Embedded within clinical departments or research institutes at Sinai Health, with academic appointments at the University of Toronto, Translational Research Scientists collaborate with clinician-scientists, health-services researchers, discovery scientists, core facilities and external partners to ensure that research leads to measurable improvements in health.  

With expertise spanning stem cell biology, engineering, microbiome, clinical trials, health systems and implementation science, these scientists are harnessing Sinai Health’s state-of-the-art technologies and unique clinical environment to tackle key challenges across the health care continuum – from biomarker and therapeutic discovery to evidence-based policy and scalable interventions. 

“The role of Translational Research Scientists was strategically established to help us address the complex health challenges of our time,” said Dr. Anne-Claude Gingras, LTRI Director and Vice President, Research, Sinai Health. 

“Through interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship, they are playing a pivotal role in advancing Sinai Health’s mission to integrate discovery science with clinical practice and health system priorities, ensuring that innovation translates into sustainable, real-world change for diverse populations.”  

“This role is a true partnership with our clinical departments and research institutes,” said Dr. Susanna Mak, Deputy Director, Clinical Research, who co-developed the new program. “We congratulate these seven talented scientists. Their appointment contributes to our research strategic plan’s overarching goals of synergy, impact, cohesion and competitive positioning.”  

Meet the Inaugural Cohort of Sinai Health’s Translational Research Scientists:  

Dr. Adele Changoor: Engineering Solutions for Joint Repair 

Dr. Changoor develops engineering-informed tools and surgical approaches to improve diagnosis and treatment of joint and cartilage disease. Her research includes non-invasive cartilage assessment, advanced cartilage repair techniques and biomechanical studies that support complex hip replacement, aimed at reducing pain and strengthening mobility for patients.  

Dr. Kristina Kokorelias: Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers Across the Care System 
 
Dr. Kokorelias conducts health services research and implementation science to promote more inclusive, compassionate health systems for aging populations. Her work examines how social and structural factors shape care experiences and has informed improved models of care in hospitals, long-term care and community settings, particularly for people living with dementia, HIV and other chronic conditions.   
 
Dr. Kelsey McLaughlin: Improving Maternal Heart Health in Pregnancy 
 
Dr. McLaughlin focuses on improving maternal cardiovascular health by preventing, diagnosing and managing high blood pressure in pregnancy. Her research includes testing universal aspirin to prevent preeclampsia, evaluating new vascular monitoring tools in pregnancy, and translating blood-based diagnostics into clinical care, all aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes and reducing the life-long burden of cardiovascular disease in females. 
 
Dr. Ian Rogers: Engineering Stem Cell-Based Tissues for Regenerative Medicine 
 
Dr. Rogers is advancing stem cell-derived tissue culture systems to better understand how cells specialize and assemble into functional organs. By combining patient-derived stem cells with engineered organ scaffolds, his team creates miniature organs in the lab, revealing how the extracellular matrix guides cell development. This research is working toward patient-matched organ transplants and informing new therapeutic strategies for conditions such as kidney fibrosis and type 1 diabetes.  
 
Dr. Marianne Saragosa: Improving Care for Older Adults and People Living with Dementia 
 
Dr. Saragosa is dedicated to improving care for vulnerable older adults, including people living with dementia and their caregivers. Drawing on her expertise in dementia care, care transitions, aging in place and qualitative research, she tackles gaps across complex health and social systems. Working in partnership with community organizations and health systems leaders, she meaningfully engages patients, families and care providers to strengthen continuity and quality of care.   
 
Dr. Oksana Shynlova: Preventing Preterm Births and Supporting Pelvic Health 
 
Dr. Shynlova is advancing women’s health across the lifespan by addressing two major challenges: preventing preterm birth and treating pelvic floor disorders. Her research explores uterine function during pregnancy and labour, the biological triggers of preterm births and age- and hormone-related tissue changes affecting pelvic health. By investigating hormone-based therapies and regenerative approaches, including patient-specific stem cells, her work aims to repair and strengthen pelvic tissues and enhance quality of life for women.  
 
Dr. Williams Turpin: Understanding and Preventing Crohn's Disease  
 
Dr. Turpin studies how the gut microbiome and diet influence the risk of Crohn’s disease, a lifelong inflammatory condition without a cure. By analyzing gut bacteria, diet and biological signals in people at risk, his research identifies factors that affect inflammation. His work is driving new prevention strategies, from nutrition guidance to safe, bacteria-based therapies to reduce the burden of Crohn’s disease for patients, families and the health care system.​