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 Candidate 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, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), focuses on how autistic students and their families experience schoolyards. Her involvement with the EPIC Lab also involves research on the use of qualitative research methods with people with developmental disabilities.

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.

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

Alissa MacLeod
Alissa is a Master of Science in Planning student at the University of Toronto, where she also received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Human Geography. Her interests include accessible transportation, mobility, and inclusivity in public spaces. Through her work and research, she is committed to understanding how thoughtful planning can reduce barriers to participation for children with disabilities, their families and caregivers, and the broader community.

Chloe Rae
Chloe is completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a Minor in Biology and Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. Through past experiences working with children with diverse neurodevelopmental conditions, she has developed a strong interest in supporting children and families through inclusive and meaningful care.

Jessica Vaters
Jessica is completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She earned her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. In previous years, she has been part of a child development research lab and has volunteered at a therapeutic riding center for children with diverse neurodevelopmental disabilities. Through these experiences, she developed a strong interest in pediatric research, especially initiatives that aim to increase accessibility, inclusion, and participation for all children.