Our Researchers
Information Box Group
Cheryl A. Sadowski
BSc (Pharm), Pharm.D., FCSHP

Cheryl A. Sadowski
BSc (Pharm), Pharm.D., FCSHP
Jean A.C. Triscott
Geriatrician, MD, CCFP, FAAFP, FCFP-Geriatrics
Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician

Jean A.C. Triscott
Geriatrician, MD, CCFP, FAAFP, FCFP-Geriatrics
Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Noori Akhtar-Danesh
PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, Biostatistics
Co-Investigator

Noori Akhtar-Danesh
PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Norm Archer
Professor Emeritus
McMaster University, DeGroote School of Business
Co-Investigator

Norm Archer
Professor Emeritus
McMaster University, DeGroote School of Business
Co-Investigator
Sue Baptiste
MHSc, OT Reg (ON)
Professor Emeritus
McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science
Co-Investigator

Sue Baptiste
MHSc, OT Reg (ON)
Professor Emeritus
McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science
Co-Investigator
Michelle Butt
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator

Michelle Butt
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Sinéad Dufour
Assistant Clinical Professor
McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator / Past Trainee

Sinéad Dufour
Assistant Clinical Professor
McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator / Past Trainee
Wendy Duggleby
PhD, RN, ACCN
Professor
University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator

Wendy Duggleby
PhD, RN, ACCN
Professor
University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Sid Feldman
MD, CCFP, FCFP
Associate Professor
University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician

Sid Feldman
MD, CCFP, FCFP
Associate Professor
University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Kathryn Fisher
MSc, PhD
Data Analyst
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator

Kathryn Fisher
MSc, PhD
Data Analyst
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Kimberly Fraser
RN, PhD
Retired Associate Professor
University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator

Kimberly Fraser
RN, PhD
Retired Associate Professor
University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Amiram Gafni
PhD
Professor
McMaster University; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis;, Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Co-Investigator

Amiram Gafni
PhD
Professor
McMaster University; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis;, Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Sunita Ghosh
PhD, PStat
Assistant Clinical Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Oncology
Co-Investigator

Sunita Ghosh
PhD, PStat
Assistant Clinical Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Oncology
Co-Investigator
Lauren Griffith
Assistant Professor
McMaster University, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Co-Investigator

Lauren Griffith
Assistant Professor
McMaster University, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Andrea Gruneir
PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine
Co-Investigator

Andrea Gruneir
PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine
Co-Investigator
Gail Heald-Taylor
Caregiver Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator

Gail Heald-Taylor
Caregiver Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator
Sandra Hirst
RN, PhD, GNC(C)
Associate Professor
University of Calgary, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator

Sandra Hirst
RN, PhD, GNC(C)
Associate Professor
University of Calgary, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Bill Johnson
Patient Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator

Bill Johnson
Patient Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator
Sharon Kaasalainen
RN, PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator

Sharon Kaasalainen
RN, PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Nick Kates
Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences
McMaster University
Co-Investigator

Nick Kates
Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences
McMaster University
Co-Investigator
Anita Kothari
Associate Professor
Western University, School of Health Studies
Co-Investigator

Anita Kothari
Associate Professor
Western University, School of Health Studies
Co-Investigator
John Lavis
Director
McMaster Health Forum
Co-Investigator

John Lavis
Director
McMaster Health Forum
Co-Investigator
Carrie McAiney
PhD
Associate Professor, Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia
University of Waterloo, School of Public Health and Health Systems
Co-Investigator

Carrie McAiney
PhD
Associate Professor, Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia
University of Waterloo, School of Public Health and Health Systems
Co-Investigator
Janet McElhaney
Vice President of Research & Scientific Director
Health Sciences North Research Institute
Co-Investigator

Janet McElhaney
Vice President of Research & Scientific Director
Health Sciences North Research Institute
Co-Investigator
Melissa Northwood
Assistant Professor, Co-Investigator ACHRU
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator / Past Trainee

