and gynecological surgery. After relocating to Canada, she became ECFMG certified and expanded her focus to include clinical research aimed at advancing maternal and fetal healthcare outcomes.

Currently, Dr. Poonam is engaged in several impactful research projects, including investigating factors associated with incomplete visualization of fetal anatomy at the mid-trimester scan, and contributing to a living systematic review evaluating the global impact of enhanced obstetrical surveillance systems through the International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems (INOSS). Her work aims to improve maternal-fetal care by promoting evidence-based practices and identifying strategies for reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity.

Shahab earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, which provided a strong foundation in research methodologies. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Health Research Methodology, with a focus on evidence-based medicine. His primary interests lie in systematic reviews and the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines. Shahab contributes as a systematic reviewer to projects focused on falling insulin requirements in pregnant women and anticoagulation management for pregnant women with mechanical heart valves.

Shahab earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, which provided a strong foundation in research methodologies. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Health Research Methodology, with a focus on evidence-based medicine. His primary interests lie in systematic reviews and the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines. Shahab contributes as a systematic reviewer to projects focused on falling insulin requirements in pregnant women and anticoagulation management for pregnant women with mechanical heart valves.

Tiffany received her medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2023 and her Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology from McMaster University in 2025. As a member of the FLOURISH Lab, her research primarily focuses on developing core outcome sets for vasa previa, placenta accreta spectrum, critical illness in obstetrics, and pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism. These core outcome sets aim to ensure the incorporation of patient-important outcomes in future research, enable data harmonization, improve evidence synthesis, and facilitate the development of clinical practice guidelines.

Always seeking to enhance her research skills, Tiffany is also working on a systematic review comparing the safety and efficacy of oral misoprostol and vaginal dinoprostone for labour induction. Tiffany is passionate about the field of obstetrics and gynecology and is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women, trans, and gender-diverse individuals through her clinical work and academic endeavors.

Tiffany received her medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2023 and her Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology from McMaster University in 2025. As a member of the FLOURISH Lab, her research primarily focuses on developing core outcome sets for vasa previa, placenta accreta spectrum, critical illness in obstetrics, and pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism. These core outcome sets aim to ensure the incorporation of patient-important outcomes in future research, enable data harmonization, improve evidence synthesis, and facilitate the development of clinical practice guidelines.

Always seeking to enhance her research skills, Tiffany is also working on a systematic review comparing the safety and efficacy of oral misoprostol and vaginal dinoprostone for labour induction. Tiffany is passionate about the field of obstetrics and gynecology and is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women, trans, and gender-diverse individuals through her clinical work and academic endeavors.

Hussain Ali Sindhu is a second-year Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour undergraduate student at McMaster University. Originally from Pakistan, he is working toward becoming a Physician Assistant. His current research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of mid-trimester fetal anatomy ultrasounds in identifying congenital anomalies, which are the leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity. Through his research, Hussain aims to uncover the reasons for incomplete scans and explore strategies to improve diagnostic rates and cost-effectiveness.

Hussain Ali Sindhu is a second-year Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour undergraduate student at McMaster University. Originally from Pakistan, he is working toward becoming a Physician Assistant. His current research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of mid-trimester fetal anatomy ultrasounds in identifying congenital anomalies, which are the leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity. Through his research, Hussain aims to uncover the reasons for incomplete scans and explore strategies to improve diagnostic rates and cost-effectiveness.

Logan is a third-year medical student at Queen’s University who is very excited to be working with the D’Souza Lab.

He completed a Ph.D. in 2021 under Dr. Graeme Smith studying postpartum cardiovascular outcomes of preeclampsia.

Logan is interested in improving maternal health surveillance during the peripartum and postpartum periods, and developing tools for clinicians to initiate early intervention after pregnancy complications.

Logan is a third-year medical student at Queen’s University who is very excited to be working with the D’Souza Lab.

He completed a Ph.D. in 2021 under Dr. Graeme Smith studying postpartum cardiovascular outcomes of preeclampsia.

Logan is interested in improving maternal health surveillance during the peripartum and postpartum periods, and developing tools for clinicians to initiate early intervention after pregnancy complications.

