ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. I am a second generation Canadian with parents who immigrated from Haiti.

Are you the first person in your family to go to grad school? If so, how did that shape your graduate experience?

I am the first in my immediate family to attend graduate school. Being the first in my family has shaped and influenced my graduate-school experience due to its pioneering role. It’s given me a sense of leadership and resilience, as I am navigating an uncharted territory both academically and personally. The experience has come with its set of challenges and learning opportunities. This journey has taught me the value of forging my own path and embracing the responsibility that comes with it. I've learned to convert my obstacles into stepping stones for progress, and uncertainties into opportunities for growth. As I continue on this path, I carry courage, determination and confidence to be an example for my family and community, like the Queen my parents named me to be.

Where, and in what area, did you do your undergraduate or previous graduate work?

I completed my bachelor’s degree at Carleton University in Ottawa, where I majored in neuroscience (honours) with specialization in mental health. I do not have a master’s degree as I fast tracked into the PhD program.

Why did you choose to pursue a graduate degree?

When I initially pursued my graduate degree, I wanted to pursue a master’s degree to deepen my understanding, skills and refine my knowledge of public health and research. I wanted to use the degree to work on projects that will make meaningful changes in health services. Recognizing my dedication and the potential impact of my work, my supervisory committee recommended that I transfer to the PhD program track. Embracing this opportunity, I accepted the recommendation, eager to leverage my experiences and insights to craft a thesis that would not only advance my academic goals but also serve as a catalyst for research and health policy.

Why did you choose ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ for graduate studies?

I chose ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ University of Newfoundland for my graduate studies because I had the opportunity in Ottawa to meet many Newfoundlanders and ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ alumni who had nothing but positive words about ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ and St. John’s. ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ is also very similar to Carleton University, my alma mater, in that it is welcoming and really nurtures students for success.

What is your degree program and area of specialization?

My degree is a PhD in community health with a specialization in applied health and policy research.

Why did you choose this area of study?

I chose this area of study because I am passionate about using my skills in data analysis, research, communication, and organization to improve healthcare services, outcomes, and policies. I've gained valuable practical experience in the healthcare sector as a research and clinical assistant, laying a strong foundation for my interest in healthcare and policy research. My long-term career goal is to work in the healthcare sector to promote greater equity and improve public health outcomes. This program aligns well with my aspirations.

How would you describe your experience as a graduate student at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ?

My experience as a graduate student at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ has been traditional and unique at the same time. Having started in 2021, still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, my courses were online. However, I still got to meet other students and form great collaborations and support systems. There are a lot of activities and student groups to get involved with on campus, which is great!

The faculty of medicine, in my opinion, has been very good with accommodating and facilitating the research process, offering workshops and activities to help graduate students. So far, any challenges I’ve had have been met with support and accommodation. The professors are also great and I am happy to have met them throughout my studies.

Thanks to the support and mentorship from my supervisor and my committee, I’ve also had the opportunity to excel in my research where I’ve presented at national and local conferences and moving through my research with a high level of leadership that is not always typical in graduate research. I’ve also created many opportunities for myself throughout my program, working as a research assistant for the department of emergency medicine, serving as a peer reviewer for 2-3 journals, joining research working groups and acting as a student representative on the Canadian Public Health Association’s Steering Conference Committee.

What is your research/thesis about? What is the goal of your research? What are the implications of your research project for the province, the country and the world?

My thesis focuses on developing and validating a Cannabis Health Literacy Questionnaire (CHLQ), a tool which aims to assess public knowledge and understanding of cannabis and its health implications. The goal of my research is to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the health and safety information associated with cannabis use, both among users and the wider public. I aim to achieve this through a comprehensive approach integrating cannabis health knowledge with health literacy. This project is significant as it seeks to address a knowledge gap about cannabis, especially post-legalization of non-medical cannabis. The implications of the research are to gain an understanding of how people perceive and interact with cannabis information. By understanding where knowledge is lacking, or misconceptions are prevalent, it can help policymakers and health educators develop targeted evidence-based messaging and interventions, ensuring that public health messages and regulations are more effective, leading to safer cannabis practices and enhanced community well-being. On a global scale, I think this research can contribute to international conversations on cannabis legalization and serve as a tool to shape public health and substance-use education.

