Student’s research into dementia earns her Waterloo Retirees Scholarship
by Maris Weiss, Keystone Campaign Communications Committee volunteer
March 2015A desire to make a difference came at an early age for second-year AHS master’s student Jessie Ashbourne. Jessie was just a young girl when her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The diagnosis ignited her desire to improve the way we care for our aging population, particularly for those living with dementia.
After earning a degree in Arts & Science from McMaster University, Jessie met with Waterloo faculty member Paul Stolee in the School of Public Health and Health Systems and his team in the Geriatric Health Systems Research Group. Jessie was so impressed with their work that she decided to attend the University of Waterloo.
Jessie’s research focuses on transitional care for people with dementia and their caregivers. As part of her work, she interviews older adults with dementia and their families who are moving through the health care system in community, acute or long-term care settings. “The exciting part about this project is that the results will become part of an initiative to develop dementia strategies for Waterloo-Wellington and South West Local Health Integration Networks,” Jessie explains. She hopes her work will help dementia care become a local priority and provide the impetus for further strategy development at a provincial level.
Last year, in recognition of her academic excellence and in support of her research endeavors, Jessie was awarded the University of Waterloo Retirees’ Scholarship. The award is given annually and supported by University of Waterloo retirees through the Keystone Campaign.
The extra financial support has allowed Jessie to devote more time to her schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Outside of her studies, Jessie plays intramural sports, sings in the University choir, is a member of Stand Up to Stigma and is the current Vice-President Internal/External for the SPHHS Graduate Students’ Association. When she’s not on campus, Jessie loves rock climbing and spending time with friends.
The future looks bright for Jessie. She plans to graduate in August and then go on to medical school where she will continue applying her passion for the wellbeing of older adults as a geriatrician or family physician.
We wish you well on your climb to the top, Jessie!
