From research to non-profit leadership, Fakhri Shafai shares how her journey has been shaped by collaboration, inclusive research, and programs like CanNRT.
Fakhri Shafai, PhD, M.Ed, is the Chief Science Officer at AIDE Canada (Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network), and was previously a member of the Autism Research Training (ART) program – CanNRT’s predecessor – from 2013 to 2015. Shafai has carved a career at the intersection of research, advocacy, and knowledge translation – and her experience with CanNRT has been foundational to her journey.
Studying sensory processing and emotional regulation in autism, she has collaborated with autistic researchers and individuals to co-create meaningful resources for the community. She continues her collaborative work by acting as a knowledge translator, autism consultant and by providing training for a variety of professionals. Shafai’s inspirational and impactful career remains grounded in her aspiration to meet the needs of the autistic community.
Shafai reflects on the transformative impact of CanNRT (formerly QART, and ART) on her career (Production: Desmond Dyson)
Her journey
We caught up with Shafai to hear her story—from her training days to her current role in improving the lives of the neurodivergent community. Shafai recounts her valuable experience working with the diverse and cross-sector faculty, her post-ART career development and her advice for prospective CanNRT trainees. Here’s what she had to say:
How are you involved in CanNRT?
Shafai: I was a trainee in the original Autism Research Training (ART) program from 2013-2015.
When CanNRT started, I was asked as part of the curriculum co-design process to provide my feedback on what was valuable from ART and what I think they should prioritize in the program moving forward.
The main points I raised were around the importance of knowledge translation, inclusive study design, and developing networking skills.
In what ways has your experience influenced or contributed your work and research to date?
Shafai: My experience with ART allowed me to connect with researchers in various fields and have a better understanding of approaches to study design and working with the neurodivergent community.
I had the opportunity to learn from other early-career researchers, some who are neurodivergent themselves, and have a better grasp on the challenges in academia that they face, and how I can be a better ally moving forward.
I ended up collaborating on studies with some of my fellow ART trainees and mentors and even landed my next two jobs through those connections. ART changed the trajectory of my career.
How is your work advancing the field of neurodevelopmental research or improving quality of life for people with neurodevelopmental conditions?
Shafai: I still collaborate on studies with colleagues (most recently on autism and aging in the senior years) but chose to leave traditional academia after my postdoc.
Now, I work for a federally funded non-profit and spend my days working directly with other neurodivergent people to create online resources for individuals and their families. Knowledge translation is my passion, and I love working with the community to create resources that they have requested.
The most rewarding part of my job is connecting with the neurodivergent community and giving them a platform to share their perspective with people across Canada.
What advice would you give to early career researchers looking to make the most of their CanNRT experience?
Shafai: My advice to early career researchers is to take advantage of every opportunity to network. Networking is exhausting, but it is how you are going to get your next job. Conferences, poster sessions, dinners after events, and meet-the-expert luncheons are invaluable opportunities to connect with your colleagues and potential mentors.
I have a tendency to be socially awkward and get burnt out after a long day of socializing. I can say the wrong thing, but with practice, I got better and was able to land my next job opportunities. Don’t let anxiety stop you from growing your career.
Shafai shares a message to CanNRT trainees, emphasizing the importance of knowledge translation, inclusive study design, and networking (Production: Desmond Dyson)
Looking ahead
As CanNRT continues to train the next generation of neurodevelopmental researchers, Shafai’s insights offer an important reminder: impactful science isn’t just about discovery—it’s about making knowledge accessible, actionable, and meaningful.
If you are interested in collaborating with Shafai or learning more about her work, reach out to her via her LinkedIn profile.
To learn more about the CanNRT Fellowship program, visit our webpage.
