News

GoHelP lab members participated in the 2026 International Medical Geography Symposium (IMGS), Geographies of Wellbeing: Environments, Transitions, and the Futures of Societal Wellbeing, held at Toronto Metropolitan University. The symposium brought together researchers and practitioners to explore how environmental, social, and spatial transitions shape health and wellbeing. GoHelP members shared their research and engaged in interdisciplinary conversations on equity, environmental change, and the future of health geography.

Alexa Bennett delivered the keynote address at Scholar to Scholar: Advancing Knowledge, Impact and Community, a Universities Canada event celebrating the achievements and impact of scholarship recipients, alumni, and academic partners. As a Flight 302 Legacy Award recipient and Queen Elizabeth Scholars instructor, Alexa shared insights on the value of international scholarship programs in advancing research, collaboration, and global impact.

GoHelP Lab member Tara Chen, PhD Candidate, presented her doctoral research at the Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR) conference in May 2026. 

GoHeLP member Tara Chen has been awarded a prestigious CIHR Health System Impact Fellowship in partnership with the International Federation on Ageing! Her work will explore how climate change and environmental health are shaping healthy ageing policies and communities worldwide. Learn more about this exciting achievement and the growing connection between planetary health and longevity.

GOHelP Lab members Cynthia Musah and Yuki Yeung have been awarded prestigious SSHRC doctoral-level fellowships, recognizing their outstanding research contributions in health geography. Their awards highlight both academic excellence and the GOHelP Lab’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research on critical issues including climate change and global health.

Alexa has been awarded the Amit & Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student at the University of Waterloo. This prestigious honour recognizes outstanding student educators for excellence in teaching, communication, and dedication to student learning. Alexa’s achievement highlights her strong ability to support and engage students in meaningful learning experiences. Congratulations Alexa!

The Water Institute’s World Water Day 2026 conference brought together students, researchers, and community members to explore issues of water equity, environmental justice, and sustainability through keynote presentations, research showcases, and panel discussions. The event highlighted the social impacts of water poverty and the importance of collaborative, equity-focused approaches to addressing global and local water challenges.

Congratulations to Francesca and Rodrigo on their election to the Board of the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG). Their appointments recognize their valuable contributions to the field of geography and their commitment to advancing research, education, and collaboration across Canada. We look forward to seeing the impact of their leadership in these new roles. 

Congratulations to Joan Kaburia on receiving the Flight 302 Legacy Award! This award honours the victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy by supporting students whose work demonstrates a commitment to global impact and service.

A PhD student in Geography at the University of Waterloo and member of the GoHelp Lab, Joan’s research focuses on food security and promoting equitable, sustainable food systems. Guided by the values of equity, dignity, and global solidarity, she views this recognition as both an honour and a responsibility—strengthening her dedication to purpose-driven research and community engagement.

The GoHelP Lab congratulates Isaiah Omondi on the successful defence of his Master’s thesis in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo. Isaiah’s achievement reflects his hard work, dedication, and commitment to rigorous research. As a valued member of the GoHelP Lab, we are proud to celebrate this important milestone with him.

Congratulations, Isaiah, on completing your Master’s degree and this significant academic accomplishment!