Our team includes driven undergraduate and graduate students and dedicated lab personnel, all collaborating under the guidance of Dr. Michael Kalu. Together, we conduct groundbreaking research focusing on aging, mobility, and health equity.
Explore the profiles below to learn more about each member’s unique contributions and ongoing research projects.
Thomas Silvaggio
Thomas Silvaggio is a 3rd-year Kinesiology and Health Science student in the Faculty of Health at York University. He is actively involved in research projects that include:
- Met and Unmet Needs of Black Older Adults: A Scoping Review
- A Scoping Review of Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction of Physiotherapy Services in Nigeria
Thomas aspires to pursue Dental School or a Master's degree in Exercise Science, showcasing his dedication to advancing his academic and professional journey.
Ashley Chan
Ashley Chan is a 4th-year Kinesiology and Health Science student at York University, currently conducting an independent study in Dr. Kalu's lab. She is contributing to a scoping review focused on wearable mobility devices for older adults, with or without artificial intelligence (AI).
The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature, identify gaps, and gain a better understanding of the benefits, challenges, and applications of these devices for older adults.
Ashley plans to pursue a career in dentistry after graduation.
Areeya Hillman
Areeya Hillman is a 4th-year Kinesiology and Health Science student at York University, currently undertaking an independent study in Dr. Kalu's lab. Her research focuses on a scoping review of wearable mobility devices for older adults, with or without artificial intelligence (AI).
The goal of her project is to comprehensively explore the existing literature on these devices to better understand their applications, benefits, and limitations for the older adult population.
Areeya plans to pursue a Master’s degree after graduation.
Adithya Ramprasad
Adithya Ramprasad is a 2nd-year Kinesiology and Health Science student in the Faculty of Health at York University. He is currently working on a scoping review focused on AI-powered mobility assistive devices in adults. His main responsibility includes screening articles and extracting relevant data.
The study aims to assess the impact of these technologies on enhancing social engagement among adults. In the future, Adithya aspires to pursue a career in medicine.
Jessica Isacco
Jessica Isacco is a 5th-year Kinesiology and Health Science student at York University, working as a Research Assistant in Dr. Kalu's lab. She is currently involved in a scoping review project that focuses on:
- The met and unmet needs of Black older adults
- Identifying culturally appropriate self-management strategies for Black older adults with preclinical and clinical diabetes
Jessica’s primary responsibilities include screening articles, extracting relevant data, and synthesizing findings. The goal of this study is to better understand and address the unique challenges faced by Black older adults in managing diabetes while highlighting culturally informed interventions that can improve outcomes.
Jessica plans to pursue a Master's degree in Physiotherapy after graduation.
Arvin Moradi
Arvin Moradi is a 2nd-year undergraduate student in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University and a Research Assistant in Dr. Kalu’s lab. As part of a project examining the feasibility of core mobility factors for assessing older adults' mobility in hospital-to-home transitions, Arvin is currently reviewing and collecting data from sources that evaluate physical determinants of mobility.
The project aims to identify and prioritize assessment tools that are most useful for healthcare professionals and researchers in clinical and community settings.
Arvin is passionate about both medicine and research, with a career goal of studying the application of movement-related interventions as effective treatment and preventive strategies for health promotion.
Jonathan Wright
Jonathan Wright is a 5th-year Kinesiology and Health Science student at York University and a 2025 Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Student in Dr. Kalu’s lab. He is contributing to a scoping review on cognitive and physical rehabilitation in older athletes. The project explores how intervention characteristics such as frequency, intensity, duration, type, volume, and progression influence health outcomes and social well-being.
Jonathan’s work involves reviewing and analyzing existing literature to uncover trends and gaps in these rehabilitation strategies, aiming to inform programs that help aging athletes maintain independence, performance, and quality of life.
Jonathan plans to pursue a Master of Health Industry Administration at the Schulich School of Business. He is passionate about improving health systems and creating meaningful change at both the organizational and policy level.
