Graduate Student Members

Dr. Akpomi-Eferakeya is exploring nurses’ perceptions of the usefulness of the Violence Assessment Tool to help decrease the risk of violence in their workplaces. Her supervisor is Dr. Judith Horrigan. Dr. Akpomi-Eferakeya earned the 2019/2020 UA (United Association) Local 800 Award.

Nathaniel’s thesis is entitled, “Mino-nokiiwin: Towards an Understanding of Indigenous Occupational Health and Safety Experiences in Northern Ontario”. His research is based on a community based participatory approach, led by a steering committee with representatives from each community they are working with. They conducted focus groups to gain insight into Indigenous occupational health and safety experiences. Themes were developed in discussion with the steering committee and focus groups. Nathaniel’s supervisors are Dr. Nancy Lightfoot, Dr. Darrel Manitowabi, and Dr. Leigh MacEwan.

Rachelle’s thesis is “Tolerance of User Interface Design Alterations”. She is investigating the effects of changes in a user interface to its’ users. Technological devices of today contain a multitude of features that are overwhelming to their users. They are also continually updated with additional tools and settings, adding to the confusion and frustration. Rachelle’s supervisor is Dr. Ratvinder Grewal

Rebecca is a Masters in Human Kinetics student under the supervision of Dr. Alison Godwin.

The Northern Ontario Francophone population has been found to experience poorer health outcomes than the general population. Ensuring the health of this minority population involves an exploration of French speaking physicians available. Jacob’s research focuses on patient-provider communication, which is a fundamental aspect in providing high quality health services. The aim of Jacob’s study is to determine if NOSM graduates with French language competency were practicing in Francophone communities. Jacob’s supervisor is Dr. Alain Gauthier.

Josée’s Major Paper is on “Paired Comparison Study to Determine the Impact of Rotated Neck/Trunk Posture Combined with Vibration Exposure on Seated Comfort”. Her supervisors are Dr. Tammy Eger and Dr. Katie Goggins.
Josée earned both the 2019/2020 Human Factors and Ergonomics Entrance Award and the 2019/2020 Goodman School of Mines – Masters in Human Kinetics Award.

Jonah is currently working on validating the Remote First Aid Self-Efficacy Scale (RFA SES) for use in Remote Worksites. The purpose of developing the RFA SES is to provide an effective tool for: (1) evaluation of wilderness first aid and other types of emergency care training designed for remote geographies, communities, and worksites; and (2) reflection by training participants so they can self-assess their beliefs, confidence, and capacity to respond. Jonah is currently focused on testing the scale’s validity, reliability and dimensionality. Jonah’s supervisor is Dr. Stephen Ritchie.

Samuel’s research is looking at the impacts of environmental temperature on metabolism during exercise. Specifically he is working on a protocol to try and maximize people’s fat oxidation/utilization and to see how this protocol is affected by the cold. Samuel’s supervisor is Dr. Dominique Gagnon. Samuel earned the 2019/2020 CROSH Occupational Physiology and Environment Entrance Award.

Caroline is part of the Mining Mental Health research team looking to better understand the current state of mental health and well-being of miners in Ontario. The study also seeks to identify predictors and barriers to mental health in this workplace, predictors of mental health-related absenteeism, as well as facilitators and barriers to return-to-work following a leave of absence.
Caroline earned the 2019/2020 William Shaver Doctoral Scholarship in Mining Health and Safety.

Amy is investigating the possible effect of inconsistent medical device user interface designs on nurse performance. Her research seeks to determine if inconsistent medical user interfaces for the same medical devices lead to an increase in cognitive load, task completion times, and errors for affected nurses.

Tim’s research looks at evaluating the effectiveness of several consumer-level digital displays against head-mounted displays. He is also examining the application and analysis of several virtual reality properties in regular usage settings.

