Amit Mukerji
Primary Investigator
Dr. Amit Mukerji is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University and is a staff neonatologist at McMaster Children's Hospital. He has a Master of Science degree in clinical epidemiology (2017) from the University of Toronto and has completed a certificate program in quality improvement (2020) through the Centre for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety at University of Toronto. His main area of clinical and research expertise is non-invasive respiratory support towards improved lung health outcomes in preterm neonates. He has received an Early Career Award (2019-2021) from Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation to support his research. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and acquired peer-reviewed funding including from CIHR since joining the faculty as first/corresponding author, mostly for projects in the realm of neonatal respiratory support/management and outcomes. He was previously the national co-chair of the Lung Health Group of the EPIQ (Evidence-Based Practice for Improvement in Quality) initiative, and now serves as the Associate Director of the Canadian Neonatal Network. Since September 2026, he is serving as the Division Head of Neonatology at the Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University.
Heather Johnson
Clinical Research Nurse / Coordinator
Heather Johnson is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience in Neonatology. She holds a BScN from Queen's University and an Advanced Specialty in Neonatology from BCIT. For the past five years, Heather has worked as a Clinical Research Nurse, collaborating with neonatologists and multidisciplinary teams to coordinate and support a wide range of neonatal research studies and clinical trials. Drawing on her extensive bedside experience, she brings a practical, patient-centred approach to research, helping bridge the gap between clinical care and research. An active member of EPIQ and a strong advocate for quality improvement, Heather is passionate about advancing neonatal research and improving outcomes for infants and their families.
Jamie McLellan
NICU Project Coordinator – Respiratory Practice
Jamie McLellan is a Registered Respiratory Therapist at McMaster Children’s Hospital. She earned her BSc in Chemistry from Western University in 2016 and is currently pursuing a Master of Health Science degree from the same institution. In 2013, Jamie was honored with the Western Scholarship of Excellence, followed by the ProResp Respiratory Award of Excellence in 2018. Passionate about neonatal respiratory care, Jamie serves as the NICU project coordinator for respiratory practice at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Over her five years at McMaster Children’s, she played a pivotal role in the implementation of High-Frequency Jet Ventilation and contributed to several quality improvement initiatives. Jamie is a strong advocate for evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, aspiring to contribute to the advancement of respiratory practice in the NICU.
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Batoul Al-Outa
Clinical Research Nurse / Coordinator
Batoul Al-Outa is a Registered Nurse at McMaster NICU who holds a Master of Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Windsor. In her role, Batoul supports neonatal clinical trials, coordinating studies, and working closely with families and the interdisciplinary team throughout the research process. She continues to practice part time at the NICU bedside, where her direct patient care experience strengthens her approach to research and family engagement.