USask ArtSci student aims to use research to inspire community action against healthcare inequities

Ishita Patel is a graduating fourth-year student in the USask College of Arts and Science. She convocated June 1, 2021, with a combined Bachelor of Arts & Science Honours degree in Health Studies and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Her Honours research work in Health Studies was supervised by Dr. Mahli Brindamour (MD), Assistant Professor in General Pediatrics, and co-supervised by Dr. Kali Gartner (MD), Assistant Professor in Family Medicine, both in the USask College of Medicine.

Creating opportunity

University of Saskatchewan (USask) student, Ishita Patel, was first exposed to research in the way many undergraduates are – as a mandatory course requirement during her degree.

“I knew I wanted to further explore the field of research by completing an Honours project in Health Studies,” she said. “This research experience helped me realize how much I enjoy research from the process of initiating the question, to collecting data, and presenting it to your fellow peers and professors.”

Ishita took part in her first research experience in PSY 316 (Advanced Development II Social and Emotional Research), taught by Dr. Gerald Farthing (PhD) in the Department of Psychology. Following that course completion, and with the advice of the professor, Ishita attended a One Health event on the USask campus, hoping to explore the health research environment and potential opportunities available. There, she discovered Dr. Mahli Brindamour and her pediatrics and community research work.

An introduction to Dr. Brindamour led to a summer research assistant opportunity for Ishita, plus pursuing an Honours project with the larger team.

Building a foundation for action

“During my 4^th year, I started my Honours project in the field of Pediatric and Neonatal Care/Public Health with my amazing supervisor and pediatrician, Dr. Mahli Brindamour,” she said.

“I joined her team, alongside my co-supervisor Dr. Kali Gartner, and co-researcher Emma Maelde, to conduct research. The project was: The Evaluation of New Harm Reduction Community Based Model of Managing Mother-Newborn Dyads with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS).”

The research focus was on finding new and innovative ways to treat infants diagnosed with NOWS. Although pharmaceutical interventions are often used to treat infants with the condition, the research examined how community-centered treatment models could be used to continually improve neonatal care in the province.

“As an undergraduate student, learning about the wonderful field of research came to me through my course professors who passionately shared their work and research experiences,” said Ishita.

“Understanding that research aims to go above and beyond by addressing the questions of interest, which then aids in bridging the gaps within our society, made me fall in love with it.”

Ishita’s team found that promoting mother-infant bonding through community-based treatment improved health outcomes for infants diagnosed with NOWS. This finding could be used to improve the standards of care currently offered in Canada for this condition.

Ishita was able to present the project at the 2021 USSU Undergraduate Research Symposium and the 2021 USask Health Sciences Expo, where the project won second place in the undergraduate category.

Bridging the gap between coursework knowledge and real-world impact

Conducting an undergraduate research project can be the link between the ongoing struggle of bringing coursework and textbook information to “life.”

“For undergraduate courses, research is just something you learn about to bridge your knowledge on the topic, but being a part of a research project allows you the opportunity to further question your understanding, and gain more knowledge,” Ishita said.

Working with supervisors who support the learning journey as you conduct hands-on research for the first time is crucial to the undergraduate research experience.

“Under the guidance of your supervisor, you get the opportunity to learn lots of new skills and truly understand the implications of such research projects within your community and potentially on a larger scale,” she said. “Sharing a positive relationship with your supervisor and mentors can truly be motivational and inspiring.”

Research at the undergraduate level can also serve as much more than just an addition to coursework – many undergraduates often end up submitting research work for publication in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at symposiums and conferences, and networking with experts in their field. The research itself can then be used by others in a practical way outside of the lecture theatre.

“Although research may focus on a specific group or sample population, the findings can make a much greater difference at a societal level,” she said.

“Rather than accepting and reusing similar methods within several fields of practices, research offers the opportunity to question our surroundings to ensure that the best possible care and knowledge is implanted.”

Seeing impact up close

Ishita’s story and her involvement with innovative research during her degree programs reflects how undergraduate students can create and involve themselves with real change in communities.

Although Ishita chose an interdisciplinary combined degree program, undergraduates from any facet of the university setting can find a worthwhile topic in their field to tackle in their research work.

The point is that undergraduates can – and DO – make lasting impact in their communities through their research work.

One of Ishita’s main takeaways from her time as an undergraduate researcher is that she was capable of determining a guided set of actions through her research that could improve health care quality.

 “Research allows for these barriers and inequities to be addressed, so new practices and policies can be introduced within our community,” Ishita said.

Her advice for future undergraduate researchers?          

“Although the thought of conducting research can be overwhelming at first, I ensure you that one step at a time and you will be able to further strengthen your knowledge on the topic. Research is an experience that allows for the development of important integrative and leadership skills which help shape your future academic pursuits.”

She says attending campus events and talking to representative faculty members in your field of interest is key to creating an undergraduate research opportunity for yourself.

“Our campus has a large diversity of research projects so explore your interests. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, as it will only benefit you by gaining new skill sets and give you an opportunity to enhance your knowledge.”

For now, Ishita hopes to receive an admission to a graduate program at USask to continue her education, and is currently working with her research team on a transcript of her Honours research to submit for publication. She is excited to see her undergraduate research work make an impact in the community – and so are we!

Find undergraduate research opportunities, events and research-specific training at USask here.