Alumni Digest / U of T / Ideas /
Family experience belongs in the research room
Connie Putterman combined autism advocacy with research training, building a career that brings patients and families into mental health research.
Connie Putterman works to bring family experience into research.Photo: U of T Alumni News
The context
Where the work begins
Connie Putterman arrived in U of T's Translational Research Program with business experience and years of autism advocacy, but little confidence in her scientific credentials. She had left corporate work after her son's diagnosis and spent years volunteering with families and research organizations. Returning to school in 2017 gave her a foundation in research methods.
The takeaway
What follows
During her studies, Putterman helped develop training at McMaster's CanChild centre so families and scientists could work together. The course has trained more than 600 participants. After graduating in 2019, she became a family engagement lead at CAMH, working with researchers and family advisors to bring their needs into mental health studies.
Source reporting
Family experience belongs in the research room
Original summary by Alumni Digest, based on public source reporting. This independent publication is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Toronto. Source image retained for editorial review; rights clearance is still required before any broader reuse.
