TFRI News: Meet our newest team members

A number of new employees have joined the Terry Fox Research Institute over the last few months. Here, we present our newest team members!

Vivian Lee, Projects Manager and Data Analyst

Vivian Lee joined the TFRI as a Projects Manager and Data Analyst in October of 2021. She holds a B.Sc. in Pharmacology and Therapeutics from McGill University. She has an extensive background in scientific research and recent experience in business analytics. She was affiliated with BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, McGill Not-For-Profit Consulting, and the Consortium on Analytics for Data-Driven Decision-Making.

What does Terry Fox mean to you? Terry Fox has united the country in the fight against cancer. He has been and will always be my role model for hope, resilience, and kindness.

Hobbies: I like to bike, go to barre classes, and water paint. 

Favourite movie: As of late, I really enjoyed The Forgotten Battle.

Isabel Serrano, Research Projects Manager, MOHCCN

Isabel Serrano joined the TFRI as the Research Projects Manager for the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network in November of 2021. She holds a PhD in Pharmacy, Human Physiology, by the University of Alcalá, Spain. She has extensive experience in cancer research working as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the BC Cancer Research Centre and the Genome Sciences Centre in Vancouver. Following her passion for management and coordination of research teams, she continued her career as Project Manager and Clinical Trials Coordinator working for the department of Radiation Oncology at BC Cancer in Vancouver. 

What does Terry Fox mean to you? Terry Fox is the epitome of resilience. His Marathon of Hope taught us that with hard work and perseverance, anyone can achieve their goals and make the world a better place. His legacy inspires me to work hard to make an impact that could make life better for cancer patients and their loved ones.

Hobbies: Singing, mostly in the shower and sometimes as part of a choir. Spending time with my family on mountain adventures, hiking, camping, skiing...and exploring new places in BC and around the world! 

Favourite movie: The Sound of Music was my favourite as a kid. Now I love to watch a good crime, political, jury action type of show.

Natalie Szudy, Implementation Manager & Interim Executive Director, DHDP

Natalie Szudy is TFRI’s Implementation Manager and the Interim Executive Director of the Digital Health and Discovery Platform. She has extensive experience in the development, management and implementation of programs that span community health initiatives, academic research programs and most recently, virtual health care initiatives through a Pan-Canadian not-for-profit healthcare network. Natalie holds a PhD from Western University and certifications in ethics, design thinking, change management and knowledge translation.

What does Terry Fox mean to you? Terry Fox represents determination and perseverance to overcome obstacles.  He demonstrated how the impact of one person can be a powerful catalyst for transformation and at the same time unite the Nation. He inspires me to be a contributing member of an impactful community collaboratively working to achieve Terry’s dream.

Hobbies: I enjoy the time I spend with my family and community through involvement in sport which includes soccer and rowing and being a volunteer coach for my children’s soccer and t-ball teams. I also enjoy expanding my creative skills by creating stained glass windows.

Favourite movie: I can’t choose! I love exploring films through the Toronto International Film Festival, Hot Docs and Banff Mountain Film Festival. I love films that show different perspectives and challenge my thought processes.

Michelle Honsberger, Director of Finance

Michelle Honsberger joined the TFRI at its new Director of Finance in January of 2022. She obtained her Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University and her Chartered Professional Accountant designation through the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. She has worked extensively in the non-profit and provincial government sectors in various senior financial roles. Michelle has ample experience implementing technological improvements, integrating systems, building robust control processes, and leading data migration.

What does Terry Fox mean to you?Terry Fox’s legacy reminds me that we always more to give – even if we’re tired, or uncomfortable, or feel outnumbered, we all have reserves of strength and tenacity to keep going and give more.

Hobbies: Anything that involves long days outside! Ultrarunning, mountain biking, camping, gravel riding, or hiking.