Scholarships

The Legion National Foundation Masters Scholarship
2024:
Capt. (Ret'd) SueEllen MacGowan, RP, MACP, MBA, BA, CD, University of Ottawa, for the research - Brain region connectivity following neurofeedback in participants with PTSD

2023:
Kathryn Reeves, BA (Hons), Mount Saint Vincent University, for the research - The Intergenerational Impacts of Military Service Related Moral Injury
2022:
Martine Southall, BS (Hons), University of Manitoba, for the research - Understanding the Relationship between Cannabis Use and Psychotherapeutic Treatment in Canadian Veterans: A Mixed-Methods Study
2021:
Meredith Seager, BSc, University of Manitoba, for the research - A longitudinal exploration of the relationship between traumatic brain injuries and chronic pain conditions in both active duty and veteran soldiers: Results from the Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey.
2020:
Abdelhakim Khellaf, MD, University of Toronto, for the research Improving Traumatic Brain Injury Classification using Multimodal Data-driven Approaches.
2019:
Kaitlin Sullivan, BA & Sc, University of British Columbia, for the research Identifying neuronal subpopulation participation across the stages fear memory.
2018:
Mr. Massimo Cau, University of British Columbia, for his research Wearable Hemostatic Combat Protection to Prevent Mortality and Morbidity from Hemorrhage Treatment of Ballistic Injuries.
2017:
Kelly Chen-McDonagh, Queen’s University, for her research Investigating the Benefits of Psychiatric Service Dogs and Companion Dogs for Canadian Armed Force (CAF) Members Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
2016:
Mr. Jeremiah Buhler, University of Manitoba, for his research on Efficacy of Online Chronic Pain for Military, RCMP, and Veterans: A Randomized Control Trial.
2015:
Ms. Ashleigh Forsyth, Queen's University, for her research that addresses important issues in the mental health and well-being of military Veterans.
2014:
Former Reservist Brigitte Phinney, Carleton University, for her research on The role of social support and coping in the positive mental health of Reservists having been deployed to Afghanistan.

The Dr. Mark Zamorski Award
2024:
Jessica Dekker, BSc, McGill University, for the research – Positive Epidemiology - Pre and Peri-Pandemic Psychological Resilience in Older Veterans in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

2023:
Blake Boehme, MSc, University of Regina, for the research – Personalized Psychological Networks in Canadian Forces Veterans with PTSD: A Proof of Concept Study.
2022:
Nabil Ali-Mohamad, BASc, University of British Columbia, for the research - Quantifying the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder following traumatic blunt or penetrating trauma to the torso area
2021:
Sophia Roth, PhD (c), McMaster University, for the research - Measuring and Characterizing Minority Stress and Moral Injury in Sexual- and Gender-Minority Military and Veterans.
2020:
Valérie Ranger, MA, University of Ottawa, for the research Cognitive reserve, cognition, and post-traumatic stress disorder: findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.
2019:
Jordana Sommer, BA, University of Manitoba, for the research A Longitudinal Population-Based Examination of Comorbid Relationships Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Physical Health Conditions Among Canadian Military Personnel.

The Royal Canadian Legion Doctoral Scholarship in Military and Veteran Health Research
2024:
Raphaëlle Merlo, Université Laval, for the research - Observance à un auto-traitement chez des militaires en service : vers une bonification et une adaptation des services
Wounded Warriors Doctoral Scholarship in Military and Veteran Health Research
2022:
Jordana Sommer, PhD (c), University of Manitoba, for the research - Protective factors for mental health conditions among survivors of military sexual trauma: A Canadian population-based study

