Abstract: This report presents findings from the Hamilton Immigrant Survey 2023, where close to 700 immigrants shared their experiences with housing, income, employment, sense of belonging, service usage and provided immigrant-led recommendations. In this survey, immigrant refers to anyone who was born outside Canada and lives, works, or studies in Hamilton. This includes economic class immigrants, family-sponsored immigrants, refugees, international students, refugee claimants, temporary foreign workers, and recent Ukrainian arrivals. Findings from this survey provide a snapshot of how immigrants are faring in various aspects of life, as perceived by immigrants themselves and — for some questions — shared in their own words. The survey also reveals how these differ according to markers such as immigration category and status, length of time in Canada, racialized status, and gender. This report aims to contribute to our understanding of the experiences, strengths, challenges and contributions of various groups of immigrants in Hamilton in order to guide future actions to improve the settlement experiences of newcomers and immigrants.

The Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC) is working with students through CityLAB to further explore immigrant experiences with belonging. A summary report will be available in early Spring. HIPC is open to collaborations with community partners and encourages using the Immigrant Survey as a resource to inform collective action locally.

Learn more here and read the report here.

Abstract: This interdisciplinary study aims to engage marginalized communities in discourse surrounding loss, coping mechanisms, and help-seeking behaviors catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By delving into these discussions, the project seeks to inform the development of public health policies addressing the pandemic’s aftermath and contribute to the realization of transformative changes outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This endeavor aligns with McMaster University’s commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The study objectives encompass shedding light on how South Asian and Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) perceive and experience loss in the context of race, ethnicity, gender, health, age, and religion/spirituality. Additionally, the research aims to explore coping strategies employed by these communities in response to the pandemic-induced losses and identify barriers hindering their access to essential health and mental health services. Utilizing diverse knowledge mobilization approaches, the study endeavors to provide platforms for these racialized communities to share their narratives and expertise, thereby fostering empowerment and advocacy for improved community-level resources and services rooted in an understanding of differential COVID impacts and equitable health promotion practices.

Find more here.

Abstract: The Community Research Platform (CRP) is a partnership between the Faculty of Social Sciences and five community organizations (i.e. Canadian Mental Health Association Hamilton, Centre [3] for Artistic and Social Practice, Hamilton Public Library, John Howard Society of Ontario and YWCA Hamilton).

As a McMaster Core Research Platform, we are dedicated to building shared infrastructure to foster collaborative research that advances societal health and well-being. We strive to:

• Increase the research capacity of all stakeholders
• Support the research needs and aspirations of partner organizations
• Advance interdisciplinary and intersectoral social impact research
• Provide Community-Engaged Research training and professional networking for students
• Increase capacity to secure academic, community and government grant funding

Learn more about the CRP here.

Affiliated Projects:

• The Dynamic Model of Evaluation for Means Safety Training (CMHA)
• The Public Library in the Life of the Community: Understanding Social Workers’ roles in Hamilton Public Library (HPL)
• Centre [4] Art & Research (Centre [3] for Artistic and Social Practice)
• Responding to Pregnancy, Infant Apprehension and Homelessness: Building Community Capacity for Adequate Housing and Support Through YWCA Hamilton (YWCA)

Abstract: The Adult Basic Education Association (ABEA) is the adult learning network in Hamilton, Ontario. They offer educational pathway planning to help adults reach their educational goals. As Research Shop associates, we worked with ABEA to understand what challenges and barriers apprentices face throughout their training journey. We conducted a focus group with key informants to identify potential challenges and barriers (which helped us develop our interview guide), and then we conducted in-depth interviews with current apprentices. We identified multiple challenges and barriers that exist at different points throughout apprenticeship training, including finances, transportation, social relationships, self-doubt, learning differences, navigating through training, and securing a sponsor. Our community partner (ABEA) was highly engaged in all stages of the research process, including co-facilitating interviews, recruiting participants, and preparing the technical report.

Learn more here.

Abstract: Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) are an essential part of Ontario’s education industry and play a crucial role in shaping our future workforce. The Government of Ontario estimates the province will face a shortage of 8,500 ECEs by 2026. Workforce Planning Hamilton (WPH) is working with McMaster Research Shop to understand issues with recruiting and retaining ECEs in Hamilton. This project is being conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1 consists of a literature review and key informant interviews to identify potential challenges of ECE recruitment and retention. Phase 2 involves conducting an online survey of ECEs in Hamilton to estimate the prevalence of these challenges. Preliminary data emerging from Phase 1 indicate that ECEs enjoy participating in the early development of children and celebrating their accomplishments; however, insufficient compensation, high workload, irregular work schedules, limited or undefined career progression, and lack of public and professional recognition pose significant challenges for ECEs in the area.

Learn more here.

Abstract:  Based on observations, Filipinos are an underrepresented demographic in post-secondary education. The McMaster Research Shop partnered with the Filipinas of HamOnt to better understand this issue.

We conducted a literature review to gather information on the rates/proportions of post-secondary attendance among people of Filipino descent in Canada and reasons that may explain these trends.

We found that Filipinos are underrepresented in universities and experience lower intergenerational educational mobility compared to other visible minorities. Gender and age at immigration were important factors. We present reasons for Filipinos’ lower post-secondary attainment in an adapted ecological systems model. Filipino youth are less engaged in school, experience pressures due to their parents’ de-professionalization, and lack confidence to pursue careers that would require post-secondary education. Barriers within the educational system include streaming practices, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, devaluation of prior academic credentials, and lack of cultural representation in curriculums. Broader immigration and labour policies, labour market structures, and lack of representation in societal roles were also barriers.

Our findings highlight the need for policies and programs to support Filipino youth. The Filipinas of HamOnt will use our findings to inform programming that helps Filipino youth achieve their post-secondary educational goals.

Learn more here.

Abstract: The McMaster Research Shop partnered with the Youth Alliance for Intersectional Justice (YAIJ) to explore services available for autistic adults during their cancer journeys. While developmentally appropriate services are often prioritized for children, there is a significant gap in understanding how the specific needs of autistic adults are addressed within oncology care.

Primary research question: What are the developmental oncology services available, if any, to autistic adults with and without intellectual disabilities?

Our sub-research questions focus on:

1. healthcare service challenges and needs unique to autistic adults and cancer patients,
2. existing policies/legislation/guidelines for cancer care and systems navigation for adults with developmental and/or intellectual challenges, and
3. cancer care and systems navigation services and supports available to autistic adults in the Hamilton/Burlington area.

We conducted a literature review and environmental scan to understand what is already known about the unique healthcare needs of autistic adults, as well as to identify existing policies and programs. We will interview local service providers to gain further insights.

We will present our findings in a plain language report to inform YAIJ’s advocacy work. Our research may also inform future research and program development on developmental oncology services.

Learn more here.

Abstract: Middle-aged men are more likely to die by suicide than any other demographic, prompting initiatives to improve their mental health. The Suicide Prevention Community Council of Hamilton (SPCCH) collaborated with McMaster Research Shop to investigate effective men’s mental health programs. Phase 1 involved interviews with experts revealing a gender paradox: men are underdiagnosed yet have higher suicide rates. Man-to-man relationships were highlighted as crucial for improving mental health, particularly in activity-based settings. Phase 2 interviews with mental health initiatives revealed successful strategies: amplifying lived experiences, activity-based programs, intentional language, and advocacy efforts. Challenges included funding, measuring success, and participant retention. Several initiatives were assessed: Men’s Sheds, Buddy Up, Tough Enough To Talk About It, and Love Letter to Men. Each has strengths and limitations. Men’s Sheds offer activities but require financial resources. Buddy Up provides flexibility, Tough Enough To Talk About It targets industry workers, and Love Letter to Men encourages dialogue but does not directly foster social connection. SPCCH must tailor its initiative to Hamilton’s population, which includes identifying a target population and consideration of budget and funding constraints.

Learn more here.