Melissa Northwood
Assistant Professor, Co-Investigator ACHRU
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator / Past Trainee
Lawrence Ogden
Caregiver Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator

Lawrence Ogden
Caregiver Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator
Alain P. Gauthier
Associate Professor
Laurentian University, School of Human Kinetics
Co-Investigator

Alain P. Gauthier
Associate Professor
Laurentian University, School of Human Kinetics
Co-Investigator
Christopher Patterson
MD, FRCPC, FACP, FRCP (Glasg.)
Professor
McMaster University, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician

Christopher Patterson
MD, FRCPC, FACP, FRCP (Glasg.)
Professor
McMaster University, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Shelley Peacock
MN, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Saskatchewan, College of Nursing
Co-Investigator

Shelley Peacock
MN, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Saskatchewan, College of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Diana Sherifali
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator

Diana Sherifali
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Lehana Thabane
MSc, PhD
Professor / Associate Chair
McMaster University, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Co-Investigator

Lehana Thabane
MSc, PhD
Professor / Associate Chair
McMaster University, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Ross Upshur
MD, MSc
Professor
University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician

Ross Upshur
MD, MSc
Professor
University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Diana Urajnik
Senior Research Associate ?
Laurentian University, Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research
Co-Investigator

Diana Urajnik
Senior Research Associate ?
Laurentian University, Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research
Co-Investigator
Isabelle Vedel
Assistant Professor
McGill University, Department of Family Medicine and Division of Geriatrics
Co-Investigator

Isabelle Vedel
Assistant Professor
McGill University, Department of Family Medicine and Division of Geriatrics
Co-Investigator
Lorraine Venturato
RN, PhD
Associate Professor
University of Calgary, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator

Lorraine Venturato
RN, PhD
Associate Professor
University of Calgary, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Allison Williams
PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Geography & Earth Sciences
Co-Investigator

Allison Williams
PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Geography & Earth Sciences
Co-Investigator
Patricia Wilson
Professor of Primary and Community Care
University of Kent, Canterbury, England
Co-Investigator

Patricia Wilson
Professor of Primary and Community Care
University of Kent, Canterbury, England
Co-Investigator
Jennifer Yost
Associate Professor
Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
Co-Investigator

