Five Questions with Brooklyn Ward
For this month’s “Five Questions” blog post, we connected with Brooklyn Ward, a Clinical Research Coordinator in our lab to learn more about her and how she found her way into mental health research!
Brooklyn came to our team in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and has been involved in many different projects. Most notably, she was the coordinator for our Eastern Ontario COVID-19 Community Mental Health Cohort (ECCOM) Study. In addition to the expertise that Brooklyn brings to our team, she is currently working towards her Master’s degree at Western University. Read more about our conversation with her below.
1. What brought you to the area of mental health?
I had personal experience with a family member that struggles with mental health difficulties that sparked my initial interest to better understand mental health and its multifaceted nature. Throughout my undergraduate degree I volunteered at The Ottawa Hospital, and I also volunteered at Shepherds of Good Hope which solidified my intent to pursue a career in mental health. I also have had great experiences with other colleagues in the field of mental health and had some fantastic mentors that I credit for my interest as well.
2. What work do you do in the lab and what has been your proudest moment so far?
I am a Clinical Research Coordinator in the lab. My day-to-day tasks often include speaking with participants about our various studies, data collection, recruitment, and overall function of studies to ensure they are progressing as they should. I currently work on COVID projects and have worked on First Responder studies in my early lab days. My proudest moment so far is the work I’ve done on our ECCOM (The Eastern Ontario COVID-19 Community Mental Health Cohort Study) study. I have been on this project since start up and am now leading the first manuscript for it, my first ever publication. It has been a big learning curve and I am happy I’ve been able to navigate through the many challenges it has brought forth (with the help of great colleagues!)
3. Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster?
I would definitely rather be a tiny elephant --- how cute would that be?!!!
4. What is the best (or worst) advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to pursue something even if I think I’ll fail if I’m passionate about it. Paired with this, always ask questions, be curious and seek out new opportunities whenever you can
5. What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?
My favourite way to unwind after a busy day is to get outside and either go for a run on the canal, a hike, walk with a friend or watch a movie/TV series, all followed by a long nap! I also enjoy getting a good cup of coffee and spending time with my family.