2021:
Sarah Watling, MSc, University of Toronto, for the research Visualizing Posttraumatic stress disorder with in vivo brain imaging- a multimodal approach.
2020:
Kate St. Cyr, MSc, PhD Candidate, University of Toronto, for the research Sex-specific differences in mental health service utilization amongst Canadian Armed Forces Veterans in Ontario: a population-based study.
2019:
Ashley Williams, PhD (Cand), Queen's University, for the research From Canadian Forces Health Services to the Civilian Heath Care System: A Study of Veteran Health Transition.
2018:
Stephanie Houle-Johnson, University of Ottawa, for her research Moral Injury in the Canadian Armed Forces: Symptomatology, Nosology, and Clinical Utility.
2017:
Tara Collins, University of Calgary, for her research An Understanding of Residing with a Military Member with PTSD.
2016:
Ms. Linna Tam-Seto, Queen’s University, for her research on Enhancing health care providers' capacity to work effectively with Canadian military and Veteran families: A cultural competency model.
2015:
Ms. Helena Hawryluk, University of Calgary, for her research on adolescents living on a Canadian Armed Forces Base who are experiencing reintegration to long-term parental separation post Afghanistan.
2014:
Ms. Celina Shirazipour, Queen's University, for her research on Sport participation among military veterans with physical impairments.
2013:
Mr. Duncan Shields, University of British Columbia, for his research on improving the mental health and well-being of military and Veteran populations by increasing access to and engagement in services through "culturally" appropriate practice. For more information on Mr. Shields' research: CIMVHR Newsletter, Issue 11

Forum Awards

Banting Award
2024:
Andrea Jones, PhD, Veteran Affairs Canada, for the research Cancer Incidence in Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Enlisted between 1976 and 2016: A retrospective cohort study
Forum 2024 Abstract - https://bit.ly/3UWARIM p. 72

2023:
Eric Robitaille, PhD, Canadian Forces Health Services, for the research The effectiveness of standardized physical training programs to reduce musculoskeletal injuries in Canadian Armed Forces combat arms developmental courses
Forum 2023 Abstract - https://bit.ly/40uFOdD p. 90
 
Hans Christian Tingelstad, PhD, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, for the research Absolute strength: A key predictor of injury risk in Infantry Developmental Period 1 infantry candidates
Forum 2023 Abstract - https://bit.ly/40uFOdD p. 94
2022:
Chris Edwards, PhD (c), University of Ottawa, for the research Does a History of Childbirth Impact Musculoskeletal Injury in Female Military Members?
Forum 2022 Abstract - https://bit.ly/3TF5RK5 p. 56
2021:
Stacey Silins, PhD, for the research Exploring the lived experiences of members impacted by sexual misconduct in the CAF: Impacts and the threat of secondary harm.
Forum 2021 Abstract – p. 34
2019:
Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD, Western University, for the research Alpha Neurofeedback as an Adjunct Treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A randomized controlled trial with Jetly, Rakesh, MD; and Ros, Tomas, PhD.
Forum 2019 Abstract – p. 28
2018:
Robert Hawes, Canadian Armed Forces, for his research Battle Injury, Non-battle Injury and Disease among Canadian Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, 2004-2012: A novel program of operational and population health research with Thériault, F., PhD (Cand); Lu, D, MD, PhD.
Forum 2018 Abstract - p. 69
2017:
Benjamin Dunkley , PhD, The Hospital for Sick Kids & University of Toronto, for his research Perception of Emotional Faces Induces Fear Circuit Hyper Connectivity in Soldiers with PTSD with Taylor, M.J., PhD; Wong, S., BSc ; Shah-Basak, P., PhD; Jetly, R., MD3 ; and Pang, E.W., PhD.
Forum 2017 Abstract - p. 7
2016:
Christian Kastrup , PhD, University of British Columbia, for his research titled Self-propelling Particles that Stop Severe Haemorrhage in Swine by Transporting Tranexamic Acid and Thrombin through Flowing Blood.
Forum 2016 Abstract - p. 9
2015:
Deniz Fikretoglu , PhD, DRDC, for her research titled Perceived Need for Mental Health Care in Canadian Military and Civilian Populations: Implications for Workplace Mental Health.
For more information on Dr. Fikretoglu's research:
Forum 2015 Abstract - p. 14
2014:
Steven Fischer , PhD, Queen's University, for his research titled Near Term Solution to Address Aircrew Neck Pain.
For more information on Dr. Fischer's research:
Forum 2014 Abstract - p. 70
CIMVHR Newsletter, Issue 10 - p. 2
2013:
Mark Zamorski , MD, DND Directorate of Mental Health, for his research titled Sitting on a Gold Mine: The 2013 Canadian Armed Forces Cross-sectional Mental Health Survey Dataset.
For more information on Dr. Zamorski' research:
Forum 2013 Abstract - p. 20
CIMVHR Newsletter, Issue 7 - p. 2
2012:
Jacqueline Hebert , MD, FRCPC, University of Alberta, for her research titled A Novel Method to Provide Sensory Feedback and Improve Function of Myoelectric Prostheses after Upper Limb Amputation.
For more information on Dr. Hebert's research:
Forum 2012 Abstract - p. 18
CIMVHR Newsletter, Issue 4 - p. 3
2011:
Jitender Sareen , MD, University of Manitoba, for his research titled Adverse Childhood Experiences in Relation to Mood and Anxiety Disorders in a Population-Based Sample of Active Military Personnel.
For more information on Dr. Sareen's research:
CIMVHR Newsletter, Issue 1 - p. 3

