Mark is a nursing student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Drawing from personal experience undergoing multiple open-heart surgeries, he has developed a strong interest in patient-oriented research, cardiovascular research, and care. His research interests also include health promotion, cardiac care delivery, and patient safety initiatives. He has gained direct patient experience as a clinical extern on the cardiac and vascular surgery floor at Toronto General Hospital, as well as on a medicine unit at Mississauga Hospital and Michael Garron Hospital. Mark is actively involved in volunteer work with Big Brother Big Sister Toronto and Heart Valve Voice Canada.