Our Scientists

The Evict Radon National Study is a Canadian transdisciplinary study led by Dr. Aaron Goodarzi and involves researchers and scientific partners from across Canada, including scientists at BC Cancer Agency (BC), Simon Fraser University (BC), University of Calgary (AB), University of Saskatchewan (SK), University of Ottawa (ON), Université Laval (QC), Dalhousie University (NS), Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (ON), the National Research Council (of Canada), and Health Canada. The goal of this diverse research team is to understand the origins of radon exposure, and the prevention and early detection of radon-induced lung cancers.

We use a transdisciplinary approach to our research as the radon problem is multifaceted, and demands that we overcome traditional academic barriers to draw upon and integrate expertise from many fields of research including fundamental biology, population health, epidemiology, building science, architecture, design, media, communications, policy, economics, psychology, computer science, medicine, geology and physics. Meet the scientists from across Canada who are working together in new ways to solve this problem. 

The Evict Radon National Study is a volunteer-led non-profit organization that combines grassroots science engagement and citizen science-based research in a way perhaps never seen before in Canada for preventing cancers.

Dr. Goodarzi is the Scientific Director of the Evict Radon National Study. He is also an associate professor at the University of Calgary (UC) and the Director of the Robson DNA Science Centre, and the lead of Science Communication for the Charbonneau Cancer Institute. He obtained his PhD from the UC in 2005, and his postdoctorate in 2010 from the University of Sussex in the UK. In 2011, he opened his laboratory at the UC’s Cumming School of Medicine and, since then, has been named one of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 for achievements in science and education, and a “Peak Scholar” by UC’s President Elizabeth Cannon for innovation and knowledge translation in the community.

 

Aaron Goodarzi, PhD
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Goodarzi is the Scientific Director of the Evict Radon National Study. He is also an associate professor at the University of Calgary (UC) and the Director of the Robson DNA Science Centre, and the lead of Science Communication for the Charbonneau Cancer Institute. He obtained his PhD from the UC in 2005, and his postdoctorate in 2010 from the University of Sussex in the UK. In 2011, he opened his laboratory at the UC’s Cumming School of Medicine and, since then, has been named one of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 for achievements in science and education, and a “Peak Scholar” by UC’s President Elizabeth Cannon for innovation and knowledge translation in the community.

 

Dr. Alison Wallace is a thoracic surgeon and scientist who treats lung cancer. Based at Dalhousie University (NS), her research is focused on studying how environmental exposures lead to the development of lung cancer. Dr. Wallace is working in partnership with the Lung Association of Nova Scotia, as well as the teams led by Evict Radon members Dr. Dellaire and Dr. Goodarzi, to understand the relationship between residential radon exposure and lung cancer incidence and outcomes in Canada.

Alison Wallace, MD, PhD
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Dr. Alison Wallace is a thoracic surgeon and scientist who treats lung cancer. Based at Dalhousie University (NS), her research is focused on studying how environmental exposures lead to the development of lung cancer. Dr. Wallace is working in partnership with the Lung Association of Nova Scotia, as well as the teams led by Evict Radon members Dr. Dellaire and Dr. Goodarzi, to understand the relationship between residential radon exposure and lung cancer incidence and outcomes in Canada.

Dr. Anne-Marie Nichol is an epidemiologist and toxicology expert who has helped shape the Canadian national “Take Action on Radon Program”. Based at Simon Fraser University (BC), she leads community-level initiatives to reduce radon levels and promotes environmental knowledge translation for public health professionals. Dr. Nichol is also a founding member of Carcinogen Exposure (CAREX) Canada.

Anne-Marie Nicol, PhD
Burnaby, British Columbia

Dr. Anne-Marie Nichol is an epidemiologist and toxicology expert who has helped shape the Canadian national “Take Action on Radon Program”. Based at Simon Fraser University (BC), she leads community-level initiatives to reduce radon levels and promotes environmental knowledge translation for public health professionals. Dr. Nichol is also a founding member of Carcinogen Exposure (CAREX) Canada.

Mr. Austin Atkins is a Masters student in the Goodarzi Laboratory studying human genetic susceptibility to alpha particle radiation. His project uses human cell line models to uncover genetic requirements for the effective repair of DNA damages induced by alpha particle radiation, with the intent to define populations that are uniquely susceptible to radon-induced lung cancers.

