Meet Members of the PdP Study Team
Dr. Leslie Roos
What is your role on the study team?
I'm a collaborating researcher at the University of Manitoba with appointments in Psychology and Pediatrics. With the PdP team, I collaborate on research related to child development, parent mental health, and therapeutic program development.
Why is research on perinatal and child health important to you?
The transition to parenthood is an incredibly exciting time ... AND it can be unimaginably difficult for a whole variety of reasons. The opportunity to help families become the parents they hope to be is an incredible privilege. I also love hearing about wacky family moments and cute kiddo interactions, but that's just icing on the cake.
What excites you the most about the PdP study?
I think the opportunity to understand how families are recovering from the many stressors of the pandemic is both exciting and important. The PdP study will also provide important knowledge about the types of challenges that are still present so we get kids and parents the support they need.
What is your favourite way to spend your weekend?
Depends on the week, but some combination of running around outside with kids, rushing to a yoga class, and spending evening time on a date with my partner or friends is a winning combination (when possible)!
Dr. Elnaz Vaghef Mehrabani
What is your role on the study team?
I help with collecting dietary data of the participants. We use this data to look at the effect of nutrition on mental health of the participants during the pandemic and their offspring.
Why is research on perinatal and child health important to you?
Many physical and mental health problems throughout one's life have their root in fetal life and early childhood exposures, including nutrition. Identifying the role of nutrition during these years in improving health outcomes can inform future dietary interventions to prevent diseases.
What excites you the most about the PdP study?
I was really excited at how many women across Canada took this courageous step and while struggling with all the pandemic- and pregnancy-related issues, valued the study and generously helped us with doing it.
What is your favourite way to spend your weekend?
Playing with my 14-month-old Elvin. He is a PdP baby!
The PdP study team, in addition to the principal investigators, is made up of graduate and undergraduate students, research assistants, staff, and volunteers. It has been our pleasure to work on this study and we are grateful for the valuable contributions of all the study participants! To meet the team of dedicated researchers involved in creating and managing this project, visit the "Our Team" page.