Our Team
We are a passionate and diverse team of neonatologists, biomedical engineers, coordinators, and students, driven by a common purpose… to revolutionize neonatal care.
We are a passionate and diverse team of neonatologists, biomedical engineers, coordinators, and students, driven by a common purpose… to revolutionize neonatal care.
We are a passionate and diverse team of neonatologists, biomedical engineers, coordinators, and students, driven by a common purpose… to revolutionize neonatal care.
Principal Investigators
Principal Investigators
Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna, MD, PhD
Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna, MD, PhD
Dr. Guilherme Sant'Anna is a Neonatologist at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and a Professor of Pediatrics at the Montreal Children's Hospital. His research interests include, but not limited to, wireless vital sign monitoring in term and preterm infants, prediction of extubation readiness in extremely preterm infants, protocols for neonatal respiratory support, and management of asphyxiated infants receiving therapeutic hypothermia.
Dr. Guilherme Sant'Anna is a Neonatologist at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and a Professor of Pediatrics at the Montreal Children's Hospital. His research interests include, but not limited to, wireless vital sign monitoring in term and preterm infants, prediction of extubation readiness in extremely preterm infants, protocols for neonatal respiratory support, and management of asphyxiated infants receiving therapeutic hypothermia.
Biography
See Publications
Dr. Wissam Shalish, MD, PhD
Dr. Wissam Shalish, MD, PhD
Dr. Wissam Shalish is a Neonatologist at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Montreal Children's Hospital. His research focuses on using biomedical signals for better understanding and improving various aspects of respiratory care in preterm infants, including weaning from mechanical ventilation, non-invasive respiratory support provision and respiratory control of breathing.
Dr. Wissam Shalish is a Neonatologist at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Montreal Children's Hospital. His research focuses on using biomedical signals for better understanding and improving various aspects of respiratory care in preterm infants, including weaning from mechanical ventilation, non-invasive respiratory support provision and respiratory control of breathing.
Biography
See Publications
Dr. Robert Kearney, PhD
Dr. Robert Kearney, PhD
Dr. Robert Kearney is a Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at McGill University. His research areas are signals and systems, biomedical sensors, and medical diagnostics and therapeutics. His specific areas of research include the development of algorithms and tools for biomedical system identification, the application of system identification to understand the role of peripheral mechanisms in the control of posture and movement, and the development of signal processing and machine learning methods for respiratory monitoring.
Dr. Robert Kearney is a Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at McGill University. His research areas are signals and systems, biomedical sensors, and medical diagnostics and therapeutics. His specific areas of research include the development of algorithms and tools for biomedical system identification and the application of system identification to understand the role of peripheral mechanisms in the control of posture and movement
Biography
See Publications
Office Staff
Office Staff
Melissa Diamond, BSc, JD/MSEL
Melissa Diamond, BSc, JD/MSEL
Project Director
Melissa is the Project Director for the Smart Hospital Project. She has a juris doctorate in law, a Master’s of Studies in Environmental Law, and a BSc in Biology. Melissa has over 15 years of experience overseeing all aspects of clinical and fundamental research projects at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. Her previous role in the Research Agreements office adds to her experience and skill set related to the organization of clinical research projects from an administrative and legal perspective. She is passionate about improving clinical care through innovative and novel research.
Melissa is the Project Director for the Smart Hospital Project. She has a juris doctorate in law, a Master’s of Studies in Environmental Law, and a BSc in Biology. Melissa has over 15 years of experience overseeing all aspects of clinical and fundamental research projects at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.
Dr. Daniel Faucher, MD
Dr. Daniel Faucher, MD
Research Associate
Dr. Daniel Faucher has worked at the MUHC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for more than 32 years as a Neonatologist and as the Director of the NICU at the Royal Victoria Hospital. He joined McGill University in 1989 and became Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology at McGill University. He was also Program Director, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine for 4 years. During these years, he has contributed to both basic and clinical research. Dr. Faucher is absolutely delighted to continue his contributions to Good Clinical Practices in the field of Neonatology, as well as participating to advancement of studies for the Smart Hospital Project.
Melissa is the Project Director for the Smart Hospital Project. She has a juris doctorate in law, a Master’s of Studies in Environmental Law, and a BSc in Biology. Melissa has over 15 years of experience overseeing all aspects of clinical and fundamental research projects at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.
Alyssa Maximov, BSc
Alyssa Maximov, BSc
Research Coordinator
Alyssa is a Clinical Research Coordinator for the Smart Hospital Project. She obtained her BSc. Biology from Concordia University in 2024. She is experienced in laboratory and participant-facing research settings. Alyssa is passionate about optimizing care and vital monitoring standards in neonates while maximizing family bonding and contact after delivery.
Alyssa is a Clinical Research Coordinator for the Smart Hospital Project. She obtained her BSc. Biology from Concordia University in 2024. She is experienced in laboratory and participant-facing research settings. Alyssa is passionate about optimizing care and vital monitoring standards in neonates while maximizing family bonding and contact after delivery.