Abstract: Children’s art can provide insight into developmental stages, emotional expression, cultural contexts, educational significance, and historical documentation. Unfortunately, children’s artwork has often been undervalued. The Children’s Design International Collection (CDIC) is interested in the collection and preservation of children’s artwork, seeking to understand the motivations and methods involved. They aim to collect any child-created pieces of significance, not just those perceived as high-quality. Currently, CDIC contributors typically have artistic backgrounds, but they seek to broaden their contributor base. CDIC has collaborated with the McMaster Research Shop to better understand the determinants of preserving or not preserving children’s art. In Phase 1, online interviews will be conducted with parents, grandparents, and guardians to understand the determinants, motivations, and barriers to the preservation of children’s art. The interviews will provide an in-depth understanding and uncover potential determinants that otherwise would have been missed. In Phase 2, an online survey will be completed by a larger population of parents, grandparents, and guardians. The findings from Phase 1 will inform the questions and response options in the Phase 2 survey. The findings of the interviews and survey will facilitate the development of strategies to increase submissions of children’s artwork to the CDIC’s collection.

Learn more here.

Learn more here.

Abstract: SRHR Hubs is a youth-led grassroots organization that advocates for and advances SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights). The SRHR grassroots sphere in Canada is often overlooked by government and other funding agencies. Grassroots organizations face a variety of challenges including difficulty securing funding sources that speak to their needs and political backlash due to stigma surrounding issues involving sexual health. The aim of this project is to elucidate barriers to SRHR work experienced by individuals and organizations and to better understand the nuances of their experiences. This study will include virtual semi-structured interviews with eligible participants and an optional demographics survey. The interviews will aim to develop an understanding of the SRHR grassroots experience, and the demographic data will be used to develop an understanding of how the SRHR grassroots experience may be related to specific identities and experiences. Participants will be recruited via snowball sampling and will include individuals aged 18 and older who are involved in the grassroots SRHR sphere. The findings of this study will be used to create a deliverable that will help to inform what can be changed or implemented to overcome existing social, political, and economic barriers to SRHR grassroots work.

Learn more here.

Abstract: The aging population in Canada has resulted in more than 5.6 million employees, or 35% of the workforce simultaneously managing adult/elder care responsibilities. Lack of workplace support can result in caregiver-employees leaving the workforce, taking early retirements, and/or missing workdays – all of which reduce productivity and cause avoidable costs to employers. Recognizing that the aging demographic will affect all workplaces, it is incumbent upon workplaces to implement gender sensitive caregiver-friendly workplace practices, such as the implementation of the newly unveiled CSA B701-17 Carer-inclusive and accommodating organizations Standard. In doing so, workplaces have the potential to enhance work-life balance, retention, autonomy and reduce health insurance costs. In partnership with academic researchers and organizational partners, the scaling up of the Standard, which is a gender-sensitive, accessible guide for employers, human resource professionals, and a wide variety of workplaces, will scale up the Standard and the many associated tools, while conducting intervention testing and economic evaluation research in specific workplaces. Simultaneously we disseminate knowledge through creating and mobilizing implementation tools for the Standard. In so doing, we will not only best capture variation across workplace sectors, but also provide the evidence-based research for scale-up of the CFWP across the country.

Learn more here.

Abstract: The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) supports interdisciplinary, impact focused research on aging. MIRA uses design thinking to engage with multiple perspectives: older adults, community organizations, the private sector and academics from different disciplines. Design thinking is an approach to research where we ask and answer questions from a lot of perspectives and people to generate solutions that meet the needs of the people we want to benefit from our solution. We encourage working with stakeholders to empathize with others’ perspectives, define problems, and ideate, prototype and test solutions. Join us at our poster to share your ideas about how this research approach works, and how we can make it work better for our community.

Learn more here.

Abstract: Too often prison health research is developed without partnership with or engagement of people with lived experience of incarceration, which is problematic for many reasons (including ethical, logistical, feasibility, and others). Our project, based at the McMaster University Department of Family Medicine, is working to change prison health research by establishing a Research Engagement Council of people with lived experience of incarceration. We ran recruitment and onboarding through fall 2023, ensuring to include representation of populations that are over-incarcerated in Canadian prisons due to racism, homophobia and colonization. We now have a Council of 14 lived experience experts who will meet once a month for at least a year. The Council themselves will be able to determine the direction of the council, and help drive the course of prison health research projects. In the first two meetings, we established a terms of reference, ran a “Research 101” seminar, and began discussing what the council would like to accomplish within our year. In the third meeting, the Council will further determine their direction, but in the meantime we are very happy to reach out to connect to any other prison-related projects happening in the McMaster University community or beyond.

Who We Are
The McMaster Collaborative for Health and Aging is a coalition of researchers, trainees, older adults and caregivers working together to improve the health and well-being of older Canadians by advancing patient-oriented health research on aging.

What We Do
With a commitment to meaningfully engage older adults and caregivers and centre our work with the voices of those with lived experience, the Collaborative:

• Brings an aging perspective to health services and policy research
• Provides researchers and trainees with methods and tools needed to conduct patient-oriented research
• Facilitates partnerships and knowledge translation for patient-oriented research on aging

Connect With Us
Follow us on LinkedIn, X and YouTube or subscribe to our mailing list to receive the latest news and resources available from the Collaborative.

The Collaborative is part of the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit (OSSU)’s network of 14 health research centres across the province that provides scientific knowledge and supports high-quality patient-partnered research with the goal of improving health and the health system.

Learn more here.

Abstract: The purpose of this research project is to support the growth and implementation of No Hate in the Hammer’s (NHH) Belonging Pledge. The Belonging Pledge is a digital pledge that allows individuals and organizations to commit to combating hate and working toward inclusivity in Hamilton. However, the pledge currently has low accountability as limited measures are being taken to engage with stakeholders who have signed the pledge. After investigating strategies employed by advocacy and community-based organizations to engage communities both online and in physical spaces, we have identified several recommendations. These include establishing a stakeholder discussion forum, requiring personalized public accountability statements from stakeholders, and enhancing engagement through email marketing and social media outreach to both stakeholders and the public. To support the implementation of the final point, we intend to develop an evergreen content bank with posts and template emails that are informed by our research and various aspects of the Pledge. As we continue our research, we aim to collaborate with our partners to refine these findings and finalize an engagement strategy that can feasibly guide future actions by the NHH.

Learn more here.

Abstract: Post-secondary students face unique mental health challenges that may benefit from innovative support approaches. The Distress Centre of Halton is exploring the potential adaptation of their peer-led outbound call program, TeleCheck, to address student mental health challenges. This research examines the theoretical benefits of such a program to inform development and investment decisions. Through a rapid literature review of academic and grey literature, we examined student mental health needs, and the separate evidence bases for peer support and outbound call programs.

Abstract: Marginalized Canadian youth continue to face evolving mental health challenges in the post-pandemic era. Abrar Trauma and Mental Health Services (ATMHS), in partnership with McMaster Research Shop, is conducting a follow-up study to assess these needs and barriers to care. This research builds on the 2021-2022 “In This Together” campaign, which identified key obstacles such as financial barriers, long wait times, stigma, and a lack of culturally sensitive services. Through a literature review and focus groups with marginalized youth, this study will examine how the mental health of marginalized Canadian youth and their help-seeking behaviour have evolved in the post-pandemic era.

The study objectives encompass shedding light on how South Asian and Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) perceive and experience loss in the context of race, ethnicity, gender, health, age, and religion/spirituality. Additionally, the research aims to explore coping strategies employed by these communities in response to the pandemic-induced losses and identify barriers hindering their access to essential health and mental health services. Utilizing diverse knowledge mobilization approaches, the study endeavors to provide platforms for these racialized communities to share their narratives and expertise, thereby fostering empowerment and advocacy for improved community-level resources and services rooted in an understanding of differential COVID impacts and equitable health promotion practices.

Abstract: The Sex Workers’ Action Program Hamilton (SWAP) advocates for the decriminalization and recognition of sex work, universal health access, and economic empowerment for sex workers. To support their advocacy efforts, SWAP commissioned a literature review from the McMaster Research Shop to synthesize recent scholarly research relating to sex workers’ experiences with police, healthcare access, and social exclusion. This report details the findings from our review, which focused on studies published after the implementation of 2014 federal end-demand legislation (PCEPA).

