Our Team
Dr. Mary De Vera is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia. She holds a Canada Research Chair in Health Outcomes and Treatment Adherence, a national recognition of leading scholars across the country. As an epidemiologist and health services researcher, Mary explores how treatments and care impact people’s lives—both across large populations and in individual patient experiences. Her diagnosis with Stage 3B rectal cancer at age 36 inspired her to found the Colorectal Cancer Outcomes Research Group, where she combines lived experience with scientific expertise to improve knowledge, care, and outcomes.
What excites me about CCOR:
As someone who has lived with and now studies colorectal cancer, I see a gap in research reaching the people who need it most: patients. With CCOR, I’m excited to help carve out this missing link—turning research into knowledge that truly makes a difference.
What I want everyone to know about colorectal cancer:
Progress is happening every single day. The more we do, share, and digest research, the faster that progress reaches the people who need it most.
To learn more about her, go here.
Dr. Mary De Vera BSc, MSc, PhD
Founder | mdevera@mail.ubc.ca
Alexander is a Research Manager at the University of British Columbia’s Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE). His career has been about bringing people and research together—helping studies run smoothly, supporting teams, and making sure that science turns into something meaningful for patients, healthcare professionals, and families.
He previously managed the IMPACT Project, a large Canadian study focused on improving outcomes in respiratory health. In that role, he coordinated everything from grant management to study milestones, while keeping patients and community partners at the center of the work.
Now at CORE, Alexander continues to support research across many health areas, including colorectal cancer. He works on grant development, data collection, and building partnerships—always with the goal of ensuring that research doesn’t stay on paper, but creates real impact in people’s lives.
What excites me about CCOR:
I believe research is only powerful if it reaches the people who need it most. With CCOR, I’m inspired by the opportunity to help translate complex findings into knowledge that patients, families, and care teams can use to make informed decisions and find hope in the journey ahead.
What I want everyone to know about colorectal cancer:
Every piece of research is a step forward. Progress is happening, and by working together, we can make sure that progress reaches the people and communities who deserve it most.
To learn more about him, go here.
Alexander Lin
Executive Director | alexander.lin@ubc.ca
I’m Songhee Yang (Joy), a 3rd-year student in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC with a passion for epidemiology and science communication. At CCRDigest, I design infographics, Visual Digests, and social media posts that turn research articles into simple, engaging content for patients, families, and the community. Beyond CCRDigest, I founded the Pharma Innovator Network at UBC to connect students with real-world issues in pharmaceutical science, and I also work as a journalism intern with Vanchosun Daily, where I write articles for Vancouver’s Korean community.
What excites me about CCOR:
I love creating visuals that make research easy to understand. CCOR gives me the chance to turn complex science into accessible content, which makes the science more meaningful.
What I want everyone to know about colorectal cancer:
Colorectal cancer is real and serious, but knowledge can make a big difference. All the information we share comes from research, so everyone can have access to clear and simple guidance to better protect their health and care for themselves.