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About

Chelsea Smith’s research sits at the vital intersection of gerontology, mental health, and health technology, with a sharp focus on combating social isolation in long-term care. Her work has been particularly urgent in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where she has made significant contributions to understanding and mitigating loneliness among older adults. Her landmark qualitative study, “Exploring experiences of loneliness among Canadian long‐term care residents during the COVID‐19 pandemic,” (51 citations) provides critical, firsthand insights into the emotional toll of pandemic restrictions on residents, offering essential lessons for future crisis management. Smith is also a leading voice on the use of telepresence robots in aged care. Her highly cited scoping review, “Facilitators and barriers to using telepresence robots in aged care settings” (58 citations), systematically maps the practical and emotional factors that determine whether these technologies can successfully reduce isolation rather than create new barriers. This work, along with its published protocol, has established a foundational evidence base for integrating robotics into geriatric care. By centering the lived experiences of residents, Chelsea Smith’s research is not only academically rigorous but deeply human, shaping more compassionate and effective care environments for an aging population.