Findings indicate that Canadian sex workers remain a marginalized group, facing significant challenges potentially exacerbated by end-demand legislation. Sex workers’ interactions with police are marked by significant stigma and discrimination, including condescending attitudes, victim-blaming, and dismissal of abuse reports. Trans and non-binary sex workers, as well as im/migrant sex workers, face disproportionate discrimination, including unreasonable stops, searches, and harassment, and
heightened surveillance. Consequently, sex workers exhibit widespread mistrust of police, deterring them from seeking their assistance in emergencies.

Healthcare access is hindered by stigma and fear of negative treatment, with nearly two-thirds of sex workers reporting unmet healthcare needs. Barriers include perceived condescending attitudes, judgment, and an unwillingness to take their health concerns seriously. Immigrant sex workers encounter additional barriers such as language difficulties, lack of culturally competent services, and fear of workplace inspections.

Despite these challenges, some studies highlight facilitators that improve access, including nonjudgmental staff and the availability of community/sex worker-led services. Research reveals that stigma exists both externally and within the sex work community, creating complex hierarchies and intersectional challenges. Social exclusion leads to discrimination, economic vulnerability, and mental health issues, contributing to isolation and barriers to support. To navigate these challenges, sex workers employ various strategies such as concealing their occupation, carefully managing disclosure, and engaging in “stealth organizing” to find supportive peers. Despite these individual efforts, the pervasive nature of stigma continues to hinder collective action for social change within the sex work community.

Key recommendations include decriminalizing sex work, improving police and healthcare provider training, establishing sex worker-led health services, and conducting more representative research on sex worker experiences. Overall, the findings suggest Canadian sex workers remain a marginalized group facing significant challenges, despite some community-led efforts to mitigate harms. Further research and policy changes rooted in bodily autonomy and human rights are needed to address ongoing issues.

Abstract: Through a collaboration with the McMaster Research Shop and the Brighter Spark Applied Research (BSAR) team, this project will develop and test a survey for the clients of organizations funded by United Way of Halton and Hamilton (UWHH), which will later be used to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment with this demographic. The survey will use the sustainable livelihoods framework (SLF) develop survey measures that will highlight the gaps in assets among people who use UWHH services.

Within these gaps, the survey will also ask participants to identify what kinds of services would help meet their needs, as well as their experiences with existing services. The UWHH has also established an advisory committee to inform on the survey development.

Abstract: This project presents the findings from a project conducted by the McMaster Research Shop for the Disability Justice Network of Ontario (DJNO). DJNO is a non-profit organization located in Hamilton, Ontario, with a mission to build a just and accessible Ontario where disabled people are empowered. One area of DJNO’s advocacy focuses on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), which provides financial assistance, medical and employment support to disabled people. Initial evidence suggests that disabled communities in Ontario may face various barriers when accessing the ODSP and navigating related tribunal processes, which prompted this investigation.

The purpose of this research was to examine potential accessibility challenges in the ODSP application and related tribunal and legislative processes, with particular attention to the experiences of disabled people, and more specifically, Black, Indigenous, and racialized disabled populations. This study employed secondary research methods, including a review of academic and grey literature. Sources included peer-reviewed articles, organizational reports, and legal documents focused on the ODSP.

Based on our review, the literature suggests several potential barriers that disabled individuals may encounter when accessing the ODSP. For instance, the reviewed sources point to possible challenges in obtaining required medical documentation for ODSP applications and describe varied experiences in interactions with ODSP caseworkers. The literature also explores accounts from both successful and unsuccessful ODSP applicants, including their experiences with the Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT). While our review indicates possible systemic barriers at various stages of interaction with the ODSP system, the most substantial evidence of racism-specific impacts appears to emerge in the appeals process for unsuccessful applicants. These preliminary findings suggest the value of conducting a more comprehensive investigation into potential racial disparities throughout all stages of the ODSP application and system processes.

Abstract:  Student club McMaster Start Coding, and charity STaBL Foundation have together introduced over 30,000 Grade 4 to 8 students to coding over the last decade. Children start with ShapeCreator an interactive overview of the graphics functions, and starter coding tool. However, because the coding language borrows words from English, there are many students who are not well-served by this system, including students who do not know English, and minority language students whose communities are trying to preserve their language and culture.

In a collaboration with Kji-Wikoum Studios, McMaster students, alumni and community members, we have developed a multi-lingual ShapeCreator. In our next steps: (1) We will recruit Mi’kmaw immersion schools to help us develop curriculum to teach STEM subjects in Mi’kmaw, which we hope will inspire other Indigenous communities to adopt the tool as well. (2) We will develop a phone version of the app for children without access to a computer outside school, and pilot it with SNS College of Engineering in Coimbatore, India. (3) We are recruiting NGOs in Nigeria to develop a teacher training program around this tool.

Abstract: Cycle Hamilton, a non-profit organization in Hamilton, is committed to promoting cycling safety for all ages and abilities. In Fall 2024, Cycle Hamilton partnered with the Research Shop for an 8-month project exploring motivations and barriers to collision reporting among vulnerable road users (e.g. cyclists, pedestrians) in Hamilton.

The primary research question aimed to understand the factors influencing collision reporting and whether underreporting of collisions occurs in the city. Accurate reporting of collisions involving vulnerable road users is essential for identifying crash frequency and severity, providing data that can advocate for the installation of safer infrastructure, such as bike lanes.
This study used a quantitative survey targeting vulnerable road users in Hamilton who had been involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. Preliminary findings suggest that underreporting of collisions among vulnerable road users is present in Hamilton. A key motivator for collision reporting is severe injury, while barriers include a lack of information about the collision reporting process and the time and distance required to reach a reporting centre.

The findings provide the first known examination of collision reporting from the perspectives of vulnerable road users in Hamilton. This research will offer valuable insights to inform Cycle Hamilton’s ongoing advocacy efforts.

Abstract: Co-designed with the Gilbrea Centre’s Intergenerational Advisory Group, the intergenerational kitchen pilot project was created to explore the impact of intergenerational, food and cooking-focused activities and programming on the social health and well-being of participants. It also aims to explore if this type of programming encourages feelings of inclusion and positive views on aging among participants.

The project entails 4 x 2-hour intergenerational kitchen sessions scheduled from February to April 2025, taking place at the Westdale United Church’s Community Kitchen. Participants consist of up to 6 community-dwelling older adults (55+) and 6 McMaster students (18+). Drawing on the co-design process, each session comprises a cooking-based activity, time to socialize, and eating together.

Potential benefits of the program will be evaluated using ethnographic-style field notes, pre-project interviews with older adults and pre-project surveys for students. Mood questionnaires will also be completed before and after sessions to measure participants’ mood. A final focus group after the pilot sessions will help capture further insight on the participants’ views of the project. These methods will help provide insights into the self-reported benefits of the intergenerational kitchen.

This study contributes to an understanding of innovative approaches to addressing well-being and the continued need for creative, community-based, intergenerational research. The findings carry implications for academic knowledge, specifically in promoting social health and well-being for older adults and students in intergenerational settings.

Abstract:The St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) Ethics Program seeks to support ethical decision-making in healthcare by improving its educational resources for patients, families, and healthcare providers. This study assessed the accessibility, effectiveness, and inclusivity of existing ethics resources through an environmental scan and primary data collection.

An environmental scan of Canadian ethics resources identified best practices and areas for improvement. A survey of 36 patient-facing staff and a focus group with six Ethics Committee members highlighted key concerns. Identified barriers included limited visibility, insufficient training, and a lack of cultural and linguistic inclusivity. The study’s findings informed an evaluation framework to guide continuous improvement. Recommendations include offering digital and print materials, using plain language with visual aids, providing multilingual options, and developing distinct resources for staff and patients. By addressing these gaps, SJHS can enhance the usability and reach of its ethics resources.

Abstract: The Substance Overdose Prevention and Education Network (SOPEN) is interested in exploring culturally responsive harm reduction models to better support racialized and ethnoculturally diverse communities. While harm reduction services play a critical role in addressing the overdose crisis, many existing programs are designed within frameworks centered on cisgender and non-racialized individuals, potentially limiting their accessibility and effectiveness for diverse populations. This research seeks to assess and document innovative service models that integrate cultural competency to inform future program development and knowledge mobilization. By mapping these services, this research aims to foster inter-organizational learning, enhance service development, and promote equity-driven harm reduction strategies.

