Mehrad Dehghani

Mehrad Dehghani is a third-year Bachelor of Health Sciences student at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada, and a research intern with the Global Health and Implementation Research Lab (GHIRL). His academic and research interests span cognitive diseases, global health, clinical research, healthcare technology and the development of equitable healthcare solutions. He is particularly interested in how scientific research and technological innovation can contribute to more accessible, culturally responsive and effective healthcare.

Born and raised in Shiraz, Iran, Mehrad moved to Toronto, Canada, at the age of 15. Growing up and pursuing his education across two different countries has shaped his understanding of how social, cultural and health-system contexts influence people's experiences of healthcare. These experiences have strengthened his interest in addressing disparities in access to care and understanding how research can respond to the needs of diverse and underserved populations.

At Queen’s University, Mehrad has pursued opportunities that combine academic learning with laboratory research, biomedical innovation and community engagement. He has contributed to undergraduate research investigating acute cardiovascular responses to sweet and sour taste stimuli, while developing practical laboratory skills in gel electrophoresis, micropipetting and solution preparation. His involvement in the Queen’s Biomedical Innovation Team has also introduced him to international partnership development, including engagement with prospective collaborators in Nepal, India and Nigeria.

Beyond his academic activities, Mehrad is actively involved in university and community initiatives, including the Queen’s University Blood Team, the Integrated Brain Tumor Program and Health Sciences Orientation. He has also contributed more than 150 hours of volunteer tutoring in biology and chemistry, reflecting his commitment to education, mentorship and community service.

Mehrad aspires to pursue a career in medicine while maintaining an active involvement in scientific research. His long-term ambition is to integrate clinical practice with research and innovation, translating scientific discoveries into practical, equitable and sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery. Outside his academic and research commitments, he enjoys volleyball, golf, soccer, squash, table tennis and skiing, and has recently developed an interest in learning the saxophone.