Nathan Shen, Researcher (he/him)

Nathan Shen
Researcher
(he/him)

I am a PhD student in the Department of Sociology at the University of British Columbia. My research explores how the timing of cancer diagnosis during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood influences healthcare trajectories, transitions of care, and long-term life course outcomes. I investigate the distinct challenges faced by adolescents and young adults (AYAs), focusing on the complexities of navigating healthcare within the conventional pediatric and adult systems, and how these transitions impact their quality of life and survivorship.

Having personally encountered cancer twice during my teenage and young adult years, my experiences have motivated my research. They drive my commitment to understanding the lived experiences and healthcare needs of AYAs, with the goal of advocating for improvements in the healthcare system to better support young cancer survivors. Additionally, I am interested in advancing methodological practices in qualitative research from the perspective of a researcher who has a personal connection to the subject. My focus is on maintaining rigorous scientific inquiry while thoughtfully integrating personal experience to deepen and enrich the research process.

I enjoy the adrenaline of health competition in sports and gaming while also frequently appreciating the calmness of the ocean.