Austin Atkins, BSc
Calgary, Alberta

Mr. Austin Atkins is a Masters student in the Goodarzi Laboratory studying human genetic susceptibility to alpha particle radiation. His project uses human cell line models to uncover genetic requirements for the effective repair of DNA damages induced by alpha particle radiation, with the intent to define populations that are uniquely susceptible to radon-induced lung cancers.

Mr. Behnam Ashrafkhani is a Ph.D. candidate in physics at the Wieser laboratory of the University of Calgary. Behnam’s work occurs in collaboration with TRIUMF’s Ion Trap for Atomic and Nuclear Science (TITAN) in Vancouver and focuses on designing and implementing advanced mass spectrometry techniques for the detection of unique atomic signatures. The focus of his research is to develop reliable tools and methods for measuring lifetime radon exposure in humans.

Behnam Ashrafkhani, MSc
Calgary, Alberta

Mr. Behnam Ashrafkhani is a Ph.D. candidate in physics at the Wieser laboratory of the University of Calgary. Behnam’s work occurs in collaboration with TRIUMF’s Ion Trap for Atomic and Nuclear Science (TITAN) in Vancouver and focuses on designing and implementing advanced mass spectrometry techniques for the detection of unique atomic signatures. The focus of his research is to develop reliable tools and methods for measuring lifetime radon exposure in humans.

Dr. Cathryn Ryan is a groundwater and water quality scientist interested in free phase gases’ behaviour as a rapid gas transport mechanism in groundwater. Based at the University of Calgary (AB), her team works to understand the links between indoor air radon and dissolved radon gas in the ground (well) water that supplies drinking water to homes in rural areas.

Cathy Ryan, PhD
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Cathryn Ryan is a groundwater and water quality scientist interested in free phase gases’ behaviour as a rapid gas transport mechanism in groundwater. Based at the University of Calgary (AB), her team works to understand the links between indoor air radon and dissolved radon gas in the ground (well) water that supplies drinking water to homes in rural areas.

Dr. Cheryl Peters is an occupational hygienist and an epidemiologist focused on the impact of cancer-causing exposures in the workplace, community and environments. Based with Alberta Health Services, she is interested in minimizing exposures to known hazards such as radon to reduce cancer risks for workers and Canadians in general. Dr. Peters is also a founding member of Carcinogen Exposure (CAREX) Canada.

Cheryl Peters, PhD
Vancouver, British Columbia

Dr. Cheryl Peters is an occupational hygienist and an epidemiologist focused on the impact of cancer-causing exposures in the workplace, community and environments. Based with Alberta Health Services, she is interested in minimizing exposures to known hazards such as radon to reduce cancer risks for workers and Canadians in general. Dr. Peters is also a founding member of Carcinogen Exposure (CAREX) Canada.

Dr. Darren Brenner is a population health scientist focused on the impact of lifestyle and genetics in the development of cancer and epidemiologic trends in cancer survival. Based at the University of Calgary (AB), his team processes data from across the nation to calculate region-, tissue- and cause-specific cancer risk statistics. He is particularly interested in developing new Canadian radon-attributable lung cancer risk estimates. Dr. Brenner is on the Board of Evict Radon. 

Darren Brenner, PhD
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Darren Brenner is a population health scientist focused on the impact of lifestyle and genetics in the development of cancer and epidemiologic trends in cancer survival. Based at the University of Calgary (AB), his team processes data from across the nation to calculate region-, tissue- and cause-specific cancer risk statistics. He is particularly interested in developing new Canadian radon-attributable lung cancer risk estimates. Dr. Brenner is on the Board of Evict Radon. 

Dr. Dustin Pearson is one of the senior scientists in the Goodarzi laboratory and is the research operations manager for the Evict Radon National Study. His work focuses on the biology of alpha particle exposure, as well as the study of the real-time indoor air dynamics of radon within the residential built environment. In this project, Dr. Pearson serves as the primary manager for all radon databases, masterminding the security, annotation and analysis of our complex datasets relating to radon exposures, participant demographics, building metrics and more. Dustin’s work is currently supported by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Dustin Pearson, PhD
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Dustin Pearson is one of the senior scientists in the Goodarzi laboratory and is the research operations manager for the Evict Radon National Study. His work focuses on the biology of alpha particle exposure, as well as the study of the real-time indoor air dynamics of radon within the residential built environment. In this project, Dr. Pearson serves as the primary manager for all radon databases, masterminding the security, annotation and analysis of our complex datasets relating to radon exposures, participant demographics, building metrics and more. Dustin’s work is currently supported by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Ms. Evelyn Boland is the Business Operations Specialist for the Evict Radon National Study and the Robson DNA Science Centre at the University of Calgary. She has had several positions in Research Administration since 2007 including within the Charbonneau Cancer Institute and with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Institute of Cancer Research. Her roles have given her the privilege of working and connecting with researchers, trainees, health professionals, funding partners, and patient advocates across Canada.

