Working with the Jooay App project team as part of the 2021 CHILD-BRIGHT Summer Studentship Program, Claire Zhang was responsible for data collection and information extraction to be included in the Jooay App, as well as data entry and data analysis using app analytics. Claire also supported a number of key knowledge translation activities related to the Jooay App.
Here is what Claire had to say about the summer student experience:
“This summer, I was able to work on the Jooay App and participate in the CHILD-BRIGHT Summer Studentship Program. From the beginning, we were introduced to the behind-the-scenes of running the app, including editing and finding new appropriate activities to add. I learned how much consistent effort and maintenance a project such as Jooay requires. Then, as I slowly accumulated experience, I began to learn more about the many different needs of children and youth with disabilities, and about the diverse leisure opportunities available to them. This helped change my perspective – any child or youth who wants to participate in an activity, sport, or social activity can do so, it’s simply a matter of finding the right program for the right person.
I was also fortunate enough to attend a meeting with Jooay’s co-investigators and patient-partners this summer. Listening to the many different perspectives and concerns at the meeting helped consolidate what I was learning in the summer studentship webinars and modules. Seeing the material I was learning about being applied in real time made the experience all the more valuable and memorable.
My future career goals are not yet set in stone, but I’d be interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Needless to say, this summer experience with patient-oriented research and learning about diverse, individual needs will help me along this path.”