Olivia Caruso

Research Design & Data Analysis

Proficient in supporting all stages of research and evaluation projects, including literature reviews, tool development, ethics submissions, and mixed-methods data analysis using SPSS, R, and NVivo.

Statistical, Spatial, & Qualitative Analysis

Skilled in applying advanced statistical techniques, spatial mapping (ArcGIS), and thematic analysis to generate meaningful insights and support decision-making.

Project Management & Stakeholder Engagement

Experienced in leading projects and fostering collaborative partnerships to achieve shared goals.

Knowledge Translation & Communication

Strong in writing reports, delivering presentations, and translating complex information for diverse audiences.

Research Assistant, Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University (2021-Present)

Analyzed large quantitative and spatial datasets using SPSS, R, and ArcGIS to examine food access, mental health, and chronic disease risk. Developed indicators to assess unhealthy food environments and their impact on adolescent dietary behaviours. Managed a database of 50,000+ food vendors across Ontario to support health equity research. Led or contributed to six systematic reviews to inform policy and program design. Facilitated focus groups with youth and stakeholders to support intervention development. Supervised and mentored over 20 research assistants to ensure high-quality data collection and skill-building.

Adjunt Faculty, Healthy Cities, Western University (2025)

Developed and delivered curriculum, focusing on urban health, urban planning, social determinants of health, and health equity. Facilitated engaging discussions, assessments, and activities for 200 undergraduate students. Used agile and collaborative project management tools like Monday.com to plan and track course activities.

Teaching Assistant, Western University (2021-2024)

Supported undergraduate courses, including Healthy Cities. Delivered 2 guest lectures on food environments and health.

Graduate Student Research, Dalla Lana School of Public health, University of Toronto (2020)

Conducted an in-depth literature review on the proximal and distal mechanisms driving the youth mental health crisis. Explored innovative, evidence-based strategies addressing youth mental health issues, contributing to actionable research. Aligned findings with current public health practices, supporting interventions in youth health and well-being.

Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (Ongoing)

Western University

Integrated spatial analysis using ArcGIS with statistical modeling in SPSS to examine place-based determinants of youth dietary choices. Findings inform healthy public policy and urban planning interventions targeting adolescent nutrition. Supported by the Ontario Graduate Scholarship and the SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship.

Master of Public Health

Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto

Gained applied research skills through coursework in biostatistics, program evaluation, and survey design, as well as through a practicum with Generation Distress, which examined youth mental health policy. Participated in the Implementation Science Trainee Cluster, contributing to research on COVID-19 workplace interventions in long-term care homes.

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Health Studies & Human Geography

University of Toronto

Completed coursework spanning health promotion, epidemiology, the social determinants of health, geographic information sciences, and political ecology. Gained applied research experience through an undergraduate thesis examining food retail change in the Bronx, New York, using statistical and spatial analysis to explore implications for health equity.

Board Member, Focus on Nature (2025-Present)

Contribute to strategic planning, governance, and oversight to support the organization’s mission of inspiring children to connect with nature through photography. Provide guidance on program development, community engagement, and organizational growth, helping to ensure that more young people gain access to creative outdoor learning opportunities. Participate on the Program and Marketing Committees, supporting program delivery and communications initiatives.

Co-Facilitator, Human Environments Analysis Laboratory Youth Advisory Council (2021-2023)

Guided youth engagement activities and supported members in contributing to research and community-based initiatives focused on health and equity.

• Urban Climate Resilience Discourse in Ontario: Findings from a Systematic Literature Review and Thematic Analysis.
• Understanding Food Literacy Intervention Effectiveness: Postsecondary Students’ Perspectives on how an mHealth Food Literacy Intervention Impacted their Dietary Behaviors.
• The Influence of the School Neighborhood Food Retail Environment on Unhealthy Food Purchasing Behaviors Among Adolescents: A Systematic Review.
• Gentrification and Food Retail Instability: A Census Tract Analysis of the Bronx, New York, 2008 and 2017.