Email: mhgodinhonascimento@uwaterloo.ca
Pronouns: she/her
My name is Helena Godinho Nascimento (she/her), and I am a PhD candidate in the School of Public Health Sciences in the Faculty of Health, where I also completed my undergraduate degree in Health Studies. During my graduate studies, I have worked as a teaching assistant for several courses and have had the opportunity to deliver three guest lectures.
My research interests focus on barriers to healthcare access and the broader social determinants of health. In my dissertation, I examine why trust in key social institutions declines over time among newcomers to Canada and how systems can better earn and maintain that trust over time (For more info on my work please see my profile on the Public Health Sciences webpage.). Throughout my program, I have learned from inspiring faculty who shaped my academic development and sparked my interest in educational development and peer mentorship. I am particularly invested in supporting graduate students as they build confidence in their skills as instructors.
In the last year, I have actively pursued professional development in teaching and learning, completing the Fundamentals of University Teaching (Block Session) Certificate in 2025 and am currently working toward the Certificate in University Teaching (CUT). I am committed to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where all students feel welcome and feel a sense of belonging, while also helping graduate students reflect on their teaching practices through more participatory learning strategies and structured lesson planning.