Why did you choose this research question/topic?

I was drawn to this research topic following a need assessment workshop conducted by my supervisors. This workshop, which included public members and health professionals, identified gaps in our understanding of public awareness regarding cannabis and its health implications. A key takeaway was the need to evaluate the effectiveness of public-education campaigns in conveying essential information about cannabis regulations and safety. This inspired me to integrate the concept of health literacy with cannabis. My approach focuses on measuring not only what people know and understand about cannabis but also setting the foundation for substance use literacy. What makes this research topic particularly intriguing is its novelty for both the research team and myself. As a graduate student, I've embraced a leadership role, like a principal investigator, leading the team into this new and challenging research area.

How do you work with your supervisor? Does your work involve other students?

My primary supervisor is Dr. Maisam Najafizada, and my co-supervisor is Dr. Jennifer Donnan. Dr. Najafizada is great and has been supportive in all aspects of my PhD journey. We knew each other prior to me becoming a graduate student, as I had worked with him on a research project through the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. He is supportive and determined to make sure I get the most out of my graduate training, by curating the program based on my interests but also pushing me to step out of my comfort zone. Dr. Jennifer Donnan is great as well, supporting me with my research and providing me with opportunities to take my research to new heights.

My thesis work does involve other students as I am a PhD student in a larger research group called the Cannabis Health Evaluation and Research Partnership, which involves researchers and students from various faculties, including Pharmacy, Medicine, Psychology, Education and Business. We meet often to discuss our projects and help each other achieve the main objective of looking at how cannabis legalization has affected health and public safety in NL by evaluating policies on cannabis.

Are there any difficulties in life that you’ve overcome to pursue graduate studies?

I think there are many difficulties in life, especially post-pandemic, and many of them we are all facing collectively. So, I can’t say that I face any difficulties that are unique to me. However, I will highlight that I underestimated the mental strength needed to leave your family and live in a city by yourself not knowing anyone. I sympathize with international students at MUN. It has been challenging to leave the life I built in Ottawa, and temporarily live a different life in St. John’s. Luckily, I am able to travel back and forth, but it can be exhausting to say the least.

What are you planning to do after you complete your degree?

After successfully completing my degree, my first task is to celebrate with my friends and families. I think it’s an accomplishment that deserves a grand party! Second, I will be pursuing a career in the industry rather than academia. With my PhD, I’d like to contribute my expertise by evaluating and improving health policies in Canada, collaborate with hospitals and health organizations to improve patients' health experiences, and work with healthcare providers to effectively provide better health services while tackling both structural and social determinants of health.

Do you have any advice for current and/or future graduate students?

I am still navigating the graduate life; however, here are 5 pieces of advice I can offer to current and future graduate students.

1. It’s okay to not be okay. Graduate school is beautiful, but it can also be challenging at times and most of the times not academically but just personally. Take care of your mental health always! Reach out to your supervisors, peers and health-professionals.
2. Make imposter syndrome your best friend: You deserve to be here, believe in yourself, and let your new bestie know you’re here to successfully get that degree. Trust in your skills and experiences, they’ve gotten you further than you can imagine. You are the expert.
3. Be comfortable with rejection: It’s common and dare I say maybe a rite of passage to be rejected from awards, scholarships and even grants. Don’t let that define you and never give up. Remind yourself why you started and pursued or are pursing your degree. The passion you have for your research is more than enough. Focus on quality over quantity (unless you’re trying to be an academic then quantity equally matters).
4. Be optimistic and trust the process: Grad school is a process, even before you get in. So, start early in managing your time and expectations. Face any challenge or obstacle as a learning opportunity. Take chances and try new things!
5. Write as often as you can: Write any thoughts, ideas and feelings you may have about school, research, life, or anything that you’re passionate about. Write in the moment, passively, and retrospectively. Don’t be afraid to have 10 or 20 drafts for the same assignment or proposal. Write as often as you can, it will help in the long run.