Abstract: In 2020, Ontario implemented significant changes to its mathematics curriculum, mandating computer programming (coding) instruction from grades 1-9. Mathstronauts is a non-profit organization in Hamilton that offers programs for middle school students to get hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through Mathstronauts’ existing co-curricular programming in Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) schools, informal feedback suggests that teachers face significant challenges in delivering this new curriculum component. The McMaster Research Shop is partnering with Mathstronauts to ascertain the challenges middle school teachers face in delivering the coding curriculum and explore how to best design a coding training program for teachers to address these challenges. To do this, the Research Shop team is conducting surveys and interviews with middle school teachers and math facilitators at the HWCDSB and Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) to collect feedback (results to come).

Abstract: Co-designed with community dwelling older adults living with dementia and their care partners, the “Dementia Tech Club” was created to support their social inclusion and address their self-identified digital learning needs. This project sought to understand how to best support older adults living with dementia and their care partners as they learn about and use technology.

The initial two participatory co-design workshop sessions at Burlington Public Library gathered participants’ (4 people living with dementia and 2 care partners) views on different technologies that can promote social connection and they would like to learn about during the “Tech Club”. The subsequent 8-week 2-hour sessions aligned with participants’ views and learning needs.

The project was evaluated using a wide range of methodologies: ethnographic style field notes, pre-project interviews, pre- and post-session mood questionnaires, and a post-project focus group.
This project contributes to raising awareness about dementia within society and the importance of co-creating initiatives designed to support those living with dementia through technological means. This research addresses a significant gap in our understanding of how to bridge the digital divide and promote social health and wellbeing for people living with dementia.

Abstract: The Church of Saint John the Evangelist serves the Kirkendall and Durand neighbourhoods, offering various programs to its approximately 200 congregation members. To better understand how these programs are meeting the needs of its community, the Research Shop conducted a needs assessment using a comprehensive survey and key informant interviews. A report was created by the Research Shop, which summarized our findings, providing insights into the congregation’s program awareness and usage, satisfaction levels, and potential service gaps. The research uncovered significant challenges in program awareness and participation, with many programs experiencing substantial disparities between awareness and active engagement.

Overall program satisfaction was generally positive. However, the research identified critical barriers to participation, primarily scheduling incompatibilities and insufficient program communication. The congregation expressed a strong desire for more inclusive and diverse programming. Interview participants emphasized the need for targeted support for underrepresented groups, including families with young children, LGBTQ+ members, and newcomers to the Anglican tradition. Recommended strategic priorities include developing a comprehensive communication strategy, addressing accessibility challenges, creating more flexible program timing, and implementing informal, relationship-driven feedback mechanisms. These findings will be highlighted in this poster presentation.

Who We Are
The McMaster Collaborative for Health and Aging is a coalition of researchers, trainees, older adults and caregivers working together to improve the health and well-being of older Canadians by advancing patient-oriented health research on aging.

What We Do
With a commitment to meaningfully engage older adults and caregivers and centre our work with the voices of those with lived experience, the Collaborative:

• Brings an aging perspective to health services and policy research
• Provides researchers and trainees with methods and tools needed to conduct patient-oriented research
• Facilitates partnerships and knowledge translation for patient-oriented research on aging

Connect With Us
Follow us on LinkedIn, X and YouTube or subscribe to our mailing list to receive the latest news and resources available from the Collaborative.

The Collaborative is part of the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit (OSSU)’s network of 14 health research centres across the province that provides scientific knowledge and supports high-quality patient-partnered research with the goal of improving health and the health system.

The Public and Patient Engagement Collaborative (PPEC) at McMaster University supports organizations and teams in engaging patients, caregivers, and community members in health research, system planning, and governance. Operating at the interface of research, policy, and practice, we provide resources and tools to build, sustain and evaluate equity-focused engagement-capable environments.

Abstract: Co-creation approaches, including co-design and co-production, are increasingly recognized as best practices in engaging health and social service users for service improvement. However, without intentional inclusivity, these processes risk reinforcing systemic inequities. This study aimed to develop three micro-credentials—EqCC Ambassador, EqCC Coach, and EqCC Experience Advisor—to promote equity-based co-creation (EqCC).

Using an iterative co-design approach, over 40 stakeholders—including individuals with lived experience, service providers, students, researchers, and policymakers—were engaged through interviews, pilot testing, curriculum design, and scenario development. Initial interviews with eight key informants informed content development, followed by small-group feedback sessions. An instructional designer then translated insights into interactive online modules.

Grounded in seven core EqCC principles, the iterative design process enhanced the relevance and applicability of the micro-credentials, with real-world examples illustrating best practices.

These micro-credentials aim to empower service providers, policymakers, students, and individuals with lived experience from historically underserved communities—including Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals—to actively participate in co-creation processes. Recruitment is ongoing through the EqCC Research Hub and partner networks to ensure diverse representation and meaningful engagement in service design and delivery.

Abstract: ChloroNova proposes an innovative solution to two critical global challenges: climate change and antimicrobial resistance. In a world where rising carbon emissions threaten ecosystems and public health, and antibiotic resistance renders many treatments ineffective, our venture aims to address these issues simultaneously through a circular economy-driven approach. We have developed a biosystem that transforms industrial carbon emissions into a valuable resource, using genetically engineered algae to produce high-value biomolecules, such as antimicrobial peptides. This scalable and sustainable platform bridges the gap between environmental responsibility and a resilient health infrastructure.

Our system leverages waste carbon dioxide emissions from high-output industries, such as Hamilton’s steel manufacturing sector and distilleries in the Niagara region, to fuel algal bioreactors. These biofactories are designed to sequester carbon at its source while producing high-value peptides for applications in therapeutic, cosmetic, and agricultural sectors. Unlike traditional bacterial systems, which require sugar feedstocks and generate greenhouse gases, algae-based bioproduction offers a sustainable alternative that mitigates food scarcity and reduces environmental impact.

Abstract: This study will investigate how older immigrants perceive and interact with platform-mediated gig work as they navigate evolving physical, mental, and technological mobility demands. The goal of this study is to better understand the mobility experiences and aspirations of older immigrants in platform-based gig work. Through interviews with older immigrants and relevant stakeholders, as well as surveys and co-design workshops with older immigrants working on gig-work platforms, the study will provide a comprehensive understanding of how older immigrants interact with and are impacted by various challenges and opportunities while participating in gig-work. The end-users are older immigrants in the platform-mediated gig workforce. The stakeholders include older immigrants, digital gig work platforms, policy-makers, labour organizations, and newcomer settlement organizations. The findings will improve the efficacy and usability of digital gig-work platforms by enhancing ease of understanding, navigation, and user-friendliness, which will benefit both end users and other stakeholders. This project will improve older newcomers’ access to resources and opportunities for well-being and prosperity by enhancing their financial and physical mobility.

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Abstract: Children’s artwork holds untapped potential for understanding social, cultural, and developmental aspects of childhood, yet it remains undervalued compared to adult- created art. This study aimed to identify motivations and barriers influencing the preservation of children’s artwork and contributions to the Children’s Design International Collection (CDIC) archive. Understanding these factors is crucial for the CDIC to increase archive submissions, thereby enhancing its ability to educate the public on the significance of children’s art and preserve it for future generations.

Abstract: Media representations of environmental issues often depict generational divides with younger people as eco-warriors battling for planetary sustainability against a homogenous population of uncaring older people. To better understand how these age politics play out in sites of eco-activism, this study is examining intergenerational relationships in plogging – a leisure-time physical activity in which people pick up litter while jogging, walking, or biking. Using an ethnographic approach, we are employing go-along interviews to concurrently interview and observe Canadians as they plog. To date, seven people ranging in age from 27 to 78 have participated in this study. Emergent findings suggest that plogging is an active form of leisure in which people engage to benefit their personal health, as well as the health of their communities. Younger participants have shared that engaging in leisure disrupted their negative perceptions of older adults born out of narratives depicting older populations as uncaring about environmental issues. Older participants have spoken about plogging as a generative activity in which they teach younger generations about civic and environmental responsibility. We conclude from these findings that engaging in intergenerational plogging fosters community solidarity, offers opportunities for intergenerational learning, and contributes to shared futures of sustainability, well-being and togetherness.

