Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Jiwon Kang

London,ON

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Language

Work History

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
05.2023 - 08.2024
  • Assisted with bi-variate and multi-variate statistical analyses of child psychopathology and multimorbidity data from the Multimorbidity in Children and Youth Across the Life Course (MY LIFE) study
  • Contributed to the design and evaluation of a 10-week intervention for preschool-aged children and their parents, employing evidence-based strategies to enhance movement and preliteracy skills
  • Assisted with qualitative interview transcription using NVivo software
  • Supported curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate courses in data science for public health
  • The curriculum was adapted to include content on: (1) statistical analysis and mathematical skills, (2) programming skills, (3) data wrangling and processing (using big data), (4) analytics and machine learning/AI, (5) data visualization and communication (using Power BI and Tableau), (6) public health domain knowledge, and (7) data ethics and privacy

Experience Epidemiologist

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
09.2021 - Current
  • Conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study to assess how social isolation and loneliness are individually and jointly associated with the memory of middle- and older-aged, community-dwelling adults in Canada
  • Utilized databases such as the Census, Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) and the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
  • Gained expertise in survey design, including identifying the target population, choosing the sampling frame, selecting the sampling method, and determining sample size to ensure adequate statistical power
  • Employed various measurement tools for social determinants of health (social isolation, loneliness, sociodemographic, lifestyle, and functional impairment factors) and chronic physical/mental/cognitive health
  • Conducted linear mixed effects models, linear regression, correlation, and descriptive analyses using an all-available-data approach and multiple imputation to compare and interpret results from primary and sensitivity analyses
  • Proficient in scientific programming languages and statistical software packages including Stata excel and R, as well as in software applications such as SAS Web Report Studio
  • Published peer-reviewed manuscripts (original research and systematic review articles) recognized by the WHO (for a global report on social isolation and loneliness), Public Health Wales in the United Kingdom, and received media coverage (press release at the University of Waterloo)
  • Presented research findings at regional and national conferences
  • Performed risk of bias (quality) assessment to evaluate the credibility and reliability of studies
  • Conducted a phenomenological study to enhance the interpretation of quantitative results by collecting insights from individuals demographically similar to the CLSA sample
  • Development of participant eligibility criteria, interview questions, and demographic survey questionnaires
  • Screened and conducted telephone and video-conference interviews with adults aged 45 - 85 years
  • Recruited participants through purposive and snowball sampling from sources such as Brandon University, the Centre on Aging, and the Society for Learning in Retirement
  • Used NVivo software to code transcripts and conducted thematic analysis to identify overarching themes across all participants' transcripts

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
09.2021 - 04.2023
  • HLTH 320 – Lifespan Development, HLTH 611 – The Health Care System (Winter 2022)
  • HLTH 611 – The Health Care System, Winter 2023)
  • Created multiple choice exam questions
  • Graded assignments and quizzes, offering constructive feedback (i.e., preparatory guidance, in-task guidance, and performance feedback)
  • Supported student’s mental health needs

HEALTH YOUTH

Health Policy Peer, Reviewer, PUBLIC, ASSOCIATION OF
06.2021 - 09.2022
  • Reviewed policy briefs for quality, completeness, and accuracy and in preparation for the publication of the briefs
  • Provided constructive feedback to improve the quality and clarity of policy briefs created by the Health Policy Solutions Working Group
  • Developed abstract guidelines, selection criteria, and presentation evaluation criteria
  • Canvassed for abstract and presentation selection judges
  • Communicated with presenters, judges, and journal editors
  • Provided analytical and writing services to external collaborators
  • Completed training on Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) regulations and safe handling practices, improving awareness and compliance with hazardous materials protocols
  • Familiar with Canada Labour Code and its application in industrial settings, maintaining safety protocols and ensuring adherence to federal occupational health and safety standards

Executive

SCIENCE TO BUSINESS NETWORK
06.2021 - 06.2022
  • S2BN)
  • Organized and participated in events designed to support graduate-level trainees in their career development and transition processes
  • Coordinated networking events to connect professionals from academia and industry, fostering collaboration and innovative thinking through partnerships with outreach educational programs
  • Implemented knowledge translation activities, including hosting podcasts to disseminate research findings and promote scholarly communication

