Innovation and Research

Amplify the power of research and innovation to tackle health, wellness and societal challenges

Celebrating Dr. Tracie Risling's leadership in nursing innovation and research

In July Dr. Tracie Risling took over as president of the Canadian Nurses Association. In March she a joined Dr. Julia Hews-Girard and Dr. Jessalyn Holodinsky from Cumming School of Medicine for a Science in the Cinema panel exploring AI in health care. 

Dr. Tracie Risling panel

Dr. Tracie Risling sits with Dr. Julia Hews-Girard and Dr. Jessalyn Holodinsky from the Cumming School of Medicine at a recent Science in the Cinema event panel.

Megan Zolorycki


Dr. Jacqueline Smith

Dr. Jacqueline Smith pictured in the Mental Health and Wellness Clinic at UCalgary Nursing.

Dr. Jacqueline Smith leads study on mental health stigma in emergency care

Dr. Smith and her team developed trauma and resilience training for frontline ER workers, informed by a six-year study of mental health care in a Calgary hospital. 


Dr. Shane Sinclair named inaugural Cross-Canada Research Chair in Compassionate Care

Dr. Sinclair’s appointment as Cross-Canada Research Chair in Compassionate Care will help advance compassionate care for patients, families and health-care providers across Canada.

Dr. Shane Sinclair

Dr. Shane Sinclair, pictured in the Faculty of Nursing at UCalgary.

Adrian Shellard


Event organizers

From left: Suzanna Crawford, Yu Yinping, Maria Sosa Ponce and Shannon Parker at the Precision in Practice: Improving IV Care Through Co-Design event.

Megan Zolorycki

Transdisciplinary project combines sport science, patient insights to advance IV insertion education

A multidisciplinary international network of researchers from across UCalgary and overseas is combining sport science, patient insights, and clinical expertise to transform how nursing students learn IV insertion. 


Dr. Bukola Salami - Canadian Institutes of Health Research Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Black and Racialized Peoples' Health

Dr. Bukola Salami was the featured speaker at the March Food for Thought breakfast lecture, exploring racial inequities in health-care access and outcomes among Black communities in Canada. Her research highlights disparities in prescription medication access and coverage among black adults.

Dr. Bukola Salami

Dr. Bukola Salami


Nursing Research Infographic

Awards for UCalgary Nursing researchers

Three faculty members and a former student received awards that recognised their significant contributions to research and teaching across our unit and the broader health-care community.

Sondra Wesner - 2025 Teaching Award for Graduate Assistants (Teaching) 

Jennifer Jackson - 2026 Parex Fellowship 

Bill Zheng - Pathy Foundation Fellowship 

Alex Cuncannon - Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholar


Undergraduate research event builds presentation skills and confidence

Dr. Anmol Shahid, a post-doctoral fellow in Dr. Karen Benzies’ research lab identified an opportunity for undergraduate researchers to showcase their work and build presentation skills. With support from the Nursing Research Office, the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) format was adapted into an event for undergraduate students. 

The event grew from six presenters in 2025 to nine in 2026, with hopes to continue raising awareness of nursing research across UCalgary. 

Undergrad 3MT

Participants and organizers of the Undergraduate 3MT research event, pictured following the 2nd annual event.