About Applied Research

Dr. Barai applies her extensive business development, commercialization and research experience in building strong industry-academic partnerships. She is passionate about developing strategic partnerships that create impact and add value for all stakeholders. Dr. Barai’s expertise comes from more than 15 years of experience at The Hospital for Sick Children, MITACS and DFB Pharmaceuticals. She has a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor of pharmacy from Mumbai, India.

As the Director, Research Operations, Ms. Gopalasigam is responsible for all financial and compliance operations in Seneca Applied Research. This includes budget planning, accounting, advising on all financial, budget and compliance issues, as well as development and implementation of department processes. Her work experience includes financial management, reporting and analysis, budget and forecasting, and process improvement. Ms. Gopalasigam holds a bachelor’s degree in administrative studies (honours) with a specialization in human resources management.

As the SCILS Research Manager, Dr. Ryan Hayman leverages his product development and systems integration experience in biotech to advance projects with small- and medium-sized businesses in the life sciences sector. He has more than 12 years of experience in senior management and senior scientist roles in medical devices / in vitro diagnostics startups in the GTA. His teams have developed multiplexed assays, instruments, and point-of-care cartridges for inflammatory diseases, sexually transmitted infections, and respiratory infections. Dr. Hayman earned his PhD in chemistry from Tufts University and a bachelor’s degree with honours in chemistry from Williams College. Passionate about the Ontario biotech ecosystem, he also advises startups on technical challenges and fundraising.

Sahar Hussain, PMP®, is an Associate Manager, Project Management, supporting applied research and innovation initiatives across Seneca’s research centres, with a primary focus on the Seneca Centre for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence Technology. In her role, she works closely with industry partners, faculty, and student researchers to develop practical solutions to business and community challenges by facilitating partnerships, securing funding, and guiding projects from concept through execution. Her work includes grant development, budget and resource management, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of strategic initiatives that strengthen research operations and impact. She has contributed to successful provincial and federal funding applications, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and organizational initiatives including the development of research data management practices. Ms. Hussain holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute and an honours bacehlor’s degree in international development and globalization from the University of Ottawa. Drawing on experience across academic, health-care, non-profit, and public sector environments, she is passionate about building inclusive, community-centred research programs that translate innovative ideas into meaningful social and economic impact.

As a Research Project Manager, Dr. Paton supports all aspects of the applied research process. This includes working in collaboration with faculty and their partners to develop projects, identify funding sources, prepare funding applications and manage applied research projects. He also supports awareness and outreach activities, within and external to Seneca. His work experience includes varied roles in developing and managing industry-academic collaborations and providing technical advice and guidance to entrepreneurs in the sciences and engineering fields. He is also the founder of a spin-out company making organic light-emitting diode (OLED) lighting. Dr. Paton holds a PhD in chemical engineering and applied chemistry, a master of science in chemistry, a bachelor of applied science in engineering science and has project management training, all from the University of Toronto.

Jaya Revoredo, Project Co-ordinator, supports the administration, co-ordination and management of applied research projects. She collaborates with researchers, faculty, students, industry partners and Applied Research staff to support research operations and project delivery. Ms. Revoredo also manages the web and social media presence for Applied Research and supports operational activities, including the onboarding and offboarding of research students. She holds a bachelor’s degree in applied science in mechanical engineering degree from the University of Waterloo and brings extensive experience in web design, development, and project management.

As the Budget & Account Administrator, Ms. Tang is responsible for supporting financial analysis and operation for applied research projects. Ms. Tang has wide experience in financial planning and analysis, events planning and execution, admissions and recruitment, and office management. She holds a MBA in marketing and organizational behaviour from the University of Toronto and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade.

As the Co-ordinator, Ms. Yeung provides administrative support to the overall Seneca Applied Research department, including the operations of the Seneca Research Ethics Board (REB). She supports metrics reporting relating to the department as well as the submissions of research funding proposals and applications. She also assists with the planning and execution of departmental events and the development and maintenance of communications materials. In her role as the REB Co-ordinator, Ms. Yeung manages the application process and provides advice to Seneca faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders on REB-related matters. She holds an honours bachelor degree in psychology and urban studies from the University of Toronto.