School of Communication Graduand Kayli Jamieson’s Journey From Grad School to Long COVID Advocacy

“Developing Long COVID was utterly devastating and life-changing, and despite the disease burden and impact to over 400 million people worldwide (an underestimate), I didn’t witness news coverage reflect this impact or with urgency,” says Jamieson.

In this sense, her thesis fills a large gap in coverage about Long COVID in what is now commonly referred to as a ‘post-pandemic’ era.

“It is my hope that with increased humanization and empathy in news coverage, we can remember the value and grievability of human lives, and work together for a more equitable future that is life-giving for all,” she says.

On top of the common stress that accompanies completing graduate school, Jamieson also had to battle ongoing health complications throughout her degree. She wants to recognize the support she has received in her graduate studies, particularly from her supervisor, School of Communication professor Ahmed Al-Rawi.

“He’s seen me go through so much since my late undergrad and has expressed so much patience and encouragement throughout my studies and health struggles,” says Jamieson. “I truly gained so much of my methodological foundation through working with him as an RA and on papers together.”

She also highlights School of Communication professors Stuart Poyntz and Adel Iskander, who have been allies to her advocacy and community-engaged research. 

“I’m going to miss so much about this School – the friends I’ve made who have been a major support, the events where we had critical media discussions, the kind faculty, and the grad lounge and courtyard that felt like a second home to me,” says Jamieson.

Now graduating, Jamieson is continuing her Long COVID knowledge mobilization and research work in SFU’s Faculty of Health Sciences! Her team’s new project is working on advancing Long COVID awareness and education in BC emergency departments and urgent care centres.