Past Contributors
Dr. Alison Hunter-Smith
Dr. Alison Hunter-Smith
Dr. Alison Hunter-Smith
Dr. Alison Hunter-Smith is a breast surgeon with a specialist interest and training in reconstructive breast surgery. She has a sub-specialist interest in breast cancer for younger women and completed an international research fellowship examining the psycho-social and sexual impact of breast cancer for young women at the
Dr. Alison Hunter-Smith is a breast surgeon with a specialist interest and training in reconstructive breast surgery. She has a sub-specialist interest in breast cancer for younger women and completed an international research fellowship examining the psycho-social and sexual impact of breast cancer for young women at the University of Calgary, Alberta in 2020. Whilst abroad, Alison also completed an Observership with the internationally renowned plastics surgeon Dr Elizabeth Hall-Findlay, at the Mineral Springs Hospital Banff. Dr. Alison Hunter-Smiths research has played a major role in the creation of Sapphire and the need for more psychosocial support for young women navigating all aspects of breast cancer.
Robert Basmadjian
Dr. Alison Hunter-Smith
Dr. Alison Hunter-Smith
Robert is a PhD student in the Brenner Lab at the University of Calgary. His research specializes in breast cancer precision medicine in young women, including the development of outcome prediction models and genomic epidemiology.
Fellows
Dr. Melissa Wood BSc, MD, MSc
Dr. Cecily Stockley, MD, MPH, FRCSC
Dr. Cecily Stockley, MD, MPH, FRCSC
Dr. Melissa Wood is currently a Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellow at the University of Calgary. She obtained her undergraduate degree with a BSc in Microbiology and Immunology at UBC Vancouver, and her Doctor of Medicine from U of A. She completed her General Surgery Residency at the University of Saskatchewan and
Dr. Melissa Wood is currently a Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellow at the University of Calgary. She obtained her undergraduate degree with a BSc in Microbiology and Immunology at UBC Vancouver, and her Doctor of Medicine from U of A. She completed her General Surgery Residency at the University of Saskatchewan and obtained her Royal College Certifications in General Surgery and the Clinical Investigator Program (CIP) in 2022. She completed an MSc in Surgical Science and Practice with Distinction at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom as part of CIP. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog with her husband, downhill skiing, spin classes, road biking, and gardening. She has a diverse scope of research interests that span topics including surgical education, quality improvement, human factors, and surgical oncology.
Her current contributions to SPHERE include working with the RUBY project, investigating surgical decision making in young women with breast cancer and surgical decision making among hereditary breast cancer patients, leveraging technology to improve resilience among women with breast cancer, and investigating novel ways to support those with high-risk genetic mutations/syndromes in receiving appropriate cancer screening/surveillance.
Dr. Cecily Stockley, MD, MPH, FRCSC
Dr. Cecily Stockley, MD, MPH, FRCSC
Dr. Cecily Stockley, MD, MPH, FRCSC
Dr. Cecily Stockley is a Complex General Surgical Oncology fellow at the University of Calgary. She completed her residency in General Surgery as well as a Master of Public Health at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her research interests include outcomes-based research with a particular interest in disparities impacti
Dr. Cecily Stockley is a Complex General Surgical Oncology fellow at the University of Calgary. She completed her residency in General Surgery as well as a Master of Public Health at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her research interests include outcomes-based research with a particular interest in disparities impacting cancer care. She has done work with the RUBY project and is currently working on a project related to Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ margin status. She is also contributing to a project related to care delivery for patients with hereditary breast cancer syndromes.
Dr. Kadhim Taqi, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Emerik Arsenault-Monette, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Emerik Arsenault-Monette, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Kadhim Taqi is currently a Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellow at the University of Calgary. He obtained his MD with distinction from Sultan Qaboos University in Oman in 2015 and completed his General Surgery Residency at the University of British Columbia in 2023. He is planned to join the Sultan Qaboos Comprehen
Dr. Kadhim Taqi is currently a Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellow at the University of Calgary. He obtained his MD with distinction from Sultan Qaboos University in Oman in 2015 and completed his General Surgery Residency at the University of British Columbia in 2023. He is planned to join the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC) in Oman after his fellowship. He has won a few awards including the W.H Sutherland Memorial Award for outstanding resident in General surgery (2023), the J.H Ennis awards in Medicine for Breast Cancer Treatment (2023) and Gwyneth and J.T. Sandy Memorial award in excellence in surgical oncology (2022). In his free time, he enjoys exploring Alberta with his wife and 2 kids.
