Our Team and Student Opportunities
Dr. Magnus Mfoafo-M’Carthy, PhD
Dr. Magnus Mfoafo-M'Carthy is a Full Professor in the Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. He holds both a Master’s and a PhD in Social Work from Columbia University in New York and the University of Toronto in Ontario, respectively.
With extensive policy, teaching, and research experience, Dr. Mfoafo-M’Carthy has made significant contributions to both academic and community-based work. He previously served as the Associate Director of Laurier’s Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa (TISCA) and was a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow at the University of Ghana and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
His career includes a strong focus on adolescent and adult community-based mental health, having worked in various organizations across New York City, British Columbia, and Ontario, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto. Additionally, he has taught at both the University of Toronto and the University of Windsor.
Dr. Mfoafo-M’Carthy’s research interests are broad and impactful, with a focus on global mental health, disability and mental illness stigma among immigrant communities, post-colonial and critical race theories, and social justice and anti-oppressive practice. He is engaged in multiple collaborative projects in Canada, Ghana, and other parts of the world, advancing community-based research and development in health and well-being.
Ali Diebold
Over the last decade, I have partnered with numerous public sector and human service organizations to design and implement health and justice initiatives centered on community-based approaches. My professional journey as a clinician, researcher, educator, and project manager, has allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative power of community-driven approaches. Being a member of the Manulife Centre for Community Health Research is a great honour. This role allows me to contribute to interdisciplinary research and community development while supporting communities in creating lives full of meaning and purpose.
My professional and academic journey has been guided by a deep passion for working with youth in the justice and mental health sectors. This led me to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Social Work specializing in community development from Wilfrid Laurier University. In 2019, I returned to Wilfrid Laurier University to pursue a PhD in Social Work to focus on creating a program to support survivors of trauma and marginalized communities attain economic wellbeing and financial resilience. My research continues to center on improving health outcomes and social justice through community-based approaches. At the heart of my work is a commitment to nurturing relationships, community development, and strengths-based approaches. I work to create environments that encourage active participation and co-creation of growth and change.
The Manulife Centre for Community Health Research (MCCHR) serves as an interdisciplinary hub for community development and research. It is guided by multiple social determinants of health and offers opportunities for students committed to community-based scholarship and research.
Student Research and Placement Opportunities
MCCHR actively recruits students who are interested in developing new projects or contributing to existing initiatives. We seek individuals with strong literature review skills, community development experience, and outreach expertise.
Learning Outcomes for a Field Placement with the Manulife Centre for Community Health Research
The MCCHR Field Placement provides students with an opportunity to engage in community-based research and development, fostering skills in macro and integrated social work. By the end of the placement, students will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to support community health research initiatives.
- Synthesize research findings into clear, accessible reports for diverse audiences, including community stakeholders and academic partners.
- Develop and strengthen relationships with community partner organizations and stakeholders.
- Demonstrate an understanding of community-based research principles and how they inform policy and practice.
- Support community outreach efforts that promote collaboration between MCCHR and local and international organizations.
- Engage in collective learning experiences, contributing to discussions on social determinants of health and systemic challenges.
- Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork in a professional research setting.
- Explore the role of macro social work in influencing policy, advocacy, and systems change.
- Understand how research informs decision-making in health and social policy at local and global levels.
- Contribute to evidence-based recommendations that address health inequities and social justice issues.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills relevant to community health research.
- Reflect on ethical considerations in research, particularly when working with marginalized communities.
- Strengthen project management skills, including time management, organization, and adaptability in a research environment.
Throughout the placement, students will engage in weekly supervision meetings and reflective exercises to support their learning and professional growth. This placement is designed to prepare students with practical experience and prepare them for future roles in research, community development, and social policy.
Placement Details:
- Interviews are required for placement consideration.
- Field placements may be in-person, hybrid or remote, depending on project needs and student availability.
- Ideal for students looking to develop macro or integrated social work skills.
Interested students are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Magnus Mfoafo-M’Carthy, Director of MCCHR, to explore field placement opportunities: the possibility of a field placement E: mmfoafomcarthy@wlu.ca