Maryellen manages a Health Canada Funded project, PAWSitive Support Program for Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Who Problematically Use Substances, the Department of Sociology. Maryellen's interests and research focus on harm reduction, substance use, and stigma all while being keenly aware of the social determinants of health. 

Maryellen has been involved with the health and research communities of USask for over 8 years with contributions to Peer Health Mentors, Student Wellness, and various research department. These activities covered a variety of topics including cannabis harm reduction, knowledge translation of health information to youth, male experiences of intimate partner violence, youth mental health, the opioid crisis in Saskatoon, and sexual health organizational policy. She is enthusiastic to be part of the One Health Office and both apply and expand her knowledge on patient-oriented and community-based research approaches and project development.

Maryellen has lived with animals her whole life, growing up on a sheep farm in rural Alberta. She now lives in Saskatoon where she is an active board member of Saskatoon Sexual Health, advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights for all. She enjoys painting, listening to podcasts, and traveling the world.

Maryellen moved to Saskatoon to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of Saskatchewan obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies where she focused on gender equality, health equity, and policy impacts on health outcomes. 

She then earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Saskatchewan with particular attention dedicated to substance use and the social determinants of health.