U of T’s 2024 Naylor Fellows working toward a more equitable future

The fellowships are named for U of T President Emeritus David Naylor, a longtime advocate for investment in research.

“Supporting early-career research is fundamental to launching brilliant minds on the path to success,” says Joshua Barker, Vice-Provost, Graduate Research and Education and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “Graduate students not only create meaningful impact during their studies, but they also go on to impactful careers that increase our collective knowledge about the world.”

Her research interests include social justice and health care as a human right. “I am passionate about client-centered, trauma-informed care,” she says. “My ultimate goal is to utilize the skills, knowledge and networks acquired in this program to lead evidence-based interventions, influence health policies and contribute to addressing public health challenges.”

Taking on a doctorate is daunting enough, but Katie was faced with the additional challenge of balancing her studies with her work (she manages a service coordination and clinical team in First Nation communities). The Naylor Fellowship gave her the ability to focus. “This award meant my biggest stressor this year was work-school-life balance and not the financial worries of how to cover my costs,” she says. “There are also some constraints in accessing funding for this very new program, so being chosen for this scholarship was further validation that this was where I was meant to be and what I was meant to be doing.”

Although he is still in the early stages of his graduate studies, Jared is already exploring meaningful research topics. One area of interest involves reducing radiation exposure in dental imaging through the implementation of rectangular collimation, a new technology designed to limit x-rays to essential areas. “Even though the radiation exposure is already minimal, this topic is still a common concern of the general public and a frequent source of questions from patients,” says Jared. His goal is to ensure safer and more effective dental practices while addressing patient concerns.

The transition to life in Toronto, one of Canada’s most expensive cities, was made smoother thanks to his Naylor Fellowship. “This scholarship means a reduction in stress and a higher attention to my studies and research,” he says. “It has permanently altered the trajectory of my educational path.”

For Jared, this new chapter is about more than just personal growth; it’s about making a lasting impact on the dental field. “I would like to be a part of something that can help as many people as possible,” he says.