The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marla Beauchamp as Director of the MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre effective July 1, 2024.
The MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre is a unique partnership between MIRA and Dixon Hall, a multi-service agency in Toronto’s downtown East focused on addressing poverty, social injustices and isolation across the lifespan. With a physical presence in both Hamilton and Toronto, the MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre offers unique opportunities to lead community-based research that optimizes the physical and social wellbeing of vulnerable and at-risk older adults.
Working collaboratively to bridge the gap between academic and community spheres, Dr. Beauchamp as a Director will oversee partnerships that bring together Dixon Hall’s expertise in providing comprehensive community-based client care and MIRA’s excellence in creating innovative research programs centered around aging and well-being.
“I am excited and honoured to take on a further leadership role in this important Centre,” says Beauchamp, “and for the opportunity to support and promote research so deeply embedded in the community. I look forward to collaborating with our teams at MIRA and Dixon Hall, whose perspectives and expertise continue to coalesce to create leading edge aging research initiatives with depth and impact.”
Dr. Beauchamp brings a wealth of experience, expertise and commitment to the role, building on a successful tenure since November 2022 as inaugural associate scientific director of the Centre. A physical therapist and Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science, and an Associate Member in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University, Dr. Beauchamp holds a tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Mobility, Aging and Chronic Disease and an Early Researcher Award from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities focusing on late-life mobility and technology. The overarching aim of Dr. Beauchamp’s research is to identify ways to keep older adults healthy and mobile in their homes and communities for as long as possible and she leads several major interdisciplinary projects in this space Her work at the MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre is focused on developing community-driven and impact-oriented projects that optimize the physical and social well-being of vulnerable older adults.
Formed through the generosity of Suzanne Labarge, McMaster’s former chancellor, “The MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre is not merely a part of MIRA; it stands as the embodiment of MIRA’s mission and values,” notes Parminder Raina, Scientific Director of MIRA, “Under Marla’s leadership the Centre has flourished over the past two years, and I am confident that in her new role as Director, the Centre will continue to deepen our commitment to impactful, community-driven aging research.”