Evelyn Boland
Calgary, Alberta

Ms. Evelyn Boland is the Business Operations Specialist for the Evict Radon National Study and the Robson DNA Science Centre at the University of Calgary. She has had several positions in Research Administration since 2007 including within the Charbonneau Cancer Institute and with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Institute of Cancer Research. Her roles have given her the privilege of working and connecting with researchers, trainees, health professionals, funding partners, and patient advocates across Canada.

Dr. Graham Dellaire is a biologist studying DNA damage repair related to cancer biomarker discovery, chemotherapy resistance and environmental causes of cancer. Based at Dalhousie University (NS), he is particularly interested in the dynamics between radon and arsenic exposure, both of which cause lung cancer. Graham also founded the Canadian Environmental Exposures of Cancer (CE2C) network.

Graham Dellaire, PhD
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Dr. Graham Dellaire is a biologist studying DNA damage repair related to cancer biomarker discovery, chemotherapy resistance and environmental causes of cancer. Based at Dalhousie University (NS), he is particularly interested in the dynamics between radon and arsenic exposure, both of which cause lung cancer. Graham also founded the Canadian Environmental Exposures of Cancer (CE2C) network.

Dr. Hali Morrison is a medical physicist who ensures safe and accurate radiation therapy treatments for cancer patients at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (AB). Apart from working as a clinical medical physicist, she and her team collaborate with biologists to accurately model the interactions of alpha particle radiation through advanced computer simulations and novel measurement techniques.

Hali Morrison, PhD
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Hali Morrison is a medical physicist who ensures safe and accurate radiation therapy treatments for cancer patients at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (AB). Apart from working as a clinical medical physicist, she and her team collaborate with biologists to accurately model the interactions of alpha particle radiation through advanced computer simulations and novel measurement techniques.

Dr. Jean-Yves Masson is a biochemist and molecular biologist studying genomic instability. He is an expert in DNA damage and repair responses, and exploring their potential as therapeutic approaches. Based at the CHU de Québec-University Laval, he is interested in genome-wide responses to radon and alpha particle radiation exposure using genetic screens. Jean-Yves is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and holds the Canada Research Chair in DNA repair and Cancer Therapeutics.

 

Jean-Yves Masson, PhD
Québec City, Québec

Dr. Jean-Yves Masson is a biochemist and molecular biologist studying genomic instability. He is an expert in DNA damage and repair responses, and exploring their potential as therapeutic approaches. Based at the CHU de Québec-University Laval, he is interested in genome-wide responses to radon and alpha particle radiation exposure using genetic screens. Jean-Yves is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and holds the Canada Research Chair in DNA repair and Cancer Therapeutics.

 

Mr. John Danforth is pursuing his Ph.D. in the Goodarzi laboratory, having obtained his MSc from the University of Oulu (Finland) in 2018 studying genetic changes in rodents inhabiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. His project uses human and yeast model systems to learn how long-term, repetitive, low doses of alpha particle radiation impacts genetic integrity, intending to discern the alpha particle (i.e. radon gas) induced cancer gene signature.

John Danforth, MSc
Calgary, Alberta

Mr. John Danforth is pursuing his Ph.D. in the Goodarzi laboratory, having obtained his MSc from the University of Oulu (Finland) in 2018 studying genetic changes in rodents inhabiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. His project uses human and yeast model systems to learn how long-term, repetitive, low doses of alpha particle radiation impacts genetic integrity, intending to discern the alpha particle (i.e. radon gas) induced cancer gene signature.

Professor Joshua Taron is an architect focused on advancing and applying digital design and fabrication tools, emphasizing more sustainable, efficient and livable cities. Based at the University of Calgary (AB), his team is exploring how the human-built environment influences indoor air quality and modifies the entry of radon gas into buildings, as well as the evolving building code trends that underlie Canada’s radon problem. Mr. Taron is on the board of Evict Radon. 

