1. Advancing Research Competency Development in Health Professions Education
This research project examines how educational experiences support the development of research competencies, critical thinking, and evidence-informed practice among health professions learners. The project focuses on understanding how curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities, including undergraduate research experiences, scientific writing, critical appraisal, and active learning strategies, contribute to learner engagement, skill development, and professional growth. Using mixed-methods approaches, the research explores how students develop and apply research-related skills, how these competencies can be meaningfully assessed, and what educational factors facilitate or hinder learner success. Particular attention is given to curriculum design, learner assessment, and the integration of emerging technologies, including generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), within health professions education. A major component of this work investigates scientific research training within undergraduate medical education. This includes examining how research experiences are delivered and integrated into curricula, how students perceive the value of these experiences, and how participation influences research competency development and scholarly engagement. The project also seeks to identify equitable approaches to supporting diverse learners in accessing and benefiting from research opportunities. The overarching goal is to generate evidence that informs curriculum innovation and educational practice. Findings will support the development of effective, inclusive, and evidence-based learning experiences that prepare future healthcare professionals to engage in critical inquiry, lifelong learning, and evidence-informed decision-making within an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: My research focuses on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL),whereI investigate curriculum innovation, research competency development, learner assessment, and the integration of emerging technologies into education. My work examines how educational experiences, including undergraduate research, scientific writing, critical appraisal, and active learning, contribute to learner engagement, professional skill development, and evidence-informed practice. Through educational research, I aim to generate evidence that informs curriculum design, enhances learning outcomes, and supports the preparation of future healthcare professionals.
Student roles:
Responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, identifying and summarizing relevant research articles, and contributing to the development of research instruments such as surveys and interview guides. The student will assist with data collection activities, including survey administration, and participant recruitment.
Depending on the stage of the project, the student may contribute to qualitative and quantitative data analysis, including data cleaning, coding of qualitative responses, and preparation of summaries and reports. The student will also support knowledge mobilization activities by assisting with the preparation of conference presentations, posters, manuscripts, and other scholarly outputs.
The student will participate in regular research team meetings and will have opportunities to engage in discussions related to study design, methodology, data interpretation, and educational scholarship. Training and mentorship will be provided in research methods, critical appraisal, academic writing, and dissemination of findings. The student will gain exposure to educational research conducted within health professions education and will develop skills in project management, teamwork, scholarly communication, and evidence synthesis.
This position is designed to provide meaningful hands-on research experience while supporting the student’s professional and academic development. The student will have opportunities to contribute intellectually to the project, develop research competencies, and gain insight into how educational research informs curriculum innovation, learner assessment, and evidence-based educational practice in healthcare settings.
Skills required:
The ideal student will have an interest in health professions education, educational research, or the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are essential. Experience with literature reviews, data collection, survey development, or qualitative and quantitative research methods would be an asset but is not required. The student should be motivated to learn, organized, and interested in contributing to projects focused on curriculum innovation, learner assessment, research competency development, and educational scholarship.