Postdocs in the Spotlight: Alicia

Welcome to our new blog series highlighting the work of our Azrieli CHILD-BRIGHT postdoctoral fellows!

Within the various research projects underway at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, postdoctoral fellows play a crucial role. This year, thanks to the generous contribution of the Azrieli Foundation, we’re delighted to welcome a new cohort of up-and-coming scientists who are passionate about patient-oriented research (POR) and its incredible potential in the study of pediatric brain-based developmental disabilities. In the next few weeks, we’ll be showcasing each of our postdocs and the pivotal work they’re doing at CHILD-BRIGHT, across Canada. 

INTERPLAY PROJECT

Alicia Hilderley (she/her)

Postdoctoral fellow | Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Calgary 

Alicia is joining CHILD-BRIGHT as a member of the pre-implementation project INTERPLAY: Implementation of iNtensive Therapy for Early Reach through PLAY. Led by principal investigators (PI) Adam Kirton, Darcy Fehlings, and John Andersen, the research team is gathering information on why early hand therapy for young children with cerebral palsy is or isn’t being implemented. The goal is to then use this information to identify strategies to support implementation across Canada.

“I’m involved in seeing the project through four consecutive phases,” says Alicia. The project team includes both parent partners and knowledge-user partners (namely, occupational therapists and health care administrators) with whom Alicia works closely to find solutions and integrate feedback. 

“I’m firm in my belief that the only way to advance rehabilitation practice is to design patient-oriented research that engages children and families as partners.”

— Alicia

Alicia has always been keen to learn from and with people with lived experience—an interest that has played a major role in steering her research career. “Partnerships provide opportunities for in-depth conversations and knowledge exchange with children and families,” she says. “This helps us design research that’s pertinent to them.” 

Alicia points out that learning from those with lived experience can facilitate and improve the quality of research across all stages, often in unexpected ways. “By aligning with patient priorities, we can improve the meaningfulness of our projects and have a greater impact, which I believe should be a goal for all clinical researchers.” 

Alicia is certain that this fellowship will help shape her future as an emerging research partner and advocate. “The skills I’m acquiring will help me effectively integrate patient perspectives to co-build high-calibre research.” Alicia is also delighted to be gaining valuable experience in implementation science, a field that she believes is essential in bridging the gap between research findings and clinical practice.

Postdocs in the Spotlight: Catherine

Welcome to our new blog series highlighting the work of our Azrieli CHILD-BRIGHT postdoctoral fellows!

Within the various research projects underway at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, postdoctoral fellows play a crucial role. This year, thanks to the generous contribution of the Azrieli Foundation, we’re delighted to welcome a new cohort of up-and-coming scientists who are passionate about patient-oriented research (POR) and its incredible potential in the study of pediatric brain-based developmental disabilities. In the next few weeks, we’ll be showcasing each of our postdocs and the pivotal work they’re doing at CHILD-BRIGHT, across Canada. 

PARENT VOICES PROJECT & KM PROGRAM 

Catherine Demers (she/her)

Postdoctoral fellow | Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (OSOT), University of British Columbia 

Catherine, a Vancouver-based postdoctoral fellow, divides her time between the Parent Voices project with the Parent-EPIQ research team and the Knowledge Mobilization (KM) program. The Parent Voices project, transitioning from Phase 1 to Phase 2, is focusing on implementing new patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) in neonatal follow-up programs across Canada. Led by principal investigator (PI) Thuy Mai Luu, this initiative aims to better address parents’ needs and priorities in the medical follow-ups of children born preterm. 

“My role is to oversee the different steps of the project, from submitting ethics applications to conducting interviews, and collaboratively building the implementation plan with different teams,” says Catherine. Within the KM program, led by PI Stephanie Glegg, she contributes to various projects, including the Social Network Analysis study and program evaluation.

As an occupational therapist with a strong clinical background, Catherine’s commitment to patient-oriented research (POR) stems from a desire to collaborate with patients and make real improvements to our health care system. “Patient engagement inherently aligns with patient-centered values of occupational therapy,” says Catherine. She believes a POR approach enhances research relevance and promotes patient-centered care and, ultimately, better health outcomes. 

“I strongly believe that incorporating the patient’s perspective into research significantly improves outcomes in our health care system. Patients offer unique insights that may not be apparent from a purely clinical or research standpoint.”

