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Name: Julia Kontak
Pronouns: she/her
Program/Degree: PhD in Health
Hometown: Halifax, Nova Scotia

What inspired you to choose your field of study?

My PhD was focused on Health Promotion, specifically on a settings-based approaches to health, recognizing that the places where we live, learn, work, and play shape our well-being. My research centered on the school setting, exploring how to meaningfully engage students in school health promotion through participatory and qualitative methods.

My interest in how environments influence health stems from both personal and academic experiences. Growing up, I was supported by strong communities that nurtured my well-being. Yet at fifteen, I underwent invasive spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis, preventing me from further participating in traditional team sports – my main source of health at the time. This experience led me to engage in alternative communities, largely focused on youth engagement including student council and serving as a summer camp counsellor for many years. Inadvertently, these early experiences broadened my understanding of health and development, showing me that it extends far beyond individual behavior and is deeply connected to the environments and relationships that surround us.

In adulthood, it was who inspired me rather than what. Maureen Summers, a close family friend, public health leader and mentor, introduced me to the field of health promotion at a time when I was eager to pursue research that considered context and setting. This guidance led me to complete a master’s in health promotion at Dalhousie University. During my studies and through professional experience at the Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit – an organization dedicated to patient and public engagement in research – I discovered a strong alignment between my passion for participatory engagement and health promotion. This ultimately inspired my decision to pursue a PhD focused on collaborating with youth, rather than on them, to enhance their health and well-being. The journey feels like a full-circle moment – connecting my personal experiences, professional growth, and commitment to creating healthier, more supportive environments.

What was a moment at Dal that you’ll never forget?

It may sound cliché, but my PhD defense is a moment I will never forget. In an era where defenses are often held online, I had always envisioned mine taking place in person – surrounded by the people who supported me throughout my doctoral journey. As someone who values connection, I’m deeply grateful to my committee, the administration, and my external examiner for making that vision a reality. The day was a perfect balance of challenge and celebration, filled with energy, curiosity, and the joy of sharing ideas face-to-face. Being able to experience that moment with a mix of family, friends, colleagues and mentors present made it unforgettable.

Who supported you along the way and how?

I have been fortunate to be supported by a remarkable network of people throughout my academic journey. For me (and backed by research!) the most important part of a PhD is having a strong student-supervisor relationship. I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Sara Kirk; her guidance, insight, and support made a challenging endeavor a positive and rewarding experience. If I can be half the mentor, she was to me, I will be incredibly happy.

Equally important is making sure a PhD doesn’t consume you. My family, friends and colleagues provided invaluable support, perspective, and celebrated each milestone along the way. A special mention to my husband, Sam Ross, who always kept life fun, and to my family – whose diverse professional backgrounds in education, research, politics, and justice continue to inspire me. While our dinner table conversations are sometimes heated, they are never boring! I am also grateful to the running and fitness communities (shout out to Move East Studios) I have been part of, who ensured that my own well-being remained a priority throughout my PhD.

Finally, the youth and partners I worked with throughout my research were central to my growth. Their trust, engagement, and ideas continually inspired me to approach my work with curiosity, empathy, and purpose.

Is there a research topic/placement/course that really impacted you?

A unique opportunity during my PhD was conducting research fully embedded within UpLift (2019 – 2025), a school–community–university partnership co-led by my supervisor, Dr. Sara Kirk, aimed at catalyzing school health promotion across the province with a focus on student engagement. This work allowed me to operate at the intersection of research and practice, where I could apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, build meaningful relationships with health and education professionals beyond academia, and be continually challenged to grow both professionally and personally. It was an experience that deeply shaped my approach to participatory research and reinforced the importance of collaboration and context in effective health promotion.

What does graduating mean to you?

Graduating to me represents stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the unknown. After five years in a growing career following my master’s, I left stability behind to pursue a PhD – a necessary step to pursue academia. My dad, a professor in geology (despite his best efforts, a field I didn’t pursue), always said to work towards a career where you aren’t constantly watching for the clock to hit five. I knew that was health research for me. Graduation is a reminder that taking risks for meaningful growth can lead to both personal and professional fulfillment.

What is next for you?

Continuing my work in school health promotion and youth-engaged research, I am currently a CIHR Post-doctoral Fellow at the School of Public Health, University of Alberta. I am also a Sessional Instructor in the School of Health and Human Performance, teaching in the health promotion division.

My PhD experience, particularly collaborating with schools, communities, and youth, has shaped my approach to participatory, context-sensitive research and strengthened my ability to bridge theory and practice. I aim to continue developing my skills in research and applied health promotion, with the long-term goal of becoming a professor and mentoring the next generation of researchers in child and youth health and well-being.