Bringing with her a wealth of research experience and passion for working with marginalized populations to improve health outcomes, Francine Darroch, a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow, joined the MHR team this May. Using participatory action research methods, Francine will work alongside expectant and new fathers in the Down Town East Side to improve social well-being through physical activity during her fellowship. To get to know Francine a bit better, I asked her to do a short Q&A about her life in, and out, of work:
ER: Tell me a little bit about your academic background?
FD: I completed my undergraduate degree (BA Hons) in Sociology at Providence College in 2001, Master of Education in Counselling (MEd) at Providence College in 2004, an MPH at University of Waterloo in 2011, and a PhD in Human Kinetics at University of Ottawa in 2016.
ER: What are your research interests and how have they evolved throughout your career?
FD: I have always been interested in supporting individuals and communities achieving optimal health. As my education and training progressed, I became much more interested in the social determinants of health and community based and equity oriented approaches to health promotion.
ER: I noticed you previously did research mainly in the area of women’s health. Have you worked in men’s health before? And what inspired your journey into men’s health research?
FD: Men’s health research will be a new endeavor for me! Over the years, research participants and community service programmers have asked me, “what about the men?” The program of research I will be doing at MHR is a logical progression in my training and in addressing community-identified concerns.
ER: What do you hope to do after you complete your post doc here at MHR?
FD: My hope is to continue with my program of research in a faculty position.
ER: That is great! We are so happy to have you here, but enough about work! What are your passions outside the research realm?
FD: I am passionate about my two daughters, 1.5 and 3.5 years old, who keep me on my toes! I love running, drinking coffee, music and concerts (but can’t play an instrument or sing for the life of me)!
ER: And to finish up, can you tell me a fun fact about yourself?
FD: In a former life, I was a member of Team Canada’s track and cross country running teams, now I chase my children!
Francine will be working at MHR for the duration of her Banting Fellowship. Read more about Francine in the About section of our website!
From the MHR team: Welcome Francine!