Jennifer Yost
Associate Professor
Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Cheryl A. Sadowski
BSc (Pharm), Pharm.D., FCSHP
Cheryl A. Sadowski
BSc (Pharm), Pharm.D., FCSHP
Jean A.C. Triscott
Geriatrician, MD, CCFP, FAAFP, FCFP-Geriatrics
Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Jean A.C. Triscott
Geriatrician, MD, CCFP, FAAFP, FCFP-Geriatrics
Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Noori Akhtar-Danesh
PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Noori Akhtar-Danesh
PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Norm Archer
Professor Emeritus
McMaster University, DeGroote School of Business
Co-Investigator
Norm Archer
Professor Emeritus
McMaster University, DeGroote School of Business
Co-Investigator
Sue Baptiste
MHSc, OT Reg (ON)
Professor Emeritus
McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science
Co-Investigator
Sue Baptiste
MHSc, OT Reg (ON)
Professor Emeritus
McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science
Co-Investigator
Michelle Butt
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Michelle Butt
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Sinéad Dufour
Assistant Clinical Professor
McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator / Past Trainee
Sinéad Dufour
Assistant Clinical Professor
McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator / Past Trainee
Wendy Duggleby
PhD, RN, ACCN
Professor
University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Wendy Duggleby
PhD, RN, ACCN
Professor
University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Sid Feldman
MD, CCFP, FCFP
Associate Professor
University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Sid Feldman
MD, CCFP, FCFP
Associate Professor
University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Kathryn Fisher
MSc, PhD
Data Analyst
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Kathryn Fisher
MSc, PhD
Data Analyst
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Kimberly Fraser
RN, PhD
Retired Associate Professor
University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Kimberly Fraser
RN, PhD
Retired Associate Professor
University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Amiram Gafni
PhD
Professor
McMaster University; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis;, Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Amiram Gafni
PhD
Professor
McMaster University; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis;, Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Sunita Ghosh
PhD, PStat
Assistant Clinical Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Oncology
Co-Investigator
Sunita Ghosh
PhD, PStat
Assistant Clinical Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Oncology
Co-Investigator
Lauren Griffith
Assistant Professor
McMaster University, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Lauren Griffith
Assistant Professor
McMaster University, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Andrea Gruneir
PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine
Co-Investigator
Andrea Gruneir
PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine
Co-Investigator
Gail Heald-Taylor
Caregiver Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator
Gail Heald-Taylor
Caregiver Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator
Sandra Hirst
RN, PhD, GNC(C)
Associate Professor
University of Calgary, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Sandra Hirst
RN, PhD, GNC(C)
Associate Professor
University of Calgary, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Bill Johnson
Patient Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator
Bill Johnson
Patient Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator
Sharon Kaasalainen
RN, PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Sharon Kaasalainen
RN, PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Nick Kates
Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences
McMaster University
Co-Investigator
Nick Kates
Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences
McMaster University
Co-Investigator
Anita Kothari
Associate Professor
Western University, School of Health Studies
Co-Investigator
Anita Kothari
Associate Professor
Western University, School of Health Studies
Co-Investigator
John Lavis
Director
McMaster Health Forum
Co-Investigator
John Lavis
Director
McMaster Health Forum
Co-Investigator
Carrie McAiney
PhD
Associate Professor, Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia
University of Waterloo, School of Public Health and Health Systems
Co-Investigator
Carrie McAiney
PhD
Associate Professor, Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia
University of Waterloo, School of Public Health and Health Systems
Co-Investigator
Janet McElhaney
Vice President of Research & Scientific Director
Health Sciences North Research Institute
Co-Investigator
Janet McElhaney
Vice President of Research & Scientific Director
Health Sciences North Research Institute
Co-Investigator
Melissa Northwood
Assistant Professor, Co-Investigator ACHRU
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator / Past Trainee
Melissa Northwood
Assistant Professor, Co-Investigator ACHRU
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator / Past Trainee
Lawrence Ogden
Caregiver Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator
Lawrence Ogden
Caregiver Stakeholder
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Co-Investigator
Alain P. Gauthier
Associate Professor
Laurentian University, School of Human Kinetics
Co-Investigator
Alain P. Gauthier
Associate Professor
Laurentian University, School of Human Kinetics
Co-Investigator
Christopher Patterson
MD, FRCPC, FACP, FRCP (Glasg.)
Professor
McMaster University, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Christopher Patterson
MD, FRCPC, FACP, FRCP (Glasg.)
Professor
McMaster University, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Shelley Peacock
MN, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Saskatchewan, College of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Shelley Peacock
MN, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Saskatchewan, College of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Diana Sherifali
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Diana Sherifali
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Lehana Thabane
MSc, PhD
Professor / Associate Chair
McMaster University, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Lehana Thabane
MSc, PhD
Professor / Associate Chair
McMaster University, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Co-Investigator
Ross Upshur
MD, MSc
Professor
University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Ross Upshur
MD, MSc
Professor
University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Co-Investigator / Researcher/Clinician
Diana Urajnik
Senior Research Associate ?
Laurentian University, Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research
Co-Investigator
Diana Urajnik
Senior Research Associate ?
Laurentian University, Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research
Co-Investigator
Isabelle Vedel
Assistant Professor
McGill University, Department of Family Medicine and Division of Geriatrics
Co-Investigator
Isabelle Vedel
Assistant Professor
McGill University, Department of Family Medicine and Division of Geriatrics
Co-Investigator
Lorraine Venturato
RN, PhD
Associate Professor
University of Calgary, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Lorraine Venturato
RN, PhD
Associate Professor
University of Calgary, Faculty of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Allison Williams
PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Geography & Earth Sciences
Co-Investigator
Allison Williams
PhD
Associate Professor
McMaster University, School of Geography & Earth Sciences
Co-Investigator
Patricia Wilson
Professor of Primary and Community Care
University of Kent, Canterbury, England
Co-Investigator
Patricia Wilson
Professor of Primary and Community Care
University of Kent, Canterbury, England
Co-Investigator
Jennifer Yost
Associate Professor
Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Jennifer Yost
Associate Professor
Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
Co-Investigator
Our Staff
Information Box Group
Rebecca Ganann
RN, PhD
Co-Scientific Director, Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Dr. Rebecca Ganann is an Assistant Professor in the McMaster University School of Nursing and member of the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) Collaborative for Health and Aging. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) from McMaster. Concurrently with her PhD, she also completed a graduate diploma in Health Sciences and Policy Research. During her PhD studies, Dr. Ganann was awarded a CIHR Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. Dr. Ganann completed her postdoctoral fellowship with the Aging, Community and Health Research Unit. She studied the implementation and impact of patient, caregiver, and community engagement in research teams under the supervision of Drs. Maureen Markle-Reid, Ruta Valaitis, and Carrie McAiney. She also completed strategic fellowship training in transdisciplinary primary health care research.
She currently co-leads the MIRA/ACHRU EMBOLDEN Trial, aimed at promoting physical and community mobility of older adults who experience barriers to engaging in community programs and reside in communities of high health inequity. EMBOLDEN partners with communities to co-design and test an intervention to promote health and prevent chronic disease. She is also a co-investigator on the ACHRU Community Partnership Program for Diabetes Self-Management for Older Adults – Canada and the Optimizing Hospital-to-Home Transitions for Older Adults with Stroke and Multmorbidity: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

