Our Team
Dr. Sarah MacEachern MD PhD FRCPC Principal Investigator
Dr. MacEachern is an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Calgary and a Developmental Pediatrician at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. She has a PhD in Neuroscience and specialty training in Pediatrics and Developmental Pediatrics. She leads the Precision Neurodevelopment Lab. Clinically, she sees pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and has a special interest in children and youth with NDDs who have severe behaviours of concern such as aggression or self-injury. She is also the Medical Lead for the NDD Care Coordination Project.
Maggie Ryan, BSc
Research Coordinator
Maggie was the first student to join the PN Lab, working as an undergraduate researcher and Honours student since 2023. Since completing her Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology at the University of Calgary in spring 2025, she has continued her work in the lab as a Research Coordinator. Outside of work she enjoys painting, listening to music, and playing ringette.
Past Team Members
Dr. Myka Estes PhD MSc
Research Manager
Dr. Estes was the PN Lab Research Manager from February 2023 to January 2026
Advisory Council
Research Partners
Our lab Advisory Council is comprised of neurodiverse young people and their caregivers. They oversee all work in our lab to ensure we are staying grounded in the real-world needs of children and families. They are co-applicants on our grant submissions and co-authors on our conference abstracts, poster presentations, and scientific publications. They are also active participants in many of our research projects. We host Advisory Council meetings every three months and ad hoc as needed and provide regular project updates via email. They participate in and present at our weekly lab Journal Club (when feasible) and at lab special events, like our annual research retreat.
Greta Heathcote
Greta is a family research partner with the Precision Neurodevelopment Lab along with her son, Callum. She is currently Associate Director, Work-Integrated Learning for Neurodiverse Students Initiative at the University of Calgary. Greta is interested in contributing to research that supports families of neurodivergent children and creating neuro-affirming work environments.
Callum Heathcote
Callum is a 12 year old youth research partner with Precision Neurodevelopment Lab. Keen to share his lived experiences in the research and co-design process, Callum loves to share stories, drawings, ideas, and his youthful perspectives with the research team. He is passionate about biathlon, Lego, and learning more about history.
Duncan Heathcote
Duncan Heathcote, grade 3, joins the PN Lab as a junior youth research partner along with his mom, Greta, and older brother, Callum. Duncan loves all animals, Lego, video games, and cooking - especially chopping veggies!
Suzanne Deliscar
Suzanne is a family research partner with the Precision Neurodevelopment Lab along with her daughter, Elizabeth. She is currently a Spanish and French legal translator and an authentication & legalization agent. Suzanne has been involved in a number of hospital and university studies as a research participant and has spent time involved with online groups that support parents of children with special needs and other caregivers.
Elizabeth Deliscar
Elizabeth is a youth research partner with Precision Neurodevelopment Lab. She is currently in grade 9. Elizabeth loves to share her lived experience, ideas and thoughts through a variety of means, including drawing, painting, and conversations with the research team. Elizabeth is passionate about science experiments, being active, and arts and crafts.
Pam Thomson-Kai
Pam is a mom of 3 and a family research partner with the Precision Neurodevelopment Lab along with her son, Sawyer. She is currently a paid Family Mentor at the Alberta Children’s Hospital where she uses her lived experience to support families at the bedside with resources and help them feel less alone. Pam completed her Family Engagement in Research course in 2024 which peaked her interest in getting involved with research in a new way.
Sawyer Thomson-Kai
Sawyer is an 11 year old youth research partner with Precision Neurodevelopment Lab. He is very excited to join the lab and share his lived experience and stories. Sawyer loves sledge hockey and being a part of a team, playing video games and science!
Current Graduate Students
Ishnoor Nahal
PhD Student, Medical Science
Ishnoor (she/her) is a PhD student in Medical Science at the University of Calgary. She completed her BSc in Biological Sciences and Native Studies alongside a Research Certificate in Science at the University of Alberta. Her research involves co-designing and feasibility testing Nova Sleepcare, a sleep intervention for youth with neurodevelopmental disorders who have co-occurring behaviours of concern. Outside of the lab, she enjoys knitting, baking, and building her knowledge regarding Indigenous health.
Seong Eon Ha
PhD Student, Neuroscience
Seong (he/him) is a PhD student in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary. He has a Masters in Medical Science and a Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Calgary. He has extensive experience working as a therapist for neurodiverse children and has co-founded two public health advocacy organizations.
Tara Naimpally
MSc Student, Medical Science
Tara is a first-year Master’s student in the Medical Science program at the University of Calgary. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Anthropology at the University of King’s College. Before starting graduate school, Tara worked as a research assistant on projects examining sleep, neurodevelopmental disorders, and healthcare system navigation. She also brings her experience as a behaviour therapist supporting neurodiverse children and their families. Outside of the lab, Tara enjoys baking, knitting, and spending time outdoors.
Adina Tarcea
MSc Student, Medical Science
Adina (she/her) is a first-year Master's student in Medical Science at the University of Calgary. She completed her Bachelor's of Medical Sciences at Western University in 2022. Adina has over three years of experience coordinating clinical research through the University of Calgary. She is involved as a volunteer with children with neurodevelopmental disorders in diverse settings. She spends her free time reading and rock climbing.
Past Graduate Students
Simran Chahal
MSc Student, Neuroscience
Simran defended her MSc in April 2025
Noah Bloom
MSc Student, Medical Science
Noah defended her MSc in July 2025
Garazi Casillas Martinez
MSc Student, Neuroscience
Current Undergraduate Researchers
Amani Ahmed
Summer Student (2024, 2025) and Undergraduate Researcher
Amani is currently completing a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary. She joined the PN lab eager to learn more about neurodiversity and has research interests aligning with improving the processes for diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders. During her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, and volunteering within her community.
Kyle Morin
Undergraduate Researcher
Kyle (he/him) is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary. He previously completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Cellular Biology and is seeking to expand his knowledge and skills as a student researcher. Kyle currently works as a behavioural consultant for youth with neurodevelopmental disorders and aspires to help in bridging research ideas into practice. Outside of school, Kyle enjoys strength training, reading, and chocolate almonds.
Past Undergraduate Researchers
Maggie Ryan
Summer Student (2023, 2024) and Undergraduate Honours Researcher (2023-2025)
Tina Ram
Summer Student (2023)
Anza Momin
Summer Student (2024) and Undergraduate Researcher (Fall 2024)
Current High School Researchers
Sara Waqas
Summer Student (2024, 2025) and High School Researcher
Sara (She/Her) is currently completing her high school diploma at STEM Innovation Academy High school. She joined the PN lab to explore her interest in person-centered interventions for kids with neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside of school and the lab, Sara enjoys advocating for better supports for students with unique learning needs in school, instructing cooking classes, and reading.