Release Point Education Student Award
2024:
Kathryn Reeves, BA, Mount Saint Vincent University, for the research Women Veteran’s Experiences, Perspectives and Mental Health Impacts of Encounters with Children During International Operations
Forum 2024 Abstract – https://bit.ly/3OenUX7 p. 99

2023:
Lauren Roberts, MSc, PhD Student, Queen’s University, for the research Considerations on the application of family theories, models, and frameworks within adult rehabilitation and recovery following acquired injury or illness
Forum 2023 Abstract – https://bit.ly/40uFOdD p. 22

Student Research Award
2024:
Robyn E. Shields, MSc, University of Regina, for the research Mental Health Disorder Symptoms among Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Forum 2024 Abstract – http://bit.ly/48ZsHFA p. 16

2023:
Ashley Williams, PhD, McMaster University, for the research What do civilian healthcare providers need to know to care for Veterans with chronic pain? A qualitative study
Forum 2023 Abstract – https://bit.ly/40uFOdD p. 116
2022:
Nadine Leduc, MA, Memorial University of Newfoundland, for the research The Impact of Leadership Behaviours on the Mental Well-being of Public Safety Communicators
Forum 2022 Abstract - https://bit.ly/3TF5RK5 p. 23
2021:
Massimo Cau, MSc, UBC, for the research Minimally Invasive Delivery of CounterFlow Hemostatic Powder Extends Survivability in a Model of Non-Compressible Truncal Hemorrhage in Swine
Forum 2021 Abstract – p. 39
2019:
Jennifer Drummelsmith, MA, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, for the research Mental Health Needs and Perceptions of Incarcerated Canadian Veterans.
Forum 2019 Abstract – P. 104
2018:
Ryan Van Slyke, Syracuse University, for his research Communities Serve: A Systematic Review of Need Assessments on U.S. Veteran and Military-Connected Family Populations with Armstrong, N., PhD; Huitink, Z., PhD.
Forum 2018 Abstract - p. 89
2017:
Daniel Cousineau-Short, University of Waterloo, for his research Fractures in the Canadian Armed Forces: Operational Impact, Cost and Opportunities for Injury Prevention with Hawes, R.A., PhD (Cand); and Theriault, F., PhD (Cand).
Forum 2017 Abstract - p. 48
2016:
Ms. Rachael Gribble, Kings College London, for her presentation titled The Well-being of UK Military Spouses during Military Relocation: Influences on Identity, Agency and Connectedness.
Forum 2016 Abstract - p. 65
2015:
Ms. Linna Tam-Seto, Queen's University, for her presentation An Environmental Scan of Programs and Services for Families of Veterans with Operational Stress Injuries.
For more information on Ms. Tam-Seto's research:
Forum 2015 Abstract - p. 56

