Cohort 2

Andrea is a doctoral student in Health Research Methodology (HRM), under the supervision of Dr. Kathy Georgiades in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. Her personal experiences as a woman of Sri-Lankan heritage, raised by immigrant parents influenced her outlook on the cultural, social, and psychological dimensions of healthcare, particularly within minority communities. With a Master of Science in Health Research Methodology (HRM), Andrea fully appreciates the value of having a strong foundation in health research methods. She values health research as a vital link between theory and practice, facilitating the application of evidence-based knowledge in clinical settings. Andrea is committed to addressing the health disparities that disproportionately affects minority women and children. She aims to conduct research that not only examines the impact of barriers such as limited access to quality services, cultural stigma, and lack of knowledge on the welfare of women and children but also evaluates interventions tailored to their needs, especially in the context of mental health.