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.
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.
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.
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.
Elisabeth Lawton
Undergraduate Student
I am a final-year McGill Bioengineering student motivated to apply engineering to improve diabetes care. In the Diabetes Technology Lab, I work on data analysis and insulin-optimization algorithms.
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
Director of training program, Adult Endocrinology and Metabolism
Clinician-teacher in the division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, MUHC