Yetunde Ojebola-Afeyodion
Yetunde Ojebola-Afeyodion is a 4th-year undergraduate student in Global Political Studies in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies at York University and a RAY (Research at York) student in Dr. Kalu’s lab.
She is currently contributing to a scoping review that explores the issue of fake participants in research, with a specific focus on virtual interviews. The study investigates how researchers identify, prevent, and manage inauthentic participation in digital research settings. Yetunde’s main responsibilities include screening academic articles and extracting relevant data to support evidence synthesis. The goal of this project is to map strategies and outcomes from the literature that help safeguard research integrity in online environments.
Yetunde intends to pursue a career at the intersection of law, public policy, and research, with a focus on systems that impact vulnerable or aging populations. She is currently exploring graduate pathways in legal administration or interdisciplinary policy research, aiming to work within institutions or think tanks that help shape equitable and inclusive policy frameworks.
Her work in the lab has deepened her curiosity about safeguarding research integrity in digital spaces, as she is drawn to research environments like the M4 Aging Lab that take a multidisciplinary and human-centred approach to addressing real-world challenges. She is especially interested in how rigorous research can inform inclusive and future-ready solutions, both values that are important to how she hopes to contribute through her future work.
Katie Dawson-Amoah
Katie Dawson-Amoah is a 3rd-year undergraduate student in Kinesiology and Health Science in the Faculty of Health at York University and a recipient of the 2025 URSA award in Dr. Kalu’s lab.
She is currently working on the qualitative analysis of different characteristics of homebound older adults in BIPOC communities. Her main responsibilities include transcribing qualitative data and performing thematic analysis. The aim of the study is to assess BIPOC homebound older adults and determine what characteristics such as location, experiences, and contributing factors place them in a homebound position.
Katie intends to transfer into the nursing program, complete her nursing training, and pursue a career as a nurse practitioner.
Mohit Prashar
Mohit Prashar is a 3rd-year undergraduate student in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University and a RAY (Research at York) student in Dr. Kalu's lab. He is involved in several projects, including:
- Socially Focused Intelligent Assistive Technologies for Caregiving for Homebound Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Scoping Review: This study maps the available literature on assistive technologies that promote social engagement and well-being for homebound older adults with MCI.
- Exploring the Perspectives of Physiotherapists on Culture and Mobility Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Nigeria: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
- Physical Literacy Among Older Adults: How Feasible Is This in the Nigerian Context? A Qualitative Exploration of the Concept Among Physiotherapists
Ravjyot Ughra
Ravjyot Ughra is a 2nd-year Honours BSc Biology student at York University. She is currently involved in research projects that explore various aspects of gerontology, including:
- The Identification Process of Homebound Older Adults
- The Met and Unmet Needs of Black Older Adults
- The Cognitive, Environmental, Financial, Personal, Social, Physical, and Psychological Needs of Homebound Older Adults
Ravjyot aims to pursue graduate studies in molecular biology or biochemistry and envisions a future career in healthcare, law, or academia.
Alexander Wakim
Alexander Wakim is a 5th-year undergraduate student in the Kinesiology and Health Science program and a student in the Athletic Therapy program at York University. He is conducting an independent study in Dr. Kalu’s lab, working on a scoping review related to cognitive and physical rehabilitation interventions for older athletes. The study aims to report on the types of evidence regarding the effects of physical and cognitive rehabilitation interventions, whether applied individually or as a combined therapy, and to examine the associated health and social outcomes in the older athlete population.
Mateo Lopez
Mateo Lopez is a 3rd-year undergraduate student in the Kinesiology and Health Science program, Faculty of Health. He is contributing to a scoping review examining the role of AI-powered mobility assistive devices in supporting individuals with mobility limitations. His work involves screening articles and extracting relevant data to assess the effectiveness of these devices in enhancing mobility and overall quality of life.
Ambika Mehta
Ambika Mehta is a 5th-year Kinesiology and Health Science student at York University. She is conducting an independent study focused on the met and unmet needs of Black Older Adults (BOA).