Rebecca Ganann
RN, PhD
Co-Scientific Director, Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Laurie Kennedy
Program Manager
Address
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
School of Nursing
Faculty of Health Sciences
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
HSC- 3N25
Hamilton, ON Canada
L8S 4K1
Rebecca Ganann
RN, PhD
Co-Scientific Director, Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Dr. Rebecca Ganann is an Assistant Professor in the McMaster University School of Nursing and member of the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) Collaborative for Health and Aging. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) from McMaster. Concurrently with her PhD, she also completed a graduate diploma in Health Sciences and Policy Research. During her PhD studies, Dr. Ganann was awarded a CIHR Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. Dr. Ganann completed her postdoctoral fellowship with the Aging, Community and Health Research Unit. She studied the implementation and impact of patient, caregiver, and community engagement in research teams under the supervision of Drs. Maureen Markle-Reid, Ruta Valaitis, and Carrie McAiney. She also completed strategic fellowship training in transdisciplinary primary health care research.
She currently co-leads the MIRA/ACHRU EMBOLDEN Trial, aimed at promoting physical and community mobility of older adults who experience barriers to engaging in community programs and reside in communities of high health inequity. EMBOLDEN partners with communities to co-design and test an intervention to promote health and prevent chronic disease. She is also a co-investigator on the ACHRU Community Partnership Program for Diabetes Self-Management for Older Adults – Canada and the Optimizing Hospital-to-Home Transitions for Older Adults with Stroke and Multmorbidity: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.
Rebecca Ganann
RN, PhD
Co-Scientific Director, Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Dr. Rebecca Ganann is an Assistant Professor in the McMaster University School of Nursing and member of the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) Collaborative for Health and Aging. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) from McMaster. Concurrently with her PhD, she also completed a graduate diploma in Health Sciences and Policy Research. During her PhD studies, Dr. Ganann was awarded a CIHR Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. Dr. Ganann completed her postdoctoral fellowship with the Aging, Community and Health Research Unit. She studied the implementation and impact of patient, caregiver, and community engagement in research teams under the supervision of Drs. Maureen Markle-Reid, Ruta Valaitis, and Carrie McAiney. She also completed strategic fellowship training in transdisciplinary primary health care research.
She currently co-leads the MIRA/ACHRU EMBOLDEN Trial, aimed at promoting physical and community mobility of older adults who experience barriers to engaging in community programs and reside in communities of high health inequity. EMBOLDEN partners with communities to co-design and test an intervention to promote health and prevent chronic disease. She is also a co-investigator on the ACHRU Community Partnership Program for Diabetes Self-Management for Older Adults – Canada and the Optimizing Hospital-to-Home Transitions for Older Adults with Stroke and Multmorbidity: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.
Laurie Kennedy
Program Manager
Address
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
School of Nursing
Faculty of Health Sciences
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
HSC- 3N25
Hamilton, ON Canada
L8S 4K1
Laurie Kennedy
Program Manager
Address
Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
School of Nursing
Faculty of Health Sciences
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
HSC- 3N25
Hamilton, ON Canada
L8S 4K1
Our Trainees
Information Box Group
Megane Bouchard
Undergraduate Research Assistant
McMaster University
Current Trainee
Megane is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program with interests in clinical and community-based research.

