Shua Kim

Shua completed a BA (Hons) in Experimental Psychology and a BA in Politics and International Studies at Redeemer University, graduating with distinction. She was named to the Provost’s Honour List and received the Faculty Award, RU Leadership Scholarship, and Academic Achievement Scholarship.

She is currently supporting the Brainwell Institute, an independent dementia-focused think tank, where she coordinates federal-level advocacy to strengthen accountability and sustain the implementation of the National Dementia Strategy across Canada. Previously, she worked at the intersection of long-term care delivery and system reform, coordinating cross-disciplinary initiatives in palliative and behavioural care, developing Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) to enhance quality of life for residents, and strengthening engagement with residents and caregivers by making education and feedback systems more accessible.

At the University Health Network (UHN), Shua co-authored a peer-reviewed article in BMJ Open Quality on the therapeutic applications of virtual reality (VR) in psychiatric settings and contributed to a CIHR-funded dementia study exploring caregiver-supported VR interventions. Beyond research, she has also led community-based initiatives: founding Redeemer’s chapter of the Brain Exercise Initiative to bring evidence-based cognitive enrichment opportunities to older adults and co-chairing the Best Buddies Club to foster inclusive friendships between students and individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Through the TRP, Shua hopes to grow as a science communicator and interdisciplinary catalyst. She is particularly passionate about applying translational frameworks to develop interventions for underserved communities—ensuring that research and innovation processes reflect lived experience, holistic health, and community collaboration.

Outside of her academic and professional work, she enjoys reading sci-fi, trying new things, and having conversations about life and calling.