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What if a simple form could shut someone out of research that could change their life? For millions of neurodivergent individuals—those who identify as having autism, ADHD, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or other cognitive disabilities—that’s reality. Complex language, confusing layouts and rigid research designs quietly, but powerfully, exclude them from studies that could directl...

Elie Ndala was six years old when his family fled a civil war in their home country and landed in a refugee camp. When he and his parents finally immigrated to Canada, he recalls early struggles trying to ‘fit in’ in a new country and an unfamiliar culture. These lived experiences forged a profound interest in learning about identity construction and inclusion, eventually forming the basis for his...

HIV, diabetes, breast cancer, high blood pressure and uterine fibroids are some key health issues affecting Black women in Canada. But these conditions’ impacts on Black women have received less attention — in terms of both research and health interventions — than those for some other Canadian groups.

“As a Black woman with sickle cell disease, I brace myself for judgement every time I walk into the ER,” says Shelly-Ann Crosby, 41, whose countless hospital visits for pain have deepened her wariness.

Trained as an aerospace engineer, Professor Catherine Mavriplis has first-hand experience being one of few women in a male-dominated field. This fuelled her passion for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), leading to a dual-research career studying aerospace engineering as well as the systematic gaps that impede gender diversity in STEM and developing ways to address these gaps.

Inclusion researcher Virginie Abat-Roy (PhD ’24) says ableism (the discrimination of those with disabilities) is a daily obstacle for people with assistance dogs. “It’s shocking to hear some of the judgemental things people say to those who live with handicaps," she explains.

Dr. Katey Rayner is one of our research community’s dynamic leaders.

As part of Black History Month, we discussed breaking down barriers and driving change with one of our community’s prominent healthcare leaders.

When Jinny Yu, a Full Professor in the Visual Arts Department, suggested that her colleagues teach more BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) artists, their immediate reaction was “But they’re so hard to find.” Jinny set out to prove otherwise.

As we wrap up 2023, we look back at some of the memorable moments, remarkable milestones, and well-deserved recognition that the University of Ottawa experienced this year.