pear-net society's

Board of Directors

 Sura Alwan

Founder and Executive Director

Dr. Sura Alwan, MSc, PhD, is a geneticist, teratologist, and birth defects epidemiologist. She holds a clinical faculty position in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

Dr. Alwan's research is grounded in the belief that scientific evidence should inform—not alarm—pregnant individuals and the professionals who support them. Through her work, she advocates for clear, balanced guidance on prenatal exposures, rooted in both scientific integrity and compassion.

Wee-Shian Chan

Secretary & Treasurer

Dr. Wee-Shian Chan, MSc, MD, FRCPC, FACP, an obstetric medicine physician, is the Head of the Department of Medicine at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre in Vancouver, Canada, and leads the BC Women’s Obstetrical Medicine Group.

Dr. Chan is dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes, reducing pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality, and advancing comprehensive care for women across their lifespan. She is also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of physicians and researchers in the field of women’s health.

Jan M. Friedman

Director at Large

Dr. Jan Friedman, MD, PhD, FAAP, FABMG, FCCMG, FRCPC, FCAHS, is a clinical geneticist and Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Dr. Friedman is a clinician-scientist whose research bridges clinical genetics and more fundamental studies of genetics and genomics. In the past two decades, he has been a pioneer in the development and clinical application of genomics tools to understand the causes and improve the diagnosis of intellectual disability and other genetic conditions. He is also a recognized expert in clinical teratology, with a focus on determining the safety or risks of birth defects related to maternal medication use during pregnancy. 

K.S. Joseph

Director at Large

Dr. K.S. Joseph, MD, PhD, is a Professor in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia, and at the BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital and Health Centre in Vancouver, Canada.

Dr. Joseph’s research focuses on epidemiologic issues related to maternal, fetal and infant morbidity and mortality. He has received awards for teaching and research from local, national and international organizations.    
PEAR-Net's society's

Administrative & Support Team

Jenny Nakahara 

Administrative & Operations Coordinator

Jenny has served as TERIS Coordinator for more than 34 years, providing unparalleled expertise, institutional knowledge, and support to subscribers and partners worldwide. Her dedication and professionalism have been instrumental in sustaining TERIS as a trusted resource.

Jenny brings her wealth of experience to ensure a smooth and seamless continuation for our subscribers. She manages administrative operations, subscriber services, and communications at PEAR-Net Society, helping us maintain the high standards of service that our community has come to expect.

Tom Kiehne 

Database & Systems Specialist

Tom is a Senior Web Computing Specialist at the University of Washington, where he designed and developed the TERIS application. In addition to his work at UW, he collaborates with PEAR-Net Society to transition and enhance the TERIS system.

Tom brings extensive expertise in web development, data analysis, and digital infrastructure, ensuring that TERIS remains a secure and reliable resource for healthcare providers. His systems thinking and broad technical knowledge make him an invaluable member of the team.