We’re thrilled to celebrate two outstanding trainees affiliated with the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging who have been named recipients of the 2025 Michael Smith Health Research BC Trainee Awards!
These prestigious awards support the next generation of health researchers as they advance innovative, impactful work that improves health and well-being across British Columbia and beyond. This year, 35 trainees across the province received funding — including two whose projects are supervised by Centre Investigators.
🧬 Dr. Monika Kowatsch
(Co-supervised by Dr. Melanie Murray and Dr. Hélène Côté)
Project: Hormones and Inflammation among Women Living with HIV
Dr. Kowatsch’s research explores how key hormones — estradiol, estrone, and testosterone — interact with immune function and inflammation in women living with HIV. Because these hormones are also linked to age-related conditions in women, her work could shed light on the biological pathways that shape healthy aging and lead to improved care for women affected by HIV.
👉 [Read more here]
💬 Dr. Sandeep Dhillon
(Supervised by Dr. Kristen Haase)
Project: Understanding the Social Processes of Cancer Self-Management Among South Asian Older Adults with Chronic Health Conditions
Dr. Dhillon’s project takes a community-engaged approach to understanding how South Asian older adults in British Columbia manage cancer alongside other chronic health issues. Working collaboratively with the community, her research aims to co-develop culturally and linguistically appropriate models of care that better meet the needs of South Asian seniors and their families.
👉 [Read more here]
Congratulations to both awardees on this well-deserved recognition! Their innovative research reflects the UBC’s commitment to advancing inclusive, interdisciplinary approaches to healthy aging.