Lab Director
Dr. Ahmad Haidar
Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
My research interest lies in applying control theory and Bayesian modeling to physiological and clinical problems in diabetes, using a highly interdisciplinary bench-to-bedside approach. The development of the artificial pancreas and learning algorithms for type 1 diabetes is the current focus of my research.
Our Team
Yasmine Coovadia
Clinical Research Associate
I completed my MSc and PhD in Neurovascular Physiology at McGill University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. My prior research focused on understanding how the autonomic and cardiovascular systems interact to regulate human health and disease, resulting in numerous peer-reviewed publications and research funding from national and international agencies. I recently joined the McGill Diabetes Technologies Lab as a Clinical Research Associate, where I coordinate and manage clinical studies ranging from early-stage technology evaluation to multi-centre industry-sponsored trials. Through this role, I support research aimed at advancing diabetes technologies, therapeutic interventions, and digital health solutions to improve patient care. I am particularly interested in bridging scientific research and clinical innovation to help translate new discoveries into real-world applications.
Laurie Goulet
Clinical Research Coordinator
I completed my PhD in Neuroscience at McGill University, where my research focused on understanding how visual information is processed in the human brain using psychophysics and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Through my doctoral work, I developed a strong interest in translational research and in applying scientific research to questions with direct clinical relevance. I recently joined the McGill Diabetes Technologies Lab as a Clinical Research Coordinator, where I coordinate a study investigating the effects of semaglutide in individuals living with type 1 diabetes who are using automated insulin delivery systems. I am particularly interested in clinical research that bridges scientific innovation and patient care, with the goal of translating research findings into meaningful improvements in health and quality of life.
Rebecca Boyer-Hernandez
Clinical Research Coordinator - Nurse
I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at the Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec. I subsequently worked as a Registered Nurse at Camp Carowanis, a camp for children living with type 1 diabetes, where I discovered my passion for this field. I recently joined Dr. Haidar’s research team, contributing to various clinical aspects of ongoing studies. I will soon begin work on a study investigating the effects of Tirzepatide in individuals living with type 1 diabetes who are using automated insulin delivery systems.
Trang Quynh Tran
Administrative Coordinator
I provide administrative support to Dr. Haidar and oversee the operations of the lab including staffing, finance, equipment, supplies and more.
Alma Almidany
Ph.D. Student
Natasha Alder
Master's Student
I completed my Honours Bachelor degree in Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University, where I gained foundational experience in cellular and structural biology though research in microbiology and cell trafficking. I am currently pursuing my master’s in Experimental Medicine in Dr. Haidar’s lab as a Clinical Research Coordinator. I currently lead the SEMPA clinical trial, a study evaluating the combined effects of semaglutide and empagliflozin on glucose control and ketone dynamics in adults with type 1 diabetes. My interests centre on improving therapeutic tools, easing the burden of diabetes management and advancing translational research that directly informs patient care.
Keddy Moise
Master's Student
I am an internist and M.Sc. student in Experimental Medicine at McGill University, focusing on diabetes technologies for type 1 diabetes in Dr. Haidar’s lab. My work examines automated insulin delivery systems and adjunctive therapies, including tirzepatide, with a particular interest in cardiovascular outcomes. Previously, I practiced internal medicine in Haiti, improving outpatient diabetes care and access to services. I aim to pursue a career that integrates clinical research with patient-centered care for chronic metabolic diseases.
Amir Ibrahim
Master's Student
Pursuing a master’s degree in Experimental Medicine in Dr. Haidar’s lab, I am exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and diabetes technologies. I am particularly interested in using clinical and continuous glucose monitoring data to develop safe, patient-centred decision-support tools that reduce the burden of type 1 diabetes management. I completed my B.Sc. in Systems and Biomedical Engineering at Cairo University and have since worked as a software engineer, building digital products and healthcare systems. This experience shaped my interest in translating computational methods into practical tools for patient care.
Carolyn Wright
Master's Student
I completed my bachelor’s degree at McGill University, majoring in pharmacology with a minor in neuroscience. I am now pursuing my master’s in experimental medicine, where I have the opportunity to bridge my pharmacological background with patient-centred research. In Dr. Haidar’s lab, I coordinate a study involved with investigating the potential of semaglutide (Ozempic) to reduce the burden of carbohydrate counting in people with type 1 diabetes using automated insulin pump therapy.
Our Clinicians
Dr. Michael Tsoukas
Adult Endocrinologist
Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Endocrinologist in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, MUHC
Dr. Laurent Legault
Paediatric Endocrinologist
Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Paediatric endocrinologist in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, MUHC
Head of the Diabetes Clinic from (2000 to 2011) and (2014-present)
Dr. Jean-François Yale
Adult Endocrinologist
Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Endocrinologist in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, MUHC
Dr. Vanessa Tardio
Adult Endocrinologist
Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Co-director of the Endocrinology and Metabolism Residency Training Program
Dr. Melissa-Rosina Pasqua
Endocrinologist
Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Dr. Julia Von Oettingen
Paediatric Endocrinologist
Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Paediatric endocrinologist in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, MUHC
Dr. Natasha Garfield
Adult Endocrinologist
Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Clinician-teacher in the division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, MUHC