His current work with SPHERE includes working on a project evaluating the use of MRI in invasive lobular breast cancer, and another project investigating the use of staging workup in breast cancer in Alberta.
Dr. Emerik Arsenault-Monette, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Emerik Arsenault-Monette, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Emerik Arsenault-Monette, MD, FRCSC
Dr Emerik Arseneault-Monette is a Complex General Surgical Oncology fellow at the University of Calgary. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine and completed his General Surgery residency at Université de Sherbrooke, earning his Royal College certification in 2024. Upon completion of his fellowship, he will join the Centre Hos
Dr Emerik Arseneault-Monette is a Complex General Surgical Oncology fellow at the University of Calgary. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine and completed his General Surgery residency at Université de Sherbrooke, earning his Royal College certification in 2024. Upon completion of his fellowship, he will join the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS) as a surgical oncologist.
His clinical and research interests encompass the full spectrum of surgical oncology. His academic work focuses on improving oncologic outcomes while minimizing treatment burden through the evaluation of innovative, patient-centered treatment strategies.
As part of his work with SPHERE, he is currently involved in a project investigating tailored axillary surgery for patients with clinically node-positive breast cancer.
Residents
Steven Langer- Resident
Dr. Alysha Keehn, BSc, MD, MSc
Dr. Alysha Keehn, BSc, MD, MSc
Steven Langer is a General Surgery Resident at the University of Calgary.
Dr. Alysha Keehn, BSc, MD, MSc
Dr. Alysha Keehn, BSc, MD, MSc
Dr. Alysha Keehn, BSc, MD, MSc
Dr. Alysha Keehn completed Medical School at the University of Calgary where she is currently completing her residency training in the specialty of General Surgery. During her residency she completed additional academic training through the Clinical Investigator Program and obtained a MSc in Health Services Research under
Dr. Alysha Keehn completed Medical School at the University of Calgary where she is currently completing her residency training in the specialty of General Surgery. During her residency she completed additional academic training through the Clinical Investigator Program and obtained a MSc in Health Services Research under the mentorship of Dr. May Lynn Quan. She aspires to obtain sub-specialty training in the field of surgical oncology and work as a surgeon-scientist, whereby her clinical work can inform her research and transform the way she and others care for patients.
Alysha is passionate about cancer care and her work is dedicated to improving patient experiences and outcomes through quality improvement and health services research. One particular focus of her work is dedicated to understanding the patient experience and giving patients a voice in the research agenda. Her master's thesis, in partnership with the Reducing the Burden of Breast Cancer in Young Women (RUBY) study, used a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting methodology to create a patient-oriented research agenda for young women with breast cancer.
Katherine Fleshner, MD
Dr. Alysha Keehn, BSc, MD, MSc
Katherine Fleshner, MD
Katherine completed medical school at Western University and is now a General Surgery resident at the University of Calgary. She is interested in outcomes-based epidemiology research and oncology. She is currently working on a project looking at regional differences in treatment of the axilla for breast cancer patients in
Katherine completed medical school at Western University and is now a General Surgery resident at the University of Calgary. She is interested in outcomes-based epidemiology research and oncology. She is currently working on a project looking at regional differences in treatment of the axilla for breast cancer patients in Alberta who were clinically downstaged after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. She hopes to continue to integrate clinical cancer research into her practice as a future academic surgeon
Emily Heath- Resident
Emily Hanniman- Resident
Katherine Fleshner, MD
Emily completed an MSc at the University Toronto followed by medical school at Western University. She is currently resident in General Surgery at the University of Calgary. Her current research is focused on quality improvement, exploring factors associated with unplanned emergency department visits in Alberta after mastectomy from the patient perspective.
Emily Hanniman- Resident
Emily Hanniman- Resident
Emily Hanniman- Resident
Emily, BSc in Neuroscience, is a resident in Family Medicine at the University of Calgary. Her passion for community and women’s health motivated her to join the SPHERE project. Emily applies her research experience and medical education to support SPHERE by reviewing patient charts and collecting data pertaining to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, pathology and social challenges.
Medical Students
Jade Pyo- Medical Student
Karen Zeng- Medical Student
Karen Zeng- Medical Student
Jade is a medical student at Cumming School of Medicine. She completed a bachelor’s degree in physiology at the University of Alberta. Jade has completed a master's degree in animal science at the University of Alberta, working with neonatal calves and studying their gut development. Jade has some rehabilitation medicine experience (Occup
Jade is a medical student at Cumming School of Medicine. She completed a bachelor’s degree in physiology at the University of Alberta. Jade has completed a master's degree in animal science at the University of Alberta, working with neonatal calves and studying their gut development. Jade has some rehabilitation medicine experience (Occupational Therapy).
