News

Since accepting its first student in May 2015, the new PhD in Health Program has had a stellar first year, exceeding expectations in both enrollment and student achievement.

Part of the Faculty of Health Professions, which is home to the largest collection of health and well-being programs in Canada, the PhD in Health is attracting strong candidates with diverse research interests.  With eight students enrolled in its first cohort, and six more students joining a second cohort in September 2016; the program has more than doubled initial projections of four students per year.  

A team effort

"I feel that the tremendous success we have had in the first year is due to a team effort," says Dr. Cheryl Kozey, Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Health Professions. "We had a dedicated team who put the proposal together and developed the PhD. We have excellent researchers who recognize the importance of training the next generation, and they recognize the importance of supporting their students both academically and financially; we have a dedicated team managing the PhD program and putting quality students forward for awards; and, of course, we have our students who recognize the opportunity to conduct quality health research that is having an impact."

From reducing childhood obesity, to studying low back pain, to helping young adults living with cancer – the research that students in the PhD are engaged in is resulting in significant scholarship funding. Matthew Baker and Phillip Joy, students who will be joining the program in September, have both received the Killam Predoctoral Scholarship – one of the most prestigious awards in Canada.  Ten more students in the program have been awarded the Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship which recognizes research potential, academic standing and the contribution their research will make to health and wellness in the province.  Among them is Bonita Squires, whose research focuses on the language abilities of deaf and hard of hearing children.

"I believe the work I'm doing will help improve literacy education for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, and I wouldn't be able to do the required research without this scholarship," Bonita says. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue my research here in Nova Scotia and I hope to make a difference in the lives of children who are deaf and hard of hearing." 

Congratulations to all of the PhD in Health students on their scholarships:

Learn more

Visit the PhD in Health website