DATE Lab Chats: OT Students
Every year, the DATE lab welcomes new students completing their masters degree from the department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. These students join the lab from September to May while they complete their external projects, helping to contribute to the field of occupational therapy.
Although they are with us for a short time, their hard work never goes unnoticed and this month we showcase their exciting projects!
We sat down with with a few of them to chat about their work and introduce them to our DATE lab community.
Don’t forget to tune in next month to meet the rest of the team!
Eliora Sy Wee, MSc OT student
Eliora Sy Wee
What is your role in the lab?
I am a Graduate Research Student from the Occupational Therapy program at UofT!
Describe your project in 250 characters or less
Since task-sequencing in people with dementia or MCI is not well understood, Ava and I are exploring how these populations sequence tasks during 3 activities of daily living: making a cup of tea/coffee, making a bed, and folding laundry.
What made you interest in working with the dementia research?
I completed a course about dementia in my undergrad and was fascinated by its impact on one’s personhood and everyday life. I also believe that it’s an incredibly important area of research given the rising prevalence of dementia.
If you could attend a research conference anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel to South Korea because I’ve never been and admire Korean culture and food! A research conference would be a great excuse to go 😊
If you could invite any scientist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be?
Jean Piaget
What is your favourite science ‘fun fact’?
The sex of sea turtles is determined by the temperature of their nests
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy hanging out with friends, trying new food spots, exercising, and watching documentaries or reality shows on Netflix
What 3 key search words describe your project?
Task sequencing, dementia, MCI
Ava Favero, MSc OT student
Ava Favero
What is your role in the lab?
Graduate Research Student
Describe your project in 250 characters or less
Our project aims to further understand how people with dementia or mild cognitive impairments sequence steps while completing 3 activities of daily living (e.g., making a cup of hot tea/coffee, folding laundry, and making a bed)
What made you interest in working with the dementia research?
I have had multiple family members live with dementia, which initially sparked my interest in this field of research. Witnessing firsthand how they managed and lived with dementia has become an area of interest where I’m passionate about making a difference and further informing.
If you could attend a research conference anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
The Netherlands because I would love to visit the world’s first dementia village.
If you could invite any scientist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be?
Jill Bolte Taylor
What is your favourite science ‘fun fact’?
The brain is about 2% of the total body weight, but consumes approximately 20% of your daily oxygen and calories.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outside and being physically active. Outside of the lab/school, you can find me doing yoga, pilates, skiing or playing golf. I also love to cook and knit!
What 3 key search words describe your project?
Task Sequencing, Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairments (MCI)