Publications
Research Reports
Irene's research interests focus on advancing health equity and addressing the social determinants of health among youth and Black communities. Her master's research project was one of the first studies she led examining income inequality in the Greater Toronto Area using Census data. More recently, she led the implementation of the Young Black Women’s Anti-Racism Insights to Action study.
Currently, Irene's research focuses on students' experiences preparing for and transitioning into post-secondary education. Through this work, she seeks to better understand the needs of young people in a post-pandemic context and help ensure they do not fall through the cracks while navigating their post-secondary journeys.
Young Black Women’s Anti-Black Racism Insights to Action
Irene led the development and implementation of the Young Black Women’s Anti-Racism Insights to Action study which explored the employment and justice experiences of Black women across the GTA.
Bias and Fairness of Machine Learning Methods in Healthcare
Irene was the recipient of the Toronto Data Workshop Award at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Information and Statistical Sciences to explore bias in technology and its effects on health disparities. She later wrote a reflection on the research for TRAD Magazine.
No one left behind: Exploring thriving income among the Black population in Toronto
For her Master’s major research project, Irene had the opportunity to work with the Wellesley Institute to explore ways income inequality impacts Black people in Toronto.
Public Writing
Check out some Irene’s writing pieces exploring research, program evaluation and experiences navigating academia and the workforce.
The Benefits and Limitations of
Arts-Based Approaches to Evaluation
During my work with Youth Research and Evaluation eXchange, I wrote a blog that identifies ways that arts-based methods are beneficial to youth work and its limitations.
Anti-Black Racism & Intersectional Approach to Reduce Poverty
This policy brief is a part of the Youth Policy Advocate’s COVID-19 Lessons Learned Volume highlighted the findings from the Young Black Women’s Anti-Racism Insights to Action Project with Women’s Health In Women’s Hands Community Health Centre.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
This blog post focuses on overcoming imposter syndrome as part of Rise In STEM’s participation in the Council for Youth Prosperity’s Strength In Structure project focused on career development for Black youth in the GTA.