The new year 2025 has arrived, bringing with it the promise of fresh starts, new actions, and valuable learning opportunities. As we transition back from winter break, our Fellows are rejuvenated and ready to embrace the challenges ahead, enhancing their skills in data analytics focused on aging populations. Let’s take a moment to explore the insights of Valentin, Jiaxin, and Adebayo!
Valentin Pautonnier
First of all, a question that always piques our curiosity: What are your New Year Resolutions, especially in research?
As any researcher at this point, I would like to work more efficently on the first place. Also, I would like to be finally able to explain to my family/friends what I am actually doing. This program is a big help in that regard, since it gathers people from different backgrounds and specialities around the acquisition of vulgarization skills towards all publics.
Now, let’s delve into some reflections. A new beginning does not mean we forget the past! Can you share a pivotal moment that shaped your research journey and how CanD3 has reinforced your research purpose? Valentin, please share your thoughts.
My pivotal moment occurred during my bachelor’s year at Sciences Po Grenoble (France) when I discovered electoral geography. The intricacies of election maps captivated me and led me to examine the complex factors influencing place-based political opinions and lifestyles. CAnD3 has been instrumental in enhancing my data analysis skills, particularly through R workshops. Engaging discussions and presentations—such as DAG and data ethics—have also helped me become more rigorous in my research pursuits.
Could you highlight a recent publication or project that you are particularly proud of? What were the most exciting or challenging aspects of this work?
I am proud to have submitted and receveid on a R&R on a paper titled 'Rural-Urban Cleavage in the US: Stability and Change'. This paper has required a lot of efforts in data management, story-telling and team working in a field where making a contribution is particularly challenging. I enjoyed having to frame the paper alongside my co-authors to make the better use of the amazing data and analysis we had.
Outside of your research endeavors, what hobby or interest might surprise people?
I am passionate about medium-distance running and enjoy going to the gym! This hobby serves as a fitting metaphor for the journey of a PhD candidate: it requires resilience, stamina, and strength to keep pace with the demands.
For a fun thought experiment: If you could instantly access any dataset in the world for your research, what would it be and how would it enhance your work?
I would seek access to comprehensive socio-demographic, lifestyle, and political orientation data at both individual and aggregate levels—ideally at the smallest scale possible. This would enable me to conduct surveys exploring how individuals interact with their environments and how these interactions shape their political views.
Jiaxin Gu
Now it’s your turn, Jiaxin! Could you share with us your New Year resolutions?
For the new year, I will dedicate my time to finishing my dissertation, which examines immigrant integration in the labour market across Western and Atlantic provinces in Canada. On the side, I hope to get back to badminton court and practice more often.
Can you reflect on a pivotal moment that shaped your research journey and how CanD3 has reinforced your research purpose?
I found the group DAGs session particularly enjoyable. We created a humorous DAG that illustrated the joys and challenges many of us have faced during our graduate studies. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed attending the R Bootcamp at Â鶹Çø last summer; it equipped me with essential skills in both basic and advanced R programming as well as data visualization tools that have proven invaluable.
Let’s explore your aspirations: If you could design a dream project combining your research interests with CAnD3's resources, what would it look like and what impact would you hope to achieve?
My dream project would analyze provincial disparities in immigration integration outcomes using a data-driven approach, leveraging CanD3's resources to connect with stakeholders and policymakers. The project would ideally foster collaboration between researchers and government agencies, driving policies that promote equitable integration and contributing to more cohesive, inclusive communities across Canada.
Outside of academia, what hobby or interest might surprise people?
I enjoy playing badminton in my spare time but have not had much opportunity to practice due to arthritis. I am hopeful about returning to the court after treatment in January!
Sounds like you are already excited for a come-back! Now for a lighthearted question: If you could assemble a dream team of three fictional characters to assist in your research, who would they be and what roles would they play?
1. Tom Riddle's Diary (if we count it as a character) to assist with drafting manuscripts.
2. The Genie from Aladdin would serve as our wish-maker whenever we need something extraordinary.
3. Sherlock Holmes—specifically Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal—would undoubtedly excel as our top data analyst for any quantitative research project.
Adebayo Makanju
Finally, Adebayo! Could you share a New Year Resolutions, especially in research?Â
In 2025, I resolve to deepen my research impact by advancing knowledge dissemination and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. I aim to refine my expertise in AI-driven health equity analysis while translating findings into actionable policies that address aging disparities. By mentoring future researchers and engaging in advocacy, I will champion innovative, equitable solutions to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations globally.
Can you share a pivotal moment that shaped your research journey? How has CanD3 helped reinforce your research purpose?
A pivotal moment in my research journey was meeting Professor Khan, whose expertise in health economics shaped my academic path. His lecture on the socioeconomic impacts of aging highlighted the crucial link between policy, economics, and health outcomes, inspiring me to delve deeper into the field. Under his mentorship, I learned how health economics can foster equitable policies and acquired research methods that connect data analytics with real-world issues. The CAnD3 program has further solidified my commitment to using analytics for public health outcomes, combining Professor Khan's influence with CAnD3's resources to drive solutions for global health equity.
Could you highlight a recent publication or project that stands out for you? What were its most exciting or challenging aspects?
One of my publications that stands out is "A Cross-Sectional Study on the Socio-Economic Determinants of Later Life Frailty in Southwestern Nigeria" (Makanju A et al., 2022). This work delves into the critical intersection of aging and socioeconomic factors, offering insights into how disparities shape health outcomes in older adults. The study revealed the significant role of income inequality, education, and access to healthcare in determining frailty among this population.
The most exciting aspect was uncovering patterns that challenged conventional assumptions, such as the nuanced impact of cultural norms on resilience and health-seeking behavior. This underscored the need for tailored interventions that consider socio-cultural dynamics. However, the project also posed challenges, particularly in gathering reliable data in under-resourced settings and accounting for variables like unreported chronic illnesses.
Ultimately, this research reinforced the urgency of addressing socioeconomic disparities to improve health equity in aging populations, a purpose that continues to drive my work.
Outside of research, do you have any surprising hobbies or interests?
Outside of research, I have a deep love for watching soccer games, finding joy in the strategy and teamwork that mirrors real-life challenges. Volunteering is also close to my heart, especially with the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, where I support initiatives for those affected by dementia, and Statistics Without Borders, where I contribute to meaningful projects that drive positive global change.
For an engaging closing question: If you could have dinner with any data scientist or researcher—past or present—who would it be and what burning question would you ask them?
I would choose Nobel laureate Kenneth Arrow, a distinguished health economist. My burning question would focus on ethics and the application of artificial intelligence within health economics in the 21st century.
Thank you all for sharing your insights as we embark on this New Year! We wish each of you an eventful year filled with positive developments, rewarding experiences, and all the best on your research journeys!
