As Laboratory Manager, I am responsible for applying my expertise and knowledge to the research mission of the Human Environments Analysis Laboratory (HEALab) in The Department of Geography. I will work closely with the Principle Investigators (PI’s) as well as research collaborators, department staff, students and postdoctoral scholars, supporting the research activities for qualitative and quantitative projects in adherence with ethics protocols and guidelines; handling the day-to-day research duties required for the operation of the laboratory.

My main research focus includes evaluation of an innovative centrally-procured school food program developed by the Ontario Students Nutrition Program (ONSP) in Southwestern Ontario; the evaluation of the Child & Youth Network’s ACT-i-Pass Project its effectiveness for improving children’s access to public recreation facilities and programs, and increasing their participation in physical activities; and improving food literacy and dietary behaviours among youth through our SmartAPPetite project and interactive smartphone application.

I am also involved in our HEAL Youth Advisory Council as Youth Staff Co-Facilitator, where I work in conjunction with the Youth Co-facilitator(s) to support the work of the council to advise the HEAL on projects and directions, ensuring relevance and resonance to strengthen our work. I have worked to establish the council and subsequent publication in the journal of Children to conceptualize youth participation in children’s health research, giving youth a voice in the health issues that concern them and serves as a platform for future researchers.

Publications

Arunkumar, K.; Bowman, D.D.; Coen, S.E.; El-Bagdady, M.A.; Ergler, C.R.; Gilliland, J.A.; Mahmood, A.; Paul, S. Conceptualizing Youth Participation in Children’s Health Research: Insights from a Youth-Driven Process for Developing a Youth Advisory Council. Children 2019, 6, 3. doi: 10.3390/children6010003