Josh Taron, M.Arch
Calgary, Alberta

Professor Joshua Taron is an architect focused on advancing and applying digital design and fabrication tools, emphasizing more sustainable, efficient and livable cities. Based at the University of Calgary (AB), his team is exploring how the human-built environment influences indoor air quality and modifies the entry of radon gas into buildings, as well as the evolving building code trends that underlie Canada’s radon problem. Mr. Taron is on the board of Evict Radon. 

Mr. Joshua Rice serves as the Communications Specialist for the Evict Radon National Study. Based at the University of Calgary (AB), he employs his skills in crafting compelling narratives and strategic messaging. Passionate about public health, Joshua is dedicated to raising awareness about radon exposure and advocating for preventive measures. Joshua received his Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communications (BAPC) degree from Royal Roads University in 2023. 

Joshua Rice, BAPC
Calgary, Alberta

Mr. Joshua Rice serves as the Communications Specialist for the Evict Radon National Study. Based at the University of Calgary (AB), he employs his skills in crafting compelling narratives and strategic messaging. Passionate about public health, Joshua is dedicated to raising awareness about radon exposure and advocating for preventive measures. Joshua received his Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communications (BAPC) degree from Royal Roads University in 2023. 

Dr. Justin Simms is a physician and biologist with a background in the biology of DNA damage repair, multiple myeloma, and psychology. Based at the University of Saskatchewan (SK), he is interested in how different people, based on their demographics, psychology and behaviour, make decisions based on radon test outcomes. He is also leading a real-time radon testing study in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan.

Justin Simms, MD, MSc
Regina, Saskatchewan

Dr. Justin Simms is a physician and biologist with a background in the biology of DNA damage repair, multiple myeloma, and psychology. Based at the University of Saskatchewan (SK), he is interested in how different people, based on their demographics, psychology and behaviour, make decisions based on radon test outcomes. He is also leading a real-time radon testing study in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan.

Dr. Kerri Miller works within the Wieser laboratory at the University of Calgary and is an expert in metal radioisotope physics, particularly as it relates to human health. Dr. Miller is currently focussing her efforts on developing a novel biodosimetric method of calculating lifetime radon exposure using mass spectrometry and readily available human specimens in a collaboration between the Wieser-Goodarzi-Brenner teams.

Kerri Miller, PhD
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Kerri Miller works within the Wieser laboratory at the University of Calgary and is an expert in metal radioisotope physics, particularly as it relates to human health. Dr. Miller is currently focussing her efforts on developing a novel biodosimetric method of calculating lifetime radon exposure using mass spectrometry and readily available human specimens in a collaboration between the Wieser-Goodarzi-Brenner teams.

Dr. Linda Carlson holds the Enbridge Research Chair in Psychosocial Oncology, is a Full-time Professor in Psychosocial Oncology in the Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology. She is the Director of Research and works as a Clinical Psychologist at the Department of Psychosocial Resources at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC), where she has worked since 1997. She also holds a CIHR SPOR-funded mentorship chair in innovative clinical trials, which funds the TRACTION program (Training in Research And Clinical Trials in Integrative Oncology), supporting a multidisciplinary group of University of Calgary fellows studying Integrative Oncology.

Linda Carlson, PhD
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Linda Carlson holds the Enbridge Research Chair in Psychosocial Oncology, is a Full-time Professor in Psychosocial Oncology in the Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology. She is the Director of Research and works as a Clinical Psychologist at the Department of Psychosocial Resources at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC), where she has worked since 1997. She also holds a CIHR SPOR-funded mentorship chair in innovative clinical trials, which funds the TRACTION program (Training in Research And Clinical Trials in Integrative Oncology), supporting a multidisciplinary group of University of Calgary fellows studying Integrative Oncology.

Ms. Marvit Ahanonu is currently a graduate student in Architecture from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at the University of Calgary. Marvit’s work is at the nexus of science and art, working alongside other design students to distill Evict Radon’s scientific information into the most easily, publicly digestible manner.

Marvit Ahanonu, MPlan Student
Calgary, Alberta

Ms. Marvit Ahanonu is currently a graduate student in Architecture from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at the University of Calgary. Marvit’s work is at the nexus of science and art, working alongside other design students to distill Evict Radon’s scientific information into the most easily, publicly digestible manner.

Dr. Michael Wieser is an atomic physicist developing reliable analytical technologies with real-world applications to understanding the relationship between our environment and living systems. Based at the University of Calgary (AB) Department of Physics and Astronomy, his team is focused on novel biodosimetric methods of calculating lifetime radon exposure using mass spectrometry.

