Tell us about your role at UHN.
I'm a Research Quality Associate on UHN’s Research Quality Integration (RQI) team. Our group is part of Research Solutions and Services—a collection of operational teams that support research across the organization.
How long have you been in this role?
I've been with RQI for just over two years. For eight years before that, I managed the Arthritis Program’s Osteoarthritis Biobank at Toronto Western Hospital (TWH). January 2023 marks my 11th year at UHN!
Tell us about you and what you have been up to at UHN.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brock University and a diploma in Forensic Biotechnology from Fleming College. Most recently, I completed my Project Management certificate at the University of Toronto. Before starting at UHN, I completed an internship at the University of Virginia, where I studied adenoid cystic carcinoma—a rare type of head and neck cancer that my mother had. During that placement, I worked under the director of the biorepository and tissue research facility. These experiences led me to my first role at UHN with the Arthritis Program. During my time at TWH, we grew the biobank from 20 patient samples to thousands. The Osteoarthritis Biobank is now one of the largest of its kind in the world. In my new role with RQI, I've had the pleasure of working with principal investigators and research teams across the organization. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was redeployed to the COVID-19 Biobank. It was very fulfilling to be able to apply my skills and experience to support UHN's early efforts to understand SARS-CoV-2 at a time when so much was unknown about the virus. I'm enjoying my current role at RQI as it has given me a better understanding of how to support research within the hospital environment. I'd like to give a shout out to my amazing colleagues in RQI who have been extremely supportive.
How does your work help to advance UHN's vision of A Healthier World?
I'm so proud of my work with the Arthritis Program. It was extremely rewarding to help grow the Biobank and see it serve as an important shared resource for research and discovery. Most recently, I designed and launched the Clinical Research Hub, a SharePoint repository of resources for clinical researchers at UHN. I'm passionate about creating more education opportunities for research staff and helping to improve the overall quality of research at UHN.
What makes UHN an ideal place to advance health research?
UHN is an exemplar for medical research in Canada and around the world. So many amazing discoveries and breakthroughs have come from our research institutes. I think one of the things that makes UHN an ideal place to advance research is the passion of the staff—everyone here is driven to improve the way we deliver health care. Our shared drive to improve the lives of patients is what makes UHN so special.
Tell us an interesting fact that people don’t know about you. Do you have any interests outside of work?
A fun fact about me: my fiancée Danny and I met at UHN. He is a Clinical Research Coordinator for the Hand Program at TWH. We met ten years ago when we both worked with the Osteoarthritis Surgery Research Team. We now have two beautiful boys, Theodore and Archer. Outside of work, I love to dance, go to the ballet and theatre, and spend time with friends and family. During the pandemic, I started a small business called Just 'Cause Jewelry, through which I sell hand-made jewelry and accessories. I donate most of the proceeds to various charities that I am passionate about, including the UHN Foundation. I've also been a volunteer with the Canadian International Air Show for over 20 years, and I love to go flying and travel.
What do you see for the future of health research, and what gets you excited about it?
There is so much to be excited about for the future of health research. Technology is advancing so rapidly. I think I'm most excited about how technology can improve the lives of those living with chronic health conditions. I also see a lot of potential for new technologies, such as wearable technologies, to improve access to preventative care for everyone. Patient engagement in research is another change that I'm super excited about. Engaging patients in the development of research will promote patient-centered care, better patient outcomes, and inclusivity and equity in health research.
How to Participate in You @TeamUHN
You @TeamUHN is a campaign to highlight the important scientific contributions that research lab staff, trainees and learners, administrative staff, core facilities staff, Research Solutions & Services staff, and volunteers make towards A Healthier World through discovery and innovation. If you’re interested in sharing your story, we invite you to complete this form here (UHN Office365 account is required; open to UHN staff, trainees and volunteers).