Our Team
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Chris McGibbon, PhD
University of New Brunswick
Chris is a Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Research Faculty at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Fredericton, NB. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick in 1994, followed by a 2-year post-doctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Boston, MA. Between 1996 and 2004, Dr. McGibbon was Technical Director of the MGH Biomotion Laboratory, Lecturer in Orthopaedic Surgery at HMS, and Associate Professor in the Graduate Programs in Physical Therapy at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA. Dr. McGibbon has expertise in conducting biomedical and clinical research trials and is a member of the Canadian Consortium of Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA Team 12). He has 120+ career publications and conference presentations and has attracted more than $8 million in research funding to UNB. As project lead, Dr. McGibbon oversees all aspects of the research and ensures deliverables are met.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR AND STUDY PHYSICIAN
Pamela Jarrett, MD, FRCPC, FACP
Horizon Health Network, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick
Pamela Jarrett MD, FRCPC, FACP is a geriatrician Horizon Health Network, Saint John, New Brunswick, and Associate Professor of Medicine at Dalhousie University. She is a graduate of Dalhousie Medical School and has been practicing Geriatric Medicine since 1994. She been involved with clinical care, administration, teaching, and clinical research throughout her career.
She was Clinical Department Head of Geriatric Medicine from 1999 to 2010 and Medical Consultant for Seniors and Home Care with the Department of Health in New Brunswick from 2015 to 2020. She has chaired and been a member of many local, provincial, and national committees. She was awarded a Clinical Research Scholarship from the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation in 2021 and is currently the Co-Principal Investigator for NB-PALM in addition to being involved as an investigator for other research grants funded by the Healthy Seniors Pilot Projects Grants for New Brunswick. She is currently a researcher with the Canadian Consortium of Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) nationally. She has had over 30 publications and over 100 conference/poster presentations nationally and internationally.
In 2022 she was awarded the New Brunswick’s Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Aging. As a Co-lead for this research project she oversees the clinical and medical aspects.
CO-INVESTIGATOR
Sandra Magalhaes, PhD, MSc
University of New Brunswick
Dr. Sandra Magalhaes is a Research Associate at the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training (NB-IRDT) and in the Department of Sociology at the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton campus. An expert in chronic disease epidemiology, Dr. Magalhaes received her Ph.D. in Epidemiology from McGill University in 2017, followed by 1-year post-doctoral fellowship undertaking research at NB-IRDT, where she transferred into her current position. She also received an MSc in Epidemiology at Western University in 2008 and has been involved in various epidemiologic research projects since 2003 in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. Her work primarily focuses on brain and spinal cord conditions – such as dementia, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative diseases. She is a member of the Canadian Consortium of Neurodegeneration in Aging and a member of their Team 12 and Team 19.
Dr. Magalhaes leads NB-PALM’s Objective Three research team.
CO-INVESTIGATOR
Bryn Robinson, PhD
Department of Health (Addictions and Mental Health), GNB
Dr. Bryn Robinson is a senior health care consultant with the New Brunswick Department of Health’s Addictions and Mental Health branch. During her time with NB-PALM, she was the research engagement manager for Horizon Health Network, facilitating engagement, education, and training initiatives for the regional health authority. Bryn received a BA (Hon) in psychology and French, and a Ph.D. in experimental and applied psychology, from the University of New Brunswick. Her doctoral work examined the impacts of parental relationships on emerging adults' mental health. Bryn also sits as an Honorary Research Associate with UNB Saint John’s Department of Psychology.
Dr. Robinson is the co-lead researcher for NB-PALM’s Objective One.
CO-INVESTIGATOR
Linda Yetman, RN, PhD
Horizon Health Network
Dr. Linda Yetman is a researcher and manager for Horizon Health Network (HHN). Before turning to research, Linda worked as a registered nurse, specializing in neuroscience and neurotrauma nursing. She has been a qualitative researcher in studies with older adults in both in-patient and out-patient settings. Some of her research areas include dementia care, falls prevention, caregiver stress/burden, and the impact of environmental stressors on nursing staff.
In addition to her managerial responsibilities at NB-PALM, she is also the co-lead researcher for NB-PALM’s Objective One.
CO-INVESTIGATOR AND STUDY PHYSICIAN
Ludivine Charmard-Witkowski,MD
Vitalité Health Network
Dr. Ludivine Chamard Witkowski is an Associate Professor, clinical neurologist and researcher at Vitalité Health Network. She holds a Research Fellowship and received a special grant allowing her to develop research projects in Canada. She is the director of the Atypical and Young-Onset Dementia Clinic for Vitalité and the leader of several fundamental research projects and clinical research protocols for multiple sclerosis and young onset dementia.
