My thesis:
My research, being done in collaboration with NOSM University, examines the growing strain on Thunder Bay’s emergency healthcare system as EMS call volumes rise, offload delays lengthen, and emergency department congestion worsens.
As a major emergency service hub for Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Superior North EMS are finding it increasingly difficult to keep pace with demand. A central focus of my work is the rising frequency of Code Black events, periods when no ambulances are available for new calls. These events, often driven by ER overcrowding and delays in transferring patients from paramedics to hospital staff, pose serious risks for public health and those needing urgent care.
I am also exploring how extreme weather events such as heat waves, cold snaps, and wildfires may intensify these pressures. Using exploratory data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modelling, I am integrating ER, EMS, and climate data to uncover patterns that contribute to emergency system strain.
Through this analysis, I aim to identify key predictors that drive Code Blacks and broader service disruptions. Ultimately, my research will hopefully support more effective prevention strategies, operational planning, and preparedness to strengthen the resilience of Thunder Bay’s emergency care system and maybe other Ontario regions one day.
My time in the School of Public Health Sciences (SPHS)
I completed my undergraduate degree in Public Health at Waterloo as well, so I was already familiar with the faculty. However, my master’s program has given me a much richer opportunity to collaborate with professors and fellow students in new and meaningful ways. I’ve especially enjoyed working as a TA for younger students and contributing to ongoing research. With everyone engaged in such diverse projects, there’s always something to learn which is something I really like.