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, CMHA
07.2019 - 08.2021
  • Provided confidential supportive listening and information as necessary to individuals calling the Support Line
  • Assessed and triaged crisis calls as needed, linking callers to the Crisis Response Line when necessary
  • Utilized CMHA's database and other resources to provide community referral information to callers (who may reach out for reasons such as psychosis, risk of self-harm, emotional trauma, depression or anxiety, substance use, suicidal thoughts, etc.)
  • Maintained accurate data collection and entered relevant information into the database

Occupational scientist

WESTERN UNIVERSITY
09.2019 - 06.2021
  • Constructivist paradigm and narrative inquiry methodology were used to understand how older individuals with age-related vision loss story their occupational engagement through their interactions with social networks, and make meaning of the roles that social networks play in both facilitating and constraining their desired occupations
  • Participants were recruited from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and Society for Learning and Retirement
  • Data was collected through 3 sessions of semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews per participant
  • Case-specific thematic and structural narrative analysis were performed on participants' stories to demonstrate context-specific multiple realities

Functional Electrical Stimulation, PARKWOOD FITNESS CENTER
02.2020 - 03.2021
  • Assisted participants in using ergometers and FES rehabilitation techniques, which use electrical pulses to stimulate peripheral nerves, enabling muscles to work and perform activities despite paralysis caused by neurological diseases or injuries

Assistantship, WESTERN UNIVERSITY
01.2020 - 12.2020
  • B – Health Issues in Aging
  • HEALTSCI 1110A – Personal and Social Determinants of Resilience and Wellbeing
  • Proctored exams, per the policy of Administration of Examinations in the Academic Handbook
  • Facilitated group discussions through e-learning platforms (e.g., Zoom, Perusall, PeerWise)
  • Provided instructions, lectures, and supervision during tutorials and office hours.

Graduate, WESTERN UNIVERSITY
08.2020 - 11.2020
  • Recorded and edited audio files for online course content, encompassing 80 pages of script, using audio programs such as Audacity
  • Conducted administrative meetings with the employer to discuss work progress

Geriatric Social Worker

PARKWOOD INSTITUTE MENTAL HEALTH CARE
05.2019 - 05.2020
  • Provided specialized care and support to older-adult patients who live with late onset mental illnesses or severe behavioural responses
  • Worked collaboratively with patients, their families, and external partners in hospitals, residences, or long-term care homes to provide holistic care focused on assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, family/community support, and education

Executive Committee Member

STRENGTHIN
01.2018 - 12.2019
  • Organized and delivered a series of workshops aimed at reducing suicide and substance use in local high school communities by raising awareness about the importance of mental health
  • The workshops covered risk factors, health inequities related to mental health, and provided healthy self-care and stress-coping strategies
  • Collaborated with other school boards, student leaders, educators, and parent groups to promote positive interactions within and between social groups
  • Reviewed mental health programs and services delivered by the Board of Health, including the Ontario Public Health Standards, health equity guidelines, school health guidelines, healthy growth and development guidelines, and mental health promotion guidelines
  • Developed skills in project management, event planning, and organization/records management

Surgical Family Waiting Room Staff

ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH CARE
LONDON
01.2017 - 12.2019
  • Coordinated visits from family members of post-surgery patients, assisting them with checking into the family waiting room
  • Guided family members through the orientation process while the patient transitioned from surgery to the recovery period

ST. JOSEPH
01.2015 - 12.2019
  • S HEALTH CARE LONDON – MOUNT HOPE CENTER FOR LONG TERM CARE
  • Supported and enhanced the center's programs and services, including recreational activities, dining support, outings, and one-on-one visits, by addressing residents'/clients' strengths, needs, and preferences

Research Assistantship, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
09.2018 - 06.2019
  • Used GIS programs like ArcGIS to process and analyze spatial data
  • Gained comprehensive knowledge of GIS applications in health, including: (1) tracking disease outbreaks (GIS can map the spread of infectious diseases, identify hotspots, and monitor transmission patterns); (2) chronic disease management (GIS can correlate lifestyle and environmental risk factors with geographic regions that have higher prevalence of chronic health outcomes); (3) addressing health disparities and resource allocation (GIS can map the distribution of healthcare facilities and medical resources, thereby identifying areas with inadequate access to care); and (4) urban health planning (GIS can analyze factors such as green spaces, walkability, and air quality, to create healthier living environments)

