Biography

As of Fall 2024, Mackenzie is a first-year PhD student at the University of Toronto's Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, where she conducts research under the supervision of Dr. Alex Mihailidis. Her research focuses on developing and evaluating an educational intervention to help older adults effectively use smartwatch devices to monitor their cardiac health.

Mackenzie has extensive experience working with diverse clinical populations, most recently with the University Health Network (UHN) at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI), where she is involved in the HERACLES project. This study examines the relationship between biometric data, physical activity levels, and future health and disease trends. Prior to this, Mackenzie completed her MA in Music and Health Sciences at the University of Toronto, where her research centered on using Neurologic Music Therapy to help older adults with Dystonia reduce pain and improve their quality of life.

Mackenzie's passion for the rehabilitation sector is rooted in her academic background. She earned an Honours Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto, where she was awarded the UofT National Scholarship for the duration of her undergraduate degree. Her commitment to supporting older adults with technology also extends beyond academia, as she has volunteered in her community, tutoring seniors in the use of technology to enhance their daily lives.