91ÅÝܽ

doctoral student in the

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am a White settler of British Isle and Austrian descent living on the traditional unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.Ìý I have worked as a registered nurse for over 15 years in perinatal, First Nations community health, and rural nursing.Ìý The patients I care for are what drives my research, particularly those who the healthcare system could do better by. I'm also mother to a precocious 4-year-old and curious 18-month-old who inspire me to model dedication to work that will positively impactÌý the lives of those with less power in society.Ìý

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

Once starting at SFU, I quickly realized I had made the right choice. I love that my fellow students come from so many different cultural backgrounds, which challenges me to reassess the way I have grown up thinking. The faculty I have encountered so far have been articulate, open-minded, engaged, and kind.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

In the last twenty years, the rate of people who use substances in pregnancy has tripled in BC. People who are addicted to substances such as fentanyl or cocaine often need enhanced hospital services for themselves and their babies. There are only three hospitals in BC which have specialized services for people who use substances in pregnancy. My research involves interviewing and surveying patients and providers, conducting chart reviews and site visits to evaluate the implementation of these three services. The goal is to understand what is being delivered at these sites, the barriers and facilitators to implementation and delivery, and the experiences of both patients and providers. I'll be using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, which combines Western and Indigenous ways of knowing, drawing on implementation science and tools, frameworks and methodologies created by local First Nations groups. The ultimate goal is to outline what is and isn't working to improve care and assist other hospitals in BC which provide maternity care to provide excellent care for parents and their infants affected by perinatal substance use.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Implementation science, Perinatal substance use services, Mixed methods evaluation

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

Prior to embarking on my PhD, I was a research assistant with Dr. Nosyk's research team at the Center for Advancing Health Outcomes. In this role, I coordinatedÌý six sharing circles, one in each health authority with people lived experience of pregnancy and substance use, and one virtual meeting with outreach workers, and conducted a thematic analysis of what was shared. I also conducted an environmental skin of existing services for perinatal substance use in BC. This work, combined with Dr. Nosyk's commitment to rigorous methodology and excellent science, laid a strong foundation upon which I am now buildingÌý my doctoral research.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I was awarded the CIHR Doctoral Canadian Graduate Scholarship in 2025. Additionally, my research team was awarded $1.3 million to conduct the SUPPORT project, of which my doctoral work is central. Being a successful candidate for these awards is both an honor and a reminder that this research is timely and important,Ìý which encourages me to persevere. Receiving these awards is enabling me to be fully engaged in my academic studies while also fulfilling my responsibilities to my providing for my family.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

Doing something wrong and having to redo it or toss it out altogether is not a waste, but actually part of the learning journey and results in more excellent work in the long run.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

First of all, recognize that graduate schools is not a season of balance, and that's okay. Second, recognize the point of diminishing returns, when taking a break and getting some fresh air or sleep or thinking about something else for a while will actually give you more insight, productivity and stamina in the long run.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

A PhD is not an individual achievement! My progress thus far has only been possible through others investing in me. My husband, in particular, is the reason I am able to pursue graduate education, acting as a sherpa and carrying all my other responsibilities so I can dedicate myself to my research.

Ìý

Contact Shannon:shannon_joyce@sfu.ca

Additional Links