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null Trainee excellence driving discoveries in child health

Recognizing CHHD trainees for achievements in child and developmental research

SOURCE: Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute)
October 27, 2025

Trainees from the Child Health and Human Development (CHHD) Program are earning recognition across national and institutional award competitions for their work advancing research in child health, genetics, and development. These achievements highlight not only their scientific excellence but also the supportive environment that fosters innovation within CHHD and across The Institute's research community.

These recognitions reflect the program's commitment to fostering research excellence through mentorship and collaboration. Under the guidance of experienced supervisors, CHHD trainees are advancing knowledge in developmental biology, genetics, neuroscience, and child health outcomes. The following trainees have recently been honoured for their achievements:

(From left to right) CHHD program trainees Amanda Teixeira, Evelyn Zavacky, Joshua Moore, Indrani Paul, Isabella Isenza, Ivana Okaro and Suganthi Rajasegaran.
(From left to right) CHHD program trainees Amanda Teixeira, Evelyn Zavacky, Joshua Moore, Indrani Paul, Isabella Iasenza, Ivana Okaro and Suganthi Rajasegaran.

Amanda Teixeira, MSc student under the supervision of Loydie Majewska, PhD, received the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation Studentship and Fellowship in Child Health Research and 1st place for best poster presentation (MSc) at the Centre for Research in Reproduction and Development (CRRD McGill) Research Day.

Evelyn Zavacky, PhD candidate supervised by Nancy Braverman, MD, M.S.c, received the D2R Scholarship Award for her research on genetic pathways involved in peroxisomal disorders.

Joshua Moore, postdoctoral fellow in Prof Majewska's lab, was awarded a CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship for his research on mechanisms of early human development.

Indrani Paul, MSc student with Marilyn Ahun, PhD, received an Internal Studentship Award from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Isabella Iasenza, PhD trainee under Kolja Eppert, PhD, received a GREAT Travel Award to attend the AML conference in Portugal and earned 1st place for best senior presentation at CHHD Research Day.

Ivana Okaro, MSc student supervised by Pia Wintermark, MD, received both a CIHR CGS-M Scholarship and a Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training Fellowship in support of her graduate research.

Suganthi Rajasegaran, postdoctoral fellow with Dan Poenaru, MD, PhD, received the Programme de bourses d'excellence pour étudiants étrangers (PBEEE) — Merit Scholarship for Foreign Postdoctoral Students for her work in pediatric surgical sciences.

"These recognitions speak to the dedication and talent of our trainees, as well as the collaborative culture that nurtures their development," expresses Fanny Toussaint, PhD, CHHD Program Manager. "We're proud to honour their achievements and the meaningful contributions they're making."

Together, these accomplishments reflect the leadership and excellence of CHHD trainees in shaping the future of child and developmental health research. Each recognition underscores their commitment to advancing knowledge that will improve the lives of children and families worldwide.

Congratulations to all CHHD trainees on their well-deserved success and growing impact in health research.