Assistantship

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
09.2016 - 04.2018
  • Genetically mutate certain domains of a protein called Patched-1 (Ptch1)
  • Determine the specific functions of each domain of Ptch1 and identify novel biological molecules that interact with Ptch1, specifically at the luminal domains
  • Lab techniques used: (1) Yeast-Two-Hybrid Assay, (2) DNA cloning and PCR amplification, (3) immunofluorescence (to trace the localization of mutant Ptch1 within cells), (4) western blots, (5) cell culture, (6) Luciferase Assay
  • Long Term Care and Adult Day Service Provider

Education

12.2024

Doctor of Philosophy -

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, Public Health
07.2024

Master of Science - Health & Rehabilitation Sciences

WESTERN UNIVERSITY
06.2021

Bachelor of Science - Distinction Human

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
06.2018

Skills

  • Epidemiology
  • Biostatistics
  • Scientific programming languages (SAS, R, Stata)
  • Statistical software packages (Web Report Studio)
  • Survey design
  • Healthy risk assessment
  • Risk of bias assessment
  • GIS programs (QGIS)
  • Health applications of GIS
  • Mixed-methods research
  • Qualitative data collection and analysis
  • Interviewing skills
  • NVivo software
  • Teaching skills
  • Curriculum development
  • Knowledge mobilization
  • Workshop organization and delivery
  • Research publication
  • Presentation skills
  • Query writing
  • Peer reviews
  • Mental health advocacy
  • Suicide alertness training
  • Dementia friendliness training
  • Crisis support
  • Project management
  • Event planning
  • Record management
  • Rehabilitation therapy
  • Gel electrophoresis
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
  • Plasmid cloning
  • DNA sequencing
  • Yeast two-hybrid
  • Luciferase assay
  • Immunofluorescence
  • Leadership
  • Multitasking
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Analytical thinking
  • Organization and time management
  • Microsoft Office

Accomplishments

  • Fundamentals of university teaching | 2023, Waterloo, ON
  • Centre for Teaching Excellence, University of Waterloo
  • Delivered three instructional sessions in a university environment
  • Developed and organized course materials, implementing diverse teaching methods such as active learning, case-study or problem-based learning, and role-playing/simulation, to effectively engage students and foster critical thinking in the classroom
  • Revised assignments to ensure alignment with learning objectives and facilitated student accommodations to enhance the learning environment
  • Safetalk | 2020, London, ON
  • CMHA Middlesex
  • Completed training in suicide alertness dementia friendliness | 2020, London, ON
  • St
  • Joseph’s Health Care London
  • Completed workshops from Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex

Additional Information

  • Awards and Funding History , Ontario Graduate Scholarship ($15, ,000; $15,000; $15,000) , 2024 – 2025; 2023 – 2024; 2020 – 2021 President's Graduate Scholarship ($5000; $5,000) 2024 – 2025; 2023 – 2024 Susan Pearce and Leslie Harwood Endowment ($3500) 2023 – 2024 Network for Aging Research (NAR) Catalyst Grant ($8000) 2022 – 2023 Dean's Supplemental Funding Scholarship ($8333) 2022

Timeline

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
05.2023 - 08.2024

Experience Epidemiologist

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
09.2021 - Current

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
09.2021 - 04.2023

HEALTH YOUTH

Health Policy Peer, Reviewer, PUBLIC, ASSOCIATION OF
06.2021 - 09.2022

Executive

SCIENCE TO BUSINESS NETWORK
06.2021 - 06.2022

Graduate, WESTERN UNIVERSITY
08.2020 - 11.2020

Functional Electrical Stimulation, PARKWOOD FITNESS CENTER
02.2020 - 03.2021

Assistantship, WESTERN UNIVERSITY
01.2020 - 12.2020

Occupational scientist

WESTERN UNIVERSITY
09.2019 - 06.2021

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, CMHA
07.2019 - 08.2021

Geriatric Social Worker

PARKWOOD INSTITUTE MENTAL HEALTH CARE
05.2019 - 05.2020

Research Assistantship, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
09.2018 - 06.2019

Executive Committee Member

STRENGTHIN
01.2018 - 12.2019

Surgical Family Waiting Room Staff

ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH CARE
01.2017 - 12.2019

Assistantship

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
09.2016 - 04.2018

ST. JOSEPH
01.2015 - 12.2019

Doctor of Philosophy -

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, Public Health

Master of Science - Health & Rehabilitation Sciences

WESTERN UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Science - Distinction Human

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

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