About Us

Michael Cusimano is a neurosurgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital and a Professor of Surgery, Public Health and Education at the University of Toronto. He received a Ph.D. in Educational Measurement and Evaluation from the University of Toronto in 1997. Dr. Cusimano is involved in several research initiatives and injury prevention organizations. His current research focus is measuring the effectiveness of educational interventions as a strategic approach to preventing injuries and application of geomatics in injury research. His primary area of research interest is injury prevention education. He is the principal investigator of this multi-year province-wide evaluation study of the Think First for Kids program. Other research interests include brain and pituitary tumours, quality of life, medical education, and evaluation research methodological

approaches.

Tsegaye Bekele is the Research Coordinator for the Injury Prevention Research Office at St. Michael’s Hospital. He received a Masters Degree in Public Health from Boston University in U.S.A in 1999 and presently co-ordinates research tasks of the Office.

Sean Marshall is a Spatial Analyst in the Injury Prevention Research Office at St. Michael's Hospital.

He received a Masters degree in Spatial Analysis from Ryerson University in 2005.

Ilze Kalnins is a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Toronto. She received a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Toronto in 1974. Her current research interests include children’s health concepts and empowerment, social psychological determinants of children’s health behaviour, children’s health in Eastern Europe (Latvia), health of children with physical disabilities, and technology as a health promotion strategy for children.

Mary Chipman is a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Toronto. She received an M.A. in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Toronto in 1965. Her epidemiological research has been in the areas of traffic collisions, home safety, and other various causes of injury, with a focus on risk factors and prevention. Mary Chipman brings her expertise in statistical and research design to the project.

Beverly Freedman is with the Ontario Ministry of Education.  She is a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto, gifted researcher and a respected leader in elementary education throughout Ontario.  She was also a former Superintendent of Education for the Durham District School Board. Her approach to educational innovation and leadership has resulted in national awards.

Throughout this project there has been a great deal of effort put into the preparation of support materials for participating schools. This could never have happened if not for the tireless efforts of the staff in the St. Michael's Hospital print shop. (From left to right: Steve, Jim, Charles and Bill)

Photo Gallery Volunteers & Coop students