Meet Isobel Sharpe - MSc Public Health Sciences - Field of Study Epidemiology

| 28 May 2020

How did you come to be in your program?

Before coming to Queen’s, I received my BScH in Integrated Science at McMaster University. When I first began my undergraduate degree I knew that I really enjoyed scientific research, although I wasn’t sure exactly which area of science I was most passionate about. I started out with interests in chemistry, but after completing some coursework related to healthcare and epidemiology, I quickly realized that this is what I wanted to study.

I chose to continue exploring my interests in epidemiology and public health at Queen’s due to the high methodological standard of the program, as well as the chance to interact and work with the wide variety of outstanding faculty in the department. I am excited to continue my thesis work with Dr. Colleen Davison over the next year, looking at the relationship between climate change, food insecurity, and mental health from a global perspective. I can confidently say I made the best possible decision by coming to Queen’s!

What challenges have you had with the pandemic, and how did you overcome them?

Once classes at Queen’s were cancelled, I moved back home with my family in York Region. I am very fortunate to say that besides adjusting to working from home, both my research and course work has been minimally impacted by the pandemic. However, I do miss spending time on campus!

What are your hopes and plans?

Upon completing my degree, I plan to take one year to work as a research assistant where I can practice the skills and concepts in epidemiology and public health that I have learned from my time at Queen’s. From there, I will decide whether I would like to pursue a PhD.

Post-secondary Awards

Provost’s Honour Roll, McMaster University – 2019
Dean’s Honour List, McMaster University – 2016-19
The University Senate Scholarship, McMaster University – 2018
Honours Entrance Award, McMaster University – 2015

Financial Awards while PHS program

CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship Master’s – 2020-21
Arthur B. McDonald Prize for Academic Excellence – 2019-20
Queen’s Graduate Award – 2019-20

TA/RA Positions Held

Queen’s University:

Research Assistant, Division of General Internal Medicine – Present

Recently joined research team focused on modelling hospital readmission in high-risk COPD patients.

McMaster University:

Research Assistant, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact – 2019

Performed further analysis of undergraduate thesis data and wrote manuscripts.

Undergraduate thesis title – Measuring sugar-containing beverage intake among young children: Comparing a food frequency questionnaire with a 24-hour dietary recall for administration to parents
Teaching Assistant, Integrated Science Program – 2018-19

TA for a second-year science literacy course.
Research Assistant, MacAnxiety Research Centre – 2018-19

Performed literature searches and wrote summaries to inform various publications on anxiety and mood disorders, designed posters for upcoming conferences.

Publications

Van Ameringen M, Patterson B, Dabas G, Sharpe I, Marrello D. Pharmacotherapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In: The American Psychiatric Association Publishing Textbook of Anxiety, Trauma, and OCD-Related Disorders, 3rd edition. 2020. ISBN: 978-1-61537-232-4.

Volunteer Work:

McMaster University:

Student Administrative Leader & Volunteer, Canadian Blood Services – 2017-19

Ran logistical aspects of school blood donor clinics and donor recruitment events: scheduling volunteers, organizing sign-ups, supervising volunteers, etc. Volunteered at blood donor clinics and donor recruitment events

Blog

Meet Isobel Sharpe - MSc Public Health Sciences - Field of Study Epidemiology

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