News

The Dean's Office recently welcomed Dr. Brenda Merritt as Acting Associate Dean (Academic). Brenda also holds an appointment as Associate Professor in the School of Occupational Therapy, and cross appointments in Nursing and International Development Studies. 

Brenda holds two Bachelor of Science Degrees (equine science and psychology), an entry-to-practice Master of Science degree in occupational therapy, and a PhD in Education and Human Resource Studies.  Brenda’s doctoral program was an interdisciplinary degree within the areas of educational leadership and occupational therapy, which enabled Brenda to gain expertise in leadership and curriculum design/evaluation, while also expanding upon her expertise in occupational therapy theory and functional assessment approaches.  Brenda's overarching research interest includes investigating how chronic health conditions (e.g. HIV, stroke), injury, and/or key determinants of health (e.g. gender, sexuality, age) impact a person's ability to participate in chosen and necessary daily life activities.  Brenda also conducts research within the areas of curriculum design and evaluation, interprofessional health education, and developing innovative educational strategies to cultivate professional behaviour and clinical decision making skills.