Sydney Wasserman, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Advanced Nursing, is a third-year PhD student.听 Alissa Moore. who obtained a Master of Science in Epidemiology, is in her first year of PhD studies at the Ingram School of Nursing.
Describe your research projects
Sydney Wassserman: My doctoral research focuses on improving quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer, as well as their family caregivers, by developing, adapting, and implementing equitable digital psychosocial interventions. My thesis study is titled The right support for the right person, at the right time: Adaptation, implementation and evaluation of a stepped-care, interdisciplinary post-treatment self-management support intervention for survivors of head and neck cancer and their caregivers. This work is supported by multiple funding sources, including the CIHR, the FRQ-S, and the Bureau de Coop茅ration Inter-universitaire (BCI). Head and neck cancer survivors form a particularly vulnerable population whose needs often persist after treatment ends, when clinical support decreases. Survivorship requires ongoing symptom management and rehabilitation, and family caregivers鈥攚ho are central to patient support鈥攐ften receive little guidance themselves. My work aims to empower both patients and caregivers to manage survivorship challenges through self-management interventions that integrate psychosocial support, practical resources, and evidence-based strategies.
Alissa Moore: My research explores how social determinants of health such as income level, education level and language affect patients鈥� interactions with the health care system. Titled Exploring the mechanisms of cancer-related health inequities in Canada: leveraging patients鈥� insights and artificial intelligence to close the gaps, my thesis will focus on patients鈥� experiences of filling out patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as part of cancer care. While PROMs are a powerful way to bolster communication between patients and their health care teams, social determinants of health may exacerbate rather than reduce health inequities.
What is the most rewarding part of your work as an oncology researcher?
Sydney: The most rewarding part of my work is seeing firsthand how psychosocial support can make a meaningful difference for cancer survivors and their caregivers. It is inspiring to witness the empowerment and confidence that patients and caregivers gain in managing life in cancer survivorship, knowing the support is accessible, sustainable, and relevant within the context of our current healthcare system.
Alissa: As a nursing PhD student and aspiring oncology researcher, the most rewarding aspect of my research is contributing to projects that support health equity and patient-centred care. I am excited to see how emerging innovations, such as generative artificial intelligence, will be leveraged to support these aspects of oncology care.
Selected publications
Wasserman, S., Brahim, L. O., Laizner, A. M., Mehta, A., C么t茅, J., Henry, M., ... & Lambert, S. D. (2025). Evaluating the acceptability of a self-directed, self-management intervention for patients and caregivers facing advanced cancer. , 23, e56.
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Wasserman, S., Ould Brahim, L., Attiya, A., Belzile, E., & Lambert, S. D. (2023). An evaluation of interactive mHealth applications for adults living with cancer. , 30(8), 7151-7166.
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Moore, A., El-Zein, M., Burchell, A. N., Tellier, P., Coutl茅e, F., & Franco, E. L. (2025). Human papillomavirus incidence and transmission by vaccination status among heterosexual couples. 177.听
Moore, A., El-Zein, M., Burchell, A. N., Tellier, P., Coutl茅e, F., & Franco, E. L. (2025). Genital, oral, and anal type-specific human papillomavirus concordance within individuals and between partners. .听
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