Sandra Magalhaes

Sandra Magalhaes is a Researcher in the Department of Sociology at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), affiliated with the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training (NB-IRDT). She joined UNB in 2017 and assumed her current role in 2019 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship. Her academic background includes a PhD in Epidemiology from McGill University, a master’s in Epidemiology, and a Bachelor of Health Sciences with Biology from the University of Western Ontario.

Dr. Magalhaes’ research focuses on neuroepidemiology and chronic disease epidemiology, particularly in pediatric and aging populations. Her work leverages population-level administrative data to address health challenges in New Brunswick, including dementia prevention, frailty, and mental health impacts of the pandemic. She collaborates with provincial and national networks like the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) and Horizon Health Network. She also develops policy-relevant research with government health and social development departments, alongside statistical training programs for diverse stakeholders.

Her recent publications span environmental risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases, pediatric health complexities, and aging-related public health strategies. Her research emphasizes translating evidence into actionable policy, bridging academic and governmental sectors. She is involved in collaborative studies on multiple sclerosis etiology and environmental determinants of health outcomes.

While no formal awards are noted, her contributions to interdisciplinary research and community partnerships highlight her impact in public health. Her work integrates epidemiological rigor with applied policy development, making her a key figure in New Brunswick’s health research landscape.