Our people
Paul J. Veugelers - Unit Director & Professor
Paul received training in human nutrition (MSc from the University of Wageningen, the Netherlands), epidemiology (PhD from the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands) and biostatistical modeling (postdoctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia). In 1998, he immigrated to Canada to join the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie University, Halifax. In 2002, he took a position at the University of Alberta where he is currently a professor in the School of Public Health and Director of the Population Health Intervention Research Unit. Paul is married with two beautiful daughters, who love to stay active.
Shelby Corley - Project Coordinator
Shelby has a strong background in health-related research. She completed both her BA (Hons) and MA in Anthropology at the University of Alberta, and brings research experience in Anthropology, Environmental Sciences, Law, Native Studies, Nursing and Health Informatics. She has spent considerable time traveling across Alberta, both for academic and non-academic work; her MA fieldwork focused on perceptions of health and environmental risk in the Athabasca oil sands. Playing a poorly executed game of soccer is among Shelby’s favourite activities, and she enjoys digging around in her vegetable garden. Shelby is very happy to be a part of this team!
Megan Purcell - Consultant
Megan completed a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Victoria in 2008. Her research analyzed health policy related to childhood overweight and chronic disease from a children's rights perspective. Megan has experience working in a variety of settings from recreation to government, and in numerous fields, including population health, children's services, and addiction and mental health. Megan is passionate about creating and supporting healthy environments for children and youth, and is excited to be a part of the REAL Kids Alberta team. She served happily for three years as Project Coordinator, and continues to play an integral role as Consultant from her new home in the mountains.
Marg Schwartz - Manager - APPLE Schools
Marg has been involved with school health promotion for over 25 years. She has a passion for health promotion and has worked in a number of roles to support her vision for healthy, active Alberta students including the founding manager for Schools Come Alive and Ever Active Schools. She has worked for both Alberta Education and Alberta Health and Wellness and is currently seconded from the Alberta government to the School of Public Health. She is the recipient of the Robert Routledge Memorial address, the Health and Physical Education Distinguished Service Award and a Premiers' Excellence Award. She completed her Bachelor of Education and Master Degree in Education from the University of Alberta. She is a mom, a hiker, curler and loves to travel. ¡Hola!
Pamela Bailey - Project Assistant
Pamela has worked with the REAL Kids project since 2008 when she first began as an Evaluation Assistant. She graduated with a BSc in Nutrition from the University of Alberta and has extensive experience with school and community health promotion. Pamela enjoys being active and has a passion for travel, including her annual outdoor adventure trips with her husband and friends. She loves to make people laugh and has a bright, sunny outlook. She continues to be a key member with REAL Kids Alberta, in her role as the Project Assistant and enjoys being part of such an incredible team!
Andrea Cliff - Office Coordinator
Andrea is the person who will greet you with her contagious smile when you enter the unit. Her laughter and positive attitude makes every day brighter. Andrea has background experience as an Administrative Assistant with the Ever Active and Schools Come Alive programs of the Alberta Teachers Association. She sits on the Wellness Committee with the School of Public Health, helps with the planning of activities, unit events and oversees the general administration and day to day operations of the unit. Andrea has spent many years as a volunteer in her community. She loves to laugh and is married with two fantastic teenage kids. She enjoys being a part of such an amazing team.
Connie Lu - Data Manager
Connie received her Master of Science degree from the University of Alberta in 2007, with a focus on the analysis of forestry sustainability and government policy implications. Before moving to Canada in 2002, Connie studied in and worked with the Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy, where she was awarded a Master's degree for her study in the field of small town development economics. Connie's strong technical skills and experience in dealing with complicated models and data structure make her an invaluable addition to any research team.