Lauren Peveril of Fall River, NS is a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts and Science in Interdisciplinary Health Studies (Honours) student examining how patients navigate the path to a hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) diagnosis in Nova Scotia through Mount Allison’s Independent Student Research Grant (ISRG) program.

Using autoethnography (a researcher’s own lived experience) and institutional ethnography (how systems and processes have shaped people’s everyday experiences), Peveril is looking at how both impact access to care.

“I hope to highlight the current care gaps in our healthcare system for those who are navigating chronic illnesses, especially women,” Peveril says.  “Conditions like hEDS are often invisible and poorly understood, resulting in misdiagnosis or being dismissed altogether.”

Her summer research involves reviewing and synthesizing academic literature and developing different pieces of writing that will ultimately contribute to her honours thesis. She meets regularly with her supervisor, Dr. Christiana MacDougall, while working independently between Nova Scotia and Mount Allison.

The flexibility of the ISRG program has allowed Peveril to take on a complex research question while developing skills in qualitative research, critical analysis, and self-directed learning.

“Being able to do this type of research as an undergraduate has been extremely empowering,” she says. “It has given me the chance to apply what I have learned in my classes to the real world.”

Through the project, Peveril expects to identify themes related to how healthcare institutions shape the experiences of people seeking diagnosis and support. These may include medical dismissal, sexism and misogyny, specialist shortages, gaps within the healthcare system, and the role of online patient support groups.

“My hope is that by examining the pathways to care, I can help push toward a more equitable healthcare system and share my recommendations with those who can act on them.”
For Peveril, the experience has been an opportunity to build research skills that go beyond what is typically possible within a single course.

“One of the biggest skillsets I will take from this research experience is the ability to synthesize and critically engage with large volumes of academic literature,” she says. “Qualitative research has also taught me that understanding someone’s experience can be just as valuable as measuring it.”

She says Mount Allison’s interdisciplinary health studies program has helped prepare her to take on questions that cross traditional academic boundaries.

“The health studies program has allowed me to approach health from multiple angles,” she says. “I have really appreciated the diverse range of courses I have been able to take. With such a small program, I have also been able to foster wonderful relationships with my cohort and professors.”

Her summer research has also reinforced her interest in health policy and healthcare system navigation.

After graduating from Mount Allison in 2027, Peveril plans to pursue graduate studies, potentially in public health, health administration, global health, or business.
“I hope to work on complex problems and help improve the healthcare system through policy and intervention.”

Read more about Mount Allison’s Independent Research Study Grants: