EPIC Lab | Our Team

Scientist

Tim Ross, PhD, RPP, MCIP
Dr. Tim Ross is the Principal Investigator and Director of the EPIC Lab. See Dr. Ross’ full scientist profile.

EPIC Lab Staff

Emily Cox
Emily is a Research Coordinator for the EPIC Lab. She completed a Master of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Western University in 2022. Emily’s research interests lie at the intersection of children’s rehabilitation and critical disability studies, and she is committed to finding new and innovative ways for these fields to collaborate. Within the EPIC Lab, Emily is involved in a large project in collaboration with Reena that aims to better understand the housing experiences of people living with developmental disability. Emily also works with Dr. Amy McPherson in the ProFILE Lab.

Meaghan Walker
Meaghan is a Research Coordinator for the EPIC Lab. In completing a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation sciences at the University of Toronto, she researched the healthcare experiences of children with autism and obesity. Meaghan has also completed a Master of Science in occupational therapy at the University of Toronto and is a registered Occupational Therapist working in acute care. Meaghan has a vested interest in health promotion, disability, and inclusion. She contributes to many of the Lab’s research projects concerning inclusion, accessibility, and children’s healthcare. 

Doctoral Trainees

Amanda Chan
Amanda is a PhD student in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Toronto. She received her Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) designation through the Master of Arts in Child Study and Education program from the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. She also holds a Master of Arts in Critical Disability Studies from York University where she researched the inclusive education experiences of autistic students within the Toronto District School Board. Her doctoral research focuses on how childhood disability affects access to education. Her involvement with the EPIC Lab research also involves the use of qualitative research methods with people with developmental disabilities.

Élyse Comeau, MPl
Élyse is a PhD Candidate in Planning in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the PhD program, she completed a Master of Planning degree at Toronto Metropolitan University and gained invaluable private sector work experience as an urban planner. Her doctoral research examines the operations and experiences of school transportation for students with disabilities. Her involvement with the EPIC Lab involves research on accessible taxis and public transit.

Enrique Szendro
Enrique is a PhD student in Urban Planning in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. For more than 8 years he worked in Mexico in public space design focusing on accessible and equitable cities for everyone, projects which are still being built. His doctoral research will focus on analyzing and quantifying the access of children with disabilities to the city and particularly to healthcare services. This research will be done both in Toronto and in Monterrey, Mexico.

Javaneh Abbaspourasadolah
Javaneh is an urban planning PhD student in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. She has a background in architecture with experience in biophilic architectural design for children. She obtained a Master’s degree in architecture from Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University in Tehran, Iran.  She is passionate about designing child-friendly cities, inclusive playgrounds, and sustainable transportation in cities. Javaneh’s doctoral research will look at the experiences and designs of inclusively designed playgrounds.

Rhonda Solomon
Rhonda is an Urban Planning PhD student in the Department of Geography, Geomatics, and the Environment at the University of Toronto, Mississauga. She holds an MSc in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics. Her PhD examines public toilet provision for children with disabilities. As a disabled (neurodivergent) academic, Rhonda’s research interests are ableist/exclusionary urban environments generally and mobility/transportation specifically.

Masters Trainees

Isabella Segreto-Barbieri
Isabella is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Kinesiology from Acadia University, where she also completed a thesis project. Her research interests are driven by a passion for working with individuals with disabilities and advocating for a future that promotes occupational justice, enhances overall well-being, and fosters greater social inclusion. Her ambition to create meaningful change has been fueled by her previous roles as a program lead for the S.M.I.L.E. program at Acadia University and through her summer work with Autism Ontario. Isabella is committed to finding innovative ways to improve the experiences and opportunities available for children with disabilities.

Alyssa Prooday 
Alyssa is completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology with a Minor in Education from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is passionate about working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and has a particular interest in supporting self-regulation to enhance participation, development, and well-being.