Julia Kruizinga is a first year Master of Nursing Thesis-Based student studying at McMaster University. She works as a hospice and palliative care nurse and her clinical work and passion for research drove her to pursue graduate studies. She is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Kaasalainen in a research program which aims to integrate a palliative approach into long-term care homes and improve quality of life for those with life-limiting illnesses.

Her research interests involve early integration of palliative care, quality end-of-life outcomes, and access to palliative care. The focus of her thesis work will be on measuring quality outcomes for individuals receiving palliative and end-of-life care in the community.