The Research & Academic Services team advances PHSA’s mission through research, innovation, and education—providing leadership in research administration, clinical trials, ethics, and student learning across the health system.
Chief administrative officer, Research & Academic Development
Greg Martyn is the chief administrative officer for Research & Academic Development at PHSA. With over two decades in research administration, Greg brings leadership experience from the University of British Columbia, where he served as executive director for the Vice-President Research & Innovation portfolio, and from Michael Smith Health Research BC. A former registered nurse with a background in pediatric oncology, Greg holds degrees in nursing, kinesiology, and health management. He is passionate about advancing PHSA's integrated mission to deliver care, conduct research, and train future health professionals.
Manager, Research Services
Aditi Bhardwaj manages PHSA’s Research Services portfolio, working closely with researchers, administrators, and policy teams to strengthen research governance and operational excellence. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare and a master’s in health service management, she leads initiatives related to conflict-of-interest oversight, data-access governance, and institutional policy. With a collaborative and systems-thinking mindset, Aditi focuses on streamlining research administration to strengthen integrity, innovation, and impact across PHSA’s research enterprise.
Clinical librarian, Library Services
Shannon Cheng supports evidence-based decision-making across PHSA by connecting staff with high-quality research and information resources. She delivers virtual library services, including expert literature searches, database navigation, and training on knowledge tools. Shannon primarily supports the Health Improvement Networks, Provincial Clinical Programs, Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services, Laboratory Medicine, Medical Imaging, and Virtual Health. Her goal is to help PHSA teams find and apply the best available evidence to improve care delivery and patient outcomes.
Executive director, Academic Development & Student Education
Christie Diamond provides strategic leadership for student education across PHSA. She oversees policy, partnerships, and coordination for thousands of student placements annually—spanning nursing, allied health, medicine, and other disciplines. Collaborating with academic institutions and PHSA clinical teams, Christie ensures high-quality, consistent, and safe learning experiences for students and on-site faculty. Her work supports PHSA’s mandate to foster the next generation of health professionals and strengthen academic partnerships across the province.
Corporate director, Clinical Trials Administration
Heather Lockyer oversees clinical trial administration at PHSA, ensuring high standards of regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and operational efficiency. With extensive experience in Health Canada and FDA-regulated trials, she leads a team of experts who support researchers through every phase of clinical trial management. Heather’s collaborative, solution-focused approach drives system improvements and data-driven oversight, enabling PHSA to advance clinical innovation while maintaining participant safety and scientific integrity.
Director, Research Integration & Innovation
Chair, UBC Children’s & Women’s Research Ethics Board
Dr. Holly Longstaff is an ethicist and research leader committed to advancing responsible and innovative research across PHSA. With extensive experience advising Health Canada, PHAC, and CIHR, she has contributed to national discussions on research ethics and policy. Holly’s work has appeared in journals such as
CMAJ,
Trends in Neurosciences, and
Cell Stem Cell. As director of Research Integration & Innovation, she leads initiatives that strengthen PHSA’s research ecosystem and its partnerships with academic and clinical communities.
Director, Health Science Placement Network (HSPnet)
Ella Young leads HSPnet operations across Canada, guiding the team in managing health science student placements. With leadership experience across healthcare, energy, and insurance sectors, Ella holds a Master of Health Administration, a Bachelor of Commerce, and certifications as PMP, CHE, and ACHE. Known for her data-driven approach, she has delivered award-winning solutions using analytics and predictive modeling to improve outcomes and operational performance. Since joining PHSA in 2024, Ella has successfully overseen HSPnet’s system migration and website relaunch, driving continued innovation in health workforce education.
