Cape Breton University Students Support Health Research

Cape Breton University students are dedicating their summer to health research with support from Research Nova Scotia’s Scotia Scholars program. Four students received an award of $6000 each to engage in health research under the supervision of CBU faculty. The research topics range from precision treatments for cancer to an analysis of sexual interest across lifespans.

Dr. Tanya Brann-Barrett, Associate Vice-President of Academic and Research, says the scope of work supported by Research Nova Scotia demonstrates the importance of examining healthcare from many angles.

“Our goal is to contribute to healthy people and communities and our students are informing several important aspects of healthcare through their research,” Dr. Brann-Barrett says. “Under the leadership of CBU faculty, our Scotia Scholars will not only gain skills in research, they will examine ways to support diverse and vulnerable populations.”

Railyn Cann, a student in CBU’s Bachelor of Social Work program, received a Scotia Scholars Award for a project titled Co-Designing Arts-Based Anti-Stigma Interventions for Cape Breton Healthcare. “Sex workers and people experiencing homelessness face significant stigma in healthcare, meaning they are often treated unfairly or denied proper care,” says Railyn. “Research shows that discrimination from healthcare professionals harms their physical and mental health.”

Under the direction of Dr. Alison Grittner, Assistant Professor of Social Work, the project will co-create anti-stigma interventions that can be implemented across healthcare settings in Nova Scotia. It emerges from community-based research that identifies the stigma experienced by marginalized individuals seeking care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. These interventions will be valuable for healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators, advocacy groups and, most importantly, those with stigmatized identities seeking heath equity.

Fatima Halilu, a Bachelor of Science student, received a Scotia Scholars Award for a research collaboration with Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Martin Mkandawire. The project will examine the Role of Lignin Nanoparticles in Sustainable Targeted Chemotherapy Drug Delivery Treatment. “Lignin nanoparticles are tiny biopolymers derived from trees that can create drug capsules for chemotherapeutics,” Fatima explains. “This can help the cancer drugs target cancer cells more accurately, dissolve better and reduce side effects.”

If successful, this research has potential to be integrated into chemotherapy treatment plans in Nova Scotia to provide more targeted and effective drugs with less toxic side effects.

Meghan MacKinnon, an honours student in the Bachelor of Arts Community Studies in Sport and Physical Activity Leadership, will pursue a study of The Long-Term Impact of Athletic Injuries on Knee Health in Former AUS Athletes: A Life History Approach. Meghan will work under the direction of her professor and mentor, Dr. Kelsey Harvey.

“This research has significant practical applications, particularly in rural Nova Scotia, where there is a lack of geographically accessible rehabilitation services,” Meghan says. “By understanding the long-term effects of athletic injuries and identifying strategies to improve outcomes, this research can provide insights for healthcare providers, athletic programs and individuals.”

Michaela Ryan is working toward an honours degree in psychology. She received a Scotia Scholars Award for a project titled Sexual Interest Declines with Age…for Everyone? A Person-Centered Analysis of Sexual Interest over the Lifespan. Working with Dr. Pablo Santos-Iglesias, Associate Professor of Psychology, Michaela says this research aims to challenge myths and misconceptions about older adults’ sexuality.

“Acknowledging that older adults have an interest in sex will better equip healthcare providers to initiate conversations with their patients about their sex lives and come up with solutions to improve their quality of life at home, in hospitals and in long-term care facilities,” she says. “This project will inform a more resilient and effective healthcare system that cares for the sexual health of not just younger populations, but older demographics as well.”

Congratulations to Railyn, Fatima, Meghan and Michaela, CBU’s 2025 Scotia Scholars!

The Scotia Scholars Award supports the growth and retention of highly skilled individuals who are advancing and translating knowledge in disease detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, strengthening health care delivery systems, caring for vulnerable populations, and preventing negative impacts to health and wellbeing.  Funding for this award is provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.