Q: What is your role in health research?
A: I’m studying to be an MRI physicist, whose role is to ensure magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners are providing the best possible diagnostic information for patients. This could involve designing hardware for new scanners or performing quality assurance tests of existing equipment, but I am most interested in finding ways to acquire new and more specific types of images to provide better diagnostic information.
Q: What is your area of interest in health research?
A: My primary research interest is pain and how it relates to motor control. We know that pain changes the way we move by changing how our muscles are activated. However, more research is needed to understand the effect of pain on movement and, conversely, the effect of movement on pain.
Q: What is your role in health research and area of interest?
A: I first came to the University of British Columbia (UBC) as a visiting scholar to fulfill a requirement of my undergraduate degree from the University of Ferrara in Italy. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Matthew Farrer in the Centre for Applied Neurogenetics and study Parkinson’s disease in genetic rat models. This work led to the successful completion of my degree. I then joined Dr. Farrer in the Neuroscience graduate program to continue my research of Parkinson’s disease.
Photo above: Karina along with Zoe O’Neill, Halina Deptuck and Lauren Quong participated in the Fall Classic 10K Run representing the Vancouver Stroke Program Research Roadrunners group.
Q: What is your role at Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI)?
A: I am the new clinical research and community outreach coordinator. In this role I serve as a key liaison between researchers, the public and VCHRI. My primary focus is our research awareness campaign for which I help promote research studies at VCH and raise awareness about the benefits of and opportunities in health research throughout Vancouver.
