Assistant Professor
My research is focused on evidence-based policy development and implementation as a framework for enhancing health at a population level. I believe that effective policy is made when it is co-constructed with its users being included in the decision-making of its creation and implementation. I am especially interested in the intersection of evidence-based policy implementation with real-world impacts that support health and wellness across the lifespan, within the context of people’s lives and social determinants of health. Primarily a qualitative researcher, I have experience in both qualitative and mixed methods research methods, scoping, systematic, and rapid reviews.
Using a systems level approach to understand implementation processes, my work investigates the impact these have on the lived experience of a given population within those systems, from a population health perspective. Much of my research has been focused on supporting student success and pedagogy in higher education. In addition, my current research also focuses on quality improvement in public health systems as well as improving the quality of life and reducing social isolation of older adults living in Long Term Care.
As a teacher, I bring concern for student success. I enjoy teaching and I care about students learning and success. I believe in reciprocity, learner-centered pedagogy that is experiential and engaged, uses active learning strategies, and is reflective.
- Social determinants
- Implementation processes for enhanced health
- Student mental health and well-being
- Quality improvement in public health systems
- Teaching culture and leadership in higher education
- Improving quality of life for older adults living in Long Term Care
- Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara Branch Board Director / Chair of Service Outcomes / Quality Committee
- Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
O’Connell, T.S. , Lathrop, A.H., & Pilato, K.A. (2024). “Confident, supportive, and capable:” A retrospective analysis of an Outdoor Orientation Program. Journal of Experiential Education, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259241290464
Pennisi, S., Lathrop, A., & Pilato, K. A. (2024). How can practitioner action research support the design, implementation, and evaluation of on-campus mental health and addiction services?. Educational Action Research, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/09650792.2023.2229402
Wadge S., Steeves, V., Pilato, K.A., Michaelson, V. (2024). Navigating (gendered) social worlds: A qualitative exploration of Canadian young people’s social relationships and mental health. PLOS Ment Health, 1(6), e0000113. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmen.0000113
Michaelson, V., Pilato, K.A., Murray, J., et al. (2025). Incongruent Expectations: A Qualitative Study of the Gendered Experiences of Canadian Young People. Qualitative Health Research, 0(0). doi:10.1177/10497323241308779
Pennisi, S., Lathrop, A., & Pilato, K. A. (2023). How can practitioner action research support the design, implementation, and evaluation of on-campus mental health and addiction services? Educational Action Research, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/09650792.2023.2229402
Pilato, K. A., Law, M. P., Moore, S. A., Hay, J. A., & Narushima, M. (2023). Policy Implementation in Higher Education: The Dynamics of a Fall Break. Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, (201), 63-74. https://doi.org/10.7202/1095483ar
Pilato, K. A., Law, M. P., Hay, J. A., Narushima, M., & Moore, S. A. (2022). Stress testing the university fall break policy: understanding the impact on student mental health. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 52(1), 70-82. https://doi.org/10.47678/cjhe.v52i1.189453
Pilato, K. A., & Michaelson, V. A. (2022). Spirituality in the Health Curricula in Canada: A Review. Health Education Journal, 81(2), 211-225. https://doi.org/10.1177/00178969211072277
Law, M., Berry, A., Clarke, N. Hay, G., Muhl, C., Pilato, K. A., Hunter, D., & Larson, A. (2021). Using the QI Maturity Tool – Modified Ontario Version to assess the state of QI maturity in Ontario’s public health units. Arch Public Health 79, 181 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-021-00703-3
Michaelson, V., Pilato, K. A., & Davison, C. M. (2021). Family as a health promotion setting: A scoping review of conceptual models of the health-promoting family. PLoS One, 16(4), e0249707. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0249707
Pilato, K. A., Law, M. P., Narushima, M., Moore, S. A., & Hay, J. A. (2021). The creation of a mental health policy in higher education. Educational Policy, 36(7), 1821- 1849. https://doi.org/10.1177/08959048211015613
- Introduction to Health Sciences
- Health and Behaviour
- Writing in the Health Sciences
