Him Wai (Michael) Ng holds a Master of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Physics from Simon Fraser University. His research and work focus on developing AI-driven software and technologies. He has contributed to multiple patents and publications in areas such as computer vision, deep learning, and embedded AI systems. His work has led to several U.S. patents on privacy- preserving fall detection, face recognition, and AI-driven vision systems. His expertise spans machine learning, deep learning model optimization, embedded AI systems, system architecture, and cloud-based AI deployment.

Varsha is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the McKeown Lab. She has PhD in Mathematical Sciences and specialises in computational neuroimaging. Her research primarily involves uncovering the effects of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) on vigour in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and identifying the underlying neural correlates using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). She also works towards understanding the effects of low-intensity focussed ultrasound on tremor and other motor symptoms in patients with PD. In her spare time, Varsha dabbles in home decor and baking, and also likes to experiment with making jams.

Taomian is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the McKeown Lab. She is a certified Neurologist specialized in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders. Her research primarily involves investigating the clinical effects of low-intensity focused ultrasound on tremor and other motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease and exploring the underlying mechanism utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging. Her work also contributes to the development of a platform with a research initiative focused on using AI technology to detect and assess motor disabilities in Parkinson’s disease.

Emad is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at McKeown Lab. He was born in Rasht (known as the “City of Rains”) in Guilan Province, Iran. He studied at Tehran University for his Master of Science in Bioelectromagnetics. In
2022, Emad relocated to the Netherlands to begin his dual PhD between UMC Utrecht and KU Leuven. He started working on the European Horizon 2020 project, developing signal processing techniques for NIRS (Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) and aEEG (amplitude-integrated EEG) data to monitor brain health in preterm infants. He defended his PhD thesis in 2024. His main work in the McKeown Lab includes multimodal signal
processing to find correspondence between neural and behavioral Parkinson’s patients’ data. Besides research, he is interested in playing European football, reading Persian poetry, watching American and Japanese movies, and listening to music from different cultures.

Michael has a bachelor of Microbiology & Immunology. As a research assistant in the McKeown lab, he works on data collection for the Parkinson’s Disease Biomarker study. Outside of the lab, Michael likes to spend time with his friends and test out different types of board games.

Atefeh is a PhD candidate in Artificial Intelligence and a Technical Research Assistant at the McKeown Lab. Her research focuses on assessing Parkinson’s disease (PD) severity using video processing techniques. She also has experience in cognitive and autism detection and is developing tools to enhance these assessments. In addition to her academic and technical roles as a machine learning engineer, Atefeh is also a game developer and web developer. Outside of work, she enjoys the art of origami and exploring different culinary techniques in the kitchen.

Maggie Vuong – Biomedical Technologist

Maggie is a Research Assistant and Biomedical Technologist in the lab. Her focus is on the Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound projects to investigate how this technology can be used to help treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, hiking, and trying new restaurants.

Gabriella Guerra – Research Assistant

Gabriella is a research assistant at the McKeown Lab in the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre. She is exploring a machine learning approach to predict medication wear off episodes in patients with Parkinson’s disease. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Systems. Outside of the lab, she enjoys long distance running, skiing, and bike touring.

Minghao is a MSc student in the Graduate Neuroscience Program at the University of British Columbia. He completed his undergraduate training in Kinesiology at UBC, where he studied how motor practices and cognitive processes facilitate motor learning. His past research experience sparked his interest in the neural mechanisms of motor control and how they can be harnessed to treat physical impairments. In the McKeown lab, Minghao focuses on utilizing precision-designed vestibular stimuli to improve balance in people with Parkinson’s disease. He hopes to leverage non-invasive neuromodulation techniques to enhance patients’ mobility and quality of life. Outside the lab, he enjoys going to the gym, taking road trips, and street photography.

Zahra is a MSc student in the Graduate Neuroscience Program at the University of British Columbia. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the Sharif University of Technology. Her research mainly focuses on conserved brain motor networks for motor movement and disability, particularly Parkinson’s disease, using fMRI. She also has experience in EEG signal processing, computational neuroscience, and decision-making models. Outside the lab, she is interested in reading Persian literary writings, hiking, and cooking.

Elisa is a WorkLearn Research Assistant at the McKeown Lab and an undergraduate student at UBC, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies. She is excited to contribute to such a multidisciplinary lab focused on researching and exploring ways to support individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease. Outside of work and school, she enjoys living an active lifestyle, spending time with friends and family, and re-watching her favourite comfort shows.

Mops is the lab’s beloved mascot and all-time employee of the month. He joins lab meetings, gives moral support to grad students, and supervises staff work. His main responsibility is making sure he gets belly rubs from everyone in the building. In his free time, Mops is an ultra-marathon runner and certified food seeker.