In Episode 3, Dr. Emily Mills chats with Dr. Renata Mancopes, a postdoctoral researcher in the Steele Swallowing lab at KITE, the research arm of Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.
Renata’s postdoctoral research focuses on using an X-ray technique termed video fluoroscopy to objectively study mechanisms of swallowing and swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This episode delves into Renata’s research as well as her inspirational scientific journey that brought her to Toronto. After practicing as a clinical speech-language pathologist and holding a professorship in the small city of Santa Maria, Brazil, her curiosity drove her to seek more objective ways to measure swallowing and dysphagia in healthy and disease states. When Renata sent an email to UHN scientist Dr. Catriona Steele, one of the top researchers in the field, she had no idea this would ultimately set her down a new life path - even after having had a son and a successful laboratory of her own!
Renata’s story highlights how it is never too late to make big life changes in pursuit of our goals. Tune in to hear more about her journey, learn about the important research being conducted by the Steele Swallowing lab, and get to know Renata’s bubbly personality and her love of shoes!
UHN Trainee Podcast: Seeds of Science is proudly supported by the UHN Office of Research Trainees. For more information on the podcast and interviewees, visit our webpage: https://uhntrainees.ca/trainee/seeds-of-science-podcast/