Megane Bouchard
Undergraduate Research Assistant
McMaster University
Current Trainee
Charmaine Holland
Research Assistant
Current Trainee
Charmaine’s true passion for the elderly generation reflects in her academic, volunteer, and extracurricular endeavours. Having a desire to become a geriatric physician, she hopes to inspire others to follow along the same path — albeit one less travelled — through the golden field of geriatrics.
Patricia Julian
Master of Science in Nursing Student
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Patricia Julian is an RN with experience in general medicine, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery. Patricia is interested in family caregivers’ experiences caring for older adults living with dementia and/or delirium.

Patricia Julian
Master of Science in Nursing Student
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Katie Lee
Undergraduate Research Assistant
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Katie is an undergraduate nursing student, who is grateful to research and provide patient care for older adults.

Katie Lee
Undergraduate Research Assistant
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Maggie MacNeil
Post-doctoral Fellow, Citizen and Community Engagement Methods and Evaluation
McMaster University, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact
Current Trainee
Maggie’s background as a policy analyst in the Minister of State for Seniors Support Unit, Employment and Social Development Canada has informed her research interests in health and social issues relevant to older people. Maggie’s post-doctoral fellowship is focused on evaluating a community co-design initiative with older people and community health and social service providers.

Maggie MacNeil
Post-doctoral Fellow, Citizen and Community Engagement Methods and Evaluation
McMaster University, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact
Current Trainee
Oya Pakkal
Research Assistant
Current Trainee
Oya has an interdisciplinary background with a BA (Hons) in Cognitive Science of Language and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behavior. She has several years of research experience and is passionate about family mental health, knowledge synthesis, community-based research and integrated health care systems.
Megan Racey
Post-doctoral Fellow
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Dr. Megan Racey has an interdisciplinary background that focuses on knowledge mobilization to create impact from research and help inform evidence-based decision making in the field of nutrition and human health. She is interested in community-based research and the synthesis of evidence related to adults and chronic health conditions.

Megan Racey
Post-doctoral Fellow
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Carly Whitmore
PhD Student
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Area of study is community dwelling older adults with depressive symptoms and multiple chronic conditions

