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Laura Garcia Diaz
Name:
Laura Garcia Diaz
Job title:
Consultant
Place of work / study:
Area of Research:
I support the management of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Dementia Observatory Knowledge Exchange Platform. I have five years of experience in knowledge translation and mobilisation in the area of dementia. Before joining WHO, I worked for the Alzheimer Society of Canada supporting the developing and dissemination of dementia resources (e.g., booklets, information sheets, web content). In addition to consulting for the WHO I am in the fourth year of a dual degree program at McMaster University, Canada, in which I am completing a Master of Science Occupational Therapy and a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences degrees in concurrently. My research focuses on the evaluation of a Canadian dementia-inclusive community initiative.
How is your work funded?
World Health Organization
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am passionate about community development and creating inclusive communities for all to enjoy, participate in, and contribute to. I am also a strong advocate for having a healthy work-life balance and despite my busy schedule, I always prioritize my physical and mental health and encourage those around me to do the same.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
Before starting my PhD, I spent a year hiking around the world!
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
My grandfather was diagnosed with dementia when I was 13. The exposure to dementia at a young age and the impact that it had on my grandfather and my family inspired me to purse work in dementia.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
I would recommended to all early career researchers to take the time to get to know people living with dementia outside of the research context and to engage them throughout the research process. I have benefitted immensely not only from engaging people living with dementia in my own work, but also from volunteering at my local Alzheimer’s organization.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
The myth of normal by Gabor Mate. I would highly recommend it to everyone!
Dr Clarissa Giebel