3F Research Group

Michael is a PhD student under the supervisor of Dr. Caitlin McArthur at the School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University. He obtained a Bachelors degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and an MSc in Global Ageing and Policy from the University of Southampton, UK. Michael has received several scholarships including the Ikeoha Foundation Scholarship for undergraduates, Community-Based Initiative in Ageing Scholarship, Commonwealth Masters Scholarship, and the Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award.

The overarching goal of his research is to improve aging care and rehabilitation research in sub-Saharan Africa. In his doctoral research, Michael is aiming to adapt and culturally test in Nigerian setting, a resident-centred rehabilitation program for older adults living with dementia in long-term care. He hopes that this research will stimulate the development of dementia-inclusive healthcare policies and programs in Nigeria.

Michael is a fitness enthusiast and loves playing football (soccer).

Jasmine is a Masters of Rehabilitation Research student under the supervision of Dr. Caitlin McArthur at the School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University. She completed her BSc in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Waterloo where she worked as a research assistant on the FORTIFY trial with Dr. Lora Giangregorio and developed an interest in osteoporosis and aging as a whole. Her MSc thesis revolves around adapting current fracture prevention guidelines to home care settings.  Jasmine comes from an athletic background and was captain of the University of Waterloo Rowing team. She enjoys hiking and recently hiked to Everest base camp. She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge through the 3F Research Group.

Sydney graduated with a BA in Kinesiology from Western University in 2022. She is currently pursuing her MSc in Rehabilitation Research at Dalhousie University under the supervision of Dr. Caitlin McArthur and is excited to be a part of the 3F Research Group.

Previously, she has conducted research with the Ontario Kinesiology Association, where she developed best-practice guidelines for practicing Registered Kinesiologists. Her thesis will focus on implementing feasible and effective group exercise programs for individuals living with dementia in long-term care.

Sydney enjoys hockey and all things active, and she looks forward to collaborating with the 3F Research Group throughout her degree.

Allison is a Research in Medicine student in her first year of Medicine at Dalhousie University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University.

Allison’s project involves looking at barriers and facilitators for participation in the Dementia Moves intervention protocol. Allison developed a strong interest in working with geriatric populations during her time in undergrad, where she regularly volunteered with the LiveWell Program at the YMCA. She is very excited to see where this research project takes her in the future!

Charlie Cavanagh is a first-year medical student at Dalhousie Medical School New Brunswick. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Brunswick, where she completed a double major in Biology and Psychology.

Charlie is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Caitlin McArthur on a qualitative research study exploring women’s experiences with and understanding of resistance training between the ages of 35–50. This work aims to inform earlier intervention strategies for the prevention of falls and sarcopenia, with a focus on promoting long-term functional health.

Her research interests lie in women’s health and longevity science, with a focus on promoting strength, resilience, and independence across the lifespan. She is also interested in sports medicine and physiatry, particularly in how exercise can be used as both prevention and treatment. Her current research reflects these interests through a focus on resistance training in midlife women.

Tessa is a Research in Medicine student in her first year of Medicine at Dalhousie University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree from Dalhousie University and is a Research Assistant with the 3F Research Group, where she began as a volunteer.

Her current research project focuses on the Dementia Moves program and examines differences in ratings of perceived exertion between individuals living with dementia and intervention providers. Through this work, Tessa is interested in improving the understanding of exercise intensity perception in dementia care to support more person-centred and effective interventions.

Tessa has been involved with the geriatric population from a young age, beginning volunteer work in nursing homes at the age of ten. She also previously worked at Parkland (Shannex), a rural continuing care home, where she gained firsthand experience observing the impact of chronic conditions across multiple levels of care. These experiences fostered a strong interest in geriatrics, rehabilitative care, and aging-related research. She is excited to continue developing her research skills and contributing to projects led by Dr. McArthur as part of the 3F Research Team!