Carly Whitmore
PhD Student
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Duaa Yahya
Undergraduate Research Assistant
McMaster University
Current Trainee
Duaa is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program, with a background in clinical research and community service. She is currently researching the effectiveness of integrated care intervention for older adults, with an interest in improving community health.
Marie-Lee Yous
PhD Student
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Marie-Lee’s area of study is older adults with multiple chronic conditions. She is also interested in the nursing experience of caring for older adults with dementia living with responsive behaviours in acute care.
Megane Bouchard
Undergraduate Research Assistant
McMaster University
Current Trainee
Megane is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program with interests in clinical and community-based research.
Megane Bouchard
Undergraduate Research Assistant
McMaster University
Current Trainee
Megane is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program with interests in clinical and community-based research.
Charmaine Holland
Research Assistant
Current Trainee
Charmaine’s true passion for the elderly generation reflects in her academic, volunteer, and extracurricular endeavours. Having a desire to become a geriatric physician, she hopes to inspire others to follow along the same path — albeit one less travelled — through the golden field of geriatrics.
Charmaine Holland
Research Assistant
Current Trainee
Charmaine’s true passion for the elderly generation reflects in her academic, volunteer, and extracurricular endeavours. Having a desire to become a geriatric physician, she hopes to inspire others to follow along the same path — albeit one less travelled — through the golden field of geriatrics.
Patricia Julian
Master of Science in Nursing Student
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Patricia Julian is an RN with experience in general medicine, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery. Patricia is interested in family caregivers’ experiences caring for older adults living with dementia and/or delirium.
Patricia Julian
Master of Science in Nursing Student
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Patricia Julian is an RN with experience in general medicine, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery. Patricia is interested in family caregivers’ experiences caring for older adults living with dementia and/or delirium.
Katie Lee
Undergraduate Research Assistant
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Katie is an undergraduate nursing student, who is grateful to research and provide patient care for older adults.
Katie Lee
Undergraduate Research Assistant
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Katie is an undergraduate nursing student, who is grateful to research and provide patient care for older adults.
Maggie MacNeil
Post-doctoral Fellow, Citizen and Community Engagement Methods and Evaluation
McMaster University, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact
Current Trainee
Maggie’s background as a policy analyst in the Minister of State for Seniors Support Unit, Employment and Social Development Canada has informed her research interests in health and social issues relevant to older people. Maggie’s post-doctoral fellowship is focused on evaluating a community co-design initiative with older people and community health and social service providers.
Maggie MacNeil
Post-doctoral Fellow, Citizen and Community Engagement Methods and Evaluation
McMaster University, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact
Current Trainee
Maggie’s background as a policy analyst in the Minister of State for Seniors Support Unit, Employment and Social Development Canada has informed her research interests in health and social issues relevant to older people. Maggie’s post-doctoral fellowship is focused on evaluating a community co-design initiative with older people and community health and social service providers.
Oya Pakkal
Research Assistant
Current Trainee
Oya has an interdisciplinary background with a BA (Hons) in Cognitive Science of Language and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behavior. She has several years of research experience and is passionate about family mental health, knowledge synthesis, community-based research and integrated health care systems.
Oya Pakkal
Research Assistant
Current Trainee
Oya has an interdisciplinary background with a BA (Hons) in Cognitive Science of Language and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behavior. She has several years of research experience and is passionate about family mental health, knowledge synthesis, community-based research and integrated health care systems.
Megan Racey
Post-doctoral Fellow
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Dr. Megan Racey has an interdisciplinary background that focuses on knowledge mobilization to create impact from research and help inform evidence-based decision making in the field of nutrition and human health. She is interested in community-based research and the synthesis of evidence related to adults and chronic health conditions.
Megan Racey
Post-doctoral Fellow
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Dr. Megan Racey has an interdisciplinary background that focuses on knowledge mobilization to create impact from research and help inform evidence-based decision making in the field of nutrition and human health. She is interested in community-based research and the synthesis of evidence related to adults and chronic health conditions.
Carly Whitmore
PhD Student
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Area of study is community dwelling older adults with depressive symptoms and multiple chronic conditions
Carly Whitmore
PhD Student
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Area of study is community dwelling older adults with depressive symptoms and multiple chronic conditions
Duaa Yahya
Undergraduate Research Assistant
McMaster University
Current Trainee
Duaa is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program, with a background in clinical research and community service. She is currently researching the effectiveness of integrated care intervention for older adults, with an interest in improving community health.
Duaa Yahya
Undergraduate Research Assistant
McMaster University
Current Trainee
Duaa is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program, with a background in clinical research and community service. She is currently researching the effectiveness of integrated care intervention for older adults, with an interest in improving community health.
Marie-Lee Yous
PhD Student
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Marie-Lee’s area of study is older adults with multiple chronic conditions. She is also interested in the nursing experience of caring for older adults with dementia living with responsive behaviours in acute care.
Marie-Lee Yous
PhD Student
McMaster University, School of Nursing
Current Trainee
Marie-Lee’s area of study is older adults with multiple chronic conditions. She is also interested in the nursing experience of caring for older adults with dementia living with responsive behaviours in acute care.
Patient and Public Research Partners
Gail juggles the demands of being a family caregiver and yet still makes time to be an Aging, Community and Health Research Unit caregiver research partner. In this short video she shares her experience and perspectives about caregiving and sheds light on what researchers really need to know when working with caregivers as research partners. Listen as she reveals what has worked well in partnering with research teams and the benefits she sees of being a caregiver research partner.
Patient & Public Research Partners
Jim Austin

