Lead Researcher

Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch

Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch is from the historical African Nova Scotian communities of Beechville and Cherry Brook. She is the mother of three amazing boys. She is said to be the first historical African Nova Scotian to graduate with a PhD from Dalhousie University. Dr. Hamilton-Hinch is an Associate Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance and the Assistant Vice Provost Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Dalhousie University. Dr. Hamilton-Hinch holds several other positions at Dalhousie University. She is the co-team lead for the Improving the Health Outcomes of People of African Descent Research Flagship with the Healthy Populations Institute, she is one of the founders of Imhotep Legacy Academy, co-chair of Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians, co-chair of the Faculty of Health Diversity and Inclusion Committee and a member of the Black Health Education Collaborative Steering Committee. Her work examines the impact of structural, systemic, and institutional racism on diverse populations, particularly people of African descent.

Our Team

  • Josh Yusuf

    Josh is born Canadian, raised Australian and has Guyanese roots. He is Lab Manager and Research Associate at OTS Research Collaborative. He is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Health Promotion Program at Dalhousie University. Josh’s research focuses on intersectional population health and health equity. He is also the interim Research and Knowledge Mobilization Facilitator at the Healthy Populations Institute at Dalhousie University.

  • Crystal Watson

    Crystal Watson is a PhD Candidate in the Faculty of Health at Dalhousie University and Academic Chair in Health and Human Services at the Nova Scotia Community College. She holds a Master’s degree in Leisure Studies from Dalhousie University and is a certified recreation therapist.

  • Nnamdi Chiekwe

    Nnamdi is a first year medical student at Dalhousie University who has research and professional experience in programming and capacity building within the Black and African Nova Scotian communities. Having completed an honours project; Retrospect: Supports for Criminal Record Holders, Incarcerated Individuals and Community Reintegration – within the School of Health and Human Performance at Dalhousie University, and working with the Nova Scotia Brotherhood and Sisterhood in Primary Healthcare, Nova Scotia Health, he has valuable understanding and knowledge within this area of research.

  • Rafeeda Kashmelmous

  • Joy Chiekwe

  • Michelle Williams

  • Chelsa States

  • Nathalee Ewers

  • Kenisse Trotman

  • Tiffany Gordon

  • Nathan Cromwell Tesfazion

  • Eve Wedderburn

  • Robin Cunningham

    Robin (She/her) is a Health Equity Consultant, current Africentric Social Work student at Dalhousie University, and an award-winning filmmaker, author, and visual artist based in Halifax (Kjipuktuk). 

    With Xaymaca Afro-Indigenous roots and a Latin Soul, Robin brings a unique cultural perspective to her work. She is deeply passionate about equity and social justice, advocating for femme and children’s rights, and decolonizing systems.

    When she’s not sipping tea and minding her business, you can find Robin in community, passionately supporting others."

  • Sara Bregaw

    Sara is a First-Year Bachelor of Health Science in Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Student at Dalhousie University. She has research experience in ocean sciences from her Summer Internship at Dalhousie's Department of Oceanography, where she researched the biological, physical, and chemical aspects of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement.

    She has competed in the Brilliant Labs Brilliant Blue Challenge, where she and her research team placed second internationally for their sustainably designed, 3D-printed prototype that monitors the growth of endangered marine species in Nova Scotia.

      Sara is passionate about creating meaningful change in her community by using her voice, energy and determination to uplift others.