Schulich medical students embark on transformative health research projects in Windsor-Essex

BioMed students at a lab in the University of Windsor.

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