Sept. 1, 2021
UCalgary experts available to discuss back-to-school
Calgary, AB – The University of Calgary has experts available to discuss education-related topics as families and students head back-to-school.
Werklund School of Education
Dr. Astrid Kendrick, Director, Field Experience (Community-Based Pathway)
Areas of expertise: Improving occupational wellness for educational workers; the extent and impacts of fatigue and burnout in Alberta educational workers, including teachers, administrators, support staff, and leaders.
Dr. Kelly Schwartz, Professor, School and Applied Child Psychology program
Areas of expertise: Pandemic stress on the mental health of Grade 6 to 12 students in Calgary and Edmonton; coping strategies employed by students; psychological, behavioural and learning supports students require.
Cynthia Prasow, Instructor, Director of Student Experience
Areas of expertise: Early childhood education; how parents can ensure children return to school on the right foot, including establishing a back-to-school routine, engaging in positive conversations about online and in-person learning, and explaining pandemic-related health mandates.
Dr. Michele Jacobsen, Professor, Learning Sciences
Areas of expertise: Technology-enabled learning; how to effectively integrate technology and learning; age-appropriate use of technology in learning; strategies for keeping children safe online.
Haskayne School of Business
Dr. Leighton Wilks, Senior Instructor, Associate Dean, Teaching & Learning
Areas of expertise: In-person vs. virtual learning.
Faculty of Arts
Sheri Madigan, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Canada Research Chair in the Determinants of Child Development
Areas of expertise: Psychological effects of COVID on children and adolescents; returning to school with possible psychological effects from COVID-19; youth depression and anxiety exacerbated by the pandemic.
Nicole Racine, Postdoctoral Associate, Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychology
Area of expertise: Psychological effects of COVID on children and adolescents; returning to school with possible psychological effects from COVID-19; youth depression and anxiety exacerbated by the pandemic.
Media inquiries
Jacqueline Sinnett
Media Relations Advisor, Media and Issues Management
403-389-3476
About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada’s most enterprising city. In our spirited, high-quality learning environment, students thrive in programs made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. Our strategy drives us to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, engaging the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.' For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/eyeshigh.
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