Email: campbelw@mcmaster.ca

Dr. Wenonah Campbell is the John and Margaret Lillie Chair in Childhood Disability Research and an Associate Professor in McMaster University’s Speech-Language Pathology Program within the School of Rehabilitation Science. As a Scientist at the CanChild Centre for Childhood-Onset Disability Research,

Dr. Campbell leads an interdisciplinary research team dedicated to advancing health support services in schools, promoting inclusive learning environments where all children can participate and thrive. Her work is distinguished by a collaborative approach that integrates education and health sectors, employing a variety of research methodologies to develop and refine service delivery models and practices that are both inclusive and impactful. Her dedication to knowledge mobilization ensures that her research directly informs practices and policies that make a difference in children’s lives.

Email: carlesl@mcmaster.ca

Dr. Lisa Carlesso is a physiotherapist, clinical epidemiologist and Associate Professor. Dr. Carlesso’s research is focused on understanding pain mechanisms and using that understanding to improve pain management for people living with osteoarthritis or chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Dr. Carlesso is seeking a Masters or PhD student for fall of 2025 to study one of a few topics including, the physical and physiological impact of education content on pain and its related cognitions/beliefs; a multicenter trial studying pain informed movement, and understanding the relationship of adiposity to pain and inflammation.

Previous experience in research and a basic understanding of pain mechanisms is an asset. Please send a cover letter, CV and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Carlesso.
Please note only candidates selected for interview with Dr. Carlesso will be contacted.

Email: durochee@mcmaster.ca

Dr. Evelyne Durocher is looking for a Master or Doctoral student for Fall 2024.

Dr. Durocher is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science. After graduating with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba, Dr. Durocher worked with older adults in inpatient rehabilitation and complex continuing care. Through these experiences, she became particularly attuned to ethical complexities inherent in health and social care, and more specifically in older adult health care and social services.

Dr. Durocher’s program of research is focused on questions of occupation, autonomy, vulnerability, equity, justice, risk and safety in relation to health and social services with older adults. In her work she examines misalignments between perspectives and mandates, and the implications of these for various stakeholders. She hopes to contribute to improving the lives as well as the health and social care experiences of older adults, their family members and healthcare professionals alike.

Dr. Durocher is also interested in ethical questions in practice in countries in the global south such as Rwanda.

Email: gewurtz@mcmaster.ca

Dr. Rebecca Gewurtz is an Occupational Therapist and Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University and Adjunct Scientist at the Institute for Work and Health. She the Director of the Inclusive Design for Employment Access (IDEA) Social Innovation Laboratory and co-lead of Hub 2, Employment and Support Systems.

Gewurtz’ research focuses on enhancing the employment landscape for persons living with disabilities, particularly those living with mental illness and other episodic disabilities. Her multifaceted approach, rooted in academic rigor and practical application, positions her as a leader in her field, leveraging her expertise to bridge gaps between research, policy, and practice in work disability and income insecurity.

Gewurtz’ research is pivotal in understanding the complexities surrounding employment for people with disabilities. By focusing on the experiences of all stakeholders—including the individuals with disabilities themselves, service providers, co-workers, and employers—she ensures a comprehensive view of the employment integration process. This perspective is crucial for developing strategies that are effective in enabling workplaces to build more inclusive and supportive environments. Her methodological expertise in qualitative research, participatory action research and co-design underscores her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. These approaches can generate practical solutions while ensuring that the voices of those most affected by employment challenges are heard and valued in research outcomes.

Email: kuspinaa@mcmaster.ca

Dr. Kuspinar is an Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University. Her research program focuses on developing patient-centered outcome measures for clinical practice and research.

Dr. Kuspinar is seeking a PhD student for Fall 2025. Please send a cover letter, CV and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Kuspinar at kuspinaa@mcmaster.ca
Please note only candidates selected for interview with Dr. Kuspinar will be contacted.

Email: macedol@mcmaster.ca 

Dr. Luciana Macedo is looking for a MSc or PhD student with interest in musculoskeletal pain and implementation science.

Email: smithjf@mcmaster.ca

Dr. Jenna Smith-Turchyn is accepting students in the MORL+ lab (McMaster Oncology Rehab Lab: https://oncology-rehab.healthsci.mcmaster.ca) starting fall 2025. Research conducted in the MORL+ lab focuses on cancer rehabilitation and implementation strategies. Students entering in 2025 will complete research projects in the area of exercise oncology and physical activity/survivorship for individuals with cancer. For more questions and serious inquires of interest please contact Jenna.

Email: atang@mcmaster.ca
Website: https://srs.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/research/macstroke/

Socials: @MacStrokeCan

Dr Ada Tang is a physiotherapist, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean (Rehabilitation Science), and investigator on the CanStroke Recovery trials platform. Dr Tang’s research is focused on the impact of exercise on cardiovascular health, fitness, and function in people living with stroke.

Dr Tang seeking a Masters student for Winter 2025 to study methods of recruitment and enrollment into stroke clinical trials, with specific focus on enhancing representation of women and other clinical presentations.

Previous experience in research with an equity-driven focus is an asset. Please send a cover letter, CV and unofficial transcripts to Dr Tang at atang@mcmaster.ca. Please note only candidates selected for interview with Dr Tang will be contacted.