Michael Wieser, PhD
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Michael Wieser is an atomic physicist developing reliable analytical technologies with real-world applications to understanding the relationship between our environment and living systems. Based at the University of Calgary (AB) Department of Physics and Astronomy, his team is focused on novel biodosimetric methods of calculating lifetime radon exposure using mass spectrometry.

Dr. Monica Caicedo-Roa is an epidemiologist whose research focuses on population health, clinical studies, assessment and systematic analysis of scientific evidence and knowledge translation. Monica brings her expertise in population health to lead a study to assess the impact of radon exposure on the most vulnerable. Her transdisciplinary work focuses on the exposure to radioactive radon gas, lung cancer and those experiencing disability, with the goal of implementing high-impact radon prevention interventions.

Monica Caicedo-Roa, PhD
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Monica Caicedo-Roa is an epidemiologist whose research focuses on population health, clinical studies, assessment and systematic analysis of scientific evidence and knowledge translation. Monica brings her expertise in population health to lead a study to assess the impact of radon exposure on the most vulnerable. Her transdisciplinary work focuses on the exposure to radioactive radon gas, lung cancer and those experiencing disability, with the goal of implementing high-impact radon prevention interventions.

Dr. Nicolas Ploquin is a medical physicist who designs and implements radiation therapy for cancer patients. While not delivering life-saving therapy at Alberta Health Service’s Tom Baker Cancer Centre (AB), he and his team collaborate with biologists to model and understand alpha particle radiation (that is emitted by radon) and the effects it has on living systems.

Nicolas Ploquin, PhD
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Nicolas Ploquin is a medical physicist who designs and implements radiation therapy for cancer patients. While not delivering life-saving therapy at Alberta Health Service’s Tom Baker Cancer Centre (AB), he and his team collaborate with biologists to model and understand alpha particle radiation (that is emitted by radon) and the effects it has on living systems.

Dr. Owen Wells is collaborating with the Evict Radon National Study team as a scientific writer to compile the multiple peer-reviewed publications and current research findings from this project into a comprehensive report. Dr. Wells has five years of experience in the public health and biopharmaceutical sector and obtained his PhD in DNA repair from the University of Sussex. He pursued his research at Sussex as a postdoctoral research fellow and lecturer in Genome stability and Cancer Cell Biology.

Owen Wells, PhD
Sussex, UK

Dr. Owen Wells is collaborating with the Evict Radon National Study team as a scientific writer to compile the multiple peer-reviewed publications and current research findings from this project into a comprehensive report. Dr. Wells has five years of experience in the public health and biopharmaceutical sector and obtained his PhD in DNA repair from the University of Sussex. He pursued his research at Sussex as a postdoctoral research fellow and lecturer in Genome stability and Cancer Cell Biology.

Dr. Tiago Morais is currently working as a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Calgary with Dr. Cathy Ryan. He received his PhD (2022) in Geoscience at the University of Calgary and his MSc (2017) and BSc (2015) in Geoscience at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil. Tiago’s current research involves the development of monitoring techniques to mitigate fugitive carbon emissions from industrial-scale CO2 storage in the geological pore space resource, with special consideration of shallow storage in Alberta. 

Tiago Morais, PhD
Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Tiago Morais is currently working as a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Calgary with Dr. Cathy Ryan. He received his PhD (2022) in Geoscience at the University of Calgary and his MSc (2017) and BSc (2015) in Geoscience at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil. Tiago’s current research involves the development of monitoring techniques to mitigate fugitive carbon emissions from industrial-scale CO2 storage in the geological pore space resource, with special consideration of shallow storage in Alberta. 

Dr. Trevor Dummer is an environmental epidemiologist with training in geographic information science and determines how the environment influences health. Based at the University of British Columbia (BC) School of Population and Public Health, his current work involves cancer prevention through community knowledge translation, especially related to environmental exposures such as radon or arsenic.

Trevor Dummer, PhD
Vancouver, British Columbia

Dr. Trevor Dummer is an environmental epidemiologist with training in geographic information science and determines how the environment influences health. Based at the University of British Columbia (BC) School of Population and Public Health, his current work involves cancer prevention through community knowledge translation, especially related to environmental exposures such as radon or arsenic.

Dr. Wan Lam is the Deputy Head of Integrative Oncology at the BC Cancer Agency and a pioneering expert in gene expression studies. Based on the University of British Columbia (BC), his team has developed whole-genome technologies, bioinformatics, imaging and computational biology tools for tracking genetic, epigenetic, and gene expression events critical to cancer development, progression and treatment responses in lung cancer.

