Meet Our 2025 Summer Students: Kicking Off a Season of Learning and Impact at Gateway CERH

l-r: Karissa Eckert, Kate Maloney, Erika Maloney, Madi Cardno , Julie Wein and Leslie Walker

As the summer begins, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health is thrilled to welcome our newest cohort of passionate and driven students. This year's summer students bring a mix of academic backgrounds and a shared commitment to rural health innovation. In their first week, Julie, Erica, Kate and Madi hit the ground running, engaging in an exciting blend of training, collaboration, and research exploration. 

A Busy First Week! 

Gateway CERH’s students began with warm welcomes and introductions, quickly building a shared sense of purpose. They received an in-depth presentation about Gateway CERH’s mission and current research projects, sparking conversations about rural health challenges. 

Training was a key part of the first few days.

Students participated in: 

• Excel training to strengthen data management skills 

• Ethics training and WHMIS certification to ensure research is conducted safely and responsibly 

• Research training to build a foundation in evidence-based practice 

• A grant writing workshop where students began understanding how to secure funding for community health projects 

Kate & Grace learn about Grant Writing

Julie, Erica, Kate and Madi also attended Legion Learning, one of Gateway CERH’s initiatives, where a presentation on air quality outlined the importance of environmental health in rural settings. 

Additionally, the students were tasked with practicing their research skills throughout the week with a mini-research project on a topic of their choice. These were then presented to the group at the end of the week. It was interesting to see the diversity in interests, reflecting the unique passions, each student is bringing to the team this summer. 

Here’s what each student explored: 

• Julie: Delirium in hospitalized patients 

• Erica: Skin-to-skin contact in newborns in low-income communities 

• Kate: Telehealth in rural communities 

• Madi: The impact of menstrual cycle phases on athletic performance 

Meet the Students 

Julie  

“My name is Julie, and I just finished my second year in Health Science at Wilfrid Laurier University. I was born and raised in Exeter and have developed a passion for the community aspect of rural health. I am so excited to work with the Gateway team this summer to contribute to the innovative projects taking place and to give back to the community that raised me.” 

Erica  

"My name is Erica Maloney, and I am entering my third year at the University of Ottawa, pursuing a degree in Health Sciences. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and the entire Gateway CERH team. 

"As a Summer Research Assistant, I look forward to applying my knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects. I am deeply passionate about improving health outcomes and enhancing quality of life, with a particular interest in rural healthcare. Having grown up in Huron County, I have a strong personal connection to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities. Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy playing hockey and volleyball!" 

Kate  

"My name is Kate Maloney, and I’m a Business and Aviation student at Western University. This summer, I’m excited to join Gateway CERH as a Business Development Officer and contribute to improving the health and quality of life of rural residents. I look forward to working alongside researchers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to build partnerships and drive impactful initiatives. Outside of work, I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and working towards my private pilot’s license." 

Madison  

"My name is Madison Cardno and I am entering my third year of the Health Sciences program at Western University. I am beyond excited to join Gateway CERH as a Summer Research Assistant. In this role, I am looking forward to supporting meaningful rural health initiatives focused on improving health outcomes in underserved populations. This opportunity aligns with my passions for public health, teamwork, and continuous learning, as I help, working toward enhancing rural health equity! Beyond this work, I enjoy coaching and playing hockey, running, traveling, and spending time outdoors." 

Gateway CERH’s team is so excited to see what this group will accomplish over the summer. Stay tuned for more updates as they dive into meaningful projects that support rural health equity and community well-being! 

About Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health 

Founded in 2008 in the community of Seaforth, ON, Gateway CERH is a not-for-profit rural health research organization run by a community-based volunteer board of directors. Gateway CERH's main mission is to better the health and quality of life of rural residents through research, education and communication. Learn more on the Gateway CERH website at: https://www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube