Evidence-informed research can take more than a decade to be implemented into practice for population-level benefits. This sizable gap highlights a need for a modernized approach to connect knowledge users and knowledge generators. Public Health Insight was founded to accelerate knowledge exchange between researchers, public health practitioners, students, and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure that research findings can be used to inform the implementation of real-world interventions as soon as the knowledge becomes available.
Gordon Thane (He/Him) is currently a Program Manager, where he leads a department of more than 20 public health professionals working in the program areas of chronic disease prevention, mental health and well-being, substance use, harm reduction, and injury prevention. Gordon is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), completing both his Master of Public Health (MPH) and Bachelor of Medical Science in Microbiology and Immunology at Western University. Gordon also serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at St. Leonard’s Community Services – London and Region, where he provides his public health leadership to enhance programs, policy, and decision-making to support people who are at risk of being involved with the justice system.
After working with the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases on several research and knowledge translation projects to support national antimicrobial stewardship programs, he now serves on the Advisory Board providing scientific advice on infectious disease, prevention, control, and knowledge translation strategies. Gordon has been interviewed by various Canadian media networks, such as CTV, CityNews Toronto, AM 800, and CBC to discuss a variety of public health issues. He received Health Promotion Ontario’s Lori Chow Memorial Award in 2021 for his leadership and advocacy related to anti-Black racism, focus on equity in programming, innovation in health promotion, and dedication to mentoring students and early career professionals.
Leshawn Benedict (He/Him) is the Founder of Public Health Insight, a public health organization committed to leading and innovating modern solutions to support evidence-informed public health communication, education, and knowledge translation. Public Health Insight reaches audiences in over 170 countries across over 4000 cities. Leshawn serves as a member of the Board of Directors at one of the province’s most established and comprehensive community health organizations, Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities.
Leshawn received his Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, majoring in Biochemistry and Biology, and completed his Master of Public Health and Master of Science (Global Health Management) degrees at Western University and McMaster University. He is also a dual-certified Project Management and Digital Marketing Professional.
Bindra Shah (She/Her) is currently a Person-Centred Care Specialist at Ontario Health, where she plays an active role collaborating with regional partners to develop system-level programs and advance the quality of patient care province-wide. She is also the Healthcare Research Program Lead at Move Me Foundation, a grassroots non-profit focused on improving mental health for seniors living in the Greater Toronto Area, and sits as a Steering Committee member for the Canadian Association for Global Health MentorNet. Bindra earned her Master of Public Health degree from McMaster University and her Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree from Western University. Over the past several years, Bindra has held various research, evaluation, and policy roles addressing public health. She is passionate about reducing disparities in healthcare access and improving health outcomes at the population level. In her free time, Bindra enjoys reading, running, and practicing yoga.
Purva (She/Her) is a global health professional focused on equitable health access, social determinants of health, and maternal, newborn, and child health. She received her Honours Bachelor of Medical Science at Western University and a Master of Science in Global Health from McMaster University. Purva is currently working on projects with the Humanitarian Health Ethics Research group, Canadian Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases, and is a Director of Design at Girl Up Toronto.
Sulaiman Alhalbouni (He/Him) is a Public Health Professional focused on health inequities and the delivery of effective public health interventions. He received his Bachelor of Medical Science (BMSc) with Honors in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences and completed his Master of Public Health (MPH) at Western University. He has lent his expertise to local community organizations, a public health unit, and a post-secondary institution (languages and cultures department). He is a tea enthusiast and enjoys the arts of illustration and animation.
William Wang (He/Him) works as a Policy Analyst in the Office of International Affairs for the Canadian Federal Health Portfolio. He received his Honors Bachelor of Arts (BA), specializing in Sociocultural Anthropology and Geography, and completed his Master of Public Health (MPH) from Western University. Wil represented Canada at the PAHO-WHO 57th DC and is keen on global health governance and maternal and infant health issues. In his spare time, he enjoys trying out new recipes and reading a good book.
Jawairia Mohammed (She/Her) is an undergraduate student completing her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto, where she is majoring in Population Health and Mental Health Studies with a minor in Biomedical Ethics. She is a Research Analyst at LetsStopAIDS with a passion to further explore community health and public health frameworks. Outside of academic work, she enjoys working in clinical administration to gain insight on the accessibility of health systems within Toronto communities.
