Dr. Ejemai Eboreime, an affiliate scientist with Nova Scotia Health, is an assistant professor of implementation science and global mental health research in the Department of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine. He also serves as program director of the Master’s in Global Clinical Psychiatry program.
Can you tell us a little bit about your field of research?
My research focuses on implementation science and digital mental health, with a particular emphasis on addressing mental health inequities in Nova Scotia's diverse communities. I study how climate events affect mental health outcomes and work to develop innovative solutions that reach underserved populations. Currently, I'm leading Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded research examining the mental health impacts of the 2023 Upper Tantallon wildfires on African Nova Scotian communities.
I also lead our “Exploring Multifactorial Barriers and Resources for Accessing Care and Equity in Mental Health (EMBRACE)” research program, which identifies and addresses barriers preventing African Nova Scotians and newcomers from accessing mental health services across the province. The EMBRACE research series is funded by the QEII Foundation’s Translating Research Into Care grant, Research Nova Scotia’s New Health Investigator Grant, and Dalhousie University’s Department of Psychiatry Research Fund.
What led you to this field/inspired you to do this work?
When I moved to Nova Scotia, I was struck by the resilience of communities here, but also the significant mental health access barriers facing many residents, particularly African Nova Scotians and newcomers. The 2023 Upper Tantallon wildfires were a turning point for me; learning about how climate disasters disproportionately affect marginalized communities made me realize we needed better, more equitable mental health responses. My background in implementation science gives me the tools to not just study these problems but actually work with communities and stakeholders to evolve practical solutions that could help in real-world settings.
How does your research translate into healthcare solutions for the patient/public?
My research could help inform mental healthcare access improvement for Nova Scotians. Through our EMBRACE program, we're working with African Nova Scotian communities, immigrants and other minority groups to identify specific barriers and co-design solutions that work for them.
With our knowledge translation plan, our work seeks to strengthen existing protocols by identifying gaps and opportunities for better preparation co-developed with communities impacted or at high risk of these adverse climate events, particularly wildfires.
We're also working on training the next generation of mental health professionals through our innovative online Masters in Global Clinical Psychiatry program, which would address the shortage of culturally competent mental health providers in our province and beyond.
What is the biggest challenge/opportunity in your field of research?
Nova Scotia faces unique mental health challenges. We have an aging population, increasing climate disasters, growing diversity and persistent access barriers for rural and marginalized communities. But our province's collaborative spirit and manageable size create incredible opportunities. We can be pioneers in developing climate-resilient, culturally responsive mental health systems. Nova Scotia can become a model for the rest of Canada in how to deliver equitable mental health care that truly serves everyone.
Why is research and participation in research important?
Community participation is essential because Nova Scotians know their communities best. In our work with African Nova Scotian communities in Lucasville and Upper Hammonds Plain after the wildfires, residents aren't just research subjects, they're partners in designing solutions. Their insights about cultural factors, community strengths, and practical barriers are shaping interventions that can actually work in the real world. Without authentic community partnership, research often misses the mark entirely.
What does the ideal future in your field of research look like to you?
I envision a Nova Scotia where every person, regardless of their background, location, or circumstances, can access mental health support that truly understands their culture and context. This means artificial intelligence-powered tools available in multiple languages, services adapted for African Nova Scotian, indigenous communities, immigrants and other minorities’ experiences, and support systems that work for our rural communities. Most importantly, I see Nova Scotia becoming a leader in climate-resilient mental health systems, prepared for future challenges while serving as a model for other provinces facing similar issues.
Research is care, and clinical studies help translate research into potentially life-changing therapies that can help you, your friends and your loved ones. Want to know more about how to get involved? Visit Nova Studies Connect today: novastudiesconnect.ca