Daniella is a web assistant for the D’Souza Lab. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at McMaster University in 2021. Daniella is also a research communications coordinator at the Office of the Vice-President, Research. She is passionate about collaborating with members of McMaster’s research community to share stories about their important and impactful work.

Daniella is a web assistant for the D’Souza Lab. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at McMaster University in 2021. Daniella is also a research communications coordinator at the Office of the Vice-President, Research. She is passionate about collaborating with members of McMaster’s research community to share stories about their important and impactful work.

Sama Hasan is currently in her third year of the Honours Life Science program at McMaster University. Her project focuses on a scoping review about Perinatal care among South Asian Immigrant Pregnant Women living in Canada. The goal of the review is to gain a broad understanding of the perinatal care of South Asian immigrant women in Canada.

Sama Hasan is currently in her third year of the Honours Life Science program at McMaster University. Her project focuses on a scoping review about Perinatal care among South Asian Immigrant Pregnant Women living in Canada. The goal of the review is to gain a broad understanding of the perinatal care of South Asian immigrant women in Canada.

Sahar is a Ph.D. student in the Health Research Methodology Program within the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact. With a background in Midwifery and over five years of clinical practice experience, she is dedicated to advancing maternal and child health and reducing maternal morbidity.

Sahar is a Ph.D. student in the Health Research Methodology Program within the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact. With a background in Midwifery and over five years of clinical practice experience, she is dedicated to advancing maternal and child health and reducing maternal morbidity.

Allie is a 4^th year medical student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She graduated with an MSc from the University of Toronto’s IMS program in June 2020, supervised by Dr. Rohan D’Souza. While with Dr. D’Souza, she received the CIHR Canadian Graduate Scholarship, UofT’s IMS Whiteside award, and published two peer-reviewed papers. Her medical and research interests include women’s health, sports medicine, and patient-centered care. Outside of medicine, Allie enjoys fitness, theatre, travel and spending time with friends and family (preferably over a great meal).

Allie is a 4^th year medical student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She graduated with an MSc from the University of Toronto’s IMS program in June 2020, supervised by Dr. Rohan D’Souza. While with Dr. D’Souza, she received the CIHR Canadian Graduate Scholarship, UofT’s IMS Whiteside award, and published two peer-reviewed papers. Her medical and research interests include women’s health, sports medicine, and patient-centered care. Outside of medicine, Allie enjoys fitness, theatre, travel and spending time with friends and family (preferably over a great meal).

Eitan has worked on the scoping review that looked at the effect of the extreme temperatures on pregnancy outcomes.

Eitan has worked on the scoping review that looked at the effect of the extreme temperatures on pregnancy outcomes.

Eden Manly received her BSc from Dalhousie University in 2021 and is currently an MD Candidate at McMaster University. As a member of the D’Souza Lab, her research focuses on maternal morbidity, with an emphasis on understanding the perspectives of those with lived pregnancy experience, their families and healthcare providers. Eden is passionate about women’s health and is eager to make a difference in the lives of women, and those who care for them, through participation in this important work.

Eden Manly received her BSc from Dalhousie University in 2021 and is currently an MD Candidate at McMaster University. As a member of the D’Souza Lab, her research focuses on maternal morbidity, with an emphasis on understanding the perspectives of those with lived pregnancy experience, their families and healthcare providers. Eden is passionate about women’s health and is eager to make a difference in the lives of women, and those who care for them, through participation in this important work.

Tegwende joined Dr. D’Souza’s team in January 2022, as a research assistant, during her practicum with the Canadian Obstetric Survey System (CanOSS) feasibility project. She is a master’s of public health candidate at McMaster University and graduated with a bachelor of science from the University of Toronto (UofT) in 2020. Her research interests include maternal and pediatric health, health equity and global health. Continuing under Dr. D’Souza’s supervision, she is pursuing a thesis on the topic of maternal morbidity. 

Tegwende joined Dr. D’Souza’s team in January 2022, as a research assistant, during her practicum with the Canadian Obstetric Survey System (CanOSS) feasibility project. She is a master’s of public health candidate at McMaster University and graduated with a bachelor of science from the University of Toronto (UofT) in 2020. Her research interests include maternal and pediatric health, health equity and global health. Continuing under Dr. D’Souza’s supervision, she is pursuing a thesis on the topic of maternal morbidity.