CO-INVESTIGATOR
Grant Handrigan, PhD, MSc
Université de Moncton
Dr. Grant Handrigan received an MSc degree in kinesiology (exercise and work physiology) in 2008 from Memorial University, NL, under the supervision of Dr. Fabien Basset. In 2013, Grant received his Ph.D. in kinesiology (biomechanics and motor control) from Université Laval, QC, under the supervision of Dr. Philippe Corbeil and Dr. Martin Simoneau. He is currently an associate professor in the school of kinesiology and leisure studies at the Université de Moncton and director of the BEAM laboratory. His research interests include the areas of biomechanics and human movement analysis.
CO-INVESTIGATOR
Danielle Bouchard, PhD, MSc
Université de Moncton
Dr. Danielle R. Bouchard is an Associate Professor at the University of New Brunswick in Kinesiology and the co-director of the Cardio Metabolic Exercise, Lifestyle Laboratory. Dr. Bouchard has a Bachelor’s in Physical Education from the Université de Moncton, an MSc. in Exercise Sciences from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, and a Ph.D. in Gerontology from the Université de Sherbrooke. She has completed two post-doctoral training, the first in Epidemiology at Queen’s University, and the second in Endocrinology at the Université de Sherbrooke. She has published over 80 peer-reviewed papers, mainly in the area of aging and exercise, and a book with Human Kinetics entitled, “Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults.” She is an invigilator of certifications for the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and a member of the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity editorial board.
CO-INVESTIGATOR
Carole C. Tranchant, PhD
Université de Moncton
PROJECT MANAGER
Andrew Sexton, PEng, BSc(EE)
University of New Brunswick
Andrew is an engineer and project manager with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of New Brunswick and the project manager for NB-PALM. Since 2004, Andrew has managed various biomedical research projects and clinical trial studies relating to neuro-rehabilitation, biomechanics and assistive devices.
SITE MANAGER
Stéphanie Crapoulet, MSc.
Vitalité Health Network
Stéphanie is the Biobank and database Senior research coordinator at Vitalité Health Network (VHN). As Biobank lead and manager, she has developed a Neurodegenerative Diseases branch in the CHU Dumont Biobank and works actively with VHN researchers on early dementia and neurologic diseases registries. She holds managerial responsibilities for VHN for the NB-PALM Research Study.
RESEARCH MANAGER
Karla Faig, MAHSR, BScPT
Horizon Health Network
Karla Faig is a Research Manager at Horizon Health Network. With a career spanning all sectors of health, Karla believes that uniting evidence with practice is key to ensuring the best possible care experience for individuals and their families. Karla enjoys change and has led many initiatives in both clinical and administrative roles within acute and primary healthcare systems. In 2018, as a senior health consultant for the New Brunswick Department of Health, Karla received the Award of Excellence for her role as co-lead in the development of a provincial electronic consultation system. Karla is a licensed physiotherapist and holds her LEADS certification through the Canadian College of Health Leaders.
Karla holds a BScPT from Queen’s University and earned her Master’s of Applied Health Services Research through the Atlantic Regional Training Centre with the University of New Brunswick.
RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Alana Gullison, M.Sc.(Kin), BSc.
University of New Brunswick
Alana Gullison is a Research Coordinator with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of New Brunswick. Alana has been involved in various research projects relating to health and rehabilitation. Some of her most recent experience was working with older adults and virtual exercise programs. Alana also has a minor in Psychology and a passion for neurorehabilitation and quality of life.
RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Molly Gallibois, M.Sc.(Kin),B.Sc.Kin, CSEP-CPT
University of New Brunswick
Molly is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. She completed her Masters of Science in Kinesiology degree at the University of New Brunswick in August 2021. Molly’s research interests are in physical activity and aging. More specifically, her thesis work investigated the impact of sedentary behaviour on frailty and risk of falls in long term care. Molly is working as a Research Coordinator with NB-PALM.
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Josée Haché, MD, CCFP
Vitalité Health Network
Josée is a clinical research coordinator for Vitalité Health Network. She brings expertise in family medicine to the NB-PALM team, having completed her MD in 2019, and her residency in family medicine in 2021 with the Université de Sherbrooke, at their Moncton site.
RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Samantha Knill
Horizon Health Network
Samantha Knill is a Research Coordinator at Horizon Health Network, responsible for participant recruitment, data management, and knowledge translation for NB-PALM’s studies. Samantha has a business and medical administration background, strategic and engagement planning experience and extensive knowledge of NB’s healthcare system. She has facilitated the development of corporate and inter-institutional programs for Horizon and was instrumental in procuring and implementing an electronic reappointment and credentialing system for which she and her team received the CAN Health National Procurement Award. A fierce advocate for healthcare equity, she championed initiating a multi-year strategic plan to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in Horizon.
Samantha is a Canadian College of Health Leaders member and is currently completing her Associate in Project Management Certification (CAPM) from the Institute of Project Management.
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Kelly MacMillan, RN, BN
Horizon Health Network
Kelly MacMillan is a clinical research coordinator at Horizon Health Network (HHN). Kelly’s nursing experience has spanned several clinical specialties in various roles and brings her clinical experience in caring for persons living with dementia. Kelly’s role includes clinical screening and conducting clinical research assessments with participants.
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Hanin Omar, RN, MSN, BN
Horizon Health Network
Hanin is a clinical research coordinator at Horizon Health Network, working with the NB-PALM project. Hanin has experience in cardiac and general medicine, undergraduate nursing education, and clinical research. As a nurse, she is passionate about working with the people participating in research to ensure that they are informed, supported, and engaged. She is currently completing a master’s degree in nursing at the University of New Brunswick, focused on understanding how refugees with diabetes use health resilience to live well.
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Chris Pauley, MASc, BEd, BA
Horizon Health Network
Chris Pauley is a Clinical Research Coordinator with Horizon Health Network and has a background encompassing research in developmental and educational psychology, nursing, ageing, epidemiology, injury prevention, substance use, and homelessness. He is pleased to bring technical, educational and research experience to the team’s online initiatives in data collection and communications. In addition to his work with PALM-NB, this transplanted Maritimer is currently living in Toronto and works as a recruiter with the University of Toronto Medical School’s Standardized Patient Program. He has also a writer, having co-authored several articles for peer-reviewed journals and the Screen Composers Guild of Canada as well as introductions for photography collections by Canadian fine art photographer Steve Richard. Finally, he is the owner/operator of Evil Twin Music, providing original music, production, and sound design for media (film, TV, podcasts, etc.).
Study Physicians
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Antonin Savoie, MD, CCFP
Vitalité Health Network
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Wayne Sheehan, MD, FCFP, CCFP (COE)
Horizon Health Network
Research Assistants
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Erica Cluff, BScKin, CSEP-CPT
Anthony Hawkes, BScKin, CSEP-CPT
Melanie Hughes, BScKin, CSEP-CEP
Chad Hunt, BScKin, CSEP-CPT
Erin Kierstead, BScKin, CSEP-CPT
Rori Queyana Camilla LeBlanc, BScKin, CSEP-CPT
Cameron Melanson, BScKin, CSEP-CPT
Benjamin Moore, MD, BScKin, BSc
Kasra Moradi, Kinesiology program
Sarah Nowell, BScKin, CSEP-CPT
Jordan Rose, BScKin, CSEP-CPT
Logan Toole, BScKin, CSEP-CPT
Haley Waters, BScKin, CSEP-CPT
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Alana Bohnsack, BSc, MPH
Aidan Steeves, BA
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Janie Groulx, BScKin
Ashley Legacy, BScKin, CSEP-CPT
Contributors
Students
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Matthew Douglas (Summer 2020)
Vanshika Khaitan, Health Sciences - McMaster University (Summer 2021, 2022)
Emma Mackenzie, Kinesiology - University of New Brunswick (Summer 2020, 2021)
Isabel Slocum, Kinesiology - University of New Brunswick (Summer 2020)
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Doctoral Candidates
Shahla Azizi - Biomedical Engineering, University of New Brunswick (2020 - 2021)
Master’s Candidates
Karla Faig - Applied Health Service Research, University of New Brunswick (Atlantic Regional Training Centre)
Priscilla Kyei-Danso - Computer Science, University of New Brunswick
Mia Léger - Science, Université de Moncton
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Daniel Hanscom - Medical Student, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (Summer 2020)
Robert Loggie - Medical Student; Research in Medicine project, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (2022-2023)
Jeremy Slayter - Medical Student, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (Summer 2020)
Professional Associates
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Jean Mamelona, PhD - Vitalité Health Network
Louise Grant - RN, Horizon Health Network
Patricia Conrad - BSc., MHSA, MPHEd, PhD
Nellie Kumar - H.BA, MSc.
Pascale Michaud, PhD
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Carly Demont, Research Coordinator, Vitalité Health Network