Michaela Dankwa

My interest in research is to explore the inequities and unheard perspectives in physical rehabilitation, motor control functionality/assistance and health care for people of colour. The most common narratives, I have found, hold a privileged white gaze, and somewhat unknowingly negates personal, social, and environmental barriers for minority groups, such as the differences in care accessibility between rural and urban communities. I am pursuing my Masters in Applied Kinesiology Research at Acadia University with my supervisor, Colin King. My research project intends to observe the presence of implicit bias within the current concussion protocols. Understanding the history and social contexts that influence how African, Afro-Nova Scotian, Black Canadian, and Caribbean populations in Canada experience and perceive concussion (among other mTBI) education, prevention, and rehabilitation is a significant step in promoting equitable healthcare strategies for these demographics. While my research is still in its infancy, I look forward to connecting, learning and contributing to the Canadian Concussion Network.