Two Brandon University researchers have each been awarded $44,000 over two years through the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation (MMSF) Research Grant program to lead community-engaged research focused on mental health, resilience, and recovery across Manitoba. This marks the first year Brandon University researchers have applied to the MMSF Research Grant competition, reflecting the University's growing role in health-focused research with direct benefit to Manitoba communities.
Dr. Kathryn Chachula's project, "Effectiveness of a Psychological Body Armour Course in Building Resilience Among Nurses in Manitoba," will examine whether an online, 10-module Psychological Body Armour course can help nurses develop resilience and post-traumatic growth while reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
Dr. Kathryn Chachula
The study will invite Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Graduate Nurses (GNs) across Manitoba to complete the course at their own pace over 12 to 16 weeks. Participants will complete validated surveys before, immediately after, and three to six months following the intervention to assess its effectiveness. Findings build on a recent pilot study involving Brandon University nursing and psychiatric nursing students, which demonstrated statistically significant improvements in mental health and resilience outcomes.
"Nurses regularly face intense stress, violence, trauma, and emotional demands in their work," said Dr. Kathryn Chachula. "This research is about proactively supporting nurses' mental health with knowledge and tools that foster resilience, recovery, and growth when confronted by difficult experiences."
Dr. Candice Waddell-Henowitch's project, "Envisioning Recovery from Sexual Violence in Rural, Remote and Northern Areas of Manitoba: A Photo Exploration," addresses the disproportionate impact of sexual violence on women living outside urban centres. Along with co-investigators Professors Andrea Thomson and Nadine Smith the project will use a participatory method known as photo elicitation, the research will center women's lived experiences by inviting participants to share photographs and stories that reflect their healing journeys. Over two years, the project will engage communities through dialogue, data collection, knowledge sharing, and collaborative action to improve supports for survivors.
Dr. Candice Waddell-Henowitch
"Women in rural, remote, and Northern communities often face unique barriers to healing after sexual violence," said Dr. Candice Waddell-Henowitch. "By centering survivors' voices and experiences, this research aims to better understand what recovery looks like and how communities can support meaningful, lasting change."
"This funding recognizes the strength of Brandon University's research and its direct relevance to real-world challenges," said Dr. Bernadette Ardelli, Vice President (Research & Graduate Studies). "Both projects demonstrate how BU researchers are working alongside communities to generate knowledge that leads to tangible, positive change."
Together, these initiatives reinforce Brandon University's role as a leader in research that responds to Manitoba's social, health, and community priorities.
