Summer Research and Training Program Paves the Way for Future Success
The Network for Healthy Populations is celebrating the inspiring contributions and experiences of the students who participated in this year’s Summer Research and Training program. This initiative supports University of Toronto students who have an interest in population health research.
One approach the Network is taking to address the global diabetes epidemic is by training and preparing the next generation of health leaders and experts. Students took on a wide range of projects, each tailored towards finding solutions to improve health outcomes in the Region of Peel. They had opportunities to take part in workshops, networking sessions and a final research day of presentations—all aimed at helping them prepare for careers in research or healthcare.
“This program was invaluable in helping me connect with fellow diabetes researchers and colleagues in the field, and to develop key skills in research, communication, and knowledge mobilization,” says participant Reshma Patel, who conducted a scoping review to identify multi-level type 2 diabetes prevention interventions and assess their effectiveness in addressing population inequities in diabetes risk. She sees the opportunities provided by the program as an important building block for her future.
Participant Monique Monroe, who worked on a project focused on addressing the rise of type 2 diabetes among young adults in the Peel Region, felt similarly about the training opportunities. “From networking events to skills-based workshops, this program has enhanced my knowledge of addressing chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, from a health-equity perspective, which I can apply in my future endeavours,” she says. Monroe also found the chance to collaborate with project team members from educational and healthcare institutions an asset.
For Hanna Asheber, who co-created interactive educational modules centred on the Portfolio Diet as part of her summer project, this access to professionals in the field she hopes to pursue was also a positive. “My time at the NHP was amazing to say the least. The ability to learn from so many professionals during the career development sessions and learn from my peers about their research work was enriching.” Asheber was also really inspired by the research she was able to work on. “Since I am passionate about learning how we can use lifestyle modifications to treat chronic conditions, I found that my project, which looked at using dietary changes to manage diabetes and cholesterol levels, was perfectly suited to my goals as a future clinician. I truly felt fulfilled in my work this summer.”
Having the opportunity to work on research projects that were meaningful was a sentiment shared by many of the participants. This was the first time some of them had been part of a research team, and for others it was an important next step in their careers. "My summer studentship with NHP and Ecosource was a transformative experience, allowing me to bridge my classroom learning with real-world impact,” says Nazifa Rashid, who worked on a project to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-week food literacy program inspired by the Whole Foods Plant-Based Diet at the Ecosource Teaching Kitchen in Mississauga. “Through the Field to Fork Project, I contributed to addressing chronic disease challenges in the Peel Region while supporting climate-conscious food practices. The hands-on workshops and community engagement deepened my understanding of food literacy and its role in population health. Overall, this internship has not only strengthened my commitment to community health initiatives but also clarified my aspirations for future studies and a career in public health, and more specifically health promotion."
Participant Rosa Fragomeni had similar feelings about her role supporting a project that looked at using physical activity as a moderator of health to improve the design of active transportation on urban trains across Canada. “I gained firsthand experience on managing a project to conduct impactful research on urban communities using quantitative and qualitative analyses. Working with colleagues on a Canada-wide research team connected me with professionals who have broadened my understanding of the field and opened doors for future collaboration. These experiences supported my professional development by strengthening the science communication skills that will support me in my future career.”
Not only did participants take an active role on research projects during the program, they were also provided with training on how to present their findings. They did this at the Network’s Student Research Day, where they were able to get in front of their peers and other experts in the field to share the work they had done. For participant Eugene Chiappetta, whose project aimed at understanding the barriers and facilitators to the self-management of young-onset type 2 diabetes, this was a particular highlight. “I developed the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in a way that resonates with audiences across various disciplines. This opportunity enhanced my understanding of health equity and chronic disease prevention, providing me with a fresh perspective on addressing health challenges and reducing disparities to ensure equitable access to care. The skills and insights I gained from this program will undoubtedly guide my academic and professional journey in the future.”
Overall, each participant felt that taking part of the project was an asset in their education and career journeys. “It was inspiring to see innovative, multidisciplinary and multi-level projects aimed at lowering the burden of type-2 diabetes,” says Vishva Shah, whose project looked at barriers and facilitators to the self-management of young-onset type 2 diabetes. “The NHP is committed to building strong community partnerships and reducing the health inequities. As an NHP Summer Student, I was able to gain valuable experience building longitudinal relationships with community partners, knowledge in research methods, and connect with likeminded peers, researchers and mentors. I hope to carry forward these core skills into a career in medicine and research.“