The study aims to address the existing support and inequities among BOA by comprehensively exploring their cognitive, environmental, financial, physical, personal, psychological, and social needs.
Ambika plans to pursue a Master's degree in Physiotherapy.
Chukwuebuka Prince Onyekere
Chukwuebuka Prince Onyekere is currently a PhD student in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. He holds an MSc in Gerontology from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom (2024) and a BMR in Physiotherapy from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (2019).
Chukwuebuka is currently leading a scoping review project titled “Mobility Wearable Devices for Older Adults: A Scoping Review of Artificial Intelligence Applications (or Not).” This project explores the integration of artificial intelligence in wearable mobility devices to enhance the mobility of older adults. It involves scoping the literature on external mobility devices and sensors designed for individuals aged 65 and above. As the project lead, Chukwuebuka oversees data extraction, result synthesis, and manuscript preparation.
In addition to his current project, Chukwuebuka has contributed to several other projects in Dr. Kalu's lab, including:
- Artificial Intelligence in Qualitative Analysis: A Scoping Review.
- When, How, and Challenges in Identifying Homebound Older People – A Scoping Review.
- Mobility Profiles and Determinants among Nigerian Community-dwelling Older Adults.
Connect on LinkedIn: Chukwuebuka's LinkedIn Profile
Obi Perpetua Chinenye
Obi Perpetua Chinenye is a Graduate Student pursuing an MSc in Kinesiology at York University. She holds a BMR in Physiotherapy from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Nigeria, and an MSc in Gerontology from the University of Southampton, UK.
Obi is currently leading a project titled “Moving from Comprehensive (COMDAF) to Core Mobility Factors: Feasibly Examining the Utilization of the Core-Mobility Factor Discharge Assessment Framework (COrMDAF) for Assessing Older Adults' Mobility in Hospital-to-Home Transition.” The project focuses on reducing the 43 factors in the Comprehensive Mobility Discharge Assessment Framework to refine the Core-Mobility Discharge Assessment Framework for older adults.
As the project lead, Obi is responsible for developing the methodology, conducting interviews, leading focus groups, and analyzing results to provide recommendations.
Connect on LinkedIn: Obi's LinkedIn Profile
Peace Kumapayi
Peace Kumapayi is a Graduate Student pursuing an MSc in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. She holds a BSc in Kinesiology from York University, completed in 2024. Her research contributions include:
- When, How, and Challenges Associated with Identifying Homebound Older Adults – A Scoping Review
- Cognitive, Personal, Social, Psychological Needs of Homebound Older Adults – A Scoping Review
- Exploring the Needs and Experiences of Homebound Older Adults with Wearable Devices in GTA – A Descriptive Case Study
Peace is currently leading the project “Exploring the Needs and Experiences of Homebound Older Adults with Wearable Devices in GTA – A Descriptive Case Study”, where she aims to improve the understanding and application of wearable technologies for this population.
Dr. Ogochukwu Onyeso
Dr. Ogochukwu Onyeso is a Postdoctoral Visitor in the M4 & Aging Lab at York University under the supervision of Dr. Michael Kalu (April 2025 – March 2026). He holds a PhD in Population Studies in Health from the University of Lethbridge, with prior degrees in Physiotherapy from Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Nigeria.
His research explores life course mobility trajectories, aging, and the social determinants of health. He specializes in advanced quantitative modeling techniques to generate policy-relevant evidence, with an emphasis on health service delivery across home, community, and long-term care settings.
Current Project:
“Examining the Mediation of Economic, Environmental, and Social Disparities in Mobility Decline Among Visible Minority and Non-Minority Older Canadians: A CLSA-Based Analysis”
This study analyzes CLSA data to uncover how economic status, living environments, and lifestyle behaviors contribute to mobility disparities in older Canadians—particularly across gender and racial lines.
Selected Publications:
Dr. Juliet Chigozie Donatus Ezulike
Dr. Juliet Ezulike is a Postdoctoral Visitor in the M4 Aging Lab at York University, working under the supervision of Dr. Michael Kalu. She holds a PhD in Social Work from the City University of Hong Kong (2023), an MSc in Gerontology from the University of Southampton (2018), and a BSc in Social Work from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (2015).
