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Canada's population is aging rapidly, with adults aged 65 years and older projected to comprise approximately one quarter of the population by 2040. Nova Scotia has one of the oldest and fastest-growing older adult populations in the country, creating increasing demand for services across home care, primary care, and long-term care. Addressing the complex health needs of older adults will require continued research, innovation, and investment in age-friendly health care systems.

My interest in healthy aging began during my undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo, where I contributed to the Finding the Optimal Resistance Training Intensity For Your Bones (FORTIFY Bones) trial under the supervision of Dr. Lora Giangregorio. Through this work, I became interested in osteoporosis, fracture prevention, and the factors that influence health and function in later life. I continued to build on these interests during my Master of Science in Rehabilitation Research (MScRR) at Dalhousie University with Dr. Caitlin McArthur, where my research focused on adapting fracture prevention guidelines for home care, to better address the unique needs of older adults and support evidence-informed practice.

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

One of my most memorable experiences at Dalhousie was serving on the organizing committee for the 2026 Crossroads Interdisciplinary Health Research Conference. As a committee member, I coordinated keynote speakers, panelists, and mini courses, gaining valuable experience in event planning and leadership. What made this experience especially meaningful was the opportunity to collaborate with students, researchers, and health care professionals from across Canada. Seeing the conference come together after months of planning, and watching attendees engage in discussions about improving health and health care reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. The experience strengthened my leadership and communication skills, while expanding my professional network and exposing me to diverse perspectives in health research.

Who supported you along the way and how?

Research is a team effort, and I am incredibly grateful for the network of mentors, colleagues, family, friends, and patient partners who have supported me throughout my journey. I would especially like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Caitlin McArthur, whose mentorship, encouragement, and commitment to meaningful, patient-centred research have had a profound impact on my development as a researcher. Her leadership, collaborative approach, and dedication to improving care for older adults continue to inspire my own research and career aspirations.

I am also grateful to my supervisory committee, Dr. Olga Theou, Dr. Sarah Moore, and Dr. Dawn Mackey, for their guidance, expertise, and thoughtful feedback, which helped strengthen my research and encourage my professional growth.

A special thank you to the 3F Research Group for creating such a welcoming and supportive environment. Beyond research, some of my favourite memories were the opportunities to connect as a team, whether through bowling outings or trips to the Dairy Bar. These moments fostered a strong sense of community and made my time at Dalhousie especially rewarding.

Finally, I would like to thank the patient partners who contributed their time, perspectives, and lived experiences to our projects. Your trust and engagement were central to the success of our research, and continually reminded me of the importance of conducting research that is relevant, meaningful, and grounded in the priorities of those it aims to serve.

Is there an academic or non-academic (eg: on-campus clubs, sports, employment) experience, project, or hands-on learning opportunity that really impacted you?

Academic: Graduate school is full of opportunities, including the chance to connect with researchers and trainees from across Canada. During my MScRR, I had the opportunity to travel to Toronto, Montreal, and Charlottetown to participate in conferences and training programs. Two particularly impactful experiences were the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA) Summer Program in Aging and the AGE-WELL Summer Institute. These programs allowed me to learn from leading researchers, engage with trainees from diverse disciplines, and build connections with colleagues from coast to coast. Through these experiences, I was exposed to a wide range of research perspectives, methodologies, and areas of expertise, broadening my understanding of aging and health research. Beyond the knowledge offered, these experiences highlighted the value of collaboration and helped me build a national network of peers and mentors. The relationships and connections formed through these programs continue to influence my research, and have shaped how I approach interdisciplinary and patient-oriented research.

Non-academic: During my first week in Halifax, I attended my first Dalhousie Running Club session. As a former varsity athlete during my undergraduate studies, I was looking for a community of like-minded individuals to stay active with. Little did I know that the running club would become one of the most impactful parts of my Dalhousie experience. Over the past two years, I found not only training partners but also a strong sense of community. Many of my closest friends in Halifax were met through the club, and together we supported and motivated one another through beautiful autumn runs and chilly winter training sessions. Through this community, I completed two half marathons, two triathlons, and my first marathon. Running has been much more than a hobby for me. It has allowed me to explore Halifax and beyond, maintain my physical and mental well-being, and build lasting friendships along the way. My running experience reinforced the importance of community, balance, and connection outside of academics, all of which contributed significantly to my graduate school experience.

Did you receive a scholarship, bursary or other award as a Dal student? If so, how did that impact your Dal experience and what did that support mean to you?

I was fortunate to receive several scholarships and awards throughout my time as an MScRR student. This financial support allowed me to focus on my research, participate in additional projects, and pursue courses that strengthened my skills as a researcher. Beyond the funding itself, I was especially grateful for the mentorship opportunities that accompanied some of these awards. For example, the Early Professionals, Inspired Careers in AgeTech (EPIC-AT) Fellowship connected me with mentors and researchers from across Canada, helping me expand my professional network and learn from leaders in the field. I was also honoured to receive the Excellence in Research, MSc Candidate award from the Faculty of Health at Dalhousie University, which was a meaningful recognition of the hard work and dedication I invested in my graduate studies. I am deeply grateful for the support I received, as it enriched my experience at Dalhousie and contributed significantly to my growth as a researcher.

What does graduating mean to you?

Graduating represents the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration, and both personal and professional growth. As I look back on my time at Dalhousie so far, I am proud of what I have accomplished and deeply grateful for the mentors, colleagues, family, and friends who supported me along the way.

At the same time, I view graduation not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of the next chapter. Through the experiences, discussions, and research I engaged in during my master's degree, I emerge with not only new knowledge but also new questions. I am excited to continue exploring these questions, contributing to research, and growing as a researcher throughout my career.

What is next for you?

I am continuing my work in health research as a PhD in Health student at Dalhousie University. Through my MScRR, I had the opportunity to collaborate with researchers and trainees from across Canada; these experiences broadened my perspective and inspired many of the research questions I hope to address in the future. As I move into my PhD, I am excited to continue advancing research focused on older adults, aging in place, home care, and inclusive care. Dalhousie's collaborative and interdisciplinary research community has played an important role in shaping my development as a researcher, and I look forward to building on those experiences to contribute to meaningful improvements in care for older adults.