1) What is your position/title?

I am a fourth year PhD student at the University of New Brunswick in the Department of Sociology. I am also a research and teaching assistant with members of our department.

2) What is you educational background?

I have always been naturally drawn to the Arts and Social Sciences. I have a bachelor’s degree from St Thomas University with a major in Criminology and an Honours in Sociology. I then obtained my Master’s degree in Sociology from Memorial University of Newfoundland and I am now working towards a PhD in Sociology at UNB in Fredericton.

3) Talk a little about your career path. Where did your passion for the research/work that you do originate and how did it develop?

My areas of interest have always been in environmental and political sociology with a strong focus on population health. My mother, a nurse here in the province, has been an inspiring influence on my studies and research interest. Growing up I was always taught that as long as we have our health we would strive as individuals and as a society. I think that having a nurse as a mother also influenced my interest in health research. As I began my time as an undergraduate student at St Thomas University I quickly developed an appreciation for Sociology and the importance of studying social factors when discussing overall health. My studies began in environmental sociology and then evolved to a greater interest in population health and the role of external social and environmental factors on individual and population health outcomes.

4) Tell us about one or two of your current projects?

Right now my main research project is the PhD thesis. The focus of the project is the current state of the Canadian population health as it compares to migrant populations – with particular focus on the province of New Brunswick. The evidence is gathered using the Canadian Community Health Survey and other available datasets. The intended outcome of this research is to provide critical evidence for the costs of healthcare and how social factors are influencing the health of New Brunswickers. Once the thesis is complete, I will be adding a qualitative component for a mixed methods approach by engaging with diverse community members to understand the meaning of their experiences in health and with the healthcare system.

5) How do you see your research/work in terms of possibly contributing to evidence-based public policy?

I believe that in order to maintain relevant public policy it is important to understand the current needs and composition of the population and society. Working with a mixture of quantitative and qualitative research methods allows sociologists to develop relevant snapshots of populations and societies that provide evidence to inform accurate and appropriate public policy. My PhD research provides health officials and other stakeholders with relevant population information and possible projections should current cultural and social practices and trends continue. It is my hope that these results can provide evidence for policy makers of possible strategies for efficient interventions that could help curtail some of the projected health crises by addressing influential social factors. With public policy that addresses some of the social causes and social determinants of health it is possible to increase population health and offset some of the current projected costs of healthcare.

6) Discuss any past achievements that were significant to your professional path? Have any contributed to the promotion of evidence-based public policy?

Being part of the winning NBSPRN Research2Impact project competition team from 2014 is a significant achievement in the development of my professional career and passion as a researcher. Since then, my interest has grown in studying and contributing in solving diverse social and economic issues within the province. For instance, our project focused on addressing youth unemployment and we’ve seen the NBSPRN create a task force to address these issues. This was the most rewarding experience for myself as a young researcher wanting to influence policy and make a difference in our society.

7) Describe in a couple of sentences your involvement with NBSPRN and how your relationship with the Network has contributed to your research/work and/or to social/economic policy?

I’ve been a member of NBSPRN for about a year now. The research network has been key to many aspects in my development as a researcher and a New Brunswick based scholar. The resources available through the network website and events are vital to the development of my current research. I was able to find key documents and meet influential researchers, business executives, and community leaders to discuss significant issues in New Brunswick that can be addressed through evidence-based public policy.