Project Team

Dr. Lesley Frank (Principal Investigator), Canada Research Chair in Food, Health, and Social Justice, Acadia University

Lesley is a transdisciplinary social science scholar, skilled and committed to innovative, multi-sector, policy-relevant research related to food and health inequity experienced by marginalized populations and their children.

The team would like to acknowledge early contributions from Dr. Merin Oleschuk while at the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois.

Dr. Elisabeth Rondinelli (Co-Investigator), Sociology, Acadia University

Elisabeth is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Acadia University. Dr. Rondinelli’s experience with ethnography and digital sociology have been essential for the Finding Formula project.

Student contributors from Sociology, English, Community Development, Theatre, and Psychology at Acadia: Ana Bedoya, Sara Farguson, Brit Pulsifer, Claire MacConnell, Jordynne Mann, Nicole Ross, Annika Sheppard, Nick Lundrigan, Sudha Prajapati, Lexy McConnell, Max Miller

Dr. Jane Francis (Co-Investigator), Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University

Jane is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr. Francis’s background in nutrition and expertise with community-based research have been integral for this project.

Translators:
Solange Ouellet, Ana Bedoya, Annika Sheppard

ASL Interpreters:
Rosalie Vissers, Cornella Steele

Ariella Pahlke (Documentary Filmmaker)

Ariella is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, media artist, impact producer, curator, and educator living in Terence Bay, Nova Scotia. Ariella has extensive experience facilitating collaborative projects and participatory process is at the heart of her creative approach.

Caregiver Advisory Team:
Tosha Anderson (U.S.)
Brittany Weese (Canada)

Audrey Kruisselbrink (Lab Administrator)

Audrey has worked as a research coordinator at Acadia, Dalhousie, Saint Mary’s, University of Ottawa, and the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Her 10 years of applied experience as a social worker for the BC government has provided a strong background for managing large research projects.

The Polaris Choir for Change (Halifax, Nova Scotia) is an adult community choir led by Ryan Henwood and Adam Johnson. The ensemble is characterized by diverse, mid-to-high-level choral repertoire, and in-depth reflection on social change topics.

Alyssa Gerhardt (Research Coordinator of Finding Formula Project), Fed Family Lab

Alyssa is a PhD Candidate in Sociology at Dalhousie University. She is a mixed-methods researcher and specializes in economic sociology and social inequality.

a choir standing on a low stage with the conductor in front of them
the Polaris Choir
Ruby Harrington (MA Student and Research Assistant), Fed Family Lab, Acadia University

Ruby recently completed her Master’s thesis, titled “Mothers as a Policy Response: A mixed-methods policy analysis of Canada’s response to the 2022 infant formula shortage.” Ruby also worked on Understanding Feeding in the Early Years, Finding Formula, and the annual Report on Child and Family Poverty in Nova Scotia.

seven people sitting around a table in a living room style space
several people sitting around a conference room table with a projector screen and images in the background
several people in a living room with audio and video recording equipment and an interview taking place
four people in a living room with audio recording equipment and an interviewee sitting on a couch

The Finding Formula research team and participants.

Project Participants

The Finding Formula Project was made possible by the participation of over 950 caregivers from across Canada and the United States, who generously shared their stories and insights over the course of the research. Our thanks to:

  • 15 interview participants
  • 3 key informants
  • 918 survey participants
  • and 39 digital ethnography participants

Ethnography Caregiver Participants

Canada
Allyssa, Alicia, Emily, Amanda, Jena, Brittany, Heather, Karen, Kerry, Galina, Chelsea, Francesca, Aimee, Stephanie*, Violet*, Hilary, Britni, Varun*, Kristy*, Julianne*, Celie, Andrea, Winona*, Abbie*

United States
Angela, Omolade, Alicia, Ariel, Morgan, Racheal, Carlie*, Penny*, Audrey, Deana*, Dominque, Wendy*, Melanie*, Sarah, Liliana*

(* = pseudonym requested by participant)