What is your focus in the TRP and why do you do it?

My team’s capstone project is focused on Sickle Cell Disease, particularly in supporting youth who are transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare. Engaging with youth, caregivers and parents, individuals with lived experience and healthcare professionals, our goal is to co-design an intervention to help youth with Sickle Cell Disease become transition-ready.

Aside from my capstone project, I have been involved in different communications and knowledge translation (KT) initiatives related to childhood disability research, developmental services, and social determinants of health. What I love about the science I do right now is having the opportunity to combine my background in strategic communications, KT and marketing, to translate knowledge into meaningful tools, resources and interventions that will help patients. I enjoy being part of processes and developments that move findings into real-world applications. For instance, a huge project I’m part of right now is CanTreatCOVID, an adaptive platform trial evaluating the effectiveness of COVID medications to reduce symptoms faster and prevent long COVID. I enjoy co-leading the Recruitment and Communications Committee, engaging with almost 25 patient partners from different walks of life, and collaborating with a diverse team of professionals.

Why STEM?

I have an Honours degree in Communications and never thought I would be working in Science when I started my undergraduate studies. My thinking changed when I first got a summer job as a Communications Assistant in a health science research centre. I was able to be a part of projects that make a difference in people’s lives. I continued to work in health science research offering my skills and perspective as a Communications professional. Who knew social media posts could increase research impact? Or effectively designing an annual report could help fund more studies? Or writing plain language summaries could engage more patient partners? I wanted to take my work a step further, and that’s why I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Translational Research. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the supportive researchers, mentors and staff I’ve worked with throughout these years—which is also one of the reasons why I stayed in the field.

What advice do you have for women and girls interested in STEM?

Follow your curiosity. Girls and women often face unrealistic expectations, and your career journey doesn’t have to add up to them. It’s okay not to have everything planned at the outset. Sometimes the uncertainties about where your skills and interests will take you make working life interesting. My advice is to find your “why.” Staying true to your motivations helps you keep moving forward. When you’re focused on your purpose, eventually, you will notice things are working out. Find mentors and support systems that will guide you along the way. Continue learning, chasing opportunities, and most importantly, continue being curious!