For Rachel (Rae) Martens, research co-design starts with people finding ways to build trust, create space for grief and joy, and connect researchers and families through honest conversation. A caregiver, knowledge broker, and advocate, Rae brings a deeply human perspective to CanNRT’s mission.
“Community needs to have a fingerprint in all aspects of how we learn and grow […].” Rachel Martens showcases the importance of community-involvement in research, highlighting that lived experiences meaningfully contribute to the questions we ask and the outcomes of our work. Watch the clip for more (Noah Leon, Desmond Dyson, 2025).
As a member of CanNRT’s Steering Committee and Chair of the Priority Area Leads Committee, Rae helps guide the platform’s direction. She also leads the Inclusive Research priority area and plays a key role in co-designing the training curriculum. Based in Calgary, Alberta, she also serves as a knowledge broker for CanChild’s Family Engagement in Research Training Program and the University of Calgary’s Azrieli Accelerator, where she supports families and researchers to work better, together.
Rae is the mother of Luke, a vibrant and curious autistic young man whose life was filled with complexity, joy and care. Luke passed away in 2020 while receiving palliative care. His life, and their journey together, continue to guide her work.
“My work honours my son’s legacy. He taught me what it means to hold complexity and beauty in the same moment. And that’s what I try to help others see; what really matters when it comes to care, connection and research.”
A story of purpose
Rae’s advocacy is rooted in experience, first as a respite care worker supporting autistic families, then as a caregiver to her son, and now as a trusted voice in national and international conversations about inclusive research. She understands how overwhelming it can be for families navigating healthcare systems and neurodevelopmental diagnoses, especially when stigma or disconnection gets in the way.
“Neurodevelopmental conditions come with a very large intersectional scope of challenges. Helping families understand that and seeing how researchers can learn from those real-world complexities–that’s the work I care about.”
Her goal is to make sure families are part of the process, shaping how research is done and how care is delivered.
A platform for meaningful learning
CanNRT’s commitment to centering living and lived experience is part of what drew Rae to the platform. She sees it as a space where early career researchers can build relationships that last, ask hard questions, and grow into thoughtful, inclusive leaders.
“What’s really wonderful about CanNRT,” she says, “is that they are bringing the story component earlier on in a person’s career. That changes everything.”
She also sees the long-term value in what CanNRT offers: professionals who understand continuity of care, knowledge mobilization, and a deeper understanding of what research looks like when it’s rooted in community partnership.
“It’s about understanding the soul and intention and the heartbeat of this type of work. Community needs to have a fingerprint in all aspects.”
“We did good”
Rachel Martens shares how her talk, “We Did Good”, came to be through her personal account of her son’s passing. Watch the video to hear more about her story (Noah Leon, Desmond Dyson, 2025).
At the 2024 CanNRT Summer School, Rae shared a personal talk titled “We Did Good”. The title came from words her husband spoke on the day their son passed away–a phrase that continues to shape how she thinks about caregiving, research, and what it means to show up with intention.
“At the end of the day, what helps families feel like they did good is knowing that someone listened. That care was centered. That they were seen.”
In her talk, Rae urged CanNRT Fellows to stay open. Ask what’s in your heart. Pay attention to the small, quiet moments because they may be the ones that stay with you forever.
“This time together is an opportunity to take in so much. To hold onto it, to treasure it, and to practice it every day. There’s richness here that can last a very long time.”