“Over the years, the number of women pursuing psychology as a career has greatly increased (Sentell et al., 2001). Despite the growing number of women in the field of psychology, there is still an evident pay gap depending upon gender. The same is true with many other professions (Sentell et al., 2001). The gender pay gap is defined here as the difference in women’s earnings in relation to the earnings of men (Pelletier et al., 2019). It is derived from outdated societal attitudes and beliefs about the place and value of women in the workplace (Government of New Brunswick, n.d.).”
Read moreThe Importance of Blue Skies Research
“With blue skies research, you cannot predict when an application is going to occur. But it’s definitely going to occur. We are here with all the technology we have because of blue skies research. If there was no blue skies research, the world would look very different today.”
Read moreVitalSignsNB: Expanding the Immunization Role of New Brunswick’s Pharmacists
VitalSignsNB is the health-based research stream in the Pathways to Professions (P2P) experiential learning program at the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training (NB-IRDT). P2P brings together students from different educational backgrounds to work on NB-relevant research projects in a multitude of fields. Over 13 weeks, students participate in a variety of training and mentoring sessions on research and employment skills, in addition to engaging in their assigned research topics.
Read moreThe need to better understand the interactions of legalized cannabis and mental health
“Cannabis is one of the most commonly used recreational substances globally and the second-most used in Canada (Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, 2007). Since its legalization in 2018, which permitted the sale (from government sanctioned locations), growth and recreational use for citizens of legal age (Cannabis Act, 2018), its recreational and therapeutic usage has increased (Statistics Canada, 2019). Pain, anxiety, and depression are the most common indications for the therapeutic use of cannabis (Sexton et al., 2016). However, the existing body of literature only supports cannabis’s efficacy in alleviating pain – not symptoms of anxiety and depression (Kosiba et al., 2019).”
Read moreForest Bathing: Nurturing Mental Health with Nature
“Though COVID-19 has led to psychological distress for many, there are a multitude of strategies to cope with stress and anxiety, such as reaching out to friends and family, physical activity, deep breathing, and even taking up a hobby (Canada, 2008). One unique strategy that has shown to have benefits for elevated levels of stress and anxiety is forest bathing. We are blessed in New Brunswick to be able to make use of this emerging strategy in our expansive green outdoors to improve our mental health.”
Read moreElasmobranch Exploration: The Turning Tide of Shark Research
“For the vast majority of Atlantic Canadians—affectionately referred to as “East Coasters” and “Maritimers”—it is no surprise that waters off the coasts of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are home to a wide variety of shark species. Fisheries and Oceans Canada provides a list of over 20 of these species that have been identified in Atlantic Canada—ranging from the porbeagle (Lamna nasus) and basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) to the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), and of course, the world’s most notorious ocean predator: the great white (Carcharodon carcharias).”
Read moreDr. Lloyd Waugh: Photogrammetry as a Visual Documentation Tool of Construction Sites
“When Dr. Lloyd Waugh’s began his research, it may not have been directed for use in a pandemic affected time; however, it may be increasingly valuable in a period when remote work has become more widespread. Dr. Waugh has passionately shared the thrilling advancements of his research at the University of New Brunswick on using photogrammetry as a documentation tool of on-site construction progress.”
Read moreThe Reality of Family Violence in Canada: One Student’s Impact on Family Violence Research
“In Emma Robinson’s time at the University of New Brunswick, she has made an impactful difference at the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research at UNB (MMFC). Before she arrived at UNB to pursue a Masters in Sociology, Emma completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in English and Theatre Studies. Gender studies was an area that Emma was captivated by, which eventually led her to learning extensively about the world of domestic and sexual violence. Emma’s Master’s studies have centred around working with youth, women and Christian communities happening across a wide range of research projects at the MMFC, in the community and government.”
Read moreShades of an Acculturation Paradigm in Health Care: Race and Ethnicity
“Disparities between diverse population groups in effective healthcare treatments and outcomes may place certain groups at higher risk than others. In spite of development and advances in the healthcare system, prior research has proved the presence of disparities in the use of health services based on race.”
Read moreThe Role of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre in Family Violence Research
“While many people are aware of the term family violence, it is often accompanied by reluctance from society to accept the term as a present situation for individuals of many different backgrounds. The stereotypes towards family violence indicate that it is often neglected as it suggests the notion that it is an issue only for a small percent of the population. A common stereotype dictates that people of low socioeconomic status, for example, are the only people to experience family violence, which is not accurate. The reality of the situation is that family violence has no limits to whom it can affect, and it takes a heavy toll on society.”
