Principal Investigators

Josephine McMurray, MRT, MBA, PhD, FBTM

Josephine is an AGE-WELL NCE Researcher & Associate Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University in the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, Business Technology Management program. She completed her PhD in the Health Studies & Gerontology Department, University of Waterloo and worked as a Research Associate with Dr. Paul Stolee from the Geriatrics Health System Research Group, and lecturer for the University of Waterloo, Master in Public Health program. Her AGEWELL sponsored research includes regional innovation ecosystems development and evolution, particularly those related to health and age-related innovation and entrepreneurship. Her Tri-Council & other sponsored research include an economic evaluation of an early-detection dementia technology (OCE-HTF), the use of smartphones to collect contextual research data (SSHRC), how women innovators and entrepreneurs impact and are impacted by region innovation ecosystems (SSHRC), and factors that impact older adults acceptance of smart technology and AI for aging in place (SSHRC). She is currently collaborating with other researchers on projects that examine the impact of regionality on innovation in Canada, gamification and electronic medication administration record (eMAR) systems for use in simulated clinical education, frailty in primary care, and adoption of IAT by older adults based on simulated nursing environments.

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Heidi Sveistrup, PhD, M.A., B.Ed.

Heidi Sveistrup is Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa; CEO/CSO Bruyère Research Institute and VP Research and Academic Affairs, Bruyère Continuing Care. Heidi’s research focuses on motor control and the use of technology to support rehabilitation, aging and independent living. With her students and collaborators, she works with neurological patients and older adults both in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation units as well as in the home and community. Specific technologies that she is currently studying include virtual reality, smart sensors and motivational tools for supporting activity. Heidi is a founding member of the SAM3 Hub (Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory), a partnership between Carleton University, Bruyère and the AGE- WELL NCE. Heidi is Co-PI on the DRiVE project, and as a member of the REGiNE research project in DRiVE, she is exploring the role of women in regional innovation ecosystems, particularly those focused on health and age-related technologies.

Research Fellow

Heather McNeil, PhD

Heather is passionate about improving quality of life for older adults and is interested in how innovation can support this. She is a post-doctoral fellow with the DRiVE team who recently completed her PhD in the University of Waterloo’s Health, Aging, and Well-being program. She has expertise in patient and community engagement, health innovation for older adults, patient experience, mixed methods, and knowledge translation and exchange. Her dissertation, The ECOTECH project, funded through the DRiVE project focused on the engagement of older adults and their caregivers in regional health innovation ecosystems. To create balance in her life, Heather enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking and practicing yoga. Follow Heather on Twitter @h_mcneilUW.

Masters Research Assistant

Ann Marie Corrado, BHSc, MSc, Student

Ann Marie is a highly-motivated research professional with a palpable passion for improving the lives of older adults and family caregivers, through the use of technology. She is currently nearing completion of a Master’s of Science degree at the University of Western Ontario, which is focused on the experiences family caregivers have of in-home respite with a new technology-enabled model of palliative home care. Concurrent to her studies, Ann Marie has extensive experience working with older adults, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and technology providers to improve the design and development of technologies. As a Consultant on the DRiVE team, Ann Marie will work collaboratively to provide research, analysis and writing support.