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:

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.

Alexia McCormick
My name is Alexia and I’m a recent graduate from Mount Allison University where I completed a BSc Honours in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry. My future goal is to pursue a career in medicine, specifically, I’m interested in medical research. I’m grateful to be apart of CESC to gain more research experience and to get the opportunity to interact with patients!

Andy Jin
Hello! My name is Andy Jin and I am currently in my fourth year of the Biology-Chemistry program at the University of New Brunswick. I wish to pursue a career in the medical field, specifically surgery, and I love the opportunity to explore the field of orthopedic surgery through the Volunteer-Mentorship Program at the CESC. I am glad to be a part of the wonderful team of volunteers, researchers, and administrators, and I hope that I will gain invaluable real-world experience with clinical research as well as patient interaction. I look forward to expanding my horizons and assisting to advance patient outcomes.

Brynn Kerr
Hello, my name is Brynn! I have just recently graduated from Acadia University, where I completed a Bachelor of Science with a double major in chemistry and biology! I’m really excited to get involved with CESC and gain some research experience as well as gain experience interacting with patients. I’m looking forward to learning many new things in the medical and research field. In my free time, I really enjoy playing sports, reading and spending time with friends and family!

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!

EJ Kearney
Hello, my name is EJ! I am in my final year at Harbour View High School and recently participated in and won a Best Poster Award at Research NB’s Health Research Week 2023 Conference. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to show my skills and dedicate myself to Canada East Spine Centre. I love the opportunity to volunteer in a hospital setting because it can teach me more about interactions with patients and expected procedures.

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.

Hannah Van Brenk
Hello, my name is Hannah! I am currently completing a Master of Science in Kinesiology degree at the University of New Brunswick Fredericton. I am investigating the effects that depression has on post-operative pain and disability after lumbar discectomy surgery. Volunteering at CESC has allowed me to have direct contact with everyone involved in my research as well as witness how my data was collected. In my free time you can find me curled up on the couch reading, playing field hockey or as a student athletic therapist with a variety of the UNB Reds sports teams!

Ishita Chohan
Hello, my name is Ishita! I am a grade 12 International Baccalaureate Diploma Student at Saint John High School. I am passionate about improving healthcare and plan to pursue a career in medicine. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in the Canada East Spine Centre Volunteer-Mentorship Program, and I hope to expand my knowledge in medical research. In my spare time, I volunteer at the Saint John Regional Hospital and enjoy running or baking.

Janet Debly
Hi, my name is Janet Debly and I have recently completed my undergraduate degree in Science at UNBSJ, majoring in Biology-Psychology with a Biology Honours and a minor in Chemistry. I am currently enrolled in the Master of Biology program at UNBSJ, focusing on natural product discovery. I joined the Canada East Spine Centre in 2019 as a volunteer research assistant focused mainly on patients’ response to their post-operative experience at the hospital. While volunteering in a hospital setting, getting to be part of a team with health professionals, and interacting with patients, I now know for sure that I want to pursue a career in the medical field. In my spare time I like to cook/bake new recipes and hike!

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.

Julianne MacCallum
Hello! My name is Julianne and I am in my 4th year of a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology at the University of New Brunswick - Saint John. My goal has been to have a career in health care and having the opportunity to be a volunteer with the Canada East Spine Centre is a perfect way to get exposed to the medical environment. I am excited to work with the team at CESC and I look forward to participating in research. I hope to develop skills and knowledge that I can apply to my future career, especially ways to interact with patients. Outside of school, I play soccer for the Seawolves!

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.

Kathleen Varty
Hello everyone! My name is Kathleen and I am a currently working on my Master of Biology with a focus in cancer immunotherapies. During my undergrad I also worked on electrochemical biosensors to detect breast cancer biomarkers. Despite a current heavy focus in cancer I am passionate in all areas of health research including less biological aspects such as social and economic determinants of health. I have a keen interest in medicine and medical research, particularly in translational medicine and patient-led care with the hopes of doing medical research in some capacity in the future. During my free time, you can find me outdoors, often rock climbing, biking, or skiing!

Kyra Holt
Hello! My name is Kyra Holt and I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Saint Francis Xavier University. I am deeply passionate about pursuing a career in medicine, guided by a profound interest in exploring the diverse facets of the medical field. I am excited to work alongside fellow volunteers and professionals at the CESC and acquire invaluable clinical research experience. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of engaging directly with patients and expanding my knowledge of today's healthcare system.

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.

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.

Rylie McGrath
Hello, My name is Rylie McGrath. I am a first-year student in the Bachelor of Health Program at UNBSJ. I aim to work in the healthcare system in the future, and the Canada East Spine Centre has afforded me a great opportunity to learn about the inner workings of medical research and the healthcare system! I joined the CESC in 2023, and I look forward to continuing my work as a volunteer research assistant. During my free time I enjoy cooking, canoeing, and hiking.

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.

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!