Read moreOur Summer with BoostNB: Student-Led Research on Economic Indicators for New Brunswick
“If you ask New Brunswickers to tell you about their province, they might talk about the beautiful forests, fresh seafood, covered bridges, and a slower, more pleasant way of life. On the surface, these are all elements that define the New Brunswick that we know and love. However, they are also elements that play a key part in the provincial economy – something you are less likely to hear about. From our small population to our natural resources and beyond, New Brunswick relies on growth in many different areas to boost its economy and ensure the progress and prosperity of its people.”
Read moreCharacterizing Populations During a Pandemic: Our Summer on a Virtual Research Team
“Have you ever wondered what Statistics Canada does with their census data? Well we have. Our names are Nihla Hussain and Madeleine Gorman-Asal, and in February 2020 we attended the Atlantic Student Research Journal’s inaugural Reaching Higher conference. It was there that we first learned about the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data, and Training (NB-IRDT), and its Pathways to Professions program. We both share a passion for research, which led us to attend the conference and to apply for the 2020 Pathways to Professions program.”
Read moreUnderstanding the Public Health Concern of the Saint John River through Dr. Janice Lawrence’s Cyanobacteria Research
““There [has been] a big conversation and dialogue about the river, how important it is, and how many peoples’ lives were affected when they became afraid of something they always took for granted to be safe”, says Dr. Janice Lawrence, Professor and Associate Dean of Science at the University of New Brunswick. Janice has found herself explaining her research on toxin-producing cyanobacteria distribution to lake associations and cottage owners alike, due to the growing concern that the bodies of water near them could be potentially hazardous. However, it was not Janice’s initial plan to be studying cyanobacteria, a prominent type of photosynthetic bacteria. Janice did her PhD at Dalhousie University studying toxic phytoplankton, a type of marine algae, and became interested in why toxic blooms, or the rapid increase of toxin-producing organisms, occur in some places in the ocean but not others.”
Read moreNatural Curiosity: Dr. Tony Noble
“Dr. Tony Noble began his journey at the University of New Brunswick. A long time resident of Fredericton and a track and field athlete, he attended UNB largely for its cross country program. Enrolling in general sciences, Dr. Noble believed he would pursue a path in medicine. Like many, he switched his focus and realized he enjoyed physics more, especially during an era of so many unanswered questions within the world of physics. He remembers having a professor who was very passionate about the new discoveries in physics and would bring excitement to the classroom, which fuelled Dr. Noble’s scientific desire to learn more. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Math from UNB, he went on to complete a Master of Science and PhD in particle physics from the University of British Columbia in 1990.”
Read moreAdvancements in Spine Surgery in Atlantic Canada
“Experiencing involuntary spasms or aches in your lower back? Numbness, burning, or tingling down your leg? You are most likely suffering from lower back pain (LBP) or commonly referred to as sciatica, which is pain in the back radiating into the leg. Lumbar radiculopathy is one of the most common conditions associated with LBP. It is a leading cause of disability and often a reason for patients to undergo spine surgery. Traditionally, spine surgery is done as “open surgery”. However, spine surgery has transformed significantly through technological advancements and new approaches such as minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS).”
Read more“It Can’t Be That Bad”: Stigmatization As A Barrier To Receiving Chronic Pain Treatment
“It is normal for many people to experience pain at some point in their life. However, some people experience chronic pain, which is pain that persists for at least three months and can even for years. Individuals with chronic pain are often subjected to negative stereotypes that undermine the legitimacy of their pain experience. These individuals are not only stigmatized by the general public, but also the health professionals who work with them during rehabilitation and treatment. The research by Dr. Diane LaChapelle at the University of New Brunswick examines how perceptions of people with chronic pain are influenced by stereotypes and how these perceptions hinder effective decision-making for the treatment of chronic pain.”
Read moreWild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in New Brunswick: How They Got Here and What This Means for Native New Brunswick Flora and Fauna.
“Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopava) are an increasingly regular occurrence in the province of New Brunswick over the past decade. As with any new species, these turkeys leave managers and scientists unsure of the impacts they could have on native flora and fauna species. In order to properly manage a species, biologists need to know some key ecological details about the population, such as habitat and food sources, where populations are located, and where the animals are reproducing. Dr. Graham Forbes is working closely with graduate students in order to begin this research and discussion.”
Read more