U of A Researcher Spotlight Series
About this series
Curious about the groundbreaking innovations coming out of the University of Alberta? Join us over the lunch hour for the U of A Researcher Spotlight Series. This monthly webinar series shines a light on our remarkable faculty and their cutting-edge research. Tune in at noon to explore the latest discoveries and exciting breakthroughs happening right here at your alma mater. It’s your chance to delve into new ideas and expand your horizons — don’t miss out!
Upcoming Events
October 8, 2026 12 - 1 PM MT
Researcher Spotlight Series with Maya Kalogirou
Can We Have Healthy People Without a Healthy Planet?
What happens when we look at human health and the health of our planet as deeply connected? Planetary health takes this broader view, recognizing that the well-being of people depends on the health of the natural systems that sustain us.
Maya Kalogirou, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Nursing, will introduce the concept of planetary health and explore why it matters now more than ever. She’ll share insights from her research examining the role of green teams and sustainability offices in Canadian hospitals, looking at how healthcare organizations can reduce their environmental impact while supporting better health outcomes.
Dr. Kalogirou will also discuss what planetary health means in practice for healthcare professionals, as well as for those working outside the health sector. Whether you work in healthcare or simply want a better understanding of the connection between the environment and our health, this conversation will offer practical ways to think about our collective role in creating healthier, more sustainable communities.
Speaker
Dr. Maya Kalogirou was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She is a Registered Nurse with a clinical background in emergency room nursing, and is a doctoral graduate from the University of Alberta. Maya is a planetary health nursing researcher who is specifically interested in 1) the decarbonization of the Canadian healthcare system; and 2) exploring the intersection between climate change and health. Her Post-Doctoral work examined the landscape of Green Teams and Sustainability Offices within Canadian hospitals, trying to get a better understanding of who participates and the work they do. She is passionate about engaging nurses and other healthcare professionals in addressing the climate crisis, as well as finding ways to work together to advocate for a health sector that promotes the health of people and the planet. Maya was the President for the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment/Association canadienne des infirmières et infirmiers pour l'environnement (CANE/ACIIE) from 2023-2025 and remains on the board as Past President. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta.
Upcoming Speakers
October 29, 2026
Matthew Macauley, Faculty of Science - More Than Food: The Hidden Language of Carbohydrates
November 5, 2026
Phillip Sevigny, Faculty of Education, and Suzette Bremault-Phillips, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine - Walking Toward Healing: A New Approach to PTSD Therapy
December 10, 2026
Josephine Godwyll, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation - Making Space for Everyone: Rethinking Accessibility
January 15, 2027
Afsaneh Lavasanifar, Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences - Nanotechnology and Cancer Treatment