Abstract: Self-censorship among university students has become an expanding issue as they manage to fulfill their expressive needs against academic responsibilities and professional goals. Our research assesses McMaster University student self-censor behaviour together with its driving elements and verifies possible gaps across different fields of study and educational environments. Our study based on qualitative interviews investigates the ways business students together with social science and humanities students manage their desire for self-expression against outside influences on their behaviour. Initial outreach efforts to faculty and program directors in business and humanities faced challenges due to low participant engagement. To address this, we expanded recruitment to the social sciences, ultimately supplementing our sample through peer and acquaintance networks while maintaining rigorous research integrity. Students from humanities and social science areas face ideological challenges in their interactions yet business students use self-censorship systematically to progress in their careers. Self-censorship functions differently across disciplines as an implementing restraint in addition to serving as an adaptive mechanism inside academic environments. Our research provides insight into how university environments shape students’ speech behaviours, laying the foundation for future exploration of self-censorship in higher education.

Abstract: Gender-based violence is a prominent issue across Canada and within Hamilton, being declared an epidemic within the city in 2023. There is a need to engage men in gender-based violence prevention programming. Interval House is an organization that runs gender-based violence prevention programming called Mentor Action. The Mentor Action program has been funded by a Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) grant to provide a gender-based violence prevention training program for men working in skilled trades (Mentor Action Training). In May 2024, Interval House partnered with the Research Shop to conduct a literature review on the following research questions:

• What are best practices in gender-based and sexual violence prevention, education, and/or training in hypermasculine workplaces?
• What work exists pertaining to this topic specifically in the skilled trades?

The literature review examined a range of peer-reviewed articles and grey literature reports on engaging men in gender-based violence programming, particularly in workplace and hypermasculine workplace settings. A set of 16 recommendations to guide programming were developed based on the findings.

Learn more about MIRI.

Learn more about the Community Scholars Program.

After 6 years of operation at McMaster University, Brighter Spark is now a private firm with Canadian, US and International experience in applied research, strategy, evaluation, collective impact and innovation.

Abstract: In Canadian society, sex workers experience stigma and discrimination, resulting in harassment, loss of income and marginalization. Stigma and discrimination have been found to impact the mental health of sex workers (e.g., depression). Stigma has also been shown to affect other occupational health and safety concerns (e.g., violence, robbery, murder). This stigma is amplified in the media, television shows, film, and the theatre, yet these media rarely ask sex workers about their lives and working conditions. Sex workers have resisted the stigma imposed on them by societal norms by using various forms of communication channels, such as books, art exhibits, plays, to relate their stories. However, audiences are passively engaged while consuming these media. This research project, consisting of three phases, seeks to answer the following central research question: how can a musical play assist in dispelling the stigma surrounding sex work? Phase 1 will gather sex workers’ stories on their working conditions. Phase 2 will utilize the results of the thematic analysis by transforming the themes into pieces for the musical play. Phase 3 of the project consists of 6 performances and actively engaging the audience in focus groups after each performance to address the central question.

Abstract: Our planet is experiencing an escalating heat crisis. We often talk about extreme heat in quantitative terms – temperatures, statistics and models – but these alone cannot capture the full picture of who is most affected or how people experience and navigate heat in their daily lives. Community knowledge and lived experience are just as, if not more, important and necessary as numeric indicators when it comes to understanding extreme heat and heat injustice. Further, conventional heat risk assessments tend not to integrate the perspectives of community members, community support services or policymakers and planners. Born out of the recognition that maps can be powerful tools for sharing stories and making visible things that are often unseen, and a desire to validate lived experience as expertise, the aim of this work is to approach heat risk differently and co-design interactive maps and heat risk resources with individuals from across Hamilton. These will integrate environmental and social data with lived experiences and community knowledge, resulting in resources that provide a more complete picture of heat risk and heat injustice, and communicate community members’ ideas about how to best address Hamilton’s heat crisis.

Abstract: The MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre is a unique partnership between the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) and Dixon Hall, a multi-service agency in Downtown East Toronto focused on addressing poverty, social injustices and isolation across the lifespan. In 2023, the Centre launched Snacks & Science, an interactive public lecture series with the goal of translating and mobilizing knowledge on healthy aging through engagement with the local community. Snacks & Science includes presentations and handouts by McMaster University researchers followed by discussions applying the information to the local community context. It is a free social knowledge exchange where experts and likeminded peers gather to learn, ask questions, and foster social connections while enjoying healthy refreshments. Topics have included social isolation, mobility, fall prevention, and brain health. Snacks & Science are well-attended (80-90 attendees) by older adults, caregivers, and service providers and all events have received overwhelmingly positive feedback on post-event surveys. Our objective is to bring scientific research evidence to local communities in a way that is easy to understand, interactive, and directly applicable to attendees, with the broader goal of helping older adults to age better within their communities.

Abstract: Refugee families in Canada face elevated mental health challenges due to pre- and post-migration stressors and barriers to culturally appropriate care. Despite evidence supporting family-systems approaches, few culturally responsive, peer-led interventions exist, particularly in community settings. Thriving Together, co-designed in 2025 with refugee caregivers, youth, Wesley settlement staff, and McMaster researchers, is a family-based intervention delivered by trained Peer Connectors from similar linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The intervention integrates individualized service navigation (monthly support), group psychoeducation (six biweekly sessions), and multimedia resources over approximately three months, targeting mental health, family functioning, service access, and well-being among Arabic- and Farsi/Dari-speaking families.

This convergent mixed-methods feasibility study (n=40 families; single-group pre-post design) evaluates intervention acceptability, feasibility, implementation barriers and facilitators (guided by CFIR and RE-AIM), and preliminary outcome changes. An Advisory Group, including refugee representatives, guides all stages to ensure cultural relevance and equity.

Knowledge mobilization is embedded throughout the study. Findings will be co-validated with the Advisory Group and shared through community reports, presentations, publications, and policy briefs to refine the intervention and support sustainable implementation in settlement services. This project demonstrates a community–campus partnership that co-creates and mobilizes knowledge to advance equitable mental health support for refugee families.

Abstract: This toolkit introduces communities and the organizations and researchers who collaborate with them to concepts of research data management—such as data management plans and data deposit—to support their work. It is also a collection of guidance documents we made together with templates and examples for data management plans; roles and responsibilities for researchers, community members, and data professionals; and options for where data lives in the long term.

Partners:

• Dr. Laura Erdman, McMaster (co-PI)
• Dr. Suzanne Turner, McMaster (co-PI)​
• Dr. Mary Vaccaro, McMaster (KM champion)​
• Njideka Sanya, McMaster (research coordinator)​
• Stephanie Milliken, McMaster (outreach director)
• Janet Gasparelli (DAHC)​
• Kate MacNeil (DAHC)​
• Monique Lavallee (Niswi Kwe)​
• Shannon Murphy (Niswi Kwe)​
• Medora Uppal, YWCA Hamilton
• Sarah Glen
• Christine DeRosa, YWCA Hamilton
• Stacy Roulston, YWCA Hamilton
• Dr. Robin Lennox​, McMaster
• Dr. Amanda Ramdyal, McMaster ​
• Dr. Lawrence Mbuagbaw​, McMaster
• Dr. Jeffrey Pernica, McMaster​
• Dr. Jacqueline Wong, McMaster​
• Dr. Brody Duncan, McMaster ​
• Dr. Marek Smieja, McMaster ​
• Dr. Tim O’Shea​, McMaster
• Dr. Anna Cvetkovic, McMaster

Abstract: Syphilis rates have dramatically increased in Canada, including syphilis in pregnancy. Congenital syphilis is almost always preventable by timely diagnosis and treatment of syphilis in pregnancy. Conventional syphilis serology is problematic for populations at high risk of syphilis and facing barriers to follow-up. A dual HIV/Syphilis point-of-care test (POCT) is now available and Health Canada-approved and has been shown to facilitate same-day treatment in other populations. However, it has not been evaluated in pregnant people experiencing barriers to care in high-income countries.

