Erica Dove’s Journey Advancing Tech-Driven Rehabilitation for People with Dementia

Meet Erica Dove (she/her), a PhD candidate at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (RSI), under the supervision of Dr. Arlene Astell. Erica’s research is a fascinating journey into the intersection of technology and rehabilitation, where she aims to understand the role of physical rehabilitation for people living with dementia, with exercise video games as a tool for intervention delivery. Her work is aimed at targeting fall rehabilitation, with an emphasis on enhancing balance and alleviating concerns about falls.

🤔 Why Research and Rehabilitation? 

Erica’s passion for rehabilitation science started during her undergraduate years at Ontario Tech University. In her fourth year, she completed a research internship at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, where she first encountered people with dementia. Although she wasn’t initially familiar with research, she dove into a project that challenged her assumptions. The study involved using tablet games with people with dementia in a day program – and to Erica’s amazement, she witnessed a participant with advanced dementia master the game, problem-solving with ease. 

This powerful moment shattered her preconceptions and sparked her passion for using technology to challenge low expectations surrounding people with dementia. With a background in kinesiology and an interest in how the brain and movement are interconnected, Erica knew she had found her calling. 

🌟 Rising Stars: Achievements and Growth 

Erica’s path has been marked by notable academic and professional achievements. In 2020, she won the prestigious Alzheimer’s Society of Canada Doctoral Award, ranking first with an impressive score of 4.89/5. In 2023, she secured a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Canada Graduate Scholarships Doctoral (CGS-D) award, placing in the top 7.71% of applicants out of 402 – proof that her dedication to research and passion for her field are paying off. 

When reflecting on her growth, Erica proudly shares that she’s learned to embrace networking, a skill she initially found intimidating. She’s now comfortable reaching out to researchers and collaborating with others, building valuable connections along the way. Her advice to current students? Start small – attend events like RSI’s Research Day and the Student-Alumni Networking Event (SANE) – and don’t be afraid to reach out to researchers whose work you admire. 

🏃‍♀️ A Marathon, Not a Sprint 

One of Erica’s most valuable pieces of advice came from an RSI faculty member who told her, “Grad school is a marathon, not a sprint.” This resonated deeply with Erica, reminding her that long-term dedication, balance, and motivation are key. To those starting their own graduate school journey, she encourages curiosity. Ask questions, be engaged, and don’t be afraid to learn through every step of the process. 

🤝 Get Involved, But Don’t Overcommit! 

Erica’s journey wasn’t just about hitting the books. During her second year of her MSc, she took on the role of treasurer for an RSI committee, a decision that helped her develop new skills, meet new people, and gain confidence. But she’s quick to advise students to avoid overcommitting – balance is essential. Her mantra? “Focus and finish!” 

🏆 A Fellowship Like No Other 

One of Erica’s proudest and most rewarding experiences during her time at RSI was participating in the 2023 EPIC-AT Fellowship through AGE-WELL, Canada’s leading network for technology and aging. This program offered mentorship, self-paced courses, and a capstone project where Erica’s team developed and pitched a technology idea. Not only did they win, but Erica walked away with a greater sense of confidence, recognizing her transferable skills honed at RSI. 

📚 Fun Fact! Favorite Course at RSI 

Erica's favorite course during her graduate studies? The Synthesis Toolkit: Approaches and Methodologies course (REH3600H). She loved how it demystified the review process from start to finish. This course equipped her with the skills to confidently conduct different types of reviews – a crucial part of her research today.  

💬 Erica's Words of Wisdom 

For Erica, RSI’s community and supportive atmosphere are what made the journey so fulfilling. She urges students to join a committee, make lasting connections, and always remember to be kind to their peers, faculty, and staff. Building strong relationships in grad school often leads to lifelong collaborations, both professionally and personally. 

Whether you're networking at SANE, diving into a course like REH3600H (Synthesis Toolkit: Approaches and Methodologies), or enjoying a quiet study session at Robarts Library, there are countless opportunities at RSI to grow both personally and professionally. 

🎉 Describing RSI in Three Emojis 

Erica was asked to describe RSI in just three emojis. Here’s what she came up with: 

• 😅 – "Grad school is stressful, but we keep going with a smile." 

• 🤓 – "Because we love science! We’re a studious bunch at RSI." 

• 📚 – "If I weren’t at RSI, my bookshelf would be a lot emptier. Academia is full of textbooks and learning!" 

💡 A Final Thought 

“Focus, be kind, and stay curious,” says Erica, reflecting on her time at RSI. As her journey unfolds, her insights and experiences continue to shape not just her research but also the future of rehabilitation science. 

Erica’s journey is a powerful reminder that innovation, resilience, and community are at the heart of research here at RSI – inspiring us all to keep pushing the boundaries of rehabilitation science.