This post is In memory of Dr. Eugenia Canas who passed away on June 18th, 2021. 

Eugenia was a thoughtful and considerate soul, beloved by her friends and colleagues. A role model, mentor, and source of strength, she was ever generous with her knowledge and time. Eugenia was that rare person who made everyone comfortable in her presence. She spoke to everyone with the utmost kindness and listened with a genuine interest in what they had to say.

Eugenia joined MINDS in 2017 as the Director of Research. She was integral to developing MINDS’ values and research framework. As a champion for youth mental well-being, Eugenia worked to ensure that youth are centred in all of our work. As Director of Research, Eugenia played the part of mentor to MINDS’ youth research assistants and co-op students. She fostered a sense of equity and social justice, always encouraging her colleagues to think about how their research practices will affect the world. 

After leaving her role as Director of Research to pursue post-graduate work at Western University, Eugenia continued in her role as a mentor. She was a key collaborator on the youth-centred practice project. YCP youth-lead Alec hopes that YCP will live on as a testament to Eugenia’s tireless fight for youth voice and for youth to be authentically engaged in the issues and societal problems that affect them.  

MINDS wishes to thank Eugenia for her tremendous contributions to the social innovation lab. She will be missed by those who had the pleasure of working with her. 

Eugenia’s colleagues at Western have established a scholarship in her name which will provide funding support for a student in Western University’s Health Information Science Graduate Program. If you would like to make a donation, please visit: http://westernconnect.ca/canasmemorial.