The objective of the PRESSING study is to understand if the POCT test provides timely access to low barrier testing and treatment for at risk populations. At the CER conference, we will provide insight into our knowledge mobilization strategy that seeks to ensure scientific research reaches the communities most impacted, through co-developing informational tools and hosting workshops with over 200 women with barriers to health care access, to provide education relating to syphilis and POCT testing and to learn from their perspectives on existing barriers to accessing reproductive care. The PRESSING study uses a community-based research approach, led by an interdisciplinary team from McMaster University, people with lived experience of syphilis in pregnancy, the YWCA Hamilton, and other community organizations. Alongside scientific data collection, the team has implemented an innovative knowledge mobilization strategy that centres community expertise and makes health research findings more accessible to marginalized populations. Methods include hiring and training community co-researchers, co-developing knowledge mobilization tools (pamphlets, videos, information sheets) with co-researchers and facilitating arts-based workshops for 200+ women at heightened risk for syphilis, focused on learning more about syphilis testing, prevention, and treatment.

Abstract: Prior to 2023, a citizen was appointed by Hamilton city council to serve on the Hamilton Police Services Board. This role was intended to provide community perspectives, input, and oversight in police governance. However, in response to rising concerns of police accountability and the use of police force on racialized and marginalized community members, community leaders called for a new process, one where diverse perspectives are prioritized in the appointment of this role. With this background, the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) helped refine the selection process by involving community members in recommending a citizen to city council.

Therefore, in partnership between HARRC and the McMaster Research Shop, this project seeks to document the contextual factors and efforts that led to the creation of the new selection process for the citizen appointee. We pay close attention to the key stakeholders involved in this process, the intended purpose and scope of the citizen appointee position, and the challenges or gaps that may have arisen in the position’s implementation.

By using both primary (oral stories) and secondary methods (literature review), this project will assist in archiving and promoting the awareness of the new selection process and document its successes and challenges over the past years.

Abstract: The Employment Standards Act (ESA) allows for employees to report and seek justice for workplace rights violations. Through a partnership between the McMaster Research Shop and the Solidarity Place Worker Education Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, this two-phase community-engaged project examined ESA claims in the Greater Hamilton Area and identified priorities for future qualitative research and programming.

Phase 1 analyzed ESA claims data obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Between January 1, 2022 and January 1, 2025, 1,561 ESA claims were closed in Hamilton, Grimsby, and Burlington, representing approximately 2.3% of Ontario’s 41,796 claims during this period. These claims included 4,202 alleged contraventions, with an average of 2.69 violations per claim. This indicates that most workplace rights violations involve multiple ESA breaches rather than single issues.

Abstract: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of death worldwide. For newcomer populations, immediate resettlement needs often take precedence over NCD management. Genetic predisposition, shifts in post-migration activities, and systemic barriers to healthcare and recreational programming further increase risk of NCDs. To address this, the Strengthening Community Roots: Anchoring Newcomers in Wellness and Sustainability (SCORE!) study aims to optimize health active living (HAL) for newcomer families through co-designed interventions and knowledge mobilization.

The study employs a pragmatic, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component, community-based intervention designed to enhance children’s physical activity (PA) self-efficacy in Hamilton. Through community co-creation, SCORE! offers a culturally responsive model for operationalizing the socio-ecological framework in real-world settings. PA, nutrition, sleep, and mental wellness guide SCORE! programming for a holistic approach to HAL promotion.

Abstract: Older adults face numerous health risks, including dementia and cognitive decline, hearing loss, declining physical mobility, and respiratory illness due to vaccine preventable disease, which may be significantly reduced through behaviours consistent with public health guidelines. While individuals are regularly provided with health information, we know that not everyone follows through on these recommendations. At the same time, health researchers are encouraged or required to engage in knowledge translation activities with the public, however, implementing and evaluating science communication practices in real world settings is complex and has varying results. This project will host a series of interactive public lectures featuring leading McMaster experts and evaluate the efficacy in changing health-related beliefs, intentions and behaviours among older adults. With the support of partners from Shalom Village and the Hamilton Public Library, this research project aims to evaluate the public health benefits of researcher led-knowledge mobilization activities, specifically, how they may contribute to positive changes in health-related beliefs and behaviours.

Abstract: The Support and Safer Supply (SASS) program was a community-embedded harm reduction initiative implemented in Hamilton, Ontario in response to escalating opioid toxicity and structural inequities. This evaluation examined how SASS influenced substance use-related knowledge, service engagement, and risk-taking behaviours among people with lived and living experience of substance use (PWLLE). The program was co-created and co-led by PWLLE alongside clinicians and harm reduction partners, embedding peer leadership into care delivery and program design. Using a mixed-methods framework, data were collected through surveys, interviews, service records, naloxone logs, and structured Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings. PAC meetings functioned as bidirectional knowledge exchange spaces where findings were shared and lived experience informed interpretation and service refinement. Between 2022-2025, 96% (n=93) of participants reported positive behavioural or health outcomes, including reduced reliance on the toxic street supply, increased healthcare provider trust, and strengthened future orientation. Participants described shifts toward employment, family reconnection, and community contribution. However, structural barriers such as homelessness and criminalization, limited consistent application of harm reduction knowledge. These findings demonstrate the impact of peer-integrated, low-barrier harm reduction services in reducing risk and strengthening engagement. In a shifting policy landscape, preserving community-embedded models may be critical to preventing displacement and avoidable overdose risk.

Abstract: Equity by Design and Closing the Loop are community-engaged knowledge mobilization tools developed to advance equity and strengthen partnership in aging and health research. Co-created with researchers, trainees, older adult, and caregiver partners at the McMaster Collaborative for Health and Aging, these tools respond to persistent inequities in who participates in research, whose knowledge is valued, and how findings are shared.

Equity by Design is a practical guide that supports researchers in embedding equity across the full research lifecycle, from priority setting and recruitment to analysis and dissemination. It includes reflective prompts, concrete actions, and evidence-informed considerations to move beyond performative inclusion toward meaningful engagement. Closing the Loop complements this work by focusing on accountability and reciprocal knowledge sharing. It provides structured guidance for returning research findings to participants and community partners in accessible, culturally responsive formats, reinforcing trust and long-term relationship building.

Together, these tools operationalize knowledge mobilization as a shared and relational process rather than a final dissemination step. At the CER Research Gallery, we will highlight how these co-created resources support inclusive research design, strengthen community partnerships, and promote more equitable aging research practices.

Abstract: Community-based organizations serving newcomer and refugee families are increasingly asked to demonstrate impact, yet evaluation must be low-burden and aligned with community priorities. This community-engaged project partnered Munar Learning Centre with a McMaster University student research team to build an evaluation framework for two programs: after-school tutoring and a parent engagement workshop series. Methods included (1) an environmental scan of comparable programs and tools, (2) an evidence synthesis of outcome measures relevant to tutoring and caregiver engagement, (3) analysis of Munar’s existing program data (report cards and workshop feedback), and (4) review of Munar’s priorities with staff input. Bringing these sources together, we refined a theory of change for each program and identified additional outcomes to track moving forward. This process led to the development of brief, cycle-ready surveys and data-collection templates for both programs. Preliminary analyses suggested academic gains and strong workshop satisfaction. The resulting toolkit supports continuous program improvement and clearer knowledge mobilization to partners and funders while centering the needs of newcomer and refugee families.

Abstract: Newcomer communities in Canada face intersecting structural, socioeconomic, and cultural barriers that minimize access to preventive healthcare and chronic disease management, particularly during early resettlement. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is disproportionately prevalent among immigrant and refugee populations and is often underprioritized despite being largely preventable and manageable through early intervention and lifestyle-based support.

The “Family Health Van” is a research program seeking to provide culturally centered T2DM screening and education to newcomer communities. We have completed Phase 1 where we evaluated the implementation of a mobile approach to T2DM screening and education by “meeting people where they are” in natural community entry points. Using the RE-AIM framework, we were able to assess reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.

Building from this phase, we are now seeking to embed community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) and experience-based co-design (EBCD), to co-design the an intervention using the Blue Zones framework as an evidence-informed structure to translate knowledge into practical behaviours related to movement, nutrition, stress reduction, social connection, and purpose.

Knowledge mobilization will occur through low-barrier mini-workshops embedded in community settings and structured co-design sessions delivered in partnership with trusted organizations. Participant insights will be analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis to inform program refinement. By mobilizing knowledge through co-creation in familiar settings, this project demonstrates how mobile health clinics can foster trust, strengthen community ownership, and advance equitable chronic disease prevention.

