Jason Edward Pagaduan has a PhD from the University of Toronto and is an evidence synthesis scientist at the Alberta Research Center for Health Evidence (ARCHE). His research interests span socio-cultural perspectives on aging, epistemology, and, more recently, evidence synthesis and knowledge translation. For the first time since he wrapped us his CAnD3 training journey in 2022, he reflects on his experiences during and after CAnD3.
Read on as Jason shares his insights into how CAnD3 shaped his career and research approach.
Good morning, Jason! It’s great to have you here. To start, let’s rewind to the beginning of your journey. What initially drew you to the CAnD3 training program, and what were your expectations when you joined?
Good morning! Thanks for having me—I'm happy to share my experience. Honestly, I knew very little about CAnD3 when I applied. At the time, it was only in its second year and still relatively new. In fact, my cohort was probably the first "COVID cohort," meaning everything was fully online.
What stood out to me was the program’s emphasis on decision-making. Coming from a sociology background—particularly cultural sociology—the idea of evidence-based decision-making wasn’t something I was deeply familiar with, but it intrigued me. I had always believed sociology had the potential to influence real-world decision-making in a more direct way, and CAnD3 seemed like an opportunity to bridge that gap.
Did the experiences match your expectations?
I didn’t have a clear set of expectations going in. What I did know was that I wanted to challenge myself—to think more critically about data and its role in decision-making.
The pandemic really emphasized the importance of applying research skills in meaningful, impactful ways, and CAnD3 gave me the tools to do just that. The program helped refine my research, analytical, presentation, and public speaking skills. At first, the range of workshops and guest speakers felt overwhelming—there was just so much to take in! But I quickly realized that the goal was to expose us to diverse ways of conducting and presenting research. It was a humbling experience that broadened my perspective on both academia and applied research.
That’s great to hear! Let’s talk about your internship experience. How did your internship through CAnD3 shape your career, and what were some key takeaways?
My internship with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) turned out to be one of the most valuable experiences of my career. I initially had no expectations—it was just an opportunity I wanted to explore.
I was first introduced to systematic reviews through a CAnD3 skills workshop, and it immediately piqued my interest. Shortly after, Dr. Leanne Idzerda mentioned an internship opportunity, and I knew it was the right moment to pivot into public health as a cultural sociologist.
Working with PHAC researchers was both exciting and eye-opening. The team was collaborative and incredibly supportive, which made me feel valued from day one. As an intern, I was tasked with leading my own scoping review—a daunting challenge at first. But with mentorship and guidance, I successfully completed it, and it was even published! I also contributed to a Post COVID-19 condition prevalence systematic review, which is set to be published this spring.
This internship was more than just a learning experience—it was a launching pad. I gained hands-on experience in evidence synthesis, contributed to meaningful research, and, ultimately, secured a full-time position. CAnD3 truly opened doors for me.
That’s an incredible journey! Speaking of research, your work focuses on knowledge mobilization and inclusive design. How did CAnD3 help you apply these principles in your professional work?
One workshop that left a lasting impact on me was on interviewing, presented by Erika Braithwaite from Precision Analytics. She framed data science as storytelling, which was a perspective I hadn’t considered before. She emphasized that as PhD students, we already possess the skills needed to be data scientists and that we need to market ourselves more effectively outside of academia.
CAnD3’s modules on policy briefs and ePortfolios helped me develop a design-oriented mindset. I now consider readability and accessibility in my work, using tools like Hemingway -a tool to help evaluate the reading level of a sentence for target audiences- to ensure clear communication. Many academic websites are filled with technical jargon, but I’ve learned that simplifying language makes research more impactful and engaging.
Now, looking at your professional network—has CAnD3 influenced or expanded your connections in any way?
Absolutely. My internship experience at PHAC significantly broadened my professional network in public health. Through that role, I collaborated with various organizations, including Cochrane Canada. Later on, I learned that my PHAC colleagues had been collaborating with ARCHE—my current team.
This one opportunity completely shifted my career trajectory and strengthened my professional connections. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those initial introductions.
It’s amazing how one opportunity can open so many doors! What advice would you give to someone considering joining CAnD3?
Be prepared to be challenged! There will be moments when you feel overwhelmed, but that’s a sign of growth. The program is designed to expose you to different ways of thinking, and every skill you pick up—whether it’s research methodologies, design thinking, or policy communication—will make you more adaptable and well-rounded.
At the same time, follow your interests but stay open-minded. You never know which workshop, speaker, or module will ignite a new passion or lead to an unexpected career opportunity. And most importantly, lean on your small group. They will be your support system throughout the program, and you’ll likely build lasting connections.
CAnD3 isn’t just a training program—it’s a journey. It will challenge and support you in ways you never expected, and in the end, it just might change the course of your career.
That’s fantastic advice, Jason! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us—it’s been such an insightful conversation. Wishing you continued success in your research and career!
Connect with Jason here.
