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Julia is the Clinical Research Associate in the Physical Activity & Health Promotion Laboratory. Julia is a recent PhD graduate from the University of Ottawa's Human Kinetics program. Her research focused on the translation of motor learning research into Canadian physiotherapy through the design, delivery, and assessment of an educational workshop. Alongside her thesis, she was involved in the delivery and assessment of a yoga therapy intervention to cancer survivors in collaboration with the Physical Activity and Health Promotion Laboratory, the Ottawa Hospital and the Center for Health Innovation. Through her experiences, she has gained a depth of understanding of the benefits and application of both qualitative and quantitative research methods in pursuit of holistic comprehension, and aims to apply this knowledge to advance the quality of health care available to cancer survivors.
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Sitara Sharma, BSc, MA
PhD Candidate, Health & Exercise Psychology
Awarded: CBITN Doctoral Studentship, OGS, CGS-D (SSHRC), QEII-GSST, CGS-M (SSHRC), uOGRADflix
Sitara is a 4th-year PhD Candidate in the Physical Activity & Health Promotion Laboratory. Her research centers around improving brain health and quality of life in clinical populations. Sitara's dissertation is focused on co-creating and evaluating a physical activity-based self-management support intervention for cancer-related cognitive impairment. To do so, she is leveraging knowledge translation approaches and collaborating alongside key stakeholders (e.g., healthcare providers, individuals living with and beyond cancer, pedagogy experts). Beyond her studies, Sitara enjoys running, spinning, painting, photography, and exploring new cafés.
Amanda Blong, BPHE
MA Student, Sport Psychology
Amanda is a 2nd-year MA Student in the Physical Activity & Health Promotion Laboratory. Her research focuses on body image, encompassing both its positive and negative aspects, as well as body appearance and function. Amanda’s thesis explores body image among former female athletes in aesthetic-based sports. Outside of the lab, Amanda enjoys camping, reading, puzzles, and baking.
MacKenzie Aubin, BHSc
MA Student, Health & Exercise Psychology
MacKenzie is a 1st-year MA Student in the Physical Activity & Health Promotion Laboratory. Her research interests involve the design and evaluation of movement-based interventions aimed at enhancing quality of life and promoting holistic wellbeing across clinical populations. Her master's thesis is focused on understanding women's cognitive and psychosocial needs after a stroke and examining their preferences for a dance-based rehabilitation program tailored to support their recovery. In her spare time, MacKenzie runs a crochet business and enjoys reading, hiking, baking, and travelling.
Mackenzie Barnard, BA
MA Student, Health & Exercise Psychology
Mackenzie is a 1st-year MA Student in the Physical Activity & Health Promotion Laboratory. Her research interests include stress and wellbeing outcomes and how they connect to the mind and body, particularly in clinical populations. Her master’s thesis will be evaluating the feasibility of a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention to improve health-related stress outcomes, including heart rate variability, in women post-menopause. Outside of the lab, Mackenzie enjoys painting, soccer, bouldering, reading, thrifting, and spending time with her animals.