Her research spans informal caregiving, healthy ageing, gerontechnology, frailty, mental health, and social policy. She is particularly focused on improving the lives of older adults and their caregivers through culturally appropriate and inclusive technological solutions.
Current Project:
“Socially Focused Intelligent Assistive Technologies for Caregiving for Homebound Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Scoping Review”
This scoping review explores the body of literature on social technologies used among caregiving dyads—homebound older adults with cognitive impairment and their family caregivers—while identifying barriers and facilitators to adoption.
Her ongoing research also examines the perceived cultural appropriateness of assistive technologies that support social interaction in Black older adults and their caregivers. Juliet’s interdisciplinary work sits at the intersection of social work, gerontology, public health, and social policy, with a central focus on minoritised racial/ethnic populations.
Peng Zixun
Peng Zixun is a 4th year Product Design student and a Mitacs GlobalLink Research Intern in Dr. Kalu’s lab. Peng is conducting qualitative thematic analysis of CAMAiW data and assisting with a scoping review.
Peng's goal is to pursue graduate studies in Interaction Design or Game Design.
Francisca Andrea Parra Rojas
Francisca Andrea Parra Rojas is a Mitacs GlobalLink Research Intern and a Social Work graduate of Universidad Católica del Maule in Talca Chile.
Current and recent projects:
- Exploring Challenges in Identifying Homebound Black Older Adults A Qualitative Case Study (Mitacs GRI Internship, York University)
- “Fake” Participants in the Midst of Virtual Interviewing: Researchers’ Experiences and Strategies Through a Systematic Scoping Review (Mitacs GRI Internship, York University)
- Migrant Mothers in the Maule Region: The Influence of Migration on Their Emotional Capacities and Experiences of Motherhood and Parenting (Undergraduate Thesis, Universidad Católica del Maule)
Francisca plans to pursue a master’s and later a PhD in fields such as Public Health Aging Migration Studies or Emotional Well Being. She hopes to become a university professor and researcher who highlights the role of emotional competencies in Social Work education.
Hiba Sher
Hiba Sher is a Research Assistant and Project Lead in Dr. Kalu's lab. She holds a BSc in Biology from York University and has been leading a scoping review project titled:
- Met and Unmet Needs of Black Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Hiba’s work focuses on understanding healthcare disparities and developing strategies to address them. She plans to pursue a career in medicine while continuing her research aspirations to deepen her knowledge and understanding of healthcare inequalities.
Osamudiamen Junior Edebor
Osamudiamen Junior Edebor is a Volunteer in Dr. Kalu's lab. He holds a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Benin and has contributed to several projects, including:
- Relationship Between Selected Sociodemographic and Anthropometric Characteristics with Sedentary Behavior Among Clinical Undergraduates of the University of Benin
- Met and Unmet Needs of Black Older Adults; A Scoping Review
Osamudiamen is currently furthering his studies for a master’s degree while working as a physiotherapist. His dedication to research and practice highlights his commitment to advancing knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes.
Sana Gondal
Sana Gondal is a Volunteer in Dr. Kalu's lab. She holds a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from York University and has contributed to the project:
- Met and Unmet Needs of Black Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Sana plans to continue working in research, furthering her contributions to improving knowledge and outcomes in healthcare.
Soroush Shirazi
Soroush Shirazi is a Research Assistant in Dr. Kalu's lab. He holds a Bachelor’s of Health Sciences from Queen’s University and has been actively involved in several projects, including:
- Cognitive and Driving Study
- AI Use in Thematic Analysis
- Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction Rate from Physiotherapy Services in Nigeria
- Anonymizing and De-identifying Sensitive Health Data
- Identifying Components of Culturally Appropriate Self-Management Strategies for Black People Living with Diabetes or Pre-clinical Diabetes – A Scoping Review
Soroush aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon, particularly focusing on the development and application of artificial limbs.