Five Questions with Sarah MacLean
As part of our “Five Questions” series, we chatted with Sarah MacLean, our lab’s Senior Clinical Research Associate, to find out why mental health research is so important to her. Sarah has been with our lab since 2015 and her role has continued to evolve during that time. She has worked on the e-Therapy Study as a Research Assistant, was a Research Coordinator for the BEACON Study, and wrote grants and managed the team’s finances as a Clinical Research Associate. Now, seven years later, Sarah leads our team’s Knowledge Translation activities. If you’ve attended any events hosted by our lab, Sarah has likely been at the helm! Check out our conversation with her below!
1. What brought you to the area of mental health?
I was brought to the area of mental health by chance – I had just finished my Master’s degree and was looking for ANY job in research. I interviewed and the rest is history – I have been with the team going on 7 years now. Back when I was still a Research Coordinator, I lost a family member to suicide. My time in the lab gave me skills to understand and cope with this loss in a way that would not have otherwise been possible. For this, I will always be forever grateful to this team.
2. What work do you do in the lab and what has been your proudest moment so far?
I have held MANY different roles in the lab – starting as a little baby Research Assistant. Since then I have worked my way up and am now a Senior Clinical Research Associate. In this role, I am responsible for all things related to Knowledge Translation – from coordinating the submission of publications and conference abstracts, to being the voice of our Twitter account (@HatchingHub), to planning lab-related events (if these are ever allowed to happen again). It would be impossible to pick my proudest lab moment because I have been given so many opportunities to shine. So, I will go with my most recent: redesigning the lab’s website. This wasn’t a skill I was particularly confident in, but I took it on (with input from the team along the way) and it turned out great! It still makes my day whenever anyone compliments it. IT’S MY BABY!
3. Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster?
OBVIOUSLY, a giant hamster – it is the best way to smite my enemies. What is a teeny elephant going to do? Nothing, that’s what. And fine, they have to live alone and eat their young but how many of us haven’t considered doing exactly this!?
4. What is the best (or worst) advice you’ve ever been given?
The best (and worst) advice I’ve ever received was to be independent (thanks, mom!). It’s the best advice I’ve gotten because I’m an independent thinker, I’m not afraid to share my thoughts in meetings, and it helps me to approach problems in a unique way. It’s the worst advice I have ever been given because I REALLY struggle with delegating, I often take on way to many things and have burned out in the past because of it
5. What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?
Since the pandemic started, I’ve enjoyed watching shows I have already seen – there is something comforting in knowing exactly how something will end or that two characters will or won’t work things out. Is it usually a 2000’s teen soap? Maybe. I am sorry? Not even a little.