Sept. 11, 2018

Markin undergrad helps promote children's well-being in the face of adversity

Learn more about the work of Rachel Eirich and other Markin scholars at research symposium Sept. 12
Rachel Eirich, far left, values being a part of a collaborative project, where the goal is to better the lives of children who have endured trauma. With her, from left: Nicole Racine, Sheri Madigan, and Daniel Garfinkle.

From left: Rachel Eirich, Nicole Racine, Sheri Madigan, and Daniel Garfinkle.

Stephanie Vahaaho, University of Calgary

In Canada about 30 per cent of children experience abuse before the age of 18. Every child who has faced abuse or neglect experiences an individual response to the trauma. For some, the consequences of child abuse can be long-term and detrimental to their physical and mental well-being.

Rachel Eirich, a recent Bachelor of Arts graduate in psychology, is passionate about helping children thrive in the face of adversity. Through her Markin Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP) in Health and Wellness studentship, Eirich has devoted her summer to gaining hands-on research experience and developing an understanding of how children overcome these difficult circumstances.

She has also seized the opportunity to collaborate with the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre to learn new perspectives and build skills that will inspire her pursuit of a career in clinical psychology. “I enjoy being a valued part of a collaborative project, where the goal of all of those involved, from researchers to clinicians, is to better the lives of children who have endured trauma,” says Eirich.

Mentoring Eirich this summer were Dr. Sheri Madigan, PhD, and Dr. Nicole Racine, PhD. Madigan holds a Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development and is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, a member of the Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and an associate member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute’s Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education. Racine is a clinical psychologist and postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Psychology. Integral to the project is a collaboration with Dr. Daniel Garfinkel, PhD, clinical psychologist and clinical co-ordinator for the Child Abuse Service at the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.

Eirich’s research looked at children who have experienced abuse and examines which therapies are the most successful. Specifically, Eirich has focused on what helps children be more engaged in therapy by examining their coping skills, school involvement, and how supported they are by their caregivers and peers.

“Although trauma-based treatments are effective, we do not have a clear understanding of what helps children overcome trauma, and what derails their recovery. This project is unique due to its partnership and collaboration with clinicians within the Child Abuse Service, allowing findings to be known outside of a research context so that families can benefit from them,” she says.

The findings will inform policy and clinical practice. Eirich has identifed unique focuses for prevention and intervention research. She hopes to leave the summer having participated in a project with direct relevance and implications. “I hope this allows me to help bridge the knowledge-to-practice gap and to establish connections with researchers and clinicians in my area of interest.” 

This summer, 35 exceptional students were awarded $6,000 studentships and had the opportunity to work under the mentorship of high profile researchers (faculty mentors). Their Markin research culminates at the 17th annual Markin USRP Student Research Symposium where these Markin scholars present their research project results.

We welcome all University of Calgary faculty, staff and community to join us in celebrating the achievements of these young researchers on Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Rozsa Centre.