The Arts Transformed: A Scoping Review of Digital Storytelling as a Tool to Illuminate Lived Experiences and Amplify Voices of Equity-Deserving Populations

2025–2027 | Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Knowledge Synthesis Grant Proposal

• This project examines how digital storytelling can amplify the lived experiences of equity-deserving populations, including Indigenous Peoples and individuals living with chronic conditions. Through a scoping review of existing research, the team explores how storytelling can challenge stigma, support culturally responsive care, and inform more inclusive policies and practices. Findings will help guide the use of digital storytelling in future health equity research and education.

Bridging Borders and Designing Futures: A Participatory Canadian-European Partnership for Health Equity

2025–2026 | Lakehead University Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) International Research Partnership

• Supported by Lakehead University’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) program, this project strengthens international research partnerships between Lakehead University and institutions in Portugal. Through academic exchanges, networking, and collaborative planning, the initiative expands opportunities for international research through the EQUIP@Action Research Hub, with a focus on health equity and participatory research. The project also supports the development of future joint research initiatives and funding opportunities.

Co-Creating Community-Driven Strategies to Reduce Chronic Wound Inequities in Rural and Remote Northern Ontario

2026–2027 | SSHRC Institutional Grant, Community-Engaged Research Grant (CERG)

• In partnership with Wounds Canada, this project explores the experiences and priorities of people living with or at risk of chronic wounds in rural and remote Northern Ontario. Through focus groups, surveys, and community engagement, the research examines barriers to care and the social and systemic factors influencing health outcomes. Findings will inform community-driven strategies to reduce wound-related health inequities and guide future research.

Mapping the 2025 Canadian Drought and Exploring Associated Climate-Related Health Risks

2026–2027 | Lakehead University Research Development Fund (RDF)

• This project examines the potential health impacts of Canada’s 2025 drought by mapping affected regions and exploring connections between drought conditions, extreme heat, wildfire smoke, water quality, and health outcomes. With particular attention to rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, the research aims to inform future studies and strengthen equitable approaches to climate-related health preparedness.

Our Voices, Our Stories: An Action-Oriented Outreach Webinar Series

2024 – present | SSHRC Connection Grant, 2024 – present

• Building on earlier projects, this initiative introduces webinars to foster collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and patients. Guided by Paulo Freire’s reflective-action framework, the project adopts an innovative approach by involving webinar attendees in a participatory process. Participants listen to DST from the first SSHRC-funded project and co-create a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, promoting equity and inclusivity in chronic wound care.

Digital Storytelling: A Tool for Promoting Critical Reflection and Trauma-Informed Care

2023 – Present | SSHRC Insight Development Grant

• This project investigates how DST fosters critical reflection and trauma-informed care among healthcare professionals. It also examines the emotional and psychological impacts on storytellers, healthcare providers, and policymakers. To date, three webinars have been hosted where attendees listened to DST from the first SSHRC-funded project. Of the 205 attendees, 44 completed surveys, providing valuable insights. On February 29, 2025, we will host another webinar and a focus group, engaging 7–10 patients and caregiver partners and 7–10 healthcare professionals, administrators, and policymakers. The focus group will explore the emotional impact of storytelling and its value as an educational tool to prepare future healthcare professionals and inform health policy.

Our Voices, Our Stories: A National Exchange on Humanizing Trauma-Informed Wound Care 2121 – present | SSHRC Connection Grant

• This project employs digital storytelling to humanize wound care, amplifying the voices of over 25 individuals with chronic wounds. Their stories, hosted on the Wounds Canada website, raise awareness about systemic challenges. This initiative also included Canada’s first patient journey virtual conference and developed infographics and social media campaigns to disseminate key insights.

Collaborative Research Partnerships

Our collaboration with National and International researchers include the following key projects: 

• Reimagining Diabetes Self-Management Education for Seniors in Rural Ontario (CIHR-funded, Co-PI: Dr. Pilar Camargo-Plazas, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada).

• Advanced Wound Care in Northern Ontario First Nations Communities (CIHR-funded, Co-Investigator: Dr. Paul Gratzer, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scocia, Canada).

• Chronic Condition Management and AI in Nursing Education (CNPQ-Funded, CO-PIs: Drs. Viviana M. da silva and Manuela Coelho  – Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza,  Brazil)