Awards boost graduate research in the health sciences

by Lynda Hills

Six young health researchers at UVic got a shot the arm last month from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.

The Michael Smith Trainee Awards, offered in the fields of health services, population health, clinical and biomedical research, support highly qualified individuals at the master’s, PhD and postdoctoral levels as they prepare for careers as independent health researchers. The awards are valued at $20,000 a year over two to three years.

Diane Allan, a PhD student in the centre on aging, is investigating to what extent the current health care system accommodates seniors living in rural areas who require more specialized health care services. “It may help to clarify why some research has found few differences in health service utilization among rural and urban older adults,” she says.

Allison Bielak, a PhD student in psychology, is investigating whether a lifestyle of physical, social, and intellectual activities maintains or protects cognitive performance in older adults. “The results of this research can educate our aging population on which activities may be best to participate in, and may aid treatments in slowing the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s,” she says.

Adrienne Bonfonti, a master’s student in sociology, is researching the implications of sexual education and early sexual activity on the outcome of maternal health. Her study will examine how the experiences and health of first-time mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood connect to their earlier experiences of education, menstruation and sexual activity.

Sandra Hundza, a PhD student in kinesiology, is studying the effect of resistance and speed on the control of rhythmic arm and leg cycling. She hopes her research will help design rehabilitation programs that can assist people in regaining motor co-ordination after a stroke or a spinal cord injury.

Carol Sparks, a master’s student in the institute for dispute resolution, is exploring the processes through which community projects such as ecological restoration or independent living programs create sustainable and long-term changes in high-risk youth.

Kristine Votova, a PhD student in sociology is researching how information about herbal medicine is shared within an older population. “By mapping how herbal information diffuses through older adult networks, health care providers are in a better position to target health information,” she says.