Team

My research team consists of PhD and Masters students, research staff, and Work Learn students.

Jump to PhD and Masters Students
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PhD and Masters Students

Himani Prajapati (PhD Student)

Himani is a PhD candidate in the MATTERS Lab at the University of British Columbia. She is a Neuro-physical therapist with a deep interest in integrating clinical practice, research, and lived experience to improve rehabilitation outcomes. Her current research focuses on developing and evaluating adaptive yoga interventions for people living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Rooted in collaboration with individuals with lived experience, her work explores how mind-body practices like yoga can be adapted to meet diverse physical abilities while supporting autonomy, self-efficacy, and long-term engagement.

 

 

 

 

Pegah Derakhshan (PhD Student)

Pegah Derakhshan is a PhD student in Rehabilitation Science under the supervision of Dr Bill Miller and Dr Ben Mortenson. Pegah completed her medical degree in Iran, and her research focused on patients with spinal cord injury. 

 

 

 

 

Brittany Pousett (PhD Student)

Brittany Pousett is a Certified Prosthetist and a PhD student in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of British Columbia. Under the guidance of Dr William C Miller and Dr Crystal MacKay (at Queen’s University), she is pursuing her passion for bridging the gap between research and clinical practice in the field of rehabilitation. Her research focuses on the lives and experiences of individuals with limb loss, specifically how psychosocial adaptation to amputation impacts community participation and well-being. She aims to empower and support individuals with limb loss to engage in activities that are meaningful to them. When not pursuing research, Brittany enjoys adventurous outdoor activities with her husband and kids, including skiing/snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding and camping.

 

Raneem Ibrahim (PhD Student)
Raneem is a PhD student in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of British Columbia under the supervision of Dr. William C. Miller. She completed her BSc at the University of Jordan and her MSc at Cardiff University, both in Occupational Therapy, a background that informs her current research interests. Her research focuses on the lived experience of individuals with spinal cord injury, specifically through the lenses of accessibility and inclusivity. Outside of her studies, Raneem enjoys running, cycling, and learning new languages.

 

 

 

Research Staff

Ethan Simpson (Research Coordinator, University of British Columbia)

Ethan is the Research Coordinator for Dr. Miller at UBC. He completed his BSc in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Exeter before his MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences at UBC. He enjoys spending time with friends and can often be found engaging in outdoor activities.

 

 

 

 

 

Eric Jin (Research Assistant, University of British Columbia)

Eric completed his BKin in Kinesiology at UBC and is hoping to pursue a DMD. Having worked with people with spinal cord injuries in PARC and GF Strong, his interest lies in effective rehabilitation, increasing accessibility, and making physical activity something for everyone. Outside of research, he loves playing volleyball and fencing.

 

 

 

 

Sarah Taneja (Work Learn Research Assistant, University of British Columbia)

Sarah is a Psychology undergrad at UBC and hopes to pursue a PsyD. Having worked at VGH with older adults, volunteering at PGH, and being involved in research focusing on vulnerable populations, she has developed an interest in multidisciplinary approaches to rehabilitation. Outside of the lab, she enjoys swimming, painting, and hiking.

 

 

 

 

Harleen Kaur Dhillon (Work Learn Research Assistant, University of British Columbia)

Harleen is an Integrated Sciences undergrad at UBC with research experience in substance use, addiction, and withdrawal. Her interests focus on understanding the factors that shape health outcomes and how research can be used to improve prevention, treatment, and support for people affected by substance use. She is especially interested in the connection between research and public health, and how evidence can be translated into better care and healthier communities. Outside of the lab, she enjoys swimming, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

 

 

 

 

Romina Naderi (Work Learn Research Assistant, University of British Columbia)

Romina is a UBC Kinesiology undergraduate whose experience in adaptive exercise and arthritis research has shaped her interest in accessible, person-centred rehabilitation. Beyond the lab, she enjoys running, photography, and trying new fitness studios with friends.