Expanding Horizons: Christina Campbell’s Journey to the IBIA World Congress with CAN TAP TALENT Support
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Christina Campbell, a dedicated clinical research professional, had the extraordinary opportunity to present her work on post-concussion symptoms at the International Brain Injury Association (IBIA) 15th World Congress in Montreal—one of the largest global gatherings of multidisciplinary brain injury experts. Her abstract, “Placebo Response to Sham Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Persisting Post-Concussion Symptoms following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury,” was selected for oral presentation, a milestone moment in her research career.
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Preparing for this presentation was both a personal and professional growth experience. Having launched her career during the COVID-19 pandemic, Christina had primarily presented virtually or to small groups. Standing before a live international audience was a new challenge—one that required refining her presentation skills, mastering her content, and building confidence. “Although initially intimidated,” she reflected, “it allowed me to engage more with the audience and demonstrate my knowledge and passion by removing my reliance on notes.”
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Her presentation sparked a lively discussion on factors influencing placebo response, offering valuable insights to apply in future randomized controlled trials. The conference was not just a platform for knowledge-sharing—it was a launchpad for collaboration. Christina connected with Dr. Mathew Burke, a leader in the field, setting the stage for potential multi-site rTMS projects.
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Outside of her presentation, Christina immersed herself in sessions and networking opportunities. Her current research also explores psilocybin-assisted therapy for survivors of intimate partner violence, and she attended a powerful seminar on the topic led by leading voices in the field, including a keynote by Katherine Snedaker of PINK Concussions. These sessions deepened her understanding of the population and equipped her with new tools and resources to enhance the project’s impact.
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Importantly, none of this would have been possible without the support of the CAN TAP TALENT Award.
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“As a research coordinator, there are very few travel awards available to professionals who are not students or postdocs,” Christina shared. “The financial support I received played a crucial role. I was able to attend the full conference, focus on my presentation, and take advantage of every opportunity, without the significant stress of financial burden.”
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Christina returned from the conference with more than just professional insights—she came back with renewed confidence, expanded collaborations, and a broader vision for her work. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of support for clinical research professionals. With the help of CAN TAP TALENT, Christina’s voice was heard on an international stage—and her impact is just beginning.