Welcome Summer Students!

Jenna Schade
"I am entering my fourth year at the University of Guelph studying Human Kinetics. This summer I will be working alongside Dr. Al Lauzon researching food insecurity among seniors living independently in Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce. As a lifelong resident of Huron County, the opportunity to contribute to research that benefits rural seniors is exciting and an excellent learning opportunity. Once I finish my undergraduate, I hope to further my education through graduate studies in human kinetics /kinesiology or attending professional school for physiotherapy. I hopes to return to rural southwestern Ontario after my schooling to contribute to the health and well-being of others."
 
​Joel Hordijk
"I am a second year student enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences program at 
the University of Ottawa. Through my studies, I became aware of challenges the rural 
communities face with personal health and access to care. With the opportunity to work at 
Gateway, I hope to use the research and resources available to promote healthy living in 
rural communities. In the future, I hope to study for a Medical Degree and later pursue a 
career in rural health."
 
Meghan Wild-Denys
"I am going into my 3rd year at Brock University majoring in Medical Sciences and am in the Med Plus program. I am compassionate about empowering others to make our health care system the best it can be. In September 2020, a club that I cofounded called “Women in Medicine” will be launching at Brock University to empower and inspire women looking to pursue a career in the health care field. I plan to become a Naturopathic Doctor where I can help people live their healthiest lives through preventative, natural medicine. Having growing up on a farm in Huron County, I have great interest in rural health and supporting residents of our community especially farmers. I am excited to have the opportunity to be assisting local farmers maintain their mental and therefore, physical health through the Farmer’s Mental Health project with Gateway."
 
Taylor Pratt
"I am a recent graduate of the University of Western Ontario, where I completed my BA Honours Specialization in Psychology. During my time at Western, I achieved a high academic standing while participating in activities and organizations that contributed significantly to the community. I dedicated my time as a student leader, mentor, and research assistant to enrich academic education at the university. Over the years, I have gained solid research knowledge and experience by working under the supervision of four professors on five different research-related projects. As a compassionate individual interested in improving health care and health-related factors that affect our everyday lives, I am looking forward to gaining knowledge and contributing to Gateway’s research in health care delivery. During my time at Gateway, I am investigating the impact of COVID 19 on our rural healthcare system and the well-being of healthcare workers both professionally and personally - working alongside Dr. Al Lauzon, Dan, Nancy, Gwen and one of Gateway’s Research Assistants (Cassandra). I hope to gain new insights into the research field and have a positive impact on the surrounding rural communities. This summer I am studying for and writing the Medical Colleges Admissions Test. In the future, I hope to study medicine at a Canadian Medical School."