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"The best part of my program is the opportunity to learn new things, ranging from research to general life experiences. Also, I have been able to develop myself, explore my field of interest, and create networking connections."
Tope Daodu
Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology master's student in the Faculty of Science
Tope Daodu is currently a Master’s graduate student at the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She is currently a member of the Community Health Research Team (CoHeaRT) led by Professor Scott Lear at St. Paul's Hospital under Providence Health Care. Her research areas include the long-term impact of Covid-19 on individuals with cardiovascular diseases, prevention and management of chronic diseases, lifestyle management, and global health. Prior to starting graduate school, she worked as a physiotherapist in Nigeria for five years.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
Simon Fraser University is recognised as one of Canada’s finest universities, consistently ranked as Canada’s top comprehensive university by Maclean’s Magazine for the past 12 years and among the 10 top-ranked universities in Canada. The school offers an excellent environment for research and graduate studies while valuing diversity, inclusion, and equity. Having access to world-renowned scholars and receiving individualized mentorship while conducting cutting-edge research is what drew me to this university.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
South Asians are the third largest pan-ethnic group in Canada. There are approximately two million South Asians in Canada, mostly living in the province of Ontario and British Columbia (B.C). These groups of people have been found to have a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and elevated rates of hospitalization. The COVID-19 vaccines have been one of the most effective ways to contain the spread of COVID-19 and have been reported to have a high level of efficacy in controlling the number of cases of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccination has been approved for children, however, there are still many unvaccinated children, particularly from this group of people, which emphasizes the importance of understanding the barriers that prevent children from getting vaccinated. The parent from this group will be interviewed by me to learn about their perception of vaccinating their children against COVID-19. with this study, we can make informed decisions to address these barriers and increase vaccine uptake in children.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
The best part of my program is the opportunity to learn new things, ranging from research to general life experiences. Also, I have been able to develop myself, explore my field of interest, and create networking connections. It is a true pleasure for me to be a member of the Community of Health Research Team (CoHeaRT Lab), where I am supported by a community of amazing individuals.
HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.
It was an honor to have received the Dr Tom Richardson Memorial Graduate Entrance Award and research grant from the CoHeart Lab in my first year of study.
Contact : tbd2@sfu.ca