Wan Lam, PhD
Vancouver, British Columbia

Dr. Wan Lam is the Deputy Head of Integrative Oncology at the BC Cancer Agency and a pioneering expert in gene expression studies. Based on the University of British Columbia (BC), his team has developed whole-genome technologies, bioinformatics, imaging and computational biology tools for tracking genetic, epigenetic, and gene expression events critical to cancer development, progression and treatment responses in lung cancer.

Alumni

The Evict Radon National Study started in 2014 with the goals of informing Canadians about the dangers of radon, promoting public health awareness surrounding the issues of radon exposure and encouraging Canadians to test their homes. This study has only been made possible by the many dedicated individuals who have contributed over the years. Meet the scientists that have been apart of the Evict Radon National Study over the years.

Ms. Andrea Rudiger was a graduate student in the Master of Planning program at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at the University of Calgary. Working with the Evict Radon National Study team and other design students, Andrea visualized complex, multifaceted data to create accessible graphic representations for public consumption and consideration.

Andrea Rudiger, MPlan Student
Alumni

Ms. Andrea Rudiger was a graduate student in the Master of Planning program at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at the University of Calgary. Working with the Evict Radon National Study team and other design students, Andrea visualized complex, multifaceted data to create accessible graphic representations for public consumption and consideration.

Dr. Brandy Winquist is an expert in community and population health, particularly as it relates to maternal and child health and health services. Based at the University of Saskatchewan (SK), she co-founded and led Saskatchewan’s “Little Lungs” radon testing campaign that has helped to build a better understanding of radon exposure risks for families with children (who we know are the most at risk from radon).

Brandy Winquist, PhD
Alumni

Dr. Brandy Winquist is an expert in community and population health, particularly as it relates to maternal and child health and health services. Based at the University of Saskatchewan (SK), she co-founded and led Saskatchewan’s “Little Lungs” radon testing campaign that has helped to build a better understanding of radon exposure risks for families with children (who we know are the most at risk from radon).

Ms. Chrissa Foscolos worked within the Goodarzi laboratory as a high school student volunteer and is currently completing her undergraduate degree. She worked under the guidance of Ms. Natasha Cholowsky and studied the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on population-based radon exposure in residential homes.

Chrissa Fodcolos, High School Volunteer
Alumni

Ms. Chrissa Foscolos worked within the Goodarzi laboratory as a high school student volunteer and is currently completing her undergraduate degree. She worked under the guidance of Ms. Natasha Cholowsky and studied the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on population-based radon exposure in residential homes.

Dr. David Torr is a physician and currently serves as the lead medical health officer for rural medicine in the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Based at the University of Saskatchewan (SK), he is interested in preventing and understanding chronic disease. He has led multiple programs to encourage radon testing and raise awareness in Saskatchewan.

David Torr, MD
Alumni

Dr. David Torr is a physician and currently serves as the lead medical health officer for rural medicine in the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Based at the University of Saskatchewan (SK), he is interested in preventing and understanding chronic disease. He has led multiple programs to encourage radon testing and raise awareness in Saskatchewan.

Ms. Evangeline Eldrige pursued her MSc in the Ryan laboratory, and graduated in 2022. Her projects aimed to discern the relationship between surficial sources of radon gas, hydrogeological vectors of radon gas transport (under the ground) and the subsequent entry and accumulation of radon in the human environment.

Evangeline Eldrige, MSc
Alumni

Ms. Evangeline Eldrige pursued her MSc in the Ryan laboratory, and graduated in 2022. Her projects aimed to discern the relationship between surficial sources of radon gas, hydrogeological vectors of radon gas transport (under the ground) and the subsequent entry and accumulation of radon in the human environment.

Dr. Fintan Stanley was one of the foundational researchers within the Evict Radon National Study. Dr. Stanley’s doctoral thesis work includes the first peer-reviewed examples of The Evict Radon National Study’s early work, and was used as the basis of a new radon awareness law that was passed unanimously in Alberta, Canada, in 2017. For this exceptional work, Fintan was awarded the prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medal in 2019.

Fintan Stanley, PhD
Alumni

Dr. Fintan Stanley was one of the foundational researchers within the Evict Radon National Study. Dr. Stanley’s doctoral thesis work includes the first peer-reviewed examples of The Evict Radon National Study’s early work, and was used as the basis of a new radon awareness law that was passed unanimously in Alberta, Canada, in 2017. For this exceptional work, Fintan was awarded the prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medal in 2019.

