Wednesday, February 12, 2025 — 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST
Date: Wednesday February 12, 2025
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Panelists: Michael Beazely (School of Pharmacy); Shanna MacDonald (Communication Arts); Anneliese Eber (Research Data Management Librarian); Heather Dekker (Office of Research Ethics)
Moderator: Antonio Munoz Gomez (Cataloguing and Metadata Librarian)
Online forums are rich sources of public data, offering insights into diverse topics and communities. However, this data often comes with anonymity, raising unique challenges and ethical concerns. This panel discussion will explore the complexities of using forum data for research and analysis: What are the benefits of studying anonymous versus non-anonymous online discussions? How do we address issues of privacy, representation and authenticity? Panelists will discuss case studies, policies and best practices for leveraging these digital conversations.
This online panel will combine lightning talks from panelists, prepared questions, and an open Q&A. The Zoom platform allows for live close captioning.
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Identify various aspects of conducting research with data posted in online forums, including technical, data management and ethical aspects.
- Learn about how different units on university campuses might approach working with this kind of data and how they can work together to navigate challenges.
- Please register to receive the online event link and help us understand specific disciplinary considerations. The session will be recorded and made available to registrants after the event.
If you have accommodation requests or questions, reach out to Anneliese Eber (aeber@uwaterloo.ca) or Antonio Muñoz Gómez (ra2munoz@uwaterloo.ca) with your needs.
Panelists
Michael Beazely (School of Pharmacy)
The Beazely lab interested in basic mechanisms of GPCR and growth factor signalling in neurons, and how these classes of receptors regulate ion channel signalling. This work will expand our understanding of neuronal function and dysfunction in mental health conditions including schizophrenia and depression, as well as susceptibility to addiction and substance use. Prof. Beazely’s research also includes the evaluation of undergraduate pharmacy education with respect to substance use and ongoing educational tool development for practicing health professionals. He is interested in assessing interventions by community pharmacists aimed at reducing harms associated with substance use and understanding the intersection between drug use and ongoing pharmaceutical care.
Shanna MacDonald (Communication Arts)
Shana MacDonald is O’Donovan Chair of Communication and associate professor at the University of Waterloo. Her research examines feminist and queer activism both historically and within social and digital media, memes, and popular culture. She has a forthcoming book called The Art of Memes and is a series editor for Ohio State University Press’s Digital Feminist Resistance book series.
Anneliese Eber (Research Data Management Librarian)
Anneliese Eber is the research data management librarian at the University of Waterloo with extensive experience in supporting researchers throughout the data lifecycle. With a background in anthropology and archaeology, Anneliese understands the challenges and nuances of data handling, storage and sharing. She specializes in guiding scholars on best practices for data organization, ethical management and compliance with funder mandates. Passionate about empowering researchers, Anneliese provides tailored resources, workshops and consultations to foster a culture of responsible data stewardship and research data management.
Heather Dekker (Office of Research Ethics)
Heather Dekker is a Research Ethics Advisor in the Office of Research Ethics. Her portfolio includes the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Math, School of Pharmacy, Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business, and the Games Institute. Prior to joining the team, she completed an MHSc Bioethics at the University of Toronto. Her capstone and practicum work involved exploring the ethics and mapping potential harms of artificial intelligence (AI) in public health and healthcare in Canada. Heather is also a University of Waterloo Alumni and completed an MSc from the School of Pharmacy that was focused on drug-resistance in colorectal cancer. You can reach Heather at hdekker@uwaterloo.ca.
Antonio Muñoz Gómez (Cataloguing and Metadata Librarian)
