Arya Khadka

Biography

I recently completed my Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences from the University of Calgary. My undergraduate research capstone explored the aging brain in a warming world, focusing on the impact of climate change-induced heat and air pollution on brain health and neurodegenerative disease risk among older adults. This experience strengthened my interest in neuroscience and population health research, particularly in understanding how biological, environmental, and social factors influence brain health across the lifespan.

I also have a background in system dynamics research focused on opioid use disorder, where I explored how dynamic models can simulate healthcare systems, interventions, and population outcomes to inform public policy and improve patient care. In my current role as a Research Assistant with the Real-World Evidence Platform at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, I support ongoing research initiatives that leverage real-world health data to improve quality of care through a systems-level approach.

My research interests include aging and brain health, autism and ADHD, maternal and child health, health systems research, and the relationship between climate change and human health.