Ivey’s PhD Program in Business Administration is a full-time research-based program designed to develop scholars and to place graduates at high-quality research universities around the world. Our PhD candidates are showcased at conferences around the world, and regularly featured in top-tier academic and industry publications.
To help you get to know them, we’ve asked them about their academic and personal interests.
Q&A with Rezvan Shahabbasi, Ivey PhD candidate
What is your background?
I was born in Khuzestan in southwest Iran, and lived there until I was 18, when I moved to Tehran to study electrical engineering at Khajeh Nasir Toosi University of Technology. While I enjoyed mathematics and analytical problem-solving, I realized I was more interested in applying these skills to tangible, real-world challenges in business. This led me to pursue an MBA at the University of Tehran, where I developed a strong interest in data-driven decision-making and strategy. After completing my MBA, I worked in business and data analytics roles in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry before starting my PhD in Management Science at Ivey.
What attracted you to Ivey’s program?
Ivey’s strong reputation in management science and business studies was a major factor in my decision to join the program. Its proximity to Toronto also provided valuable opportunities to connect with both academic and industry experts. However, what truly motivated me was speaking with Greg Zaric, who is now my supervisor. His enthusiasm for research and the alignment of his work with my own interests convinced me that Ivey would be the right place to grow as a researcher and make a meaningful contribution. Four years later, I am genuinely happy with the choice I made.
What is your research focus?
My research focuses on healthcare analytics, with a particular interest in pharmaceutical pricing, access policies, and healthcare delivery optimization. I develop analytical and data-driven models to support better decision-making in healthcare systems. For example, one of my projects uses a game-theoretic framework to study how physicians’ prescribing behaviours influence drug pricing and patient access, while another applies machine learning and predictive modeling to improve resource allocation and patient outcomes in palliative care.
Why is that area appealing to you? What big problems/issues need to be addressed?
I have always been motivated by research that can make a real-world impact, and healthcare is an area where even small improvements can significantly affect people’s lives. Rising healthcare costs, unequal access to innovative treatments, and long wait times for care, particularly in Canada, are major challenges that need to be addressed. I find this area appealing because it allows me to combine analytical tools with practical problem-solving to tackle these issues. By developing models and data-driven policies, I aim to help healthcare systems allocate resources more effectively, reduce costs, shorten wait times, and improve patient access to care.
How do you see your research making an impact?
My research aims to provide healthcare decision-makers with evidence-based tools to design better policies and optimize operations. By quantifying trade-offs between cost, access, and outcomes, my work can guide pricing and resource allocation decisions that promote efficient use of healthcare resources while improving patient access to necessary treatments. In healthcare delivery, predictive models can help hospitals allocate resources more effectively, which may reduce waiting times and enhance patient outcomes. Ultimately, I hope my research contributes to building a more sustainable and patient-centered healthcare system.
How do you see research as an aid to business improvement?
Research provides a structured way to analyze complex problems and generate evidence-based insights that drive better decision-making. In business, this means identifying inefficiencies, predicting outcomes, and evaluating trade-offs to improve performance. For example, the analytical methods I use in healthcare, such as optimization and predictive modeling, can also help businesses streamline operations, allocate resources more effectively, and design strategies that balance cost and value. Research helps organizations move from intuition-based decisions to data-driven, measurable improvements.
What previous experience prepared you for this?
My experience as a business analyst and data analyst in the FMCG industry, along with my MBA training, shaped the way I approach research. This background helps me look at research problems from a practical and explainable perspective, ensuring the solutions I develop are not only rigorous but also applicable in real-world settings. These experiences ultimately inspired me to apply advanced quantitative methods to healthcare, where data-driven decision-making can significantly improve both costs and patient outcomes.
Where did you grow up and what was it like there?
I grew up in a small city until I was 18. It was a beautiful place, but life could feel limited, with little opportunity to explore or experience new things. Moving to Tehran for my bachelor’s degree was a defining point in my life. It’s a big, vibrant city, and I loved the energy. I feel inspired by dynamic environments where people are driven and ambitious, and Tehran fueled that part of me. I met people from different backgrounds, learned from others’ experiences, and broadened my perspective in ways that shaped how I see the world today.
Who have been your strongest influences in life?
My parents have been the strongest influence in my life, encouraging me to pursue education and teaching me the value of hard work and perseverance. Academically, my PhD supervisor, Greg Zaric, has also shaped the way I approach research, inspiring me to think critically and creatively and supporting me during these four years. Beyond that, I can’t say there has been just one person who changed my life; instead, I’ve always tried to learn something valuable from the people I meet, using those experiences to improve my thinking and behaviour over time.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I have a creative and artistic side. I enjoy painting, have played guitar and harmonica, and sometimes create handmade pieces with clay. It’s completely different from my research work, but I love it because it’s relaxing and allows me to express a different side of myself.
Although I’m generally introverted, I enjoy unplanned, exciting, and even challenging experiences that push me out of my comfort zone. They help me grow and keep life interesting.
What is the most played song on your playlist as of now?
I mostly listen to old and traditional Persian music, sometimes to boost my energy and other times to help me think deeply. I feel better connected with them. However, one song I really enjoy, both for its rhythm and lyrics, is No Me by Kensington. It’s not the most played on my playlist, but it’s one I truly like.
What is your best podcast recommendation?
I really enjoy podcasts about psychology and how the brain works. One of my favourites is The Huberman Lab Podcast. His episodes can be quite long, which is sometimes hard for me to focus on, but I find the science-based tools very helpful for improving focus, productivity, and daily habits.
I also enjoy podcasts focused on personal growth and self-reflection. Two Persian podcasts I like are Ravaq and Radio Raah, which discuss self-discovery and emotional well-being in a thoughtful and engaging way.
What book would you recommend to others? Why?
One book I really enjoyed is When Nietzsche Wept by Irvin D. Yalom. I like books that make me think deeply and reflect on human nature, and this one does that beautifully by exploring psychology, philosophy, and emotions through storytelling. It also encourages critical thinking about life’s choices and personal struggles. I’m currently reading When the Body Says No by Gabor Maté, which examines how hidden stress affects our health, another thought-provoking and insightful book.
