Sport, syringes, stigma, and more: New CTN+ fellows are driving innovation in STBBI research across Canada
The CTN+ is dedicated to supporting HIV and STBBI research across Canada, and a crucial part of that mission is helping to foster the next generation of researchers. That’s why, every year, we welcome a new cohort of postdoctoral trainees into the Network.
We’re thrilled to welcome each new postdoc to our Network and shine a spotlight on the exciting research they will be undertaking over the course of their fellowships. Stay tuned to our website to learn more about each fellow as they progress through their journey.
Members of the 2025 CTN+ Postdoctoral Fellows cohort. From left to right: Drs Paolo Palma, Olivia Price, and Alex Wells.
Dr. Alexa Keeshan is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Ottawa focused on increasing understanding of the evolving epidemic of STBBI co-infections in Canada. Supervised by Dr. Curtis Cooper, she is characterizing trends in the epidemiology of HIV–hepatitis B virus, HIV–hepatitis C virus, and HIV–syphilis coinfections over the past thirty years at multiple sites across the country.
Dr. Alex Wells is a postdoctoral fellow and social worker researching 2SLGBTQ health at the University of Manitoba. Supervised by Dr. Rusty Souleymanov, Wells’ research is addressing the potential of HIV/STBBI prevention through participation in 2S/LGBTQ sport.
Dr. Olivia Price is a postdoctoral fellow at McGill University focused on harm reduction services who will begin her fellowship October 1st. Supervised by Dr. Nadine Kronfi, her research is focused on enhancing needle and syringe programs in Canadian federal prisons in order to decrease the transmission rates of HIV and other STBBIs.
Dr. Paolo Palma is a postdoctoral fellow at the Toronto Metropolitan University concerned with how beliefs shape people’s attitudes and behaviours in both intergroup and health contexts. Supervised by Dr. Trevor Hart, his current research concerns how HIV stigma impacts the wellbeing of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
The CTN+ is also proud to announce the renewal of Drs. Kathleen Inglis, Muyi Iyamu, and Sheliza Halani for a second year of fellowship support. Be sure to catch their presentations at the CTN+ Postdoctoral Fellowship Symposium at CAHR 2026 in Winnipeg!We wish all our new postdoctoral fellows the best of luck with their research, and are excited to see the impactful insights their work will bear.
