Shirley Chen

People everywhere are increasingly being displaced from their homes by climate-related disasters. My research aims to support the health of these communities by developing better ways to track and respond to the health impacts of evacuation. To me, being a Public Scholar means using the PhD as an opportunity not only to generate knowledge, but to ensure that the process and outcomes are grounded in the needs and values of the communities most affected.

Public Scholars Initiative
Program
Doctor of Philosophy in Population and Public Health (PhD)
Research supervisor(s)
Sarah Henderson
Home Town
Pujiang
Country
China
Selected Award(s)
UBC Public Scholars Award
Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)

Research description

Climate change is driving more frequent and severe natural disasters in Canada, leading to a growing number of community evacuations. While evacuations are essential for protecting people from the imminent danger of disasters, the process itself can have significant short- and long-term health effects, especially for individuals already experiencing social or economic disadvantages. My research uses a mixed-methods approach to explore how evacuation affects health in both the short and long term with case studies from the 2021 Merritt flood and Lytton wildfire in British Columbia (BC). Quantitative data on health impacts will be contextualised with individual and community-level experiences of evacuees before, during, and after disaster and displacement. Based on these findings, I will develop a set of tools and methods to support public health research and surveillance of evacuated populations in BC and elsewhere. These tools will be co-developed with input from affected communities and shaped with engagement across multiple partners.

What does being a Public Scholar mean?

It has always been important to me that my PhD work contributes meaningfully to society. With a background in environmental public health, I’ve spent nearly a decade working to understand how climate change affects our health and how we can better monitor and respond to those impacts. People everywhere are increasingly being displaced from their homes by climate-related disasters. My research aims to support the health of these communities by developing better ways to track and respond to the health impacts of evacuation. To me, being a Public Scholar means using the PhD as an opportunity not only to generate knowledge, but to ensure that the process and outcomes are grounded in the needs and values of the communities most affected.

In what ways do you think the PhD experience can be re-imagined with this Initiative?

The PSI challenges PhD students to think beyond the traditional boundaries of academia. It asks students to think beyond the “what” of our research and also explore why it matters, for whom, and to what end. The initiative promotes the idea that scholarship goes beyond simply generating new knowledge or asking novel questions and emphasizes the responsibility to use the knowledge in ways that benefit society.

How do you envision connecting your PhD work with broader career possibilities?

As a student returning to graduate studies after nearly a decade of working as an epidemiologist, I’m excited for the opportunity to dive deeper into some of the most pressing environmental public health challenges of our time. The opportunity for focused learning and exploration will support my grow as an applied public health researcher, equipping me with new tools, perspectives, and approaches. I look forward to bringing these skills back to my work and applying them to the urgent climate-related public health issues affecting communities in BC, across Canada and around the world.

How does your research engage with the larger community and social partners?

My research will partner with the impacted communities to better understand the health-related experiences of evacuees. This will involve working closely with both the organizations that support displaced individuals and with the community members themselves. A key aspect of this work is recognizing that First Nations and Indigenous communities around Canada are disproportionately harmed by climate-related evacuations. This is particularly the case with the case studies of Lytton wildfire and Merritt floods. With support from the PSI, I will be able to travel to these communities to hear from those affected, which will shape the next steps of my research. Having this support at the start of my PhD allows for meaningful, ongoing consultation and building relationships and trust over time. By co-developing the research in partnership with communities, I aim to ensure that cultural knowledge and perspectives are centered in the creation of public health tools that effectively serve their needs.

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?

Recognizing the need for stronger research expertise to address climate-related health challenges in Canada and beyond, I am pursuing a doctorate to advance my capabilities as an independent, applied public health investigator. My objective is to lead research projects that contribute practical solutions to the growing threat that climate change poses to population health.

Why did you choose to come to British Columbia and study at UBC?

I chose to study at UBC because of the wealth of learning opportunities that will enrich my and support my PhD. This includes the Disaster Resilience Research Network, a transdisciplinary forum for collaboration and exchange of ideas with other disciplines that intersect with my research topic, and of course the Public Scholars Initiative! My research also leverages the long-standing partnership between UBC and the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), ensuring that my work is driven by the real-world public health priorities of the BCCDC.