Dr. Salima Meherali, Principal Investigator
I am an assistant professor at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta. My research program (PEER) aims to promote health outcomes for adolescents and youth in Canada and in the global health context. Our research seeks to understand and address the sexual and reproductive health and rights needs of immigrant adolescents in Canada and adolescents living in low-middle-income countries, focusing on digital health solutions to link youth with culturally safe health services. I engage with knowledge partners (adolescents/youth, healthcare professionals, and policymakers) to co-develop evidence to support young people and their care teams to make informed, shared healthcare decisions.
I completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from the Aga Khan University, Pakistan. I completed my Ph.D. in Nursing (2016) and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2017) from the University of Alberta, College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing funded by the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Amyna Ismail Rehmani - Research Assistant
I graduated from the University of Alberta with a Master of Nursing in Spring of 2023. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Pakistan. I started working as a Research Assistant with the PEER lab in January 2023. I hope to apply and translate the knowledge and skills learned throughout my master's program and research activities to contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of individuals for positive change.
Samar Kauser - Research Assistant
I am a research assistant for the PEER lab. I have an undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta in Business, Economics, and Law with a Certificate in Global Citizenship. My research interests are immigrant adolescent health and social sustainability. Outside of work, I like to visit different coffee shops, spend time with my friends and family, and do acrylic painting.
Giulia Puinean - Research Assistant
I am a research assistant for the PEER lab. As a settler of Romanian heritage, I am based in Tkaronto, known today as Toronto, within Treaty 13 territory. My academic journey began at the University of Alberta, where I obtained an undergraduate degree in Secondary Education, followed by a master’s in Health Promotion. Presently, I am pursuing a PhD in Social and Behavioural Health Sciences at the University of Toronto. My professional interests span health systems research, intervention research, and qualitative methodologies, with a focus on the well-being of women, children, and youth. Outside of work, I enjoy photography, attending live music events, and spending time with my family and friends.
Sobia Idrees - Research Assistant
I am a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta. I am working as a Research Assistant for the PEER Lab and worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with Dr. Meherali. I came to Canada in 2021 as an international student. I completed my undergraduate and master’s degree in Nursing from Pakistan. I am a registered nurse in Canada, Pakistan, and the US. My research interests focus on teaching and learning, pedagogical issues, assessment and feedback. I love hanging out with my family and friends during my leisure time.
Amber Hussain - PhD Student
I am an international student pursuing my PhD in Nursing from the University of Alberta, Canada and I am working as a Research Assistant for the PEER lab. I obtained my undergraduate and graduate degree in Nursing from the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan. I have vast experience in various capacities, including clinical, education, leadership, and research areas. My research interests focus on adolescents, mental health, public health, mentorship, and maternal and child health. My passion is to contribute to health care by participating in research and sharing knowledge with the next generation through teaching and learning.
Yared Aynalem - PhD Student
I am a PhD student and research assistant at the University of Alberta. I am building on my academic foundation with an MSc in Nursing from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. As an assistant professor, I've contributed significantly as a lecturer and researcher at Debre Berhan University. My research achievements include publications in esteemed international journals, active participation in national and international research events, and roles as a reviewer for over seven journals and an external editor for Frontiers in Public Health. My research focuses on maternal and child health, with my dissertation centred on preconception care. Outside of academia, I indulge in my passion for traditional music and explore the marvels of national geography during my free time.
Zara Ahmed - Research Assistant
I am a Research Assistant with the PEER lab! I am a current Master of Public Health student at the University of Alberta, and have received my Bachelor of Science Honours degree from the University of Guelph, as well as a Certificate in Health Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University. I am a second-generation immigrant from Ghana and am extremely passionate about sexual and reproductive health in faith-based and immigrant communities in Canada. In my free time, I like cooking, volunteering and streaming shows!
Saba un Nisa - Research Assistant
I am a research assistant for the PEER lab. I am an uninvited Pakistani settler living in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton) in Treaty 6 territory. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Nursing from King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan, and my Master's in Nursing from the University of Alberta, Canada. My research interests focus on adolescent health, older adults' health, immigrant and newcomer health, health equity, health policy, and women empowerment. I enjoy watching movies and hanging out with friends.
