Siham Hassan recently graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from uOttawa. Her honours project, supervised by Dr. Lei Cao, explored how early-life stress impacts the gut–brain axis, epigenetics, and youth mental health. She is interested in the intersection of mental health, child development, and vulnerable populations, with experience working at CHEO and at Bruyère Hospital. Actively engaged in community initiatives as a coach with Girls on the Run, she also served as a junior editor at PHAC, combining research, public health, and community involvement to support inclusive, equity-driven approaches to mental health and wellbeing.