Campus Alberta Student Conference on Health (CASch): An Opportunity for Alberta

Health and life sciences encompass a broad spectrum of knowledge and research activities. Across the national landscape, Alberta in particular is a leader in promoting and supporting new trainees in this type of research through conferences, symposiums, and seminar activities. Graduate students play a key role in Alberta’s knowledge-based economy as drivers of new ideas, innovation, and growth. One of the fastest growing areas in research is health research. 

Development and History of CASCH

Development of CASCH began in the Summer of 2012, when a Conference Grant was awarded by Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions to bring together the hundreds of graduate students in Alberta studying community health sciences or population, environmental, public, and global health. September 2013 marked the kickoff and hosting of the inaugural CASCH. It provided a central forum for discourse, sharing of knowledge, networking, and professional development.

CASCH is the result of the combined efforts of graduate students from across Alberta, and the Campus Alberta Partnership, which includes the University of Alberta School of Public Health and Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Calgary O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences, and Alberta Health Services.

An Integrated Experience

CASCH is a core component of the graduate education experience for each of the three institutions, as they introduce incoming students to health research and public health practice in Alberta: it will serve as a culmination to the introductory activities offered by each institution. Graduate Program Directors of each institution were intrigued by the potential of this conference to serve as an initiation for newly enrolled students – a forum for mentorship, hands-on learning, exposure to graduate study, and opportunities afforded by graduate-level training.  

Planning and Implementation

Steering Committee: A joint planning committee consisting of 7 sub-committees and 14 core members has been organized, which includes student representation from the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge.

CASCH Sub-Committees: 

1. Abstract
2. Evaluation
3. Finance
4. IT, Marketing, and Communications
   
5. Registration and Hospitality
6. Speakers and Content
7. Volunteer Management  

Volunteering:  We'll need your help to host a successful and enjoyable conference! If you’re interested in assisting with planning or volunteering on the day of the event, please click here or send an email to info@CASCH.ca.

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The 2017 CASCH STEERING COMMITTEE

To contact the CASCH team, please write to info@CASCH.ca.

Advisors
Zaheed Damani, University of Calgary
Rhianna Charchuk, University of Alberta (Transition Leader)
Laura Sevick, University of Calgary (Transition Leader)
​Nicole Delaloye, University of Calgary (Transition Leader) 

Executive Co-Chairs
Kevin Lien, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)
Rebecca Lang, University of Calgary (Co-Chair)

Abstract Committee 
Sandra Gawad Gad, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)
Kyla Brown, University of Calgary (Co-Chair)
​
Finance Committee
Chinenye Nwoke, University of Lethbridge (Co-Chair)
Manal Sheikh, University of Calgary (Co-Chair)
Marie Sereneo, University of Alberta  (Co-Chair)

IT, Marketing and Communications
Gina Carroll, University of Calgary  (Co-Chair)
Michelle Zepeda, University of Calgary  (Co-Chair)
Célina Boothby, University of Calgary (Co-Chair)
​
Speakers and Content Committee 
Chelsea Stone, University of Calgary (Co-Chair)
Juanita Gnanapragasam, University of Alberta  (Co-Chair)
Merissa Daborn, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)

Volunteer  Management  & Evaluation Committee
Preeti Kar, University of Calgary (Co-Chair)
Colin Weaver, University of Calgary (Co-Chair) 

​Registration and Hospitality Committee
Nicole Ofosu, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)
Anna de Grood, University of Calgary (Co-chair)