Thirteen future physicians are tackling pressing health challenges from cancer care to vaccine hesitancy through hands-on research projects grounded in the Windsor-Essex community.
Supported by the Schulich-UWindsor Opportunities for Research Excellence Program (SWORP), these innovative projects give first- and second-year medical students early exposure to research while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with University of Windsor faculty and clinical leaders.
"SWORP nurtures a culture of inquiry and community impact," said Shanthi Johnson, Vice-President, Research and Innovation at the University of Windsor. "Through mentorship and meaningful engagement, students are addressing complex health issues and building skills that will shape their future contributions to evidence-informed healthcare."
Now in its 11th year, SWORP has funded more than 80 student-led projects, with this year's cohort receiving a combined $50,000 in research support. Each project is backed by a $5,000 grant co-funded by the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and the University of Windsor's Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation.
This year, five students are working under the guidance of full-time UWindsor faculty members, while eight are paired with clinical professors practising physicians based in Windsor-Essex. The WE-SPARK Health Institute plays a critical role in helping build regional research capacity and fostering stronger academic-healthcare partnerships.
2025 SWORP Grant Recipients and Projects
- Eva Vieira Automated Matching of HER2 Positive Breast Cancer and Sarcoma Patients in Ontario Using Artificial Intelligence, supervisor: Dr. Caroline Hamm, Clinical Professor, UWindsor; Windsor Regional Hospital
- Frank Mazza Assessing the Triaging and Diagnostic Accuracy of ChatGPT in Neurosurgical Cases, supervisor: Dr. Abdul Naeem, Clinical Professor, UWindsor; Windsor Regional Hospital
- Gracie Sun, Reyad Elzaanoun, Michael Nakhla Understanding Risk Factors for Vaccine Hesitancy Among People Experiencing Homelessness, supervisor: Dr. Jennifer Bondy, Clinical Professor, UWindsor; Family Medicine
- Hayden Hartwick Assessing Differences in Youth Hockey Helmet Fit Between Female and Male Players, supervisor: Dr. David Andrews, University of Windsor - Kinesiology
- Hyun Ryu Shaping Fair Chances: Mental Wellness and Employment Prospects for Individuals with Criminal Records, supervisor: Dr. Kemi Anazodo, University of Windsor - Odette School of Business
- Ida-Ehosa Olaye Effects of Acute Insufficient Sleep on Cerebrovascular and Respiratory Function, supervisor: Dr. Anthony Bain, University of Windsor - Kinesiology
- Isha Suri Enhancing Patient and Caregiver Engagement During Care Transitions in Southwestern Ontario, supervisor: Dr. Paula van Wyk, University of Windsor - Kinesiology
- Kendra Prasad, Jocelyn Veals Developing a Multidisciplinary Program for the Prevention of Venous Thrombosis in Ambulatory Cancer Patients, supervisor: Dr. Andrea Cervi, Clinical Professor, UWindsor; Windsor Regional Hospital
- Naziha Ali The Impact of "Race Corrections" in Spirometry Based on Racial Identification, supervisor: Prof. Adriana Duquette, University of Windsor - Kinesiology
- Rachel-Ann Dixon Suboptimal Prenatal Care and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Study at Erie Shores HealthCare, supervisor: Dr. Kenneth Ogah, Clinical Professor, UWindsor; Erie Shores HealthCare