Jim Austin
Lynne Austin

Lynne Austin
Joachim Brouwer

Joachim Brouwer
Glenn Deans

Glenn Deans
Jim Austin
Jim Austin
Lynne Austin
Lynne Austin
Joachim Brouwer
Joachim Brouwer
Glenn Deans
Glenn Deans
She says she aims to use the motto of keeping it simple smart, just like her approach to her own medical appointments.
“I want to be helpful and useful. I don’t want to be sitting there just because I am old. I think what the researchers are doing is awesome (promoting optimal aging at home for older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) and supporting their family caregivers) and it’s an important area that needs to be studied,” says the active community member, who also volunteers at a local café/food bank. “Especially as we are aging, we have to be cognizant of what older adults needs are.”
Patient Research Partner Profile: Patricia
Like many older adults with several different chronic conditions, Patricia knows what it’s like to have countless medical appointments, tests and procedures with different medical specialists. Navigating the health system is one of the biggest challenges for older adults, she says. Often, seniors don’t think their questions are important or worth the time for medical staff.
But over the years she says she has learned to give her input and ask the right questions. These skills assist her in her role as a patient research partner with the Aging, Community and Health Research Unit (ACHRU). She wants to help others, so she shares her knowledge and experience from a patient’s perspective with ACHRU’s research teams. She says involving patients in the research process is a positive step. She attends workshops and team meetings she has been invited to, gives verbal and written feedback, and is not afraid to ask questions.
Sometimes it’s difficult to incorporate the patient’s perspective, but it’s important, she says.
“A lot of things are being thought out well and the researchers are addressing the issues. It’s academic (writing style) though, so they need to translate it into the language of the people.”

When her Dad was diagnosed with dementia she started visiting the Alzheimer’s Society website http://www.alzheimer.ca and enrolled in their Next Steps education series. She volunteered to help with future research and got a call to provide a caregiver perspective on the ACHRU online toolkit called https://www.mytools4care.ca/.
“It was helpful for me to be involved in the toolkit because I felt like I was able to contribute some personal experiences and share those experiences. I was interested in looking at trends in the scientific literature – it’s the nurse in me. It helped me stay connected and was a distraction from all the stress of caregiving.”
She says having a chance to review the websites gave her a different perspective. Having caregivers involved helps to make the research timelier, more relevant and engaging to people. Brenda is exploring additional opportunities to contribute to research and make positive impacts on the lives of aging Canadians.
Caregiver Research Partner Profile: Brenda
Brenda was a professional caregiver for many years as a nurse, but when she retired several years ago it coincided with the need to become a family caregiver to her father. She noticed her Dad and step-mom were having difficulty living at home on their own, so she and her husband decided to move closer to them and eventually her parents moved in.
She says the biggest challenges older adults face is the loss of many things like their independence, mobility, cognitive abilities and social interactions. “My stepmom was starting to have a lot of falls and she was doing things like leaving a pot on the stove and going to have a nap.” The retired nurse knew they were no longer able mange on their own, but she wanted them to maintain an optimal quality of life. So her parents moved into the main floor of the house and she and her husband moved to the basement.
“I didn’t want to do everything for them. I wanted to help them be independent and still have control over their life.”