Ana Saavedra Ruiz, MD, MSc
Ana Saavedra Ruiz, MD, MSc
Research Coordinator
Ana is a Research Coordinator for the Smart Hospital project. She obtained her Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Montreal in 2021. Ana has experience working as a clinical researcher and a healthcare provider. As a certified clinical researcher, she coordinates the team's various clinical research projects and administrative activities. She is passionate about research that aims to improve the quality of life and the healthcare services provided to vulnerable populations.
Ana is a Research Coordinator for the Smart Hospital project. She obtained her Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Montreal in 2021. Ana has experience working as a clinical researcher and a healthcare provider. As a certified clinical researcher, she coordinates the team's various clinical research projects and administrative activities. She is passionate about research that aims to improve the quality of life and the healthcare services provided to vulnerable populations.
Natalia Nobrega, BSc
Natalia Nobrega, BSc
Administrative Assistant
Natalia joined the Smart Hospital Project in May 2024. She obtained her BSc Statistics from Paulista State University in 2015 and her Postgraduate in Business Administration from Getulio Vargas Foundation in 2019. Natalia has more than 4 years of experience as an Operations Manager, always focusing on optimizing processes and problem solving.
Natalia joined the Smart Hospital Project in May 2024. She obtained her BSc Statistics from Paulista State University in 2015 and her Postgraduate in Business Administration from Getulio Vargas Foundation in 2019. Natalia has more than 4 years of experience as an Operations Manager, always focusing on optimizing processes and problem solving.
Paula Sant'Anna, BA, GrDip
Paula Sant'Anna, BA, GrDip
Communication Specialist
Paula is a video producer and communications expert with a B.A. and a Graduate Diploma in Journalism from McGill University and Concordia University respectively. With a vast experience in audio and visual storytelling, she is excited by the challenge of joining the Smart Hospital Project team to grow awareness for the project.
Paula is a video producer and communications expert with a B.A. and a Graduate Diploma in Journalism from McGill University and Concordia University respectively. With a vast experience in audio and visual storytelling, she is excited by the challenge of joining the Smart Hospital Project team to grow awareness for the project.
Students
Students
Daniel Radeschi, BEng
Daniel Radeschi, BEng
PhD Candidate
Daniel joined the Smart Hospital research team in Winter 2022 after obtaining his BEng in Mechanical Engineering at Concordia University. He is now working on his PhD in Biological & Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of Dr. Robert Kearney and Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna. His research is focused on the use of wireless monitoring devices in the NICU. He's primarily interested in capturing the accuracy and reliability of such devices to improve patient care.
Daniel joined the Smart Hospital research team in Winter 2022 after obtaining his BEng in Mechanical Engineering at Concordia University. He is now working on his PhD in Biological & Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of Dr. Robert Kearney and Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna. His research is focused on the use of wireless monitoring devices in the NICU. He's primarily interested in capturing the accuracy and reliability of such devices to improve patient care.
Emily Jeanne, BSc
Emily Jeanne, BSc
PhD Candidate
Emily joined the Smart Hospital research team in Fall 2021 after obtaining her BSc in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences at McGill University. She is now working on her MSc in Experimental Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Wissam Shalish. Her research is focused on the monitoring of apneas in preterm infants. She hopes to improve monitoring practices in the NICU so that preterm infants may receive better care.
Emily joined the Smart Hospital research team in Fall 2021 after obtaining her BSc in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences at McGill University. She is now working on her MSc in Experimental Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Wissam Shalish. Her research is focused on the monitoring of apneas in preterm infants. She hopes to improve monitoring practices in the NICU so that preterm infants may receive better care.
Eva Sénéchal, BSc
Eva Sénéchal, BSc
PhD Candidate
Eva joined the Smart Hospital project in Fall 2021 after completing her bachelor’s in Cognitive Neuroscience at McGill University. She is currently a PhD student in Experimental Medicine working under the supervision of Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna. Her doctoral thesis will focus on the development and implementation of novel wireless monitoring technology in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She is especially interested in exploring the potential of this novel technology to improve patient experience and care.
Eva joined the Smart Hospital project in Fall 2021 after completing her bachelor’s in Cognitive Neuroscience at McGill University. She is currently a PhD student in Experimental Medicine working under the supervision of Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna. Her doctoral thesis will focus on the development and implementation of novel wireless monitoring technology in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She is especially interested in exploring the potential of this novel technology to improve patient experience and care.
Amanda Gross, BSc
Amanda Gross, BSc
MSc Candidate
Amanda joined the Smart Hospital research team after completing her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience at Concordia University. Under the supervision of Dr. Wissam Shalish and co-supervision of Dr. Guilherme Sant’anna, she is now pursuing her MSc in Experimental Medicine. Her current project focuses on developing predictive models for airway pressure delivery in preterm infants by analyzing bubble CPAP acoustics, a critical step towards optimizing respiratory therapy and enhancing patient outcomes. With a longstanding passion for pediatrics, Amanda is thrilled to contribute to research aimed at improving neonatal care in the NICU.
