Meet the IIU’s Behavioural Science Fellow: Angela Mastroianni

What unique perspectives do you bring to this work, as someone entering the public service for the first time?

For the past decade, my research has centred around the study of eating behaviour. Though each project had specific research questions, the methodology and results branched into various fields of psychology and other social sciences. Having experience with a multidisciplinary topic will allow me to ease into collaborating with the cross-functional Impact Canada team. I look forward to drawing from different disciplines and diverse perspectives in support of Canadian public health.

What attracted you to apply to the Fellowship program?

I was excited by the opportunity to leverage empirical data about human behaviour and decision-making to promote positive change and a better future for Canadians. It will be rewarding to be a part of a team that uses science to make a tangible and productive impact, tackling real-world problems and working to help our country thrive.

In what way do you believe the application of behavioural science can effectively support Canada’s public health response?

Behavioural science can enable researchers to understand how people think, behave and make decisions using rigorous methodology and analysis. Our government can leverage behaviourally informed insights to implement and provide better programs, policies and services for Canadians. By relying on what the data tells us with an evidence-based mindset, we can find solutions to everyday public health problems for our nation.

Can you share an outcome from your past research(es) that has made you proud?

My Ph.D. research applied a theory of drug addiction to investigate the psychobiological processes that drive us to eat when we are not hungry. I am most proud of a result that revealed an unexpected and novel gap in the literature. By identifying missing pieces in a body of research, we can pursue a better understanding of past findings and inform future research.

"I look forward to drawing from different disciplines and diverse perspectives in support of Canadian public health."