Dr. Alison Phinney

Biography

Alison Phinney is a Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in the School of Nursing and serves as the Associate Director for Faculty Development. Her research is internationally recognized for its focus on dementia, meaningful activity, and aging. Dr. Phinney co-directs the Centre for Research on Personhood in Dementia, where she conducts research in partnership with community leaders to enhance the knowledge and skills needed to support the personhood and social citizenship of older adults, particularly those living with dementia. Her work employs qualitative research methods to shed light on the lived experiences of people with dementia and their families, emphasizing the impact of cognitive impairment on daily life and participation in meaningful activities. Dr. Phinney's ongoing projects include initiatives aimed at addressing social citizenship challenges in dementia care, particularly in policy and practice by promoting inclusion and reducing stigma. Her dedication to advancing understanding in this field is demonstrated through her mentoring of graduate students, guiding them in their scholarly pursuits in dementia research and older adult care. She has received multiple accolades for her contributions to nursing research and student mentoring, reflecting her commitment to education and scholarship in the field.

Research Interests