Dr. Adedoyin Olanlesi-Aliu | Health Professions | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Adedoyin Deborah Olanlesi-Aliu is a Canadian citizen with a robust educational background, holding a Ph.D. in Community Health Nursing from the University of the Western Cape, a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Ibadan, and a Bachelor’s in Nursing Science from Babcock University. Currently, she serves as a sessional instructor at Grant MacEwan University and has held various roles in clinical practice and research, including a postdoctoral fellowship and project coordinator at the University of Alberta. Dr. Olanlesi-Aliu has made significant contributions to health research, with numerous publications focusing on public health issues such as psychological well-being among vulnerable populations and the impact of COVID-19. Her collaborative work as a co-investigator in a CIHR-funded project showcases her commitment to advancing health research. Known for her dedication to community engagement, she actively participates in initiatives that address pressing public health challenges.

Dr. Adedoyin Deborah Olanlesi-Aliu has a solid educational foundation in nursing and public health. She earned her Ph.D. in Nursing, specializing in Community Health Nursing, from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, completing her studies in April 2017. Prior to this, she obtained a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where her thesis work contributed to the understanding of health issues in the community. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Nursing Science from Babcock University in Nigeria, completed in June 2007. Dr. Olanlesi-Aliu’s extensive education has equipped her with a deep understanding of health systems, nursing practices, and community health dynamics, allowing her to effectively address public health challenges and contribute meaningfully to research and education in her field. Her academic achievements reflect her commitment to advancing health outcomes in diverse populations.

Dr. Adedoyin Deborah Olanlesi-Aliu has a diverse and impactful professional journey in the field of nursing and public health. She currently serves as a Sessional Instructor at Grant MacEwan University and as a Clinical Instructor at Norquest College, where she imparts knowledge and skills to future nursing professionals. Her role as a Consultant for the National Nursing Assessment Service Advisory reflects her expertise in evaluating internationally educated nurses. Previously, she was a Project Coordinator at the University of Alberta, where she led initiatives aimed at enhancing community health outcomes. Dr. Olanlesi-Aliu also gained valuable experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Alberta, focusing on nursing research. Her earlier positions include Senior Clinical Research Nurse at the University of Ibadan and Medical Executive at Mediplan Healthcare Ltd in Nigeria. This extensive experience highlights her commitment to advancing nursing practice and public health, both in Canada and internationally.

Dr. Adedoyin Deborah Olanlesi-Aliu’s research interests primarily focus on community health nursing, public health, and the psychosocial factors affecting vulnerable populations. She is particularly engaged in exploring intersectional health research methods, aiming to understand how various social determinants influence health outcomes, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work addresses mental health challenges among individuals with HIV, emphasizing the psychological well-being and coping mechanisms of affected patients. Additionally, Dr. Olanlesi-Aliu investigates community-based health promotion strategies, such as cervical cancer prevention among specific cultural groups, utilizing frameworks like the PEN-3 model. Her commitment to improving health outcomes for marginalized communities drives her research, aiming to bridge the gap between academic findings and practical health interventions. Through her diverse research portfolio, she seeks to contribute to the development of effective public health policies and programs that address the unique needs of at-risk populations.