5 Questions with Dan Wilson, Knowledge Translator, Positive Living Positive Homes

Dan is a former staff member of PAN


Dan Wilson joined the Pacific AIDS Network team in November 2017 as the Knowledge Translator for the Positive Living, Positive Homes Study

What first piqued your interest in HIV research?

After being diagnosed with HIV, I became a client with the Dr. Peter Centre. I was accepted at SFU’s Literacy Lives Program in the Community Capacity Building class learning from the community. I then became a Peer Research Associate at the Dr. Peter Centre.

 

What role do you think HIV/AIDS research plays in the “real world”?

Attending the International AIDS Society conference in Vancouver (2015), I viewed posters literally from around the world. I saw a common thread in all the posters showing how the real world can work together in a common cause.

 

How is the community involved in your research?

The PLPH study involves the community it is about the community, questions asked and responses given were about and for the community. Through the community the feedback the research will create housing that benefits all that are involved.

 

If you had unlimited funds, which areas of research would you invest in?

I would invest in housing, the homelessness in Canada is unacceptable and heartbreaking. Money spent on secure, stable housing would generate savings on Health Care an policing.

 

If you were able to choose, what is the natural talent you’d like to be gifted with and why?

It took me into my elder years to get rid of my shyness and to feel accepted. I feel I could have accomplished more if I would have been more assertive and less hasty in making decisions that affected me personally.

 

Meet Dan online when he presents a webinar on January 30: Bringing Research Home: Findings from Positive Living Positive Homes and BC Stigma Index