Ayden Scheim

Ayden Scheim serves as Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health in Philadelphia and holds an affiliate scientist position at St. Michael's Hospital's Li Ka Shing Knowledge Centre in Toronto. His work examines how social marginalization, policy environments, and healthcare systems impact the health of stigmatized populations through community-engaged methodologies.

Dr. Scheim's academic training includes:

• PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University (2017)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, UC San Diego Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health (2017-2019)

His research focuses on social epidemiology with specialized expertise in transgender health and substance use. He investigates structural determinants of health disparities using community-based participatory approaches that prioritize collaboration with marginalized populations. His work spans domestic (U.S./Canada) and international contexts to identify policy-level interventions that improve health equity for vulnerable communities.

Dr. Scheim's scholarly contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards:

• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Fellowship
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship

As an early-career researcher, he maintains active roles at Drexel University and St. Michael's Hospital, directing projects that translate epidemiological evidence into actionable strategies for reducing health disparities among transgender populations and people who use drugs. His community-centered approach emphasizes co-creation of knowledge and policy advocacy grounded in lived experience.