Ms. Ghozllane Selouani worked within the Goodarzi laboratory as an Undergraduate Research student as she completed her Health and Society degree at the University of Calgary. With the guidance of the Evict Radon National Study team, Ghozllane studied the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on population-based radon exposure in residential homes as well as the possible rise in radon-induced lung-cancer risk and COVID-19 pandemic-linked lung injury.

Ghozllane Selouani, BHSC Honours Student
Alumni

Ms. Ghozllane Selouani worked within the Goodarzi laboratory as an Undergraduate Research student as she completed her Health and Society degree at the University of Calgary. With the guidance of the Evict Radon National Study team, Ghozllane studied the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on population-based radon exposure in residential homes as well as the possible rise in radon-induced lung-cancer risk and COVID-19 pandemic-linked lung injury.

Mr. James Johnston worked within the Goodarzi laboratory from 2016-2018, having completed a Bachelor of Health Science degree at the University of Calgary. During his time in the laboratory, James screened for novel small molecule compounds that might block alpha particle radiation exposure’s negative effects. His work was funded by a grant from the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Foundation of the USA and published in our 2020 study describing novel alpha particle irradiation technology.

James Johnston, BSc
Alumni

Mr. James Johnston worked within the Goodarzi laboratory from 2016-2018, having completed a Bachelor of Health Science degree at the University of Calgary. During his time in the laboratory, James screened for novel small molecule compounds that might block alpha particle radiation exposure’s negative effects. His work was funded by a grant from the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Foundation of the USA and published in our 2020 study describing novel alpha particle irradiation technology.

Dr. Jesse Irvine worked under the Carlson and Goodarzi teams’ guidance, having obtained his BSc in biology with a minor in psychology in 2018. He has contributed to our 2019 study that describes Canadian radon exposure as a function of the built environment and our assessment of short versus long-term radon tests’ reliability. He developed and helped carry out our psychosocial and behaviour analysis of radon testing and mitigation behaviour in Canada.

Jesse Irvine, MD
Alumni

Dr. Jesse Irvine worked under the Carlson and Goodarzi teams’ guidance, having obtained his BSc in biology with a minor in psychology in 2018. He has contributed to our 2019 study that describes Canadian radon exposure as a function of the built environment and our assessment of short versus long-term radon tests’ reliability. He developed and helped carry out our psychosocial and behaviour analysis of radon testing and mitigation behaviour in Canada.

Ms. Kaitlin See worked within the Goodarzi laboratory as an Undergraduate Research student as she worked towards completing her Health Sciences degree at the University of Calgary. Kaitlin worked under the guidance of Dr. Dustin Pearson, investigating the effects of alpha particle ionizing radiation on human cells. Kaitlin’s main focus was investigating different DNA repair pathways involved in complex DNA damage repair induced by alpha particle ionizing radiation. 

Kaitlin See, Undergraduate Researcher
Alumni

Ms. Kaitlin See worked within the Goodarzi laboratory as an Undergraduate Research student as she worked towards completing her Health Sciences degree at the University of Calgary. Kaitlin worked under the guidance of Dr. Dustin Pearson, investigating the effects of alpha particle ionizing radiation on human cells. Kaitlin’s main focus was investigating different DNA repair pathways involved in complex DNA damage repair induced by alpha particle ionizing radiation. 

Dr. Myra Chen was a post doctoral scholar working in the Goodarzi lab, and an expert in cancer biology. Dr. Chen joined the Goodarzi lab in 2022 and focused on studying the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic on population-based radon exposure in residential homes.

Myra Chen, PhD
Alumni

Dr. Myra Chen was a post doctoral scholar working in the Goodarzi lab, and an expert in cancer biology. Dr. Chen joined the Goodarzi lab in 2022 and focused on studying the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic on population-based radon exposure in residential homes.

Ms. Natasha Cholowsky worked within the Goodarzi laboratory and has expertise in biomedical health as well as anthropology. Her projects focused on: (i) studying the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on population-based radon exposure in residential homes and (ii) the psychology of radon awareness and testing. Natasha’s work was supported by the Alberta Real Estate Foundation and the Bachelor of Health Science program at the University of Calgary.

Natasha Cholowsky, BHSc
Alumni

Ms. Natasha Cholowsky worked within the Goodarzi laboratory and has expertise in biomedical health as well as anthropology. Her projects focused on: (i) studying the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on population-based radon exposure in residential homes and (ii) the psychology of radon awareness and testing. Natasha’s work was supported by the Alberta Real Estate Foundation and the Bachelor of Health Science program at the University of Calgary.

