People
Mei Lan Fang
Assistant Professor | Urban Studies and Gerontology
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Dr. Fang specializes in community-based participatory research, focusing on creating inclusive, healthy environments that support aging in place. Her expertise lies in developing theoretical and methodological frameworks that inform the creation of climate-resilient, age-friendly cities and communities. By integrating the needs and concerns of aging populations with community-driven solutions, Dr. Fang fosters environments that enhance the well-being, resilience, and independence of older adults. Her work is pivotal in ensuring that older adults are central to climate resilience efforts, contributing their valuable perspectives and experiences to build sustainable and supportive communities.
Annwen Loverin
Executive Director
Silver Harbour Seniors' Activity Centre
E: annwen@silverharbourcentre.com
Annwen Loverin is a skilled non-profit manager with over twenty years’ experience in supporting seniors’ well-being, independence, resilience, and connectedness. She is the Executive Director of Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre, a community gathering place with more than 75 different programs and services for seniors in North Vancouver. Annwen oversees Silver Harbour's programming, including a growing number of environmentally focused initiatives that reflect the needs and interests of its members. She will co-lead the development of the communication plan and integrated knowledge translation (IKT) plan, and plan project workshops. She will support engagement with other seniors’ centres located within the North Shore of Vancouver and facilitate the transfer and exchange of knowledge across Silver Harbour's networks.
Elise Stone
Research Assistant | Gerontology
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Elise is a research assistant at the STAR Institute working on an AGE-WELL Catalyst Ethics and AgeTech project, and supporting other STAR initiatives. Elise is a Masters student of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University, who holds a BA in Psychology and Philosophy from the ´óÏó´«Ã½ in BC, Canada, and a BASc in Biological and Chemical Technologies from the University of Western Sydney, NSW, Australia. Prior to joining the STAR Institute, Elise worked in private and public industry in Canada and Australia, specializing in environmental management and environmental technical support. Elise intends to use her Masters to explore the ethical and environmental challenges of aging.
Becky White
PhD Student and Research Assistant | Gerontology
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Becky White, is a PhD candidate in the Department of Gerontology at ´óÏó´«Ã½ whose research focuses on the role of seniors centres in promoting the well-being of older adults and how they help build sustainable, inclusive communities that support healthy aging. Becky is interested in participatory approaches to research with older adults, and in collaborating with seniors’ centres to explore creative ways of involving older people more meaningfully in the research process, ensuring that research is guided by their needs, priorities, and wants. Originally from the UK, Becky worked for over a decade in healthcare and non-profit organizations, and her experience with a range of change management initiatives continues to inform her current research.
Sally Fowler Davis
Professor in Allied Health | Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care
Anglia Ruskin University
E: sally.fowler-davis@aru.ac.uk
Dr. Sally Fowler Davis is an experienced academic and research leader at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), where she leads researcher development and holds a secondment with East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust. Her research focuses on workforce sustainability, health equity, and planetary health—particularly in rural, coastal, and deprived communities facing climate and economic challenges. With a background in national policy, health systems, and organisational leadership, Sally applies participatory and whole-systems approaches to public health and implementation science. She is widely recognized for her work engaging marginalised populations and driving impact through transdisciplinary research, civic engagement, and capacity building.
Gary Haq
Senior Research Associate
University of York
Dr. Gary Haq is a Senior Research Associate at the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York, where he specialises in the relationship between ageing and climate change. His research explores how environmental challenges such as extreme heat, air pollution, and climate-related disasters impact older populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. With a background in environmental policy and sustainable development, Dr Haq has contributed to international efforts to better understand and respond to the specific vulnerabilities and capacities of older adults in the context of climate change. He works across disciplines and with a range of partners to support inclusive, evidence-based adaptation strategies that consider the needs of people across the life course.
Theresa Pauly
Assistant Professor | Undergraduate Program Chair | Canada Research Chair in Social Relationships, Health, and Aging
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Dr. Theresa Pauly is an Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair at ´óÏó´«Ã½, specializing in the impact of social relationships on health and well-being across adulthood and old age. Her interdisciplinary research explores how daily social experiences and long-term social connections influence health outcomes, particularly in older adults. Dr. Pauly uses innovative, real-life data collection methods, including daily activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and stress hormone analysis, to better understand how social factors shape healthy aging. She is passionate about identifying social resources that support well-being, especially for equity-seeking older adults. Dr. Pauly earned her PhD from the University of British Columbia and previously worked as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Zurich.
