Welcome Students! Summer 2024
The Hippy Lab offers work opportunities to undergraduate students, enabling the students to learn more about clinical research and working in a hospital setting. We interviewed our current co-op students to learn about their experiences working with the lab.
Churan Chang
Hi, my name is Churan!
I am an third-year undergraduate student at UBC, majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology.
I started working with the HippyLab and UBC Global Orthopaedics in January 2024 through the UBC Science Co-op program. Within Global Orthopaedics (GO), my primary focus involves coordinating various global initiatives, including USTOP (Uganda Sustainable Clubfoot Program), the UBC GO Executive Committee, and PCN (Ponseti Clubfoot Navigator).
Recently, I began to assist with the DDH Care Pathway for Brazil in the HippyLab. With aspirations in pediatrics and clinical psychology, I hope to continue to contribute to a positive impact in healthcare.
Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, she finds joy in creating music, painting, dancing, reading, and taking on adventures in nature.
Sharon Shrestha
My name is Sharon and I am a 3rd year Neuroscience student in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia. I joined the HIppy Lab in May 2024 through the UBC Science Co-op Program. As a Clinical Research Assistant, I work on studies relating to traumas and hips, with a main focus on Cerebral Palsy. At the lab, I have helped with patient recruitment and data entry for a variety of studies including GHDR, CHOP, IPSG and SCFE and have been helping out with the weekly Cerebral Palsy Journal Club.
Later down the line, I will also be creating ethics drafts for any upcoming projects that I am interested in. In the future, I would love to work on/learn about research studies relating to the various Cerebral Palsy disorders and how to find the best treatment options available to patients based on their personal symptoms.
Tamseela Ahmed
Hi, my name is Tamseela! I am an undergraduate student in Biology at UBC in the Faculty of Science. I joined the Hippy Lab in May 2024 through the UBC Science Co-op Program and am excited to complete my 16-month co-op term here! As a Clinical Research Assistant, my main responsibilities will involve actively engaging in patient enrollment for hip-related studies such as GHDR, SLIP and IPSG and monitoring their follow-up visits while maintaining patient data records. This will include, interactions introducing projects to and obtaining consent from families, administering research surveys and questionnaires, completing research data documentation, and enthusiastically engaging families in the clinic. This will also include interacting and collaborating with various medical professionals (including surgeons, fellows, residents, physio/occupational therapists, and nurse practitioners) to gather relevant medical information for research studies and performing retrospective chart reviews and analyzing medical imaging to compile relevant patient information. Additionally, I will also contribute to various hip registry programs within the lab, including CHOP, PedORTHO and POISE. In the future, I hope to help draft ethics board proposals, collaborate with international researchers and would love to learn more about pediatric musculoskeletal trauma such as traumatic hip dislocations and femoral neck fractures by being able to take on personal projects and be involved in the scientific process which includes conducting literature reviews, preparation of study protocols, study methods, and data collection and analysis along with manuscript preparation.
Outside the Hippy Lab, I enjoy taking part in debate competitions, playing badminton, spending time with my family and exploring new cafes and bookstores with my friends. I have a strong passion for medicine and would like to pursue a career in healthcare with the ultimate goal of positively impacting the lives of patients.
Kuhu Puranik
I am a Master of Business Analytics student at UBC Sauder School of Business. I have a passion for optimizing healthcare pathways and ensuring equitable care for all children in British Columbia. With a background in international healthcare settings, I bring a unique perspective to the table, combining analytical prowess with a deep understanding of healthcare systems. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, I am on a mission to leverage the power of analytics to revolutionize healthcare and screening pathways for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in BC. Through meticulous analysis and strategic insights, I aim to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ultimately enhance the quality of care for children across the province.
Outside the realm of analytics, I find solace in exploring the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, often indulging in the invigorating experience of a cold plunge in one of the region's pristine water bodies. This adventurous spirit reflects my approach to problem-solving – fearless, determined, and always ready to dive deep into new challenges. With a firm belief in the transformative power of data-driven decision-making, I am determined to make a significant mark in the field of healthcare analytics. Whether it's crunching numbers or diving into icy waters, she approaches every endeavor with unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence.