Alaa Taha

MD @ Stanford Medicine | PhD in BME @ Western University

Canada

About

I am a PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Western University and an incoming MD student at Stanford. My research integrates machine learning, image analysis, and anatomical coordinate system for brain mapping and neurological targeting. I am also passionate about global health equity, open-source medicine, and advancing stereotactic neurosurgery through interpretable and reproducible methods.

Experience

  • Deep Brain Stimulation Support Group Manager at Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario
    Mar 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 4 mos

    In partnership with the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario (PSSO), we co-founded Canada’s first support group for individuals undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS). I currently lead monthly meetings that provide a compassionate, supportive environment where patients can share their experiences and connect with physicians, researchers, and allied health professionals.

  • Audio Engineer at Stimulating Brains Podcast
    Apr 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 3 mos

    StimBrains is a podcast about brain stimulation with 2,000+ listeners worldwide. I apply audio engineering and AI to create inclusive content. Our episodes feature stories from journal founders to patient-doctor collaborators in neuromodulation.

  • Health Informatics & Patient Outreach – Az-Zabadnai, Syria Medical Mission at Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS)
    May 2025 - Aug 2025 · 4 mos

    Collaborated with eight physicians and allied health professionals on a medical mission to support underserved regions in Syria. Led the technical development of a patient intake application to support case screening and triaging, and built a public-facing website to engage the local community and facilitate patient outreach.

  • Co-Founder at RefuHope
    Jun 2018 - Aug 2025 · 7 yrs 3 mos

    I co-founded RefuHope (RH) to support newcomer integration through data-driven advocacy. We published three systematic reviews on barriers in education and healthcare, and used those findings to guide community projects—including free translation services and digital literacy programs. Today, RH has grown into an international team delivering English and tech training to refugee families in Kenya’s Kakuma Camp.

  • Co-Founder at WebStraw
    Apr 2017 - Aug 2025 · 8 yrs 5 mos

    I co-founded WebStraw, a free online platform aimed at reducing financial barriers to education. Over 7 years, I’ve collaborated with 100+ students and faculty across 3 universities to develop 100+ resources that have supported over 5,000 students across North America.