Abstract: The Family Health Van (FHV) is a community-based mobile clinic developed in partnership with community partners to improve early detection and prevention of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) among newcomer populations in Hamilton, Ontario. Mobile health clinics are increasingly recognized as effective strategies for delivering accessible, culturally responsive care to marginalized communities. By embedding services within familiar community spaces, the FHV reduces barriers related to transportation, cost, language, and mistrust, while decreasing reliance on emergency departments for non-urgent care.

Abstract: Residents in Hamilton who are facing serious illness, caregiving, grief, or end-of-life care must navigate a fragmented and difficult-to-access system of supports. Compassionate Hamilton, a grassroots collective, identified that existing palliative and end-of-life resources are siloed, outdated, and largely focused on clinical services rather than the practical supports patients and caregivers seek. This project responds to these challenges by mapping Hamilton’s palliative care ecosystem and analyzing how individuals move through it over time. The purpose of this research is to understand the current structure, scope, and coordination of services in Hamilton and to identify where navigation breaks down. Phase 1 involves an environmental scan and service mapping to document available programs, eligibility criteria, costs, and referral pathways. A potential phase 2 will involve using patient journey mapping and key informant interviews to examine typical care pathways, bottlenecks, and collaboration patterns. Findings will produce a comprehensive ecosystem map, identify service gaps and duplication, and highlight barriers related to access, visibility, and coordination. The project will support Compassionate Hamilton and primary care partners in strengthening collaboration networks, improving navigation, and enhancing equitable access to palliative and end-of-life supports across the city.

Abstract: The Accessibility Hamilton Alliance (AHA) is advocating for a fundamental transformation in how specialized transit (para-transit) services are delivered to people with disabilities in Hamilton. For over 40 years, the City has contracted with DARTS (Disabled and Aged Regional Transit Services) to provide para-transit. Despite continuous efforts to improve service, AHA perceives that passengers continue to experience significant service barriers including long booking times, high trip denial rates, extended on-board travel times, and restrictive passenger-facing policies.

AHA proposes an alternative model: an on-demand, direct-ride taxi-based system similar to conventional taxi services but with specialized accessibility features and City oversight. Under this model, passengers would request trips as needed rather than booking a week in advance, travel directly to their destinations rather than via circuitous shared routes, and avoid many of the restrictive policies that currently limit service flexibility.

However, before the City can consider such a significant service transformation, independent research is needed to: (1) identify whether similar models exist and how they perform, (2) understand the policy implications, and (3) evaluate the comparative costs comprehensively. This project is currently ongoing and intends to inform a feasibility analysis of this idea.

Abstract: The St. George Apple Fest is an annual two-day event that attracts thousands of visitors and generates measurable economic benefits for Brant County. This study evaluates the 2025 festival’s economic impact to support funding applications, sponsorship development, and municipal reporting. The research team collected attendance counts and visitor spending data and applied the Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model to estimate direct, indirect, and induced impacts.

An estimated 19,314 total visits occurred over the weekend, representing approximately 14,950 unique visitors after adjusting for repeat attendance. Visitors spent an estimated $275,550, with the largest expenditures in food and beverages at stores ($104,273) and retail excluding clothing ($101,530). Model estimates indicate this spending generated $139,080 in GDP, $70,029 in labour income, supported one full-time equivalent job, and produced $62,271 in local tax revenue plus $12,603 elsewhere in Ontario. Attendees skewed older, with a median age of 50, and most households included one or two people. Vendor surveys showed high satisfaction with event logistics, moderate to significant profits, especially among food vendors, and positive outcomes for out-of-region businesses, reflecting new economic activity.

Recommendations include targeting younger audiences through digital marketing, expanding high-performing vendor categories, creating themed vendor zones, and optimizing booth placement to maximize sales.

Abstract: This community-engaged research project, conducted through the McMaster Research Shop in partnership with the Hamilton Elder Abuse Prevention Network (HEAPN), aims to provide a high-level overview of elder abuse services and priority areas for education and awareness in Hamilton.

HEAPN is a newly established, multi-sector network working to create a community free of elder abuse. As the network continues to grow, it has identified a need for a clear understanding of existing services, programs, and supports that respond to and prevent elder abuse across sectors.

The project includes a structured environmental scan of publicly available information to identify services relevant to older adults experiencing financial, physical, emotional abuse, or neglect. Services are being categorized by sector, type of service (response, prevention, education, advocacy), types of abuse addressed, target populations, and access features. In addition, a small number of semi-structured key informant interviews will be conducted with selected stakeholders to identify system-level gaps, navigation challenges, and priority areas for education and awareness.

Our findings will support HEAPN’s strategic planning and contribute to strengthening coordination and clarity within Hamilton’s elder abuse response network. This project highlights the role students can play in strengthening community systems through applied, collaborative research.

Abstract: For decades, residents of Hamilton have reported experiences of poor air quality and ‘black soot’ fallout—black dustfall that leaves sticky ‘grime’ on outdoor surfaces (e.g., vehicles, windows). Despite the perpetual grime in Hamilton, the local community does not have accessible information regarding the soot’s chemical composition and toxicity, or any health risks that might arise from frequent exposure. As Hamilton, Ontario is known for its large industrial sector, many residents suspect that emissions from industrial processes (e.g., coal combustion from steelmaking) are major contributors to the urban grime, even citing increased grime levels in proximity to the industrial core. To investigate this hypothesis, we partnered with Environment Hamilton and recently finished a year-long pilot study called ‘What’s the Grime?’. We worked with 50 enthusiastic community members to measure urban grime at homes throughout the city, which produced seasonal maps of urban grime/toxicity ‘hotspots’. We prioritized community involvement by maintaining an open line of communication with our volunteers. Through observations and hypotheses conveyed to our team during the pilot, we identified several community-generated hypotheses that we will investigate during the expanded edition of our field study, ‘What’s the Grime? 2’. This poster summarizes current findings and presents our future directions.

Abstract: From the Ashes is a short documentary created by Hamilton Ladies of Film and TV (LOFT) in collaboration with Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO) to increase representation of women in firefighting and support more inclusive recruitment practices. This social impact assessment examines how the film shaped public perceptions of women in fire services, its reach across screening venues, and the effectiveness of accompanying social media promotion. Using a mixed‑methods approach, the research team conducted post‑screening surveys at the FSWO Symposium and Hamilton Film Festival, facilitated a focus group with young women interested in firefighting careers, and analyzed Instagram engagement data from LOFT’s promotional posts. Findings indicate that the film strongly resonated with viewers across audiences, increasing awareness of women’s experiences, challenging misconceptions, and inspiring interest in firefighting careers. Survey respondents reported meaningful shifts in attitudes related to gender inclusion, workplace support, and the strengths women bring to the profession. The focus group emphasized the value of authentic, diverse representations of women in the field. Social media analysis showed that video content and collaborative posts significantly expanded reach, particularly among non‑followers. Together, the results suggest that film‑based storytelling is a powerful tool for shifting perceptions and enhancing gender‑inclusive recruitment in fire services.

Abstract: African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri Inc. (ACCPI), a long‑standing Hamilton organization supporting Black youth through scholarships, is expanding its focus to better understand the early educational challenges Black students face. Although most existing research highlights high school or post‑secondary experiences, community reports show that discrimination, marginalization, and lowered expectations often begin as early as grades 2-4, affecting students’ sense of safety, achievement, and self‑belief. Despite these early warning signs, the experiences of Black elementary students in Hamilton remain understudied, limiting the community’s ability to design meaningful early‑stage interventions. This project aims to review existing academic and community literature on discrimination and achievement barriers in grades 3-8, explore what older students have shared about their elementary experiences, and map community programs that currently support Black students. Findings will help ACCPI build an evidence base for future, more extensive research and strengthen partnerships to support Black student success.

Abstract: Haldimand Museums embarked on the Community Voices project to preserve local history through the voices, memories and perspectives of people who have lived, worked or visited the County. The project searched for individuals with unique stories of Haldimand’s past who were willing to be interviewed. Their stories became a part Museum’s permanent collection to share with generations to come. The interviews provide a personal perspective about our community’s past which may otherwise be forgotten. It is important we capture these stories so future generations can learn about where they came from and the events that shaped life as we know it.

