Dr. Ayman Abou Mehrem
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Ayman Abou Mehrem is a neonatologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at University of Calgary. Dr. Abou Mehrem completed medical school and pediatric residency training at Damascus University (Syria), neonatology fellowship training at the University of Manitoba (Canada), and Master of Science in Health Informatics at the University of Victoria (Canada).
Dr. Telford Yeung
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR, SKIN -TO-SKIN CARE
Dr. Telford Yeung is a clinical assistant professor with the University of Calgary. He completed his medical school and pediatrics residency at the University of Alberta. He then finished the neonatal perinatal medicine fellowship at the University of Toronto and joined Windsor Regional Hospital as a neonatologist for three years. Currently he is part of the Section of Newborn Critical Care in Calgary, and he chairs the Calgary Neonatal Database Committee. His interest is in quality improvement, epidemiology and health care resource utilization, as well as medical databases and data science.
Currently, he is engaged in a qualitative study exploring the opportunities and barriers for skin-to-skin care in the NICU in Calgary.
Susan Romanuck
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Susan Romanuck graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health (Honours) from St. Francis Xavier University. During her studies, she developed a strong passion for data through research roles that allowed her to expand her technical skills in data collection, management of patient-sensitive information, organizational effectiveness, and critical thinking. Motivated by her interest in data-driven decision-making, Susan pursued a post-diploma certificate in Data Analytics from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Following the completion of this program, she began her role as a Research Assistant with ABC-QI team.
As an essential team member, Susan’s primary responsibilities include clinical data collection and data management for participating hospitals in the ABC-QI study. She consistently demonstrates a high level of accuracy and efficiency while capturing data from electronic medical records and managing it within the REDCap platform.
Susan shares, “I am proud to be a part of this team and I look forward to seeing progressive changes in health policy for babies.”
Susan has proudly accepted an offer to pursue a Master of Management at the Schulich School of Business, York University. She aims to integrate her practical knowledge of health, data, and business to support meaningful and sustainable changes. Through this program, she will become one of today’s best business strategy leaders.
Outside of work, Susan enjoys exploring the Rocky Mountains, CrossFit, and spending time with her loved ones.
Fikayo Kayode
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Fikayo Kayode is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy graduate from Acadia University. While undergoing her bachelor's degree, she was active in student politics leading University groups and task forces. Her interest in health policy research is backed up by her personal and professional experience in the field. After her studies, Fikayo held a role at Dalhousie University as a Health Promotion Coordinator for the Department of Student Affairs. Fikayo has lent her knowledge and expertise to qualitative research in the field of oncology as a Research Coordinator with the Faculty of Medicine, also at Dalhousie University researching Breast Cancer and Communities of African Descent in the Atlantic.
Working with the NIST team has meant more practice in the aspects of data collection and abstraction for Fikayo. Her role with the team entails research ethics management including renewals and modifications to the project using IRISS, proficient use of the REDCap database, preparing reports and presentations to site investigators and other stakeholders, daily project database and timeline coordination, assisting with data abstraction from medical records, creating necessary infographics to be used at ABC-QI hospitals, and web design.
When not working in this capacity, Fikayo is also a creative mind who enjoys writing, event coordination and creative direction. She does this by herself and/or with creative communities, brands and media platforms.
MSc. GRADUATE CURRENT MEDICAL STUDENT
Faith Kiester
Faith Keister completed a Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Calgary in 2022, where she conducted her honors thesis with the supervision of Dr. Lara Leijser. She went on to complete a Master of Science with the ABC-QI team, supervised by Dr. Abou Mehrem and Dr. Karen Benzies. Her thesis, titled “Investigating Variations of Respiratory, Nutritional, and Feeding Management of Moderate and Late Preterm Infants in Alberta,” reflects her strong commitment to neonatal research and quality improvement. During her graduate training, Faith played a key role in data abstraction and data analysis. Alongside her academic work, she volunteered at the Alberta Children’s Hospital as a baby cuddler, providing comfort and support to newborn infants.
Inspired by her passion for neonatal care, Faith is now a first-year medical student at the University of Alberta. She continues to contribute to the ABC-QI trial and remains actively involved in pediatric-focused initiatives, including volunteering as a baby cuddler at the Terra Centre for Teen Parents and supporting the development of educational materials through PedsCases. Faith aspires to become a neonatologist and to contribute to meaningful quality improvement initiatives in neonatal care.
Outside of her academic work, Faith enjoys spending time with her family and playing the fiddle. She is deeply grateful for the continued support and mentorship of the ABC-QI team throughout her academic journey.
Tekla Moldovan
SUMMER STUDENT
Tekla Moldovan graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology (Honours). She started as a summer student in 2025 and is currently a part-time volunteer, continuing her summer studentship research and working towards a publication. Tekla quickly gained an appreciation for evidence-based medicine and providing quality care to neonates through working alongside the team, and by attending and presenting at research symposiums.
She will be starting a Masters of Medical Science in Fall 2026. Although her project will be focused in another research area, she will remain committed to improving patient outcomes through research, critical thinking, and patient-centered care.
Outside of research, Tekla is very passionate about fitness, spending time with friends, and travelling. She also enjoys volunteering at various organizations that support and advocate for individuals with diverse needs. Through her Presidency role at Taking Strides Calgary, Tekla has helped lead initiatives that promote community engagement, inclusivity, and access to resources for children with disabilities.
SUMMER STUDENT
Daniya Shahzad
Daniya Shahzad is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary. As she continues her academics, she serves as a leader in student-led organizations and is an active patient experience volunteer at the Rockyview General Hospital. Daniya’s interest in conducting research initially developed during her first year in university and she continued to contribute to various projects, using data extraction, data analysis and manuscript writing.
In her most recent project, Daniya authored a research policy brief titled, “Reforming Pediatric Healthcare: A Policy Response to PKU Disparities in Latin America,” highlighting her drive for pediatric healthcare reform and passion for health research. She is a summer student researcher, gaining meaningful mentorship and conducting research regarding quality improvement in neonatal care with the ABC-QI team. She aspires to be a healthcare professional.
Outside her academic pursuit, Daniya spends time with her family and friends, enjoys travelling the world and is an avid swimmer.