The Research Team
The Respirability Lab Team is a diverse group of professionals from different rehabilitation professions. Each member plays a vital role in the operations of our lab, from conducting research studies, to recruiting participants, and disseminating the lab's findings at conferences and symposiums. Read about each of our team members to familiarize yourself with the people you may interact with as a research study participant!
...and our wonderful summer students!
Our Primary Investigator
Dr. Sanchez-Ramirez is an assistant professor in the Department of Respiratory therapy at the University of Manitoba, Canada. After graduating as a Physical Therapist, she obtained an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Public Health (Copenhagen University, Denmark and Granada University, Spain) and an Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate Degree in Biomedical Sciences (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands). She completed her postdoctoral training in the Injury Prevention Centre, School of Public Health, at the University of Alberta.
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Her research program aims to enhance quality of life and participation among people with chronic respiratory diseases and post-COVID syndrome, and to advance in the field of virtual respiratory care incorporating technology, portable and wearable devices. Dr. Sanchez's professional portfolio includes diverse research experience in clinical research, epidemiology and medical education using quantitative and mixed methods.
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Research Areas
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Pulmonary Rehabilitation: what works for whom?
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E-health in respiratory diseases diagnosis and (self)monitoring
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Morbidity and management of respiratory diseases: epidemiology and outcomes
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Additional Research interests
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Indigenous peoples & Immigrants Health
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Health promotion & Disease prevention
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Primary care
Our Researchers
Dr. Antonio Sarmento Da Nobrega
M.Sc. Ph.D., Post-Doctoral Fellow
Project Lead for: "Effect of pulmonary telerehabilitation and telemonitoring for patients with chronic respiratory diseases: A feasibility study"
Dr. Antonio Sarmento is a certified physical therapist from Brazil with MSc and PhD experiences in scientific writing, data analysis, and respiratory assessment, including intervention, physiology, and mechanics. As a Post-Doctoral fellow with the Respirability Lab, he is conducting research in the field of virtual care for individuals with chronic lung diseases.
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Currently, he is also involved in projects that investigate the relationships between physical activity and symptoms in post-COVID syndrome, the effects of a self-management program for post-COVID-19 using wearable biometric technology, and the feasibility of pulmonary telerehabilitation and telemonitoring for individuals with COPD.
Rachel Adodo
MSc Graduate/Research Assistant
Project Lead for: "Self-management of post-COVID-19 syndrome using wearable biometric technology"
Rachel Adodo is a graduate student in the Master of Rehabilitation Science program at the University of Manitoba. She developed a keen interest in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation while studying physiotherapy at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Seeking to expand her knowledge and increase her understanding of this area, she decided to pursue a master’s degree with a research focus in pulmonary rehabilitation.
With the emergence of COVID-19 and its impacts on various body systems, especially the respiratory system, she decided to focus specifically on COVID-19 rehabilitation. As people continue to experience symptoms even after recovery from the acute phase of the viral infection, she believes that there is an urgent need for research in this area, and she would like to pursue future research in that direction.
Sylvia Onah
Research Assistant
Sylvia is a graduate student in the MSc Rehabilitation Science program at the University of Manitoba, with a robust background in Medical Rehabilitation (PT) and several years of professional experience. She is passionate about research and education and is actively involved in the Respirability Lab, where she contributes to studies that focus on COPD and make use of assistive technology.
Beyond her academic and professional endeavors, Sylvia volunteers with various organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross Society and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Her research interests include older adults, social inclusivity, disability, and chronic illness.
Kaitlin King is a Research Assistant in our lab and an instructor in the Department of Respiratory Therapy at the University of Manitoba, Canada. After graduating as a Respiratory Therapist in 2012 from the University of Manitoba, she began working in critical care at St. Boniface Hospital (Winnipeg, MB). She continued her education and obtained her Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE) credential.
Shortly after, she accepted a clinical specialist role and was a resource for all respiratory-related needs and staff education on the wards, and in the emergency department. The role also included student coordination and evaluation of students for the University of Manitoba, Respiratory Therapy program. Kaitlin always enjoyed teaching but this was where Kaitlin realized her passion for teaching.
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An opportunity to teach presented itself at the University of Manitoba in 2019 and Kaitlin took the plunge. It has been a challenge starting a teaching career in a health education program, during a pandemic, but it’s very rewarding.
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As a self-proclaimed, curious, lifelong learner, she will be taking on another new opportunity to expand her knowledge and expertise in the field of Respiratory Therapy. Kaitlin is very excited to take on the new and exciting challenge of being a research assistant. She is excited to learn from and work with the accomplished, Dr. Sanchez -Ramirez, on her investigations in interstitial lung disease. She is excited about the future, learning more about research and the possibility of improving patient’s lives through research.
Kaitlin King, RRT
Respiratory Therapist,
Research Assistant
Lea Soliman
Respiratory Therapist/Research Assistant
Lea previously graduated from the Bachelor's of Respiratory Therapy program at the University of Manitoba and went on to become a practicing respiratory therapist for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. She also attained her Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences from Thompson Rivers University, before deciding to return to the University of Manitoba to pursue her Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Sciences.
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While continuing to work clinically in Winnipeg's hospital frontlines, Lea has also dedicated herself to volunteering for many organizations such as the Women in Science: Development, Outreach, and Mentoring (WISDOM) group, Bioscience Association Manitoba, the Health Sciences Graduate Students Association, and the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists.​​
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Our Summer Students
Our Partners
