PhD Students


Allie Carew

Education
BSc Biology (Honours), Queen's University
MSc Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University

Thesis title/topic
Determining if implementation of the haptoglobin phenotype biomarker should be tested in type 2 diabetes treatment planning to prevent cardiovascular disease: a mixed methods study of risk prediction, etiological, and qualitative analyses

Supervisor
Dr. Leah Cahill & Dr. Susan Kirkland

Why Dal?
I chose to do my PhD in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie University because it offers a wide variety of learning experiences (e.g., a diverse range of courses, a placement, professional development seminars, teaching and mentoring opportunities, and journal clubs), allowing me to tailor my doctoral training to meet my research goals.


Ryan Lukic

Education
BHSc Health and Society, University of Calgary
MSc Community Health Sciences, Epidemiology, University of Calgary

Thesis title/topic
Consumption of No- and Low-Alcoholic beverages in the general population

Supervisor
Dr. Mark Asbridge

Why Dal?
I was looking for a new adventure in doing my PhD and the combination of a top level institution and the city of Halifax seemed like a perfect next step for me to expand my education and life experiences. 


Beth McDougall

Education
BSc (Honours) Psychology, Dalhousie University
MSc Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University

Thesis title/topic
A Needs-Based Complexity Case-Mix System for Community-Based Primary Health Care Planning

Supervisor
Dr. George Kephart

Why Dal?
I had considered pursuing a PhD after finishing my MSc degree in 2014 and was hoping CH&E at Dal would create a PhD program. When they did, I knew the program at Dal was the one I wanted to enroll in. Nova Scotia is my home province and I have gone to Dalhousie for all of my degrees and have had a wonderful experience!


Al Muktadir Munam

Education
BSc Computer Science and Engineering, Varendra University
MPH, Varendra University

Thesis preliminary title
Developing and Validating Risk Predictive Machine Learning Models for the Trajectories of Individuals Who Sought Mental Health and Addiction Services in Nova Scotia

Supervisor
Dr. JianLi Wang

Why Dal?
Choosing DAL was a deliberate and heartfelt decision made by matching my professional goals and personal dreams. As an international student, Canada’s great education and quality of life caught my attention, and DAL stood out with its strong programs, excellent research facilities, and diverse community. Particularly, the PhD program in Epidemiology and Applied Health Research aligns well with my dual background in computer science and public health, providing plenty of opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and exploration. Under the esteemed guidance of Dr. JianLi Wang, along with the support and expertise of other distinguished faculty members, I am excited about diving deep into meaningful, real-world problem-solving research. At DAL, I am confident that I will receive the necessary support and guidance to grow as a researcher. I am fully committed to using these opportunities to make significant contributions to my field and society. Choosing DAL is a big step towards fulfilling my aspirations and making a positive difference in my community and beyond.

 

Nathan Smith

Education
BSc Psychology & Biology with Neuroscience Option, Acadia University
MSc Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University

Thesis title/topic
Integrating Frailty and Physical Resilience to Improve Risk Estimation in Aging Populations

Supervisor
Dr. Yukiko Asada & Dr. Susan Kirkland

Why Dal?
The main reason I chose to pursue my PhD in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie University is because it is a small program with a great sense of community, where I have access to a diverse faculty with expertise in a number of areas relevant to my research and career goals.