Kimberly’s research focuses on the use of campus trails at Laurentian University by the student population. She hopes to better understand the impact of regular trail use on the mental health and well-being of university students. Kimberly spends a lot of her spare time volunteering with the “UP and Move! Walking program” at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. Kimberly’s supervisor is Dr. Stephen Ritchie. Kimberly earned the 2019/2020 CROSH Occupational Health and Wellness Fellowship.

Nazanin’s research seeks to understand environmental heat exposure amongst wildland Firefighters in Ontario with the aim to develop policy and practice to help prevent heat stress events. Nazanin’s supervisor is Dr. Sandra Dorman. Nazanin earned the 2019/2020 CROSH Occupational Health and Wellness Entrance Award.

Curtis is investigating the effect of decreased core temperature on the signalling pathways that increase mitochondria content in the muscle either before or after exercise. He hopes to better understand how exercises combined with cold exposure can influence the increase of mitochondrial content in the body’s muscles, and lead to better health. Curtis is also identifying the impact of different cooling conditions on muscle oxygenation and aerobic contributions.
Curtis earned the 2019/2020 CROSH Occupational Physiology and Environment Fellowship.

Margaret is currently investigating levels of vibration transferred from the terrain to a child riding in the back of a bicycle trailer, and if those levels put a child at an increased risk of developing a whole-body vibration-related injury. The aim of the research is to ensure bicycle trailers are as safe as they can be for children. Margaret’s supervisor is Dr. Tammy Eger.
Margaret earned the 2019/2020 CROSH Human Factors and Ergonomics Fellowship.

A Registered Nurse, Kelsey’s research is looking at improving the quality of life and symptom management for adults with inflammatory bowel disease in Northern Ontario. Individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience a wide range of fluctuating symptoms with periods of remission and relapses over time that presents challenges to symptom management and can have a negative impact on quality of life. There is a lack of research exploring the lived experiences of adults with inflammatory bowel disease in Northern Ontario. More specifically, this research intends to explore the perspective of individuals in Northern Ontario who have inflammatory bowel disease to gain an understanding of what self-care means to them. Kelsey’s co-supervisors are Dr. Craig Duncan and Professor Irene Koren.

Sherry is investigating the impact of lower back injuries and the compensation process experienced by male underground workers in Sudbury Ontario. Sherry hopes that findings from her research would be used to foster cohesive relationships with injured workers, and improve workplace policies in regards to compensations and ‘return to work’ process.
Sherry earned the 2019/2020 Dr. Fergal Nolan Radiation Safety Award.

Desiree is examining the effects of different breathing styles on mental wellbeing in occupationally developed stress.

For her Masters, Chelsea investigated risk factors for slips, trips and falls in northern Ontario underground mines. Findings will be shared with mining health and safety committees and personal protective equipment manufacturers with the aim to develop interventions to reduce slip, trip, and fall risk factors. Chelsea believes that education is essential for prevention, and she hopes that findings from her study can be used to help worker remain safe on the job and return home healthy.
Chelsea earned the 2019/2020 William Shaver Masters Scholarship.

Dr. Shoukri’s research topic is “Virtual mental health care support for Indigenous children and youth.” Dr. Shoukri’s supervisor is Dr. Nancy Young and his co-supervisor is Dr. Sylvie Larocque.

Kelsey recently defended her Major Paper on “Effectiveness of a Participatory Ergonomic Approach to Develop Interventions Aimed at Addressing Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Factors within a Mine Core Shack”. Her supervisor was Dr. Tammy Eger.

Beau is investigating the preparation of post-secondary outdoor leadership training programs in Canada. He aims to advance knowledge of how outdoor leadership professionals are trained at post-secondary programs in Canada, as it relates to educational outcomes, best practices, and safety in the outdoor industry. Beau believes in using outdoor adventure pursuits to improve physical, social and emotional well being, and to help us connect with nature.
Beau earned the 2019/2020 United Steel Workers Graduate Award.

Azin’s supervisor is Dr. Sandra Dorman.