Meet the isti scholars
Kaylee Byers
91ÅÝܽ
Dr. Kaylee Byers is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at 91ÅÝܽ, a Senior Scientist with the Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society, and the Deputy Director of the British Columbia node of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative. Dr. Byers' research investigates the connections among human-animal-and environmental health to support programs that lead to early detection, prevention and management of emerging health issues. She is also passionate about science communication, hosting Genome BC's podcast and co-organizes , a quarterly science seminar series.
Read more about Kaylee's experience as a SFU-UBC Implementation Science Scholar:
Can you tell us a little bit about your implementation science research project?
Wildlife diseases not only threaten the health of wildlife populations but also disrupt ecosystems and the human communities that rely on them. Effective disease management depends on wildlife health surveillance programs, which monitor affected species and track potential transmission pathways. However, these programs often face significant implementation challenges. As an Implementation Science Scholar, I am partnering with the BC Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship to explore how Implementation Science can enhance the effectiveness of wildlife health surveillance. Specifically, I’m focused on integrating genomic monitoring tools within their Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance program, using IS principles to address the barriers and facilitators of implementing these innovative tools in real-world settings.
What has been the most valuable part of the program for you, whether in terms of collaboration, learning, or applying what you’ve learned?
The program has introduced me to a new field of inquiry and a network of collaborators who share a passion for bridging the gap between research and practice. Stepping into the realm of Implementation Science has been both challenging and inspiring, and having a supportive cohort to navigate this journey with has made it an incredibly enriching experience.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying to this program for the next cohort?
Do it! Implementation Science is critical for moving research into practical outcomes, and this program will equip you with both the foundational knowledge and the interdisciplinary connections necessary to apply IS methods in your work. It’s a unique opportunity to not only learn but also to build relationships that will shape your approach to solving real-world implementation challenges.