Mr. Noah Sielu completed a practicum with CAREX during his degree in Public Health at the University of Lethbridge. With a passion for research and health, he worked with the Evict Radon team to examine those with lung injury from the COVID-19 pandemic and the connection with lung cancer caused by radon gas exposure in Canadians.

Noah Sielu, CAREX Practicum Student
Alumni

Mr. Noah Sielu completed a practicum with CAREX during his degree in Public Health at the University of Lethbridge. With a passion for research and health, he worked with the Evict Radon team to examine those with lung injury from the COVID-19 pandemic and the connection with lung cancer caused by radon gas exposure in Canadians.

Dr. Selim Khan is a physician and population health researcher whose work from the University of Ottawa examined Canadian perceptions of radon health risks. He uses artificial intelligence-based approaches to understand how innate radon risks in new houses have evolved from the 20th to the 21st century in both Canada and Sweden. He is supported by an Eyes High Postdoctoral Scholar fellowship award.

Selim Khan, MD, PhD
Alumni

Dr. Selim Khan is a physician and population health researcher whose work from the University of Ottawa examined Canadian perceptions of radon health risks. He uses artificial intelligence-based approaches to understand how innate radon risks in new houses have evolved from the 20th to the 21st century in both Canada and Sweden. He is supported by an Eyes High Postdoctoral Scholar fellowship award.

Mr. Siavash Zarezadeh worked within the Goodarzi laboratory as a high school student in 2016 and completed a Bachelor of Health Science degree at the University of Calgary. He worked under the guidance of Dr. Fintan Stanley. He helped generate the data for our 2017 findings that described radon exposure in Southern Alberta and the first knowledge that newer homes in this region contain higher radon.

Siavash Zarezadeh, MD
Alumni

Mr. Siavash Zarezadeh worked within the Goodarzi laboratory as a high school student in 2016 and completed a Bachelor of Health Science degree at the University of Calgary. He worked under the guidance of Dr. Fintan Stanley. He helped generate the data for our 2017 findings that described radon exposure in Southern Alberta and the first knowledge that newer homes in this region contain higher radon.

Ms. Sophie Pett worked within the Goodarzi laboratory as an Undergraduate Research student as she completed her Health and Society degree at the University of Calgary. Alongside the Evict Radon National Study team, Sophie aimed to understand the disparities that exist among Canadians when it comes to the accessibility of radon awareness, testing, and mitigation resources based on socioeconomic factors, gender identity, and age. Sophie also collected data on occupational radiation exposure among Canadian mitigation professionals with the goal of better understanding and addressing occupational risk.

Sophie Pett, BHSc Honours Student
Alumni

Ms. Sophie Pett worked within the Goodarzi laboratory as an Undergraduate Research student as she completed her Health and Society degree at the University of Calgary. Alongside the Evict Radon National Study team, Sophie aimed to understand the disparities that exist among Canadians when it comes to the accessibility of radon awareness, testing, and mitigation resources based on socioeconomic factors, gender identity, and age. Sophie also collected data on occupational radiation exposure among Canadian mitigation professionals with the goal of better understanding and addressing occupational risk.

Mr. Tyler Warnock worked within the Brenner laboratory as a project and summer student from 2019-2020. Using the newly acquired and analyzed radon exposure data from the Evict Radon National Study published in 2017 and 2019, he helped calculate new radon-attributable cancer risk estimates for Alberta and Saskatchewan. 

Tyler Warnock, BHSc
Alumni

Mr. Tyler Warnock worked within the Brenner laboratory as a project and summer student from 2019-2020. Using the newly acquired and analyzed radon exposure data from the Evict Radon National Study published in 2017 and 2019, he helped calculate new radon-attributable cancer risk estimates for Alberta and Saskatchewan. 

Mr. Weston Jacques worked as the Communications Strategist for the Evict Radon National Study. With a background in strategic messaging and a commitment to raising awareness, Weston disseminated vital information about radon gas, mitigation strategies and the importance of radon testing.

Weston Jacques, MAPC
Alumni

Mr. Weston Jacques worked as the Communications Strategist for the Evict Radon National Study. With a background in strategic messaging and a commitment to raising awareness, Weston disseminated vital information about radon gas, mitigation strategies and the importance of radon testing.

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