Roanne Thomas-MacLean

Distinguished Researcher Award - Fall 2008

Professor Thomas-MacLean, associate professor of sociology, is a major contributor to primary health care and women’s health research. Her unique projects endeavor to address the struggles of breast cancer survivors, one being the Visualizing Breast Cancer project that asked aboriginal women to photograph their cancer experiences in an effort to put more diverse faces on the disease.  In another innovative study into arm morbidity in breast cancer, Thomas-MacLean is focusing on the long-term impact of disability after the disease.

These studies and new approaches to mixed-methods research have resulted in 15 peer-reviewed articles in prominent publications such as Social Science & Medicine, Oncology Nursing Forum, Canadian Family Physician and Qualitative Health Research. She has also contributed chapters to books on healthcare ethics, cross-cultural research, and women’s health.

Thomas-MacLean’s growing reputation as a prominent health researcher has resulted in peers and national research agencies recruiting her to participate in a peer review committee and contribute to workshops.

She began her academic study in sociology at Trent University, moving to the University of New Brunswick to complete a master’s and PhD. She joined the U of S in 2004.