— Catherine

Just a few months into this fellowship, Catherine can already see its profound impact on her career trajectory. Her previous work and research experience was almost exclusively gained in Montreal within tertiary (i.e., extremely specialized) care. Joining the CHILD-BRIGHT Network and relocating to Vancouver has significantly broadened her horizons. “Working for a pan-Canadian network, learning about new research methodologies, and connecting with such a diverse team of passionate individuals has already been transformative,” says Catherine.  

She anticipates that she’ll learn how best to engage with and address patient needs, deepen her understanding of implementation science, and expand her professional network. “The insights I gain will not only contribute to my current role, but also align with my long-term goal of conducting research that improves health outcomes and quality of life for children.”

Postdocs in the Spotlight: Sevinj

Welcome to our new blog series highlighting the work of our Azrieli CHILD-BRIGHT postdoctoral fellows!

Within the various research projects underway at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, postdoctoral fellows play a crucial role. This year, thanks to the generous contribution of the Azrieli Foundation, we’re delighted to welcome a new cohort of up-and-coming scientists who are passionate about patient-oriented research (POR) and its incredible potential in the study of pediatric brain-based developmental disabilities. In the next few weeks, we’ll be showcasing each of our postdocs and the pivotal work they’re doing at CHILD-BRIGHT, across Canada. 

training & capacity-building program

Sevinj Asgarova (she/her)

Postdoctoral fellow | School of Social Work, University of British Columbia 

Sevinj is a postdoctoral fellow with the CHILD-BRIGHT Training & Capacity Building Program, which offers courses, workshops, and seminars on patient-oriented research (POR) for researchers, trainees, and patient-partners with lived experience. 

Under the supervision of program co-lead Daniel Goldowitz, Sevinj is evaluating the capacity-building initiatives that support successful career paths for emerging patient-oriented researchers in the field of pediatric brain-based developmental disabilities. Currently, she's looking at the impact of CHILD-BRIGHT’s Graduate Fellowship in POR and how the program could be improved. 

“I think it’s important for us to move patients into research teams and move research into improved practice, ultimately leading to better quality of care.”

— Sevinj

Sevinj has long been interested in POR and is happy to see that there has been a concerted effort in the research world to move towards a model of patient-centred care. But a lack of training and knowledge in POR, among both researchers and patients, is a major barrier to change. This need is what ultimately drew Sevinj to CHILD-BRIGHT's Training & Capacity Building Program, where she’s helping to evaluate existing capacity-building opportunities and POR strategies. 

“Listening to patient-partners will help us direct our research priorities,” says the Vancouver-based postdoc. “And in the long term, it will lead to improved outcomes in a health care system that better reflects the needs of those it serves.” 

Sevinj knows that the skills and knowledge she’s acquiring will have a lasting impact on her future. “It’s a great opportunity!” she says. “I’m conducting research evaluations, disseminating my work through manuscripts and conferences, and even improving my grant writing skills.” Sevinj, who plans to focus her own research on pediatric brain-based developmental disabilities after completing the fellowship, firmly believes that everything she’s learning will help her reach the next phase in her career. 

Postdocs in the Spotlight: Sam

Welcome to our new blog series highlighting the work of our Azrieli CHILD-BRIGHT postdoctoral fellows!

Within the various research projects underway at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, postdoctoral fellows play a crucial role. This year, thanks to the generous contribution of the Azrieli Foundation, we’re delighted to welcome a new cohort of up-and-coming scientists who are passionate about patient-oriented research (POR) and its incredible potential in the study of pediatric brain-based developmental disabilities. In the next few weeks, we’ll be showcasing each of our postdocs and the pivotal work they’re doing at CHILD-BRIGHT, across Canada. 

CHILD-BRIGHT COACHING project

Sam Noyek (she/her)

Postdoctoral fellow | Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba 

Sam is delighted to be joining the CHILD-BRIGHT Coaching project, supervised by co-principal investigator (PI) Kristy Wittmeier. 

CHILD-BRIGHT Coaching is the second half of a two-part project. In Phase 1, co-PIs Annette Majnemer and Maureen O'Donnell and the BRIGHT Coaching research team partnered with Canadian health care providers and caregivers to develop an innovative virtual coaching program for parents of preschool children with emerging developmental delays. The goal was to empower families and provide caregivers with the skills needed to optimally support their child while waiting for a diagnosis or interventions. Now in Phase 2, the CHILD-BRIGHT Coaching team is studying how this program can be successfully implemented in four provinces.