Stephen Sheppard
Emeritus Professor | Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Forestry
University of British Columbia
Stephen Sheppard is a Professor in Forest Resources Management at the University of British Columbia, specializing in climate change planning, community engagement, and landscape visualization. He directs the Collaborative for Advanced Landscape Planning (CALP), an interdisciplinary research group focused on developing climate and energy solutions with communities. With over 30 years of experience in environmental assessment, landscape planning, and public involvement, Stephen’s research explores visualizing low-carbon futures, energy literacy, sea-level rise, and social mobilization through digital tools. He has authored several books, including Visualizing Climate Change, and previously served as Director of UBC’s Bachelor of Urban Forestry program. He co-led the award-winning Citizens Coolkit program for local climate action, and co-instructs the training program at UBC. Most recently he directed the Oak Bay Coolkit program that has built a network of neighbourhood champions on collective climate action
Andrew Sixsmith
Professor | Director of the Science and Technology for Aging Research (STAR) Institute | Network Advisor of AGE-WELL NCE
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Dr. Andrew Sixsmith is a Professor in the Department of Gerontology and Director of the Science and Technology for Aging Research (STAR) Institute at ´óÏó´«Ã½. His research focuses on technology for independent living, aging, and the innovation process. Andrew has held leadership roles in major national and international initiatives, including serving as Scientific Director of the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence from 2015 to 2020. He is a former President of the International Society of Gerontechnology and has worked extensively with academic, government, and industry partners to advance research and innovation in aging. Andrew holds a PhD from the University of London and previously taught at the University of Liverpool.
Judith Sixsmith
Professor | School of Health Sciences
University of Dundee
Judith Sixsmith is Professor in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Dundee. With a background in Psychology, Sociology, and Environmental Psychology, Judith has built an international career in public health, ageing, and social care. She has held senior roles including Professor of Adult Social Care at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she led the Ageing Research Group, and Professor of Public Health at the University of Northampton, where she directed the Research Ageing Centre and the Institute of Health and Wellbeing. Judith’s work focuses on healthy ageing, social inclusion, and the experiences of marginalized groups, using participatory, collaborative research approaches to centre community voices in public policy and health improvement.
Rachel Stern
PhD candidate and Public Scholar
University of British Columbia
Rachel Stern is a doctoral researcher exploring the intersection of extreme heat, urban politics, housing justice, and memory studies, with a focus on the experiences of vulnerable older adults during heat events in British Columbia. Her work examines how lived experiences of heat are documented, validated, and used in community organizing, urban planning, and public health. Rachel’s research draws on oral histories and archival methods and builds on her MA work investigating climate change-induced extreme weather impacts on vulnerable tenants in Vancouver. She is passionate about community-engaged research and has collaborated with the Centre for Climate Justice, the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre, and the South Vancouver Seniors Network. Her broader interests include urban political ecology, feminist political ecology, and the role of storytelling and memory in climate and housing justice.
Ryan Woolrych
Professor | School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, The Urban Institute
Heriot-Watt University
Dr. Ryan Woolrych is a Professor in Ageing and Urban Studies and Director of the Institute for Place, Environment and Society at Heriot-Watt University. His research focuses on ageing and place, with a particular interest in addressing inequities in ageing outcomes for vulnerable and marginalised groups. Ryan works across local and global contexts, using participatory, community-based methods such as co-research, community mapping, and visual storytelling to explore how neighbourhoods and cities can better support active and healthy ageing. He has led major international research projects on climate change, ageing-in-place, and the design of Age-Friendly Cities, including work in the UK, Brazil, and India. Ryan previously worked at the Gerontology Research Centre in Vancouver, Canada, where his research centred on social justice, housing, and ageing-in-place.
Yushu Zhu
Assistant Professor | Urban Studies and Public Policy
Simon Fraser university
Dr. Yushu Zhu is an Associate Professor specializing in housing, community, and urban transformation. As a scholar of urban studies and public policy, Yushu’s research addresses urban inequality through the lens of spatial justice and civic participation. She draws on critical urban theories to understand the roles of the state, market, and society in (re)producing socio-spatial injustice, as well as the impact of urban policies on the well-being of communities and residents. Yushu teaches courses on housing, urban policy, and research methods.
Coral Buitenhuis
Leader, Climate Action & Sustainability
Technical Safety BC
E: coral.buitenhuis@technicalsafetybc.ca
Coral Buitenhuis is a climate action leader specializing in the development and implementation of climate and sustainability programs. At Technical Safety BC, Coral leads climate action initiatives focused on managing safety risks related to extreme weather events and supporting the safe adoption of low-carbon technologies. With a background in public policy, environmental studies, and psychology, Coral is passionate about building practical, collaborative climate policies that address real-world challenges. Outside of work, Coral enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and running on the traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Nation.
