Meet Our Student Researcher: Aira Elizabeth Mathew
May 22, 2025 | Research Centre
Meet Aira Elizabeth Mathew, a fourth-year Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Canadore College who is combining her love for healthcare and learning with hands-on research that is making a real difference. With a strong interest in mental health and collaborative care, Aira brings both academic dedication and practical curiosity to her role as a Research Assistant with Canadore College’s Research Centre. Prior to her nursing degree, she graduated from Father Michael Goetz Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario, and has since held multiple student leadership roles, worked in long-term care, and volunteered with North Bay Hospice. One of her proudest academic experiences has been participating in research that connects classroom learning to real-world health education.
Aira joined the Research Centre in 2023, motivated by a desire to understand better how healthcare systems function and how evidence-based practice is developed. “I was hoping to challenge myself and contribute to something beyond the classroom,” she says. “I did not expect to be involved in so many stages of real research work.” She quickly became a member of the team working on a national study exploring Interprofessional Education in Canadian colleges and universities.
Her responsibilities have included participating in interviews, transcribing and coding qualitative data, assisting with thematic analysis of institutional websites, entering data into SPSS, and synthesizing findings. She also contributed to the application process for a Stage One Partnership Grant and helped with literature reviews for additional research streams. Alongside this work, she assisted with the early development of a nursing assessment tool being piloted locally, drafting research ethics materials, survey instruments, and recruitment posters.
A highlight of Aira’s experience was presenting the Interprofessional Education team’s research findings at the UPLIFT 2025 Conference, where she was the only student presenter. She delivered a slideshow summarizing key outcomes of the Interprofessional Education study and later participated in a panel discussion to explore the broader implications. She also designed and presented a research poster at the Canadore College 2025 Student Expo, sharing the project’s process and insights with fellow students and faculty.
When asked what she has learned about applied research, Aira notes how practical and team-based the process is. “I used to think research was mostly academic or abstract. But applied research is hands-on and it involves collaboration, communication, and decision-making at every step.” She also emphasizes that research does not require perfection, just commitment and curiosity. “For students thinking about research, I would say do not be afraid to try. You do not have to know everything going in; the learning happens as you participate.”
Aira’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, teamwork, and dedication. Her contributions to the Research Centre reflect not only her academic excellence but also her passion for making an impact on healthcare. We are proud to celebrate her journey and excited to see the many ways she will continue to inspire others and shape the future of her field.
#Health, Human, Wellness #Interprofessional Education #Research