Abstract: The digital divide remains a persistent structural and social challenge for older adults, particularly those living in community and social housing settings. Limited access to technology, low digital literacy, and anxiety toward digital systems can restrict older adults’ ability to access essential services, information, and opportunities for social participation. This study examines the role of public library-led, community-engaged digital literacy initiatives in addressing digital exclusion among older adults. Drawing on mixed-methods data collected through a mobile digital literacy program, the research explores how training design, instructional delivery, and socialization mechanisms shape psychological, behavioural, and benefit learning outcomes. Quantitative survey measures are complemented by qualitative interviews with older adult learners, instructors, administrators, and community partners to capture lived experiences of participation, confidence building, and skill application. Findings demonstrate that community engagement, through trust building, encouragement by peers and instructors, and learner-centred pacing, plays a central role in fostering sustained digital confidence and meaningful skill use. Public libraries function as key community anchors, connecting institutional resources with local knowledge and relationships to support inclusive learning environments. Overall, the study positions digital literacy training as a community-driven and relational process rather than a purely technical intervention, highlighting the importance of public libraries and community-engaged research in advancing digital inclusion for older adults.

Abstract: Canada has a high prevalence of people who inject drugs (PWID), many of whom experience limited access to necessary diagnosis, treatment, and support. PWID often avoid seeking care due to stigma from healthcare workers (HCWs). Implementing a stigma reduction education program for HCWs could improve healthcare outcomes for PWID by fostering compassionate, evidence-based approaches to care, enabling HCWs to overcome biases and deliver non-judgmental care.

The objective of this study was to determine the content and format for the development of an online stigma reduction education program for HCWs working with PWID. In a pragmatic qualitative study, we completed interviews with PWID and focus groups with HCWs to obtain input about the content and format.

PWID provided input on module topics through personal accounts of encountering judgment and discrimination in healthcare settings, which contributed to their reluctance to seek available services due to fear of stigma. HCWs who participated in the focus groups provided input on the content and reached consensus regarding the preferred format to inform program development.

Through feedback, participants helped shape both the content and format of the education program, equipping HCWs with the knowledge and skills necessary to reduce stigma, thereby improving access to care.

Abstract: Health-related stigma and discrimination pose major challenges to illness prevention and healthcare access for people who inject drugs (PWID). This study pilot tests an online education program targeting stigma reduction for HCWs working with PWID.

The pilot study utilized a one-group, pre-test-post-test design with 16 HCWs participating in a self-paced online education program over three weeks. Pre- and post-program surveys assessed changes in attitudinal outcomes, and post-test data evaluated the program feasibility focusing on usability, content relevance, applicability, and complexity.

Additionally, recruitment and module completion rates were tracked, with progression criteria including 65% module completion, 80% retention, a median usability and content score of four, and statistical significance (p < 0.05) in attitudinal outcomes.

Attitudinal changes were measured using the Attitude Towards PWID Scale and the Social Distance Scale, with the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test employed for analysis. The study achieved 100% module completion and retention. Participants rated the program positively for usability, content relevance and applicability. Analysis of pre- and post-intervention surveys showed significant improvements in both Attitude Towards PWID Scale and the Social Distance Scale (p < 0.001). The findings support the effectiveness of the program in reducing stigma and improving attitudes towards PWID among HCWs.

Abstract: Hamilton, Canada generates approximately 240,000 tonnes of municipal waste annually, with discarded textiles contributing avoidable CO₂ emissions and landfill burden. This pilot examines a co-designed, community-based circular textile recovery model developed in partnership with equity-serving organizations across Hamilton. Grounded in principles of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), the initiative embeds accessibility, dignity, and cultural responsiveness into both environmental sustainability and clothing redistribution systems. The model follows a four-stage circular process: (1) collecting unwanted clothing, (2) laundering and repair, (3) curating styled outfit bundles, and (4) redistributing garments through trusted community partners. Workshops delivered in collaboration with hubs such as the Eva Rothwell Centre extend impact beyond diversion by engaging participants in textile care, sustainable consumption, and clothing empowerment. This approach ensures that circular fashion initiatives are inclusive, community-informed, and responsive to diverse lived experiences. Using the TexCycle impact calculator, the pilot achieved environmental benefits equivalent to 75.9 kg CO₂ emissions avoided, 140 plastic bottles diverted, and 17.34 m² of preserved arable soil. Findings demonstrate how community co-design can operationalize sustainability and EDI simultaneously, advancing local waste-reduction goals through inclusive, community-engaged circular systems.

Abstract: This research focused on how the City of Hamilton, Ontario can bolster community-based networks of care (NoC) that encourage neighbours to support each other during climate change-related extreme weather. Our objective was to provide recommendations to guide the City’s implementation of Action 4.3 of their Climate Change Impact and Adaptation Plan (CCIAP): “Establish buddy systems/help your neighbour programs to implement during extreme weather events”. We performed a municipal scan to examine how NoC already operate informally in Hamilton and other municipalities. Next, we interviewed City staff and hosted a dialogue event to gather input on case studies. Based on these, we identified eight key themes that shape effective NoC: housing, safety, trust and relationships, transportation, adaptability, resilience, equity, and communication. Next, we created seven actionable recommendations: creating a collective of City and community organizations to build social capital in neighbourhoods, expanding emergency preparedness guides, diversifying hiring in the climate sector, improving two-way communication between the City and the community, and engaging in asset-based community strengths analysis to determine gaps in existing NoC. This research will support implementing the CCIAP and strengthen climate change resilience by building on the relationships and capacity that already exists among residents.

Abstract: What is the role of treaty-informed and place-conscious ritual in newcomers’ settlement and their relationship with Indigenous peoples and settler Canadians? This presentation reflects on Canada’s “White Civility” (Coleman, 2006) through the lens of my own displacement from Sudan and immigration to Hamilton, where institutional orientation practices often overlook Indigenous presence and newcomer epistemologies alike. I contrast this with Sudanese Taaruf which is a ritualistic hospitality practice where guests and hosts are mutually oriented to shared landscapes and relationships, and its adaptation in my Hamilton-based Pamoja tea gatherings.

Abstract: My thesis aims to examine the impact of youth action in school board policy and public perception through a case study on Hamilton Students 4 Justice (HS4J) and their fight to terminate the school resource officer program in the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB). I am inspired to use HS4J as a case study because they successfully worked with their peers and allies from the community to influence school board policy on many occasions. They began their work in 2017, after an incident that resulted in a Black, Muslim student with Autism being handcuffed by the police (HS4J, 2017). Not only did they provide support for the victim and her family, but they also advocated for meaningful change in the school board. They did this by releasing reports, calls to action and recommendations for the HWDSB. During the time of HS4J’s activism, the HWDSB considered these recommendations and hired Yohana, a Human Rights and Equity Officer (HWDSB, 2018), created a Human Rights and Equity Community Advisory Committee (HWDSB, 2018), and created an Equity Action Plan (HWDSB, 2019). In 2020, HS4J and the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion released a Consultation Report on Racism, Islamophobia and Discrimination in Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) Schools (2020), where they called for the termination of police liaisons. Their success came later that summer, when the HWDSB voted to cancel the program. These youth, in the face of oppression, were able to persevere and advocate for change on a policy level. In a world where youth are often left out of policy decision-making, it is important to establish the significance of youth involvement. HS4J had lived experiences of discrimination, and they knew what type of change was needed to occur to create welcoming schools. Using their story, I hope to continue the conversation of youth empowerment in school board policy.

Abstract: This study examines how participation in culturally grounded programs in Hamilton influences urban Indigenous parents’/guardians’ and youths’ understandings of mental health and their relational dynamics. Colonization and intergenerational trauma have disrupted how mental health is communicated within many Indigenous families, contributing to barriers in emotional expression and ongoing disparities. Indigenous youth experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, yet dominant Western frameworks often fail to reflect Indigenous worldviews and culturally meaningful understandings of well-being. Hence, grounded in sustained community collaboration and relational accountability, this research identifies both barriers to mental health discourse and culturally rooted strengths. Findings aim to inform the development of culturally grounded tools to enhance day-to-day mental health communication and support within urban Indigenous communities.

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