“My research has always involved patient-oriented approaches,” says Sam. On this project, her responsibilities are wide-ranging. In addition to being involved in the writing of research manuscripts, she’s facilitating discussion groups on how the evidence generated in Phase 1 can be used in real-world settings—an essential part of this implementation science-focused Phase 2 project. She’s also looking into potential barriers and facilitators to implementation and building relationships with Indigenous partners to explore the cultural safety and appropriateness of the virtual coaching program.

“I believe that conducting research alongside persons with lived experience makes research all-around better and more meaningful!”

— Sam

As a qualitative researcher (i.e., a researcher who studies people’s behaviour and perceptions), Sam is passionate about understanding the lived experiences of often overlooked groups, specifically within the health care system. She believes that approaching patient experiences from a holistic perspective is necessary to make real, systemic changes.

“This fellowship is allowing me to gain a deep understanding of implementation science approaches, and how best to apply them,” says Sam. She’s also happy to have the opportunity to work alongside Indigenous partners. “I’m developing a better understanding of non-Western ideologies, and that’s definitely going to influence how I conduct patient-oriented research going forward!” 

Postdocs in the Spotlight: Angie

Welcome to our new blog series highlighting the work of the Azrieli CHILD-BRIGHT postdoctoral fellows!

Within the various research projects underway at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, postdoctoral fellows play a crucial role. This year, thanks to the generous contribution of the Azrieli Foundation, we’re delighted to welcome a new cohort of up-and-coming scientists who are passionate about patient-oriented research (POR) and its incredible potential in the study of pediatric brain-based developmental disabilities. In the next few weeks, we’ll be showcasing each of our postdocs and the pivotal work they’re doing at CHILD-BRIGHT, across Canada. 

CHILD-BRIGHT ADAPT project

Angie Lim (she/her)

Clinical Nurse Specialist - Interprofessional Practice (CNS-IP)

Adjunct Lecturer | Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto

Research associate & postdoctoral fellow | Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children 

Based in Toronto, Angie is joining CHILD-BRIGHT ADAPT: Assessing and Developing an Adapted navigator role to support Parents during neonatal Transition – the second half of a two-phase project. 

In Phase 1, the research team piloted a new type of care for families transitioning home with their baby from the neonatal intensive care unit. Specifically, they assigned families a point person (“navigator”) who focused on three components of support: 1) care coordination, 2) parent education and empowerment, and 3) mindfulness using an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework. 

Now, in Phase 2, the team is studying how to implement the effective components of this intervention across Canada, in preparation for wide-spread implementation. 

Angie’s role as a postdoctoral fellow is central and multifaceted. Under the supervision of the project’s co-principal investigator (PI), Julia Orkin, she is fine-tuning the team’s research protocols to make sure they meet their project goals, as well as leading project management, overseeing the study’s progress, and ensuring that milestones are met on time. She is also using Knowledge Mobilization strategies to ensure that results are communicated in a way that’s accessible to a wide, diverse audience. 

“I was drawn to patient-oriented research because I believe that our health care system should evolve based on patient needs and real-world effectiveness.”

— Angie

As a researcher and registered nurse, Angie has a comprehensive understanding of how POR can lead to interventions that are more likely to be accepted and adopted in practice, ultimately boosting patient engagement and improving health outcomes.  

“By incorporating the patient’s perspective, we can design and implement research that’s more aligned with the experiences of those it aims to benefit,” says Angie. 

When asked how she thinks this fellowship will impact her future, Angie is enthusiastic. “This fellowship is a cornerstone in my career. It’s an incredible introduction to the field of Implementation Science, which is essential for bringing research to the bedside.”  

Angie is certain that this interdisciplinary and collaborative fellowship will not only broaden her professional network, but also open doors to future research partnerships. “I’m gaining such invaluable skills and experience,” she adds. “Everything I’m learning will help me conduct more impactful research and communicate findings more effectively for diverse audiences.”   

Ultimately, Angie believes that this fellowship will lay a strong foundation for her future as a researcher and clinician.