Jade's role at SPHERE is to help with various research projects. and is very excited to have joined the team.
Karen Zeng- Medical Student
Karen Zeng- Medical Student
Karen Zeng- Medical Student
Karen completed her MSc at Queen’s University and is currently a medical student at the University of Calgary. She is currently working on a project that looks at the factors influencing surgical treatment plans for young patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and how these decisions affect psychosocial outcomes. Karen hopes her wo
Karen completed her MSc at Queen’s University and is currently a medical student at the University of Calgary. She is currently working on a project that looks at the factors influencing surgical treatment plans for young patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and how these decisions affect psychosocial outcomes. Karen hopes her work will contribute to more informed surgical decision making for young women with DCIS. She is excited to help out with other projects on the team and is passionate about integrating clinical research into her future practice!
Students
Karen Zeng- Medical Student
Madeleine McKenzie- Summer Student
Karen Zeng- Medical Student
Karen completed her MSc at Queen’s University and is currently a medical student at the University of Calgary. She is currently working on a project that looks at the factors influencing surgical treatment plans for young patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and how these decisions affect psychosocial outcomes. Karen hopes her wo
Karen completed her MSc at Queen’s University and is currently a medical student at the University of Calgary. She is currently working on a project that looks at the factors influencing surgical treatment plans for young patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and how these decisions affect psychosocial outcomes. Karen hopes her work will contribute to more informed surgical decision making for young women with DCIS. She is excited to help out with other projects on the team and is passionate about integrating clinical research into her future practice!
Maya Quinn- Summer Student
Madeleine McKenzie- Summer Student
Karen Zeng- Medical Student
Maya Quinn is an undergraduate kinesiology student at Western University in London, Ontario. Last summer, she contributed to a project focused on improving hereditary breast cancer care and screening guidelines and also helped develop the Sapphire app. She truly valued her experience with the SPHERE team and was grateful for the opportuni
Maya Quinn is an undergraduate kinesiology student at Western University in London, Ontario. Last summer, she contributed to a project focused on improving hereditary breast cancer care and screening guidelines and also helped develop the Sapphire app. She truly valued her experience with the SPHERE team and was grateful for the opportunity to be part of such meaningful work.
This summer, Maya is contributing to Benjamin Darby's project, which aims to assess the implementation of a magnetic localization technique in breast cancer care. She’s excited to stay involved with SPHERE and continue supporting the team’s initiatives.
Madeleine McKenzie- Summer Student
Madeleine McKenzie- Summer Student
Madeleine McKenzie- Summer Student
Madeleine holds a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology and is currently pursuing her medical degree at the University of Limerick in Ireland. As part of the SPHERE team, she is actively contributing to the GeneScreen project, which focuses on developing provincial guidelines for the screening and prevention of hereditary canc
Madeleine holds a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology and is currently pursuing her medical degree at the University of Limerick in Ireland. As part of the SPHERE team, she is actively contributing to the GeneScreen project, which focuses on developing provincial guidelines for the screening and prevention of hereditary cancer syndromes. These include hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Lynch syndrome—all of which significantly elevate an individual's lifetime cancer risk. Once established, the project will introduce a virtual nurse navigator-led clinic to implement these guidelines and streamline care for affected individuals.
Asha Swamy- Summer Student
Zainab Rahmouni- Summer Student
Madeleine McKenzie- Summer Student
Asha Swamy is a medical student at the University of Ottawa. She is currently conducting research on factors influencing surgical decision-making in young women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and associated psychosocial outcomes.. Through her research, Asha aims to empower young women with DCIS by providing them with the
Asha Swamy is a medical student at the University of Ottawa. She is currently conducting research on factors influencing surgical decision-making in young women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and associated psychosocial outcomes.. Through her research, Asha aims to empower young women with DCIS by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about their care. She is passionate about research and aspires to pursue a career as a clinician-scientist.
Zainab Rahmouni- Summer Student
Zainab Rahmouni- Summer Student
Zainab Rahmouni- Summer Student
Zainab is a high school student entering her grade 12 year at Lester B. Pearson High School. Her current project focuses on evaluating online resources for very young women living with and beyond breast cancer and analyzing how breast cancer is portrayed through content across social media platforms. Through this experience, Zainab is exc
Zainab is a high school student entering her grade 12 year at Lester B. Pearson High School. Her current project focuses on evaluating online resources for very young women living with and beyond breast cancer and analyzing how breast cancer is portrayed through content across social media platforms. Through this experience, Zainab is excited to explore what it truly means to be a researcher by critically analyzing information and contributing to work that addresses real-world challenges. She’s especially passionate about the field of medicine and is eager to make a positive impact on the quality of life for those affected by breast cancer. Zainab is excited to be a part of the SPHERE team this summer and looks forward to learning, growing, and contributing to meaningful health research.
