How to objectively measure the biomechanics of swallowing: Dr. Renata Mancopes’ inspiring story Artwork

UHN Trainee Podcast: Seeds of Science

University Health Network has over 1300 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows performing research in seven different research institutes, at sites all across Toronto, Canada. Each of these trainees has diverse experiences, backgrounds, research, and stories to share. The Seeds of Science podcast provides a platform for UHN graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to tell their stories and to connect and learn from each other. Furthermore, through the podcast, trainees offer their advice to junior trainees and undergraduate students who are considering a research career. In Season 1, each episode spotlights a single trainee at different stages of their training - whether Masters or PhD candidates, or post-doctoral fellows. Learn about their exciting research, their unique goals for the future, and what they enjoy doing outside of their research. Proudly supported by UHN Office of Research Trainees (ORT) and brought to you by research trainees at the Krembil Brain Institute and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute.Disclaimer: The views expressed in the podcast episodes are not necessarily those of UHN or ORT.

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UHN Trainee Podcast: Seeds of Science

How to objectively measure the biomechanics of swallowing: Dr. Renata Mancopes’ inspiring story

October 26, 2023 • UHN Office of Research Trainees • Season 2 • Episode 3

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/

People on this episode

Emily Mills

Host

Rima El-Sayed

Host