Carolyn Melro

Dr. Carolyn Melro, PhD is an Assistant Professor (in progress) at the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa and a Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute. She is a dynamic and deeply engaged health services researcher whose work bridges academic inquiry, education, and community collaboration-particularly in the realm of Indigenous youth mental health.

Dr. Melro’s program of research is organized around three key priorities:

1. Indigenous youth co-designed mental health and systems change
2. Trust-building in Indigenous research partnerships
3. Health professions education on historical and ongoing colonialism

Email Researcher Other Publications

Research Areas

Indigenous Research Mental Health Health Data Psychiatry (Child and Adolescent) Transition to Adult Care

Related News

Research Projects

1. Integrating Worlds: Addressing Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health in Indigenous Contexts

   22/09/2025

   Indigenous youth in Canada face significant and unique challenges related to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, with almost 50% having a diagnosed chronic health condition. These challenges are shaped by historical and ongoing colonialism, which has disrupted cultural and traditional practices and led to intergenerational trauma among some Indigenous Peoples and communities.

2. Engaging Indigenous partners in health service transformation: a framework for sustained engagement built on trust

   13/05/2025

   This paper examines the development of a national research network called ACCESS Open Minds. This network includes youth, families, clinicians, community members, decision-makers, and academics, all working to transform youth mental health services in Canada. It concludes with a call to build evidence on what works in achieving and maintaining trust in engaging Indigenous partners in health system transformation. Engaging Indigenous partners in health service transformation: A framework for sustained engagement built on trust.