Tala Shukeir - Summer Student
Zainab Rahmouni- Summer Student
Zainab Rahmouni- Summer Student
Tala Shukeir is a high school student, entering grade 12 at Renert School. She has a deep interest in the life sciences and contributing to the evolving field of medicine. She is currently examining the availability of online resources for very young women with breast cancer and evaluating the types of content posted about breast cancer a
Tala Shukeir is a high school student, entering grade 12 at Renert School. She has a deep interest in the life sciences and contributing to the evolving field of medicine. She is currently examining the availability of online resources for very young women with breast cancer and evaluating the types of content posted about breast cancer across various social media platforms. Through her project, she aspires to drive progress in health research and positively impact the quality of life for individuals with breast cancer. Tala is excited about joining the team this summer to learn more about what it means to be a researcher in pursuit of helping others.
Tina Nia- Summer Student
Jesimiel Ugburo-Shanomi- Summer Student
Jesimiel Ugburo-Shanomi- Summer Student
Tina is a medical student at the University of Limerick. She previously earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. With a strong foundation in both engineering principles and clinical science, she is passionate about leveraging technology to advance healthcare. She is currently involved in research
Tina is a medical student at the University of Limerick. She previously earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. With a strong foundation in both engineering principles and clinical science, she is passionate about leveraging technology to advance healthcare. She is currently involved in research as part of the SPHERE team, where she is contributing to an innovative project focused on integrating robotic-assisted ultrasound into breast cancer diagnostics. Tina is excited to be part of a multidisciplinary team, and she looks forward to contributing meaningfully to research that drives clinical innovation and leads to better patient outcomes.
Jesimiel Ugburo-Shanomi- Summer Student
Jesimiel Ugburo-Shanomi- Summer Student
Jesimiel Ugburo-Shanomi- Summer Student
Jesimiel is a third-year medical student at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Her current project focuses on the validation of surveys assessing resilience and coping skills in patients recently diagnosed with breast cancer as well as the supports available to patients beyond diagnosis and treatment. Jesimiel looks forward to furt
Jesimiel is a third-year medical student at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Her current project focuses on the validation of surveys assessing resilience and coping skills in patients recently diagnosed with breast cancer as well as the supports available to patients beyond diagnosis and treatment. Jesimiel looks forward to further developing her skills in research that will enable her to grow as a future physician and researcher. She is passionate about the application of research to improve patient outcomes as well as continued education surrounding women's health. Jesimiel is sincerely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the SPHERE team this summer while making meaningful contributions to the community
Chloe Leung- Summer Student
Jesimiel Ugburo-Shanomi- Summer Student
Chloe Leung- Summer Student
Chloe Leung is an undergraduate kinesiology student at the University of Calgary. This summer, her project focuses on analyzing qualitative data from the 'Tips and Tricks survey conducted as part of the Sapphire app development. Her work aims to identify the practical, everyday needs of young women with breast cancer that current literatu
Chloe Leung is an undergraduate kinesiology student at the University of Calgary. This summer, her project focuses on analyzing qualitative data from the 'Tips and Tricks survey conducted as part of the Sapphire app development. Her work aims to identify the practical, everyday needs of young women with breast cancer that current literature and resources fail to address. Chloe is passionate about patient-centered research and how to translate findings into applications that improve healthcare outcomes. She is excited to contribute to the SPHERE team and is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the team.
Diya Rathod- Summer Student
Diya Rathod- Summer Student
Chloe Leung- Summer Student
Diya Rathod is a student entering her Grade 12 year at North Trail High School. This summer, she is analyzing qualitative data from the Tips and Tricks survey completed by young women with breast cancer as part of the development of the Sapphire app. Her work aims to bring attention to the practical, everyday needs of young women with bre
Diya Rathod is a student entering her Grade 12 year at North Trail High School. This summer, she is analyzing qualitative data from the Tips and Tricks survey completed by young women with breast cancer as part of the development of the Sapphire app. Her work aims to bring attention to the practical, everyday needs of young women with breast cancer that are often missing from current resources and support. Diya is interested in pursuing a career in medicine and is excited to learn what qualitative research is really like while contributing to a project that can make a meaningful difference for young women with breast cancer. She is excited to work with the SPHERE team and is grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to research that has the potential to create real change.