Our Current Volunteers

We are very thankful to past and present volunteers that have contributed to our valuable research. Currently the following individuals are active volunteers with us:

Abdul Nasan
Hi my name is Abdul Nasan, a Biomedical Sciences student at the University of New Brunswick with a strong passion for healthcare and community involvement. As a volunteer at the Canada East Spine Centre, I am committed to supporting innovative research and improving patient care. My dedication to learning and making a positive impact reflects my aspiration to become a future leader and a surgeon in the medical field.

Abdullah Al Sheikh Zein
Hello! My name is Abdullah. I am just entering my third year of the Bachelor of Health degree at UNB, majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Health. By being a part of the Volunteer-Mentorship Program at CESC over the past year, I feel like I have gained a vast amount of experience and knowledge of how medical research is conducted. Moreover, I feel like it has further fueled my passion to pursue a career in medicine and specifically neurosurgery. I am very happy to continue to be a part of the Volunteer-Mentorship program and I look forward to all the new experiences and tasks I will engage in during this time. When I am not volunteering or juggling schoolwork, I like to swim and to go out with friends and family.

Alex Lui
Hello! My name is Alex and I am a second-year BSc. Biology-Psychology student at the University of New Brunswick Saint John. I am looking forward to developing my knowledge and skills in medical research with the CESC. I am also excited to work with the other volunteers and the staff here to help improve patient outcomes. In my spare time, I enjoy playing volleyball, golf, and skiing.

Amena Gadoura
Hello, my name is Amena! I recently finished my bachelors of science degree in biology and will be completing a masters in applied health research in the next year. Volunteering is a very big part of my life as it has been for the last several years, giving back especially when it involves direct patient contact or support is important to me as I wish to have a career in the medical field. I am excited to volunteer at the CESC as it combines volunteering and an opportunity to give back with the chance to work in the research community. Apart from volunteering I enjoy sports mainly soccer and playing tennis, I also love math! I cannot wait to get started and contribute to the CESC!

Ben Gordon
Hello, my name is Ben. I am in my third year of a Bachelor of Science degree at UNBSJ majoring in biology-psychology. I am interested in pursuing a career as a physician. In my free time I enjoy reading, playing the drums, and spending time with family and friends. I am looking forward to expanding my experience with medical research through the Volunteer Mentorship Program at the Canada East Spine Centre.

Cassie Blue
Hello! My name is Cassie and I am a registered nurse currently working in the orthopaedic unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital. I am excited to collaborate with CESC and explore how the academic side of medicine integrates into clinical practice. This opportunity means a great deal to me and I look forward to gaining valuable knowledge in orthopaedic medicine.

Christine Ojo Abegunde
Hello, my name is Christine! I am currently in my second year of a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in biology. I aspire to pursue a career in the field of sports medicine. I am grateful to be part of the Volunteer-Mentorship Program at the CESC as it will not only provide me valuable research experience but will allow me to help other people. My favourite activities include lifting, watching action movies and cooking different pasta dishes!

Emir Ersin
I am entering my third year in the Bachelor of Science program at the University of New Brunswick Saint John, majoring in Biology-Psychology. I have a deep passion for medicine and research, and I enjoy contributing to meaningful projects that help improve patient care. I am very excited to be part of the team at the Canada East Spine Centre and I look forward to seeing how much this experience will help me grow both personally and professionally. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, video games, and spending time with my family and friends.

Hannah Isaac
Hello! My name is Hannah and I’m a fourth year BSc. Biology-Psychology student at UNBSJ. I’m so excited to be working with the CESC as I am passionate about improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice. Through the Volunteer-Mentorship Program I hope to expand my clinical knowledge while gaining experience in a research setting. Additionally, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have more patient interaction. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering at the Saint John Regional Hospital and reading.

Jill Hickey
My name is Jill, and I am currently in my fourth year of an undergraduate science degree at UNB Fredericton, majoring in Biology-Chemistry. My future goals include pursuing a career in medicine and, specifically, I am interested in the fields of neuroscience and physiatry. I am very excited to be part of the Volunteer Mentorship Program at the Canada East Spine Centre and to have the opportunity to gain insight into the process of medical research. Outside of school, my passions include soccer, reading and playing with dogs.

Kaleb Hussey
Hello! My name is Kaleb Hussey and I am a first-year BSc. Biology student at UNBSJ. My career goal is to work in the medical field, specifically I am interested in specializing in radiology. Until then, I am a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, specifically a member of the naval reserves. In my free time I enjoy exercising, travelling, and learning new hobbies. I am extremely grateful for being granted the opportunity to be a part of CESC to gain knowledge and skills in medical research.

Kami Sadien
Hi there! I’m Kami, a recent UNB Fredericton graduate with a BSc in Biology and a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology. My academic journey has allowed me to explore research through both experimental and analytical work—from characterizing agricultural microbiota for ecosystem conservation and studying cancer cell migration in vitro, to conducting meta-analyses on the effects of supplemented infant formula on infant gut microbiomes. I’m passionate about connecting science with real-world impact. Alongside my current role with the New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association—where I contribute to policy development and structural reviews to support healthcare system improvements—I’m excited to be volunteering with the Canada East Spine Centre. I hope my time here builds on the foundation for a career that bridges research, clinical care, and health policy—driving meaningful change and improving patient outcomes. When I’m not working or deep in data, you’ll probably find me painting, singing, trying out new foods, or catching up on anime!

