Emily Hladkowicz

MAEd, CCRP, PhD 
Clinical Research Program Manager

Emily holds a holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa and a Doctor of Philosophy in Aging and Health from Queen's University. Emily brings extensive experience in clinical research and program leadership, supporting research initiatives focused on improving care and outcomes for older adults. Her research interests include patient-centered research, perioperative frailty, transitions in care, and understanding how healthcare systems can better support patients and care partners.  

"What makes AIMS special is our team: how we work together, support one another, and share a commitment to meaningful research that improves the lives of older adults and their care partners."

Keely Barnes

RKin, PhD 
Clinical Research Associate 

Keely is a registered kinesiologist and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Ottawa. She contributes to study start-up and coordination, grant development, research operations, and knowledge translation. Her research interests include prehabilitation, rehabilitation, and digital health. She is particularly interested in research that bridges the gap between evidence and clinical practice and has a meaningful impact on patients. 

"Being part of the AIMS team aligns closely with my core value of doing meaningful work that has a positive impact. I am passionate about working alongside a collaborative team dedicated to conducting research that aims to improve the health outcomes of patients."

Joanne Hutton

MSc
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator 

Jo holds a Master of Science in Nutrition from the University of Alberta and has a background in clinical oncology research and evidence-based health promotion. Jo is pleased to be part of the AIMS Research Team, where she works to support patients throughout their perioperative experience. While Jo genuinely enjoys making sense of data and can happily spend hours working in an Excel spreadsheet, she especially values the opportunity to connect with study participants. 

"The AIMS research team brings care and compassion to everything we do. Every interaction is an opportunity to listen, build trust, and remind our participants that they mean so much more to our team than the data we collect. At the heart of our work is a commitment to ensuring that every participant feels heard, valued, and cared for."

Jo Wells

Honours BSc 
Clinical Research Coordinator  

Jo holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Mental Health, with a minor in Psychology from Carleton University. With over a decade of experience bringing innovative healthcare ideas into practice, she coordinates clinical trials and grant-funded research from study start-up through knowledge dissemination. Her work spans study start-up, patient recruitment, ethics, data management, and research implementation. Jo is particularly passionate about improving patient care, drawing on her multidisciplinary background in neuroscience, medical technology, regulatory affairs, and user experience. 

"AIMS is a team that puts people first. The team focuses on what matters most to patients, combining research with a human-centred approach to create meaningful improvements in care."

Jennifer Cowan 

MSc  
Clinical Research Assistant 

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Kinesiology, focusing on physical activity and physical literacy journeys of individuals with disabilities. She is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with patients throughout their prehabilitation journey. Her interests include understanding the facilitators and barriers to healthy active living and identifying strategies that support patients as they prepare for surgery and recovery. She is passionate about contributing to research that develops proactive, patient-centered supports for patients and their families.  

"The most rewarding part of working with AIMS is being able to support patients and their families throughout their surgical journey. Every interaction is an opportunity to help someone feel more prepared, confident, and supported."

Kannika Hour

MSc 
Clinical Research Assistant

Kannika holds a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa and Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Mental Health from Carleton University. She supports study activities including participant recruitment, intervention delivery as a prehab coach, and study follow-ups. She values the opportunity to support patients and be part of their care journey through research and is interested in improving their experience in healthcare and supporting the development of innovations that optimize recovery and outcomes after surgery. 

“The most rewarding aspect of working with AIMS is the opportunity to learn about how we can improve access to care for patients and how we can support them through their care journey in a way that makes them feel heard and valued.”

Meaghan MacDonald 

MSc, CSEP-CEP 
Clinical Research Assistant

Meaghan holds a Master of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa and is a CSEP-Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist. As a prehabilitation coach, she supports patients preparing for major surgery with exercise and nutrition, empowering patients to take an active role in their health and recovery. She is passionate about movement and helping people find ways to be more active and has keen interest in knowledge translation and implementing research into practice.

"The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing firsthand the impact of AIMS’ research. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see patients succeed in building strength and confidence and take an active role in their health."

Talston Scott

MHE, BHSc
Clinical Research Assistant

Talston holds a Master of Health Ethics from Memorial University and an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences with a concentration in Global Health from Carleton University. He brings expertise through his background in patient-oriented research and patient engagement, research ethics, and research methodology and rigour. He is passionate about collaborating with patients and families, improving care experiences and outcomes and is committed to conducting high-quality, meaningful research that centres on patients, their families, and the surgical journey.

"I love being a part of a team that contributes to innovative, meaningful care, and research for patients going through and recovering from major surgery."

Bhagya Lakshmi Ramappa Tahasildar

MScMBBS, MD Public Health
Clinical Research Assistant III

Bhagya is a medical graduate from India with specialized training in Public Health and Preventive Medicine. She supports participant recruitment and follow-up activities and contributes to the collection and analysis of postoperative morbidity data. She is passionate about patient-centered research and believes that prevention is better than cure. Her interests include using clinical research to generate meaningful evidence that empowers patients to make informed decisions, improve health outcomes, and quality of life.

"What I value most about AIMS is the opportunity to put my belief in prevention and patient-centered care into practice with research that makes a meaningful difference for patients."

Anahita Yadegari

MSc 
Clinical Research Assistant

Anahita holds a Master of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science. She contributes to many research activities, including participant recruitment and intervention delivery. Her interests include helping patients prepare for surgery and advancing care for older adults and individuals with cancer through practical, patient-centered research. She values opportunities support research that bridges evidence and practice, particularly when making a meaningful difference for patients.

"What makes AIMS special is the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that helps patients feel better prepared and supported throughout their healthcare journey." 

Gurlie Kidd

RKin, PhDMSW 

Gurlie is a retired social worker and patient partner with the AIMS Research Program. Drawing on both her professional career in social work and her own lived experience undergoing major surgery, Gurlie brings a unique and valuable perspective to perioperative research. Since 2020, she has worked alongside the AIMS team to ensure that the needs, experiences, and priorities of patients remain central to our research. Gurlie contributes across the research process, helping to shape study priorities, design, patient-facing materials, and the interpretation and communication of findings.

"The AIMS team has given me so much respect and encouragement as a patient partner. Right from the start, it has been evident to me that the team is committed to centering patients in every project they take on."