Reagan Wallace, BA Honours Anthropology

CHEO Research Ethics Board (REB)

• BA Honours Anthropology

Current work: I currently work with the CHEO Research Ethics Board (REB), which provides independent, multidisciplinary ethics review of research involving human participants conducted by CHEO staff and the CHEO Research Institute. The REB plays a critical role in ensuring that children, youth, and families, recognized as vulnerable populations, receive appropriate protections in the context of research.

During my time at Carleton University, I gained skills that have guided me through my work on the Research Ethics Board and my Master of Bioethics at Ohio State University. My anthropology background has been particularly valuable, providing a deep understanding of the complex interactions between culture, decision-making, and vulnerability. This perspective strengthens my ethical reasoning by ensuring that consent processes, recruitment strategies, and study designs are culturally appropriate and sensitive to diverse communities. Anthropology also introduced me to research ethics, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and researcher/REB responsibility. It taught me to approach research administrative reviews with reflexivity and respect for participants lived experiences. I draw on anthropology daily in my work and ongoing learning, and I look forward to continuing to apply its principles in future opportunities.