Margaret Coates
Coordinator
Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society
Margaret Coates is the Coordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society (LSPS). She brings with her a wealth of experience in the not-for-profit sector, particularly with seniors, having worked for and with seniors for over 27 years. In addition, Ms. Coates is a regular contributor to the North Shore on issues relating to seniors. As someone closely connected with the issues and challenges facing seniors, such as the adverse impacts of climate change on older adults, and as a facilitator with senior-focused organizations, she will assist with workshop development, identification, and engagement of other senior-based organizations, as well as sharing knowledge generated through workshops within their organization and wider networks.
Gordon Dainard
Treasurer
Mission Seniors Centre Association
Gordon Dainard is an active volunteer and Treasurer of the Mission Seniors Centre Association, where he helped lead the transition to the new Boswyk Seniors Activity Centre in 2021. He also presents workshops for the Seniors’ Health and Wellness Institute (COSCO) and previously served as the provincial workshop coordinator. Gordon’s professional background includes a 35-year career in energy asset management, specializing in accounting, administration, and leadership. In retirement, he has continued to contribute to community knowledge-sharing initiatives and was a joint recipient of the Alberta Premier’s Gold Award for Excellence.
Claire Kieri
Building Science Analyst
RDH Building Science
Claire Kieri is a skilled technical writer and project manager specializing in materials science and construction methods. At RDH Building Science, she leads materials testing projects from acquisition through data analysis and reporting, with a focus on hygrothermal performance and heritage retrofits. Claire has experience working with academic, government, and industry clients and brings a strong background in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including building material testing, epidemiologic studies, and organizational surveys. She is also actively involved in staff training, internal knowledge development, and laboratory improvement initiatives.
Anthony Kupferschmidt
Strategic Lead, Aging and Older Persons
City of Vancouver
Anthony will serve as the primary liaison between the City of Vancouver and senior centres, helping to promote a coordinated, multi-site approach and facilitate integrated knowledge translation at the municipal level. He will also support the identification and engagement of municipal partners and seniors’ centres to participate in the project, as well as the sharing of research findings with counterparts in other municipalities across BC. In his current role, Anthony focuses on policy, planning and strategy for the aging population in Vancouver. He leads a coordinated, city-wide approach to meet the needs of older adult residents, emphasizing the importance of addressing the significant impacts of climate-related changes on seniors. Anthony also has over seven years of experience as Executive Director of seniors' centres in BC.
Francis Rodricks
Senior Coordinator
South Arm Community Center
Francis Rodricks has been working as a Seniors Coordinator for the South Arm Community Center, a not - for - profit organization in the City of Richmond for over a year and assists with programming various recreational activities and educational seminars aimed at enhancing the lives of seniors within the community. He works with various minority groups in order to connect them with opportunities that build resilience within the seniors’ demographic. Francis will serve as a resource to connect the community with the essence of this project in order to provide feedback and invaluable data to develop and deliver on the objectives of this program and thereby impacting and improving seniors’ adaptation to climate change.
Pat Scrutton
Coordinator
Intergenerational National Network
Pat Scrutton has a background in community development and a long-standing commitment to intergenerational work. Since retiring in 2009, she has continued to coordinate the Intergenerational National Network in Scotland and has been actively involved in research projects focused on active ageing, ageing in place, and intergenerational practice with the Universities of Dundee, Stirling, Glasgow, and Heriot-Watt. Pat is passionate about human rights, co-production, and applying these principles in her research and community work.
Royce Shook
President
Wilson Seniors' Advisory Association
Royce Shook is a retired educator ith 42-year career spanning roles as a teacher, department head, curriculum coordinator, and university professor. Since retiring, Royce has remained deeply involved in senior advocacy and community leadership, currently serving as Chair of the Tri-Cities Seniors’ Action Society Planning Committee and President of the Wilson Seniors Advisory Board. He was an active member of several advisory groups, including the Mayor’s Citizen Advisory Committee for Port Coquitlam and the Council of Advisors to the Senior Advocate. Royce is also a long-time workshop designer, facilitator, and trainer with the COSCO Seniors’ Health and Wellness Institute, delivering free health and wellness workshops to seniors across BC. In addition, he writes a well-regarded blog on senior issues, recognized among Canada’s top blogs for boomers and seniors.
Rosie Eacott
PhD Researcher | Global Sustainability Institute
Anglia Ruskin University
Rosie Eacott is a PhD researcher at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), exploring how older populations in the East of England adapt to climate-related health risks through a community engagement lens. She holds an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy and is a UKCP-accredited psychotherapist, with a private practice that includes eco-psychotherapy. Rosie’s academic background in Environmental Science, combined with professional experience across public and private sectors, informs her interdisciplinary approach to health, climate, and wellbeing in ageing communities.