Welcome to Our Research Projects
Dr. Michael Kalu is currently leading several innovative research projects that aim to improve health equity, mobility, and education for older adults. Through diverse methodologies and collaborative efforts, these projects focus on addressing critical challenges and exploring solutions to enhance the quality of life and healthcare outcomes. Dr. Kalu’s work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, cutting-edge technology, and community-centered perspectives to create impactful and meaningful change in aging research.
Health Equity and Aging
Focuses on empowering older adults through culturally appropriate health interventions, addressing social determinants, and ensuring equity in care.
PIs: Kokorelias KM & Kalu, ME
Co-PIs: Eaton, A., Harris MT, Singh H, Munce SEP, Wijekoon S, Zewude R, and others.
Empowering Health Equity Through Prevention and Self-Management: Co-Designing Culturally Tailored Pre-Clinical & Diabetes Education for Black Older Adults in Peel.
Funding: Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations, $99,395.63 (2024-2029).
PI: Kalu ME
Co-PIs: Grenier A, Ojembe B
Exploring Challenges in Identifying homebound Black older adults and understanding what strategies work: a comprehensive scoping review and qualitative case study in the Greater Toronto Area.
Funding: Social Science and Humanities Research – Insight Development Grants. $71,337
PI: Kalu ME
Exploring Challenges in Identifying Homebound Black Older Adults and Understanding What Strategies Work: A Comprehensive Scoping Review and Descriptive Qualitative ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ in Greater Toronto Area.
Funding: ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Black Research Seed Grant – May 2024. $25,000
PI: Kalu ME
Funding:
• 2025 Canadian Association on Gerontology New Investigator Award, $5,000
• ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Faculty of Health Collaborative/Community Research Seed Grant, $15,000
• CIHR Fall 2025 Project Grant Priority Announcement: Patient-Oriented Research (Operating Grant), $100,000
Mobility and Aging
Explores innovative approaches to improving mobility and enhancing quality of life for older adults through assistive technologies and interventions.
PI: Kalu ME
Co-PI: Ameri S, Ojembe B, and others.
Bridging Mobility Gaps: Co-designing Culturally Appropriate Mobility AI-Powered Wearable (CAMAiW) Tool for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) older adults.
Funding: ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ & Queens University Connected Mind Seed Grant, $75,000 (Dec 2024).
Project 1:
PI: Kalu ME
Exploring the Application of the Comprehensive Mobility Discharge Assessment Framework in Evaluating Older Adults' Mobility during Hospital-to-Home Transitions.
Funding: ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Faculty of Health Joint Junior Faculty Funds & Minor Research Grant, $5,000 (Nov 2023).
Project 2:
PI: Kalu ME
Co-PIs: Adandom I, Onyeso O, Taylor H, Ugwu C
Examining the Mediation of Economic, Environmental, and Social Disparities in Mobility Decline Among Visible Minority and Non-Minority Older Canadians: A CLSA-Based Analysis.
Funding: Canadian Institutes of Health Research Catalyst Grant: Analysis of CLSA Data, $69,287 CAD (Feb 2025 - Jan 2026).
Physiotherapy, Education, and Transdisciplinary Approaches
Focuses on innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary strategies for advancing healthcare education and improving patient outcomes.
Project 1:
PI: Kalu ME
Co-Applicants: Auais M, Cleworth T, Fox M, Gage William, and others.
Exploring the Application of the Comprehensive Mobility Discharge Assessment Framework in Evaluating Older Adults’ Mobility during Hospital-to-Home Transitions.
Funding: Canadian Institutes of Health Research Planning and Dissemination Grant, $17,402.
Project 2:
PI: Kalu ME
Co-Applicants: Dr. Nicola Plastow
Exploring the Possibilities of Trans-Cultural Co-creation of Afrocentric Gerontology Certificate or Masters Programs between Stellenbosch University and ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ.
Funding: Global Research Excellence (GRE) Fund, ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ, $6,500.
Advancing Research Methodologies
Enhancing research techniques through innovative methodologies and data-driven decision-making.
Project 1:
PI: Kalu ME
Better Black Focused Community Engagement and Afrocentric Recruitment: Building Trust, Inclusion and Sustainable Partnerships
Funding: Connected Minds EDI Initiated Fund, $6,000
Project 2:
Project Title: Exploring AI Use in Thematic Analysis
Details coming soon...