Ben Umakanthan (He/Him) is a Research Analyst at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. He received his HBSc (Neuroscience & Physiology) from the University of Toronto, and completed his MPH at the University of Western Ontario. He has experience assisting NGOs like KONKUSSION to help develop foreign federal policy, expanding journal editorial boards, and advancing biopharmaceutical clinical trials at Bodhi R&D. In his free time, he enjoys reading, weight training, nature documentaries and learning Judo.
Linda Holdbrook (She/Her) holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Western University and is a public health professional based in Calgary, AB, with experience in patient advocacy, health promotion, and suicide prevention. She is passionate about working towards health equity, particularly in racialized communities, through addressing systemic barriers and challenging accepted norms.
Greg (He/Him) is the Chief Executive Officer of Digital Gizmo, a company that provides comprehensive digital solutions for businesses. Greg specializes in providing digital advice and solutions for small businesses for the sake of growth and developing an online presence. Along with this overall encompassing analysis, he provide freelance Web Development services that prioritizes the company’s vision.
Claire Borgaonkar (she/her) is completing her undergraduate degree at Carleton University in Public Affairs and Policy Management with a concentration in International Relations and Conflict. She aspires to complete a Master of Public Health and is passionate about global health governance, health equity, and health promotion. In her spare time, she enjoys performing in community theatre and volunteering at her university’s on-campus food bank.
Malissa Underwood is an MPH graduate from Monash University in Australia and a registered nurse with a BS in Nursing from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is passionate about improving health outcomes and finding innovative solutions grounded in evidence-based research. Currently living in eastern Finland, she is committed to serving the local community through volunteering with local NGO’s, particularly those that work with new immigrants to the area.
I am currently finishing my undergrad in Molecular Biology and Genetics at McMaster University and I have plans to go on to pursue a Master’s in Public Health or Epidemiology. I am interested in infectious diseases, microbiology, and environmental health and how these issues affect us at a population level. In my spare time, I train for triathlons and running races.
Areej Amer is a current Master of Public Health student at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University with a keen interest in writing. Areej did her undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph, double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. Through this experience, she developed a strong understanding of theimportance of leadership in creating and implementing effective mental health policies.
Now, as an MPH student, Areej is able to delve even deeper into the field and gain a comprehensive understanding of public health issues and how they impact communities. In particular, she is interested in the intersection of leadership and mental health, and how effective leadership can help address mental health challenges and improve outcomes for individuals and communities.
Tyler Mizglewski is an MPH epidemiologist from Regis College with a decade at Quest Diagnostics as a seasoned Medical Technologist at a trauma hospital. His motto is, “Ask me the time, and I’ll build a watch,” touches on his enthusiasm for finding solutions to chronic disease through education, data analysis, and integrating Health 3.0 principles. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tyler is a loving father, gardener, and an avid kaiju fan. He hopes you’ll “stomp” toward his LinkedIn to learn more!
Joya is an MPH graduate from George Washington University and a BSN prepared nurse with over a decade of clinical experience. She worked clinically during the COVID pandemic and interned at the CDC during that time as well. She is passionate about research based public health solutions and has a wide range of public health interests ranging from women’s health to the opioid crisis. In her spare time she enjoys paddle boarding and hiking with her dog.
Julie Vo (She/Her) is an aspiring health professional with a strong commitment to advancing evidence-based practices in healthcare. Currently pursuing her MSc in the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program at Western University, Julie has fostered a deep interest in public health issues and a strong desire to amplify community voices. Having extensive research experience in knowledge mobilization, health promotion, and implementation science, she aims to contribute to the development of innovative strategies that address public health challenges and improve patient outcomes.
Maddie Burnett (she/her) is a current Master of Public Health Student at the University of Guelph. She completed her undergraduate degree at McMaster University majoring in Life Sciences and minoring in Psychology. During her time at McMaster, she found a love for science communication and by extension health communication and this is what led her to pursue an MPH degree. Her main public health interests lie in health promotion, health policy and bridging the gap between public health research and practice. When she is not at work or school she enjoys community theatre, reading and cooking.
Ashley Aul (She/Her) is a Public Health Professional who has earned a Master of Public Health degree from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. She prepared for her career in Public Health by receiving her Bachelor’s in Business Management with a Minor in Digital Humanities from Western University. Ashley’s public health interests are focused on project management, health promotion, research, and data analytics. When not pursuing her passion for Public Health, Ashley enjoys baking, hiking, and travelling to new places.