Amanda joined the Smart Hospital research team after completing her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience at Concordia University. Under the supervision of Dr. Wissam Shalish and co-supervision of Dr. Guilherme Sant’anna, she is now pursuing her MSc in Experimental Medicine. Her current project focuses on developing predictive models for airway pressure delivery in preterm infants by analyzing bubble CPAP acoustics, a critical step towards optimizing respiratory therapy and enhancing patient outcomes. With a longstanding passion for pediatrics, Amanda is thrilled to contribute to research aimed at improving neonatal care in the NICU.
Elisa Barbiero Medeiros, BSc/BA, MD
Elisa Barbiero Medeiros, BSc/BA, MD
MSc Candidate
Elisa joined the Smart Hospital research team in Winter 2025. She holds a Medical Doctor degree from EMESCAM and a BSc/BA in Psychology from UFES, both in Brazil. Currently, she is pursuing her MSc in Experimental Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna.
Her research centers on the evaluation and final development of the Smart Dashboard for clinical use. Elisa is particularly passionate about perinatal care and research, with a holistic focus on both newborns and their families—striving to enhance the quality of healthcare for all involved.
Elisa joined the Smart Hospital research team in Winter 2025. She holds a Medical Doctor degree from EMESCAM and a BSc/BA in Psychology from UFES, both in Brazil. Currently, she is pursuing her MSc in Experimental Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna.
Her research centers on the evaluation and final development of the Smart Dashboard for clinical use. Elisa is particularly passionate about perinatal care and research, with a holistic focus on both newborns and their families—striving to enhance the quality of healthcare for all involved.
Emily Campbell, BEng
Emily Campbell, BEng
MSc Candidate
Emily joined the Smart Hospital research team in the fall 2023 after obtaining her Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Guelph. She is working towards her Master of Science in Biological and Biomedical Engineering with supervision from Dr. Robert Kearney and Dr. Wissam Shalish. Emily’s research focuses on the analysis of respiratory sounds from neonates to determine how they relate to airflow, pressure, and lung mechanics.
Emily joined the Smart Hospital research team in the fall 2023 after obtaining her Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Guelph. She is working towards her Master of Science in Biological and Biomedical Engineering with supervision from Dr. Robert Kearney and Dr. Wissam Shalish. Emily’s research focuses on the analysis of respiratory sounds from neonates to determine how they relate to airflow, pressure, and lung mechanics.
Eva Sutera, BA
Eva Sutera, BA
MSc Candidate
Eva joined the Smart Hospital research Team in 2024 after obtaining her BA in Honours Psychology at the University of Ottawa. She is now pursuing her MSc in Experimental Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Sant’Anna. Her research concentrates on developing and applying innovative wireless monitoring technology in the NICU. Eva's passion and background in pediatrics drive her ambition to enhance the quality of care for preterm infants and improve parent experiences.
Eva joined the Smart Hospital research Team in 2024 after obtaining her BA in Honours Psychology at the University of Ottawa. She is now pursuing her MSc in Experimental Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Sant’Anna. Her research concentrates on developing and applying innovative wireless monitoring technology in the NICU. Eva's passion and background in pediatrics drive her ambition to enhance the quality of care for preterm infants and improve parent experiences.
Lina Ikhlef, BSc
Lina Ikhlef, BSc
MSc Candidate
Lina joined the Smart Hospital research team in the fall of 2023 after obtaining her BSc in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University. She is now working on her MSc in Experimental Medicine under the co-supervision of Dr. Wissam Shalish and Dr. Guilherme Sant’anna. Her research is focused on the monitoring and characterizing of cardiorespiratory events in preterm infants. She is a varsity track and field athlete at McGill, enjoys staying involved in her community, and hopes to improve cardiorespiratory event monitoring practices in the NICU so that preterm infants may receive better care.
Lina joined the Smart Hospital research team in the fall of 2023 after obtaining her BSc in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University. She is now working on her MSc in Experimental Medicine under the co-supervision of Dr. Wissam Shalish and Dr. Guilherme Sant’anna. Her research is focused on the monitoring and characterizing of cardiorespiratory events in preterm infants. She is a varsity track and field athlete at McGill, enjoys staying involved in her community, and hopes to improve cardiorespiratory event monitoring practices in the NICU so that preterm infants may receive better care.
Sofía Palacios Cuevas, BSc
Sofía Palacios Cuevas, BSc
MSc Candidate
Sofía joined the Smart Hospital project in the Winter of 2025 after completing her Bachelor of Science in Technology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Under the supervision of Dr. Robert Kearney and Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna, she is now pursuing her MSc in Biological and Biomedical Engineering at McGill University. Her research will focus on the evaluation of advanced wireless sensor technology to improve the monitoring of neonates after birth, to prevent unstable events after birth, such as Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse (SUPC).
Sofía joined the Smart Hospital project in the Winter of 2025 after completing her Bachelor of Science in Technology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Under the supervision of Dr. Robert Kearney and Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna, she is now pursuing her MSc in Biological and Biomedical Engineering at McGill University. Her research will focus on the evaluation of advanced wireless sensor technology to improve the monitoring of neonates after birth, to prevent unstable events after birth, such as Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse (SUPC).