Luke Boateng
Hello! My name is Luke, and I am currently in my third year of the Bachelor of Health program at the University of New Brunswick, majoring in Biomedical Sciences & Health. I am passionate about research that bridges science and patient care, and I am excited to be volunteering with the Canada East Spine Centre. Through this opportunity, I hope to deepen my understanding of clinical research and its real-world impact on patient outcomes. In the future, I aspire to pursue a career in medicine (Medical Oncology) where I can combine research, compassion, and innovation. In my spare time, I enjoy playing Basketball, volunteering in the community, and spending time with family and friends.

Malek Attabib
I’m entering my first year in the Bachelor of Health program at UNBSJ, and looking forward to majoring in Biomedical Sciences. I’m very happy to have the opportunity to develop my knowledge, skills, and overall interest in the medical field by joining CESC. Outside of work, I like to play soccer, spend time with friends, kayak, and do other activities.

Mawadda Khanes
Hello, my name is Mawadda! I’m a first-year student studying biomedical science in the Bachelor of Health program at UNB Saint John. I’m very excited to be volunteering with the Canada East Spine Center because of my strong passion for spine research and medical innovations. I hope to contribute greatly and gain valuable insights. In my spare time, I enjoy reading thrillers and autobiographies.

Marion Ojo Abegunde
Hello! My name is Marion, and I am entering my second year as a student in the Kinesiology Science program at the University of New Brunswick Fredericton. I am so excited to be apart of the team and gain valuable research experience. I believe that the work the Canada East Spine Centre is doing will enhance patient care and treatment, which aligns with my passion for improving health outcomes. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering at the Regional Hospital, baking, and watching period dramas.

Morgan Haslett
Hello! My name is Morgan and I am currently a student at UNBSJ in the Bachelor of Health program. I am very excited to work with CESC to develop a deeper understanding of the way that medical research is conducted. In my spare time, I am usually found coaching speed skating or sailing, or training for various sports such as triathlon, sailing and rowing! I look forward to working with the other volunteers and the staff in this field of research!

Omar El-Mugayyar
Hello, I'm Omar, a recent graduate holding a BSc in Biology-Psychology from UNBSJ. I wish to pursue a career in healthcare and dive into the world of clinical research, gain valuable experience, and cultivate new skills. I am very grateful for this wonderful opportunity and look forward to creating a better future.

Rayhan Mohammad
Hello! My name is Rayhan and I recently graduated from UNBF with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. I'm currently in my gap year as I prepare to apply to medical school, and I'm excited to be volunteering with Canada East Spine Centre during this time. Through this opportunity, I've been gaining hands-on research experience while learning more about spine health and patient care. I'm passionate about healthcare and enjoy being part of a team that's working to make a meaningful difference. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, travelling, and watching TV.

Rebecca Isaac
Hello! My name is Rebecca, and I’m going into my third year as a student in the Bachelor of Health program at UNB Saint John. I am excited for the opportunity to gain valuable medical research experience while learning from my colleagues and mentors. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with friends and family. I am very grateful to be part of the Volunteer Mentorship Program and look forward to contributing to innovative research!

Safe AbuJayyab
Hello! My name is Safe AbuJayyab and I am currently in my third year of the Biology-Psychology program at the University of New Brunswick Saint John. I wish to pursue a career in the medical field, specifically eye surgery. I also like to volunteer with the Air Cadet Program, help out with UNB events, and play soccer. I look forward to volunteering with CESC and learning lots! I look forward to expanding my horizons and assisting to advance patient outcomes.

Sami Attabib
Greetings! My name is Sami, currently a third-year university student pursuing a bachelor's in science majoring in Biology-Psychology. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to enhance my knowledge, skills, and passion for the medical field through my volunteer work at the Canada East Spine Center as I aspire to build a career in the medical field. I find joy in the digital realm, indulging in video games during my leisure time. Additionally, I have a keen interest in history and current affairs, often immersing myself in news and literature to stay well-informed about the world around us.

Sandra Abujayyab
Hello! My name is Sandra and I'm really grateful to be part of the team as a volunteer at the CESC. I have a Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research, and I'm passionate about biomedical research and the impact it can have. I'm especially interested in neuroscience and how research can support better care for patients. My goal is to work with organizations that are making real, lasting change in the world. For now, I'm excited to learn, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

Sandy Abujayyab
Hi! I recently completed my undergraduate at UNBSJ and am currently taking their new one year psychology graduate program: Masters in Applied Psychology, Research and Evaluation (MAPRE). I joined CESC's volunteer program in 2019 to get involved in research and medicine. I am always looking for opportunities to gain experience and develop new skills. I hope to discover more of my passions and interests by working with CESC!

Sylvia Okpata
My name is Sylvia, a third-year Bachelor of Health student majoring in Biomedical Sciences at the University of New Brunswick, Saint John Campus. Gaining this opportunity to volunteer at the Canada East Spine Centre is not just a professional milestone; it is a privilege that underscores a pathway into translational research, the very basis of science through which unimaginable real-world impacts are made. Via this experience, I hope to expand my horizon in understanding clinical research and how precision medicine can be used to foster healing and enhance the patient-health practitioner relationship. My long-term objective is to pursue a career in precision medicine where I can blend translational research and holistic approaches into critically under-recognized topics using genetic biomarkers to better the gynecological health of underrepresented populations. Outside academia, I love to crochet, listen to podcasts, and spend time with loved ones.