CCBR continues to grow! We are excited to welcome Michelle, Le-Tien, Thea, and Janna to our team. Get to know them below.
We posed a few questions to our newest team members:
Michelle Adams (Theron Kramer Intern)
What was it about CCBR that made you want to be involved here?
I've always had an interest in understanding how social determinants impact each other; why some people thrive in certain settings and why others consistently struggle to improve their quality of life. I can't presume to understand the barriers faced by dis-empowered groups, but I can educate myself on their experience... having a role at CCBR allows me to observe the creation of projects designed and implemented to help raise vulnerable people out of oppressive situations. These offices have a palpable sense of purpose, and I'm so pleased to assist researchers in empowering members of our community and beyond.
What are you most looking forward to in your role at CCBR?
I'm looking forward to gaining an improved understanding of the scientific side and the ground work that goes into fabricating successful CBR programs. I expect to hone my communication and office skills, be acquainted with as many programs as possible, and upon completion of my internship, have a sense of satisfaction that I've helped to contribute to some wonderful community-based programs
Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is the place you would most like to go back to?
Northern Canada; particularly the Temiskaming Shores area of Northeastern Ontario. The robust vegetation, wildlife and endless secluded islands are hard to forget; the seemingly slower-pace way-of-life is often the source of my thoughts if my mind starts to wander.
Tell us about one of your favorite things to do when you’re not working.
When I'm not working, I love to feed my creative side, making jewelry or experimenting in the kitchen with new dishes.
Le-Tien Duong (Intern)
What was it about CCBR that made you want to be involved here?
CCBR’s strong focus on community is such a fresh new perspective from my own experiences as a student at the University of Waterloo. As an MPH student, I’ve heard a lot about community-based research and its benefits, but never had the opportunity to actually practice it.
What are you most looking forward to in your role at CCBR?
I’m really looking forward to participating in all the projects that aim to make people’s lives better. I’m also excited to have some real life experience with working with people in the community and actually get to practice primary data collection.
Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is the place you would most like to go back to?
I would love to travel to San Francisco again. I remember I went there for a few days as a layover with my family, and I had so much fun traveling around the city with my older sister. If I could, I would go back to enjoy their culture, enjoy their beautiful streets and of course, eat some more clam chowder!!
Tell us about one of your favourite things to do when you’re not working.
I’m an avid horror fan, so of course this time of year I’ve been spending a lot of time watching horror movies. I’m a little strange, because while I love watching these movies, I get scared really easily!
Thea Enns, MSc (Researcher)
What was it about CCBR that made you want to be involved here? & What are you most looking forward to in your role at CCBR?
I was first drawn to CCBR when I heard that there was an organisation that centred its work around connecting academic research with community engagement. Coming out of my master’s degree in migration studies, I was eager to find ways to conduct research with the individuals and organisations that I was meant to “study”—further, I wanted to create more than a paper, but a real impact within communities. I am excited to make this community my classroom, and learn more about the issues I care about by working collaboratively with others. I am particularly interested in working on issues that impact refugee newcomers, and finding ways to make our communities more inclusive and dynamic.
Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is the place you would most like to go back to?
I would love to return to Utrecht, in the Netherlands. It’s a beautiful city to spend a day exploring by bike, and nothing beats a warm stroopwafel by the canal!
Tell us about one of your favourite things to do when you’re not working.
I love cooking and baking—it’s a creative release for me, and I will take any excuse to bring people together over a good meal.
Learn more about Thea here.
Janna Martin, MPACS (Researcher)
What was it about CCBR that made you want to be involved here?
I was introduced to Community-Based Research in a University of Waterloo class during my Masters degree. I was immediately fascinated by how it brought together two of my passions: community-led change and qualitative research. When I was a graduate student, my internship placement allowed me to do program evaluation, and I loved it!
What are you most looking forward to in your role at CCBR?
I’m looking forward to witnessing how research helps non-profit organizations better understand their context and improve their programs. I want to see in practice how research can mobilize knowledge and mobilize communities.
Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is the place you would most like to go back to?
I would like to go back to Papua, Indonesia to visit my host family and friends that I made when living there in 2015-16.
Tell us about one of your favourite things to do when you’re not working.
I like watching documentaries that explore social/psychological/political topics.
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