Mental Health Research Award
2024:
Henry Bowen, PhD, Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA), for the research Developing and Testing Training for Cultural Competency for Civilians Working with Military Populations in Australia
Forum 2024 Abstract – https://bit.ly/3ZahApW p. 92

2023:
Kaitlin Chivers-Wilson, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Alberta Health Services for the research Evaluating the effectiveness of delivering Cognitive Processing Therapy in an intensive format for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in an Operational Stress Injury context
Forum 2023 Abstract – https://bit.ly/40uFOdD p. 126
2022:
Gia (Gaayathri) Geetha, MA, Department of National Defence; University of Ottawa, for the research Evaluation of The Road to Mental Readiness for Canadian Forces Health Services Personnel
Forum 2022 Abstract - https://bit.ly/3TF5RK5 p. 50
2019:
Robin Campbell, PhD (Cand), Dalhousie University for the research After the Alarm: Navigating community assets to cope with occupational stress with MacDermid, Joy, PhD.
Forum 2019 Abstract – p. 29
2018:
LCol Suzanne Bailey, Canadian Armed Forces, her research Ten years of R2MR: How the Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) program has evolved from 2008-2018 with Guest, K., MSW.
Forum 2018 Abstract - p. 49
2017:
Noel Lipana, University of Southern California, for his research Treating Moral Injury and Posttraumatic Stress: Exploring a Model That Works with Graeser, N., MDiv; and MSW, DSW (Cand).
Forum 2017 Abstract - p. 3
2016:
Dr. Allison Feduccia, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, for her presentation titled MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of Chronic PTSD: Findings from MAPS-sponsored Phase 2 Clinical Research Trials.
Forum 2016 Abstract - p. 24
2015:
Dr. Craig Bryan, the National Center for Veterans Studies and the University of Utah, for his presentation Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Prevent Suicide Attempts in the Military.
For more information on Dr. Bryan's research:
Forum 2015 Abstract - p. 21

Colonel Russell Mann Military, Veteran and Public Safety Families Research Award
2024:
Samantha Noyek, PhD, Veterans Affairs Canada, for the research Peer Feedback on the Operational Stress Injury Social Support Program (2013-2018)
Forum 2024 Abstract – https://bit.ly/48WsAKM p. 98

2023:
Michèle L. Hébert, PhD, OT, University of Alberta, Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium (HiMARC) for the research Building Community Capacity by Designing a Novel Pan-Canadian Military Family-centred Strengthening Programme with Military Families, Service Providers and Decision-makers
Forum 2023 Abstract – https://bit.ly/40uFOdD p. 24
2022:
Kamaldeep Gill, PhD, Queen’s University, for the research A Systematic Review of Suicidality amongst Military Family Members: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Forum 2022 Abstract - https://bit.ly/3TF5RK5 p. 7
2021:
Lynda Manser, MA, for the research The State of Military Families in Canada: A Scoping Review and for Relocation Experiences: The Experiences of Military Families with Relocations Due to Postings – Survey Results, as well as for her subsequent knowledge mobilization efforts. This research, along with her work on Services for Military and Veteran Families: The 2020+ Strategic Framework.
2019:
Valerie Wood, PhD, Queen's University, for the research Reunited, but he’s not Meeting my Needs: Spouses’ attachment anxiety and conflict post-deployment with MacDonald, Tara, PhD; and Tam-Seto, Linna, PhD.
Forum 2019 Abstract – p.20
2018:
Dr. Deborah Norris, Mount St. Vincent University, for her research Military Family Resilience/y: An environmental scan of programs and services with Cramm, H., PhD; Smith-Evans, K., MA; Hill, S., MEd; Mahar, A., PhD.
Forum 2018 Abstract - p. 40
2017:
Alyson Mahar, Queen’s University, for her research A Comparison of Mental Health Services use in Older Dependents and Spouses of Service Personnel in the Canadian Armed Forces to Age and Sex Matched Civilian Comparison Cohort with Cramm, H., PhD; Whitehead, M., MStat; Groome, P., PhD; Kurdyak, P., MD, PhD; Aiken, A.B., PhD.
Forum 2017 Abstract - p. 8
2016:
Dr. Heidi Cramm, Queen’s University, and her team, Dr. Garth Smith, Dr. Dawa Samdup, Ms. Ashley Williams and Ms. Lucia Ruhland for their work, Navigating Healthcare Systems for Military-connected Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study of Military Families Experiencing Mandatory Relocation
Forum 2016 Abstract - p. 17
2015:
Dr. Alla Skomorovsky, DND, for her presentation Work-Family Conflict and Well-being among Single Parents in CAF: The Role of Coping.
For more information on Dr. Skomorovsky’s research:
Forum 2015 Abstract - p. 52

Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) Public Safety Personnel (PSP) Mental Health Research Award
2024:
Jonathan Lieberman, PhD (c), Atlas Institute for Veterans & Families; McMaster University; Lawson Health Research Institute, for the research Exploring the Impact of Biological Sex on Intrinsic Connectivity Networks in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A DataDriven Approach
Forum 2024 Abstract – https://bit.ly/4hM7KcN p. 79

2023:
Andrea D'Alessandro-Lowe, MSc, PhD Student, McMaster University, Homewood Research Institute, for the research Associations Between Coping, Supports and Moral Injury Symptoms among Canadian Public Safety Personnel
Forum 2023 Abstract – https://bit.ly/40uFOdD p. 56

Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health Editors’ Choice Award
2024:
Julie-Anne McCarthy, MSc, PhD (c), University of Manitoba, for the research Examining Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Potentially Psychologically Traumatic Events and Mental Health among RCMP Cadets entering the Depot Training Program
Forum 2024 Abstract – https://bit.ly/40rTGdD p. 31

2023:
Kate St. Cyr, MSc, PhD (c), University of Toronto; Lawson Health Research Institute, for the research A retrospective cohort analysis of mental health-related emergency department visits among Veterans and non-Veterans in Ontario, Canada
Forum 2023 Abstract – https://bit.ly/40uFOdD p. 115
2022:
Rebecca Gomez, MD, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre; University of Ottawa, for the research Stellate Ganglion Block for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military Veterans and Royal Canadian Mounted Police: A Case Series
Forum 2022 Abstract - https://bit.ly/3TF5RK5 p. 98
2021:
Shawn Rhind, PhD and team, for the research Peripheral blood neurological injury biomarker profiles are elevated in Canadian Special Operations Forces snipers following heavy weapons training.
Forum 2021 Abstract – p. 50
2019:
Stephanie Houle-Johnson, BA, University of Ottawa, for the research Impact of Potentially Morally Injurious Experiences in the Canadian Forces: A multi-method analysis with Vincent, Colin, MSW; Jetly, Rakesh, MD; and Ashbaugh, Andrea, PhD.
Forum 2019 Abstract – p. 66
2018:
Alina Protopopescu, McMaster University, for her research The Relation between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Moral Injury in the Canadian Armed Forces with Battaglia, A., BSc; Boyd, J., MSc; Lloyd, C., BA; Jetly, R., MD; O’Connor, C., MSc; Hood, H., PhD; Nazarov, A., PhD; Rhind, S., PhD; Lanius, R., MD, PhD; McKinnon, M., PhD
Forum 2018 Abstract - p. 55
2017:
Donna Pickering, Department of National Defence, for her research, A Qualitative Analysis of Factors Affecting Canadian Army Reservists Wellbeing with D’Agata, M., MSc; Blackler, K., MSc; Nazarov, A., PhD; and Richardson, M. LCol, MA.
Forum 2017 Abstract - p. 70
2016:
Ms. Alyson Mahar, Queen’s University and King’s College London, for her presentation titled Canadian Public Opinion of the Armed Forces
Forum 2016 Abstract - p. 78
2015:
Ms. Andrea Stelnicki and Dr. Kelly Schwartz, University of Calgary, for their poster How Children Respond to OSI: Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Outcomes in Children of Military Parents.
For more information on Ms. Stelnicki and Dr. Schwartz's research:
Forum 2015 Abstract - p. 64