Tell us about yourself in a paragraph or two: What is your name, and what are you studying? Where are you from? What was your dream job as a kid? What’s your favourite thing to do outside of school/work?
My name is Carrie Shorey, and I am a PhD Candidate in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. My research focuses on biopsychosocial risk factors for cognitive decline in vulnerable groups, particularly immigrant and non-immigrant aging Canadians. Prior to my graduate studies, I worked as an Elder Life Specialist at Kingston General Hospital. It was at this time when I realized how important it is that I further my understanding about health and aging, including the cause of variability in patients’ cognitive function. Originally from Kingston, Ontario, I enjoy spending my free time running along our beautiful waterfront, baking, and hanging out with my cat, Ella.
What interested you about the CLSA?
What interested me about the CLSA was its extensive dataset, capturing the health and lifestyle information of thousands of Canadians over a long period. The opportunity to work with CLSA data arose when the pandemic (somewhat) derailed my community research plans for my PhD thesis. The CLSA provided a much larger sample size than I could have collected on my own, with a diverse set of biomarkers analyzed. I especially appreciated the inclusion of participants’ immigrant status, acknowledging the importance of studying this often overlooked group in research.
What type of research are you doing with CLSA data? Have you published? If so, what are the findings (in lay terms)?
Using CLSA data, I am conducting research on how the enduring effects of stress are associated with cognitive function in Canadian older adults. Specifically, I am investigating how chronic health conditions, psychosocial stress, and psychiatric distress influence executive function and memory in immigrant and non-immigrant Canadians, considering potential sex differences. Our preliminary findings, presented at various conferences including the Canadian Association on Gerontology and the American Public Health Association, suggest that immigrants, particularly immigrant women, demonstrate resilience to the detrimental effects of stress compared to non-immigrants.
What is the most interesting or surprising thing you’ve learned from your work with the CLSA? How do you think the CLSA will help you grow as a student or in your future?
The most interesting aspect of my work with the CLSA has been the opportunity to witness the resilience of immigrant populations to psychological distress and psychosocial adversity. This insight challenges existing narratives and underscores the importance of considering immigrant experiences in health research.
Working with the CLSA has provided me with valuable opportunities to enhance my research skills, analyze complex longitudinal data, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. Engaging with diverse populations and addressing health disparities aligns with my commitment to equity, preparing me for future success in academia and beyond.
How do you think the findings using CLSA data will be useful to you, or others, in the future?
The findings derived from CLSA data will be invaluable for identifying both risk and resilience factors to cognitive outcomes among aging populations. The ability to observe short-term changes through three-year follow-ups provides a unique opportunity to understand the immediate impacts of factors such as stress and interventions on cognitive health.
Do you have any idea about what kind of job you’d like to do when you finish school?
After graduate school, I intend to pursue a career as a postdoctoral researcher, with a focus on migrant health. The connections I have made through the CLSA, both at conferences and through community working groups, have been invaluable in shaping my future aspirations and fostering collaborative opportunities.
What is a non-career related thing that you are grateful for because of your work with the CLSA?
One non-career related thing I am grateful for because of my work with the CLSA is the chance to relocate back to Kingston and be closer to my family after years of living apart. This past year has been a wonderful opportunity for me, and I am deeply grateful for the time spent with my loved ones.
