Research Update Spring 2026
Focus on students
The Crossroads Interdisciplinary Conference 2026 held on Dal campus mid-march, proudly shone a spotlight on the innovative work of physiotherapy research students, whose contributions exemplify the conference theme, “Advancing Health through Collaborative and Community-Informed Approaches.” As healthcare challenges grow increasingly complex, these emerging scholars are at the forefront of developing inclusive and sustainable solutions that respond to real-world needs. Their research highlights the transformative power of partnership and community engagement, bringing together students, researchers, and practitioners to amplify local voices, foster cross-sector collaboration, and advance equitable health outcomes in Canada and beyond. We are excited to highlight some of our research students who took part in this Conference.
Jasmine is a student of the MScRR program as well as one of the organizers of the event. Her supervisor is Dr. Caitlin McArthur.
Why did you choose to be part of Dalhousie's Crossroads Interdisciplinary Conference?
I chose to be part of Crossroads because it brings together researchers from across the country and creates space for meaningful conversations around this year’s theme, “Advancing Health through Collaborative and Community-Informed Approaches.” It was also a great opportunity to present my research on fracture prevention in home care.
What is your favourite part of Crossroads?
Meeting researchers from across Canada and hearing about the diverse work happening in different areas.
What did you learn/takeaway from Crossroads?
Attending and organizing Crossroads strengthened my leadership and event‑management skills, and I left feeling inspired by the innovative, collaborative research happening at Dalhousie and beyond.
Q & A with Rachel Jeong
Rachel is a Kinesiology graduate from Dalhousie who is currently volunteering in the Dynamics of Human Motion Laboratory (DOHM lab). She has applied to Dr. Rebecca Moyer as her supervisor.
Why did you choose to be a part of Dalhousie's Crossroad Conference?
I chose to attend Crossroad conference as it is a great opportunity to learn about new research across different fields and make connection with other people who are in research. I participated in Poster Presentation. The topic of my research is Sensory and Motor Factors associated with Inter-limb Loading Asymmetry in Unilateral Knee Osteoarthritis
What was your favourite part of the Crossroads Conference?
My favourite part of Crossroad was attending oral presentations. It was really interesting to learn about different research topics and methods/approaches used in studies.
What did you learn/ takeaway from the Crossroads Conference?
My biggest takeaway from Crossroads is the importance of communicating with researchers from different fields. Talking with people from diverse disciplines gives you a new perspectives on your own research and helps you stay up to date with new ideas and developments.
Q & A with Juliet Rowe
Juliet Rowe is a PhD in Health candidate supervised by Dr. Shaun Boe.
Why did you choose to attend Crossroads Conference?
Crossroads is one of my favourite conferences to attend! It truly reflects the student leadership and expertise within the Faculty of Health at Dalhousie University. Many members of the organizing committee are my friends and colleagues, so I always appreciate the opportunity to support the incredible work happening in the faculty while also sharing my own research. This is my third year attending Crossroads, and I am starting to recognize a lot of familiar faces while also getting the opportunity to meet new scholars and learn about the current interdisciplinary health research across North America.
What is your favourite part of Crossroads?
It is hard to have a favourite! The program this year was fantastic, with workshops and panels that were both timely and engaging. I think overall getting to connect with researchers within the Faculty of Health is my favourite. I really value the chance to engage with both students and faculty, whether that be sharing our work, exchanging ideas, or catching up from year-to-year. As someone who is no longer in classes, in-person opportunities like this are hard to come by, which is one reason I look forward to attending Crossroads each year.
What did you learn/what is your takeaway from Crossroads?
My key takeaway is the importance of staying open to conversation and connection. It is always worthwhile to say hello, whether to a volunteer, faculty member, or student. Crossroads creates a welcoming space where these interactions happen naturally. You can really tell the event is student-led!
Q & A with Michael Ibekaku
Michael is a PhD in Health candidate supervised by Dr. Caitlin McArthur.
Why choose to be part of Crossroads Conference?
It was a great opportunity to share my research and also to learn about other ongoing research as well as network with attendees.
What is your favourite part of Crossroads Conference?
It was great to learn about interesting studies presented in the conference.
What was your takeaway from the Crossroads Conference?
The value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Hearing perspectives from researchers across different disciplines reinforced how complex health challenges require coordinated solutions that extend beyond a single profession.