Current Lab Team

Additional information coming soon!

Additional information coming soon!

My name is Cade Nolan and I am currently a second year Master of Science in Kinesiology student at Nipissing University. I’m from Garden River First Nation, a reserve just outside of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. I hold a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from Nipissing University, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Strength and Conditioning from the Limerick Institute of Technology, and a college diploma from Canadore College. My research primarily focuses on the development of Indigenous youth through sport. I’ve had the pleasure of calling Dr. Mark Bruner my supervisor throughout my Master’s journey. Additionally, I serve as the Strength and Conditioning coach for the Nipissing University varsity Women’s Basketball and Men’s Hockey teams.

My name is Regan and I am currently studying as a second year Master of Science in Kinesiology student at Nipissing University. With a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education and a Bachelor of Education, I have strong background in youth fitness and health concepts from an educational standpoint. I am also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a member of the Ontario College of Teachers with interests in the education and health promotion realms. Currently, under the supervision of Dr. Brenda Bruner and Dr. Barbi Law, I am excited to be extending the research and understanding of the context in which children use, understand, and experience observation interventions within a sports setting. Alongside my professional pursuits, I am a committed powerlifter, weightlifting referee and a devoted mom of two, balancing a vibrant personal life with my career ambitions!

My name is Jaden Gilbert, I am a second year student in the Master of Science in Kinesiology Program at Nipissing University, where I also completed my Bachelor of Physical and Health Education degree with a minor in Gender Equality and Social Justice. Working alongside my supervisor Dr. Kristina Karvinen, my area of research is in the sociology of sport and gender studies. I focus primarily on gender relations in sport, sport culture, and violence in the sport context. Specifically, my current research is situated in exploring gender differences in young athletes’ perceptions of violence in youth basketball. Outside of academics, I coach youth basketball in the community and advocate for safe and meaningful opportunities for girls and women in sport, along with young athletes’ rights and autonomy. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, and spending time with family and friends.

My name is Maria Cristina Aguillera Valle, and I am currently in my second year of the Masters of Science in Kinesiology program at Nipissing University. Originally from Araras, Brazil, I moved to North Bay in August 2023 with my spouse, dog, and 2 cats to pursue the dream of living in Canada and completing my graduate studies. My research interests are focused on Equine Assisted Learning, professional quality of life, and compassion fatigue. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be here, learning so much and connecting with amazing people. My supervisor Dr. Kristina Karvinen, has been a fantastic mentor and is truly a wonderful person to work with. In my spare time, I enjoy caring for and playing with my pets, as well as hiking along our beautiful campus trails and capturing the natural beauty of our surroundings through photography, especially the amazing sunsets on Lake Nipissing.

Additional information coming soon!

I am a second-year master’s student in Kinesiology, currently conducting my thesis on “The Impact of Decisional Preference in Exercising on Mental Health Indicators Among University Students,” under the supervision of Dr. Brenda Bruner. My main focus is in the physical activity and sedentary behavior field, however I also am interested in research within the rehabilitation science field as well. I have worked as a researcher and workshop provider in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity at YES Employment Services and I am currently working as a personal trainer in sports and rehabilitation at a gym in North Bay. I am also a member of the varsity rowing team at Nipissing University, which was a significant factor in my decision to pursue my master’s here. As a sports enthusiast, I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and running, and I love winter sports such as skiing. In my spare time, I enjoy watching movies and reading books.

My name is Sophie Milner and I am currently in my first year of the Masters of Science in Kinesiology program at Nipissing University. Originally from Antigonish, NS, I moved to North Bay in 2021 to study Psychology while playing for the Varsity Women’s Basketball team. During my undergraduate studies, I began exploring research by doing my honours thesis on athlete maltreatment from coaches in U SPORTS. I am fortunate to be able to continue sport psychology research in the G4YD lab under the supervision of Dr. Mark Bruner. I look forward to switching my focus to the transition in athletic and social identity as athletes navigate leaving sport. In my spare time, I enjoy playing sports, reading, baking, and spending time with friends. When time allows, I love going home to NS to spend time with my family. I am grateful to live and study in North Bay and on the traditional land of the Anishinabek and Nipissing First Nation peoples. 

My name is Cassidy Brooks and I am currently in my first year of the Masters of Science in Kinesiology program at Nipissing University. Originally from Georgetown Ontario, I moved to North Bay to pursue a degree in Psychology and Geography while also playing for the Varsity Women’s Soccer team. After completing my undergraduate degree and with my soccer career coming close to an end, I knew that I wanted to continue my education and pursue a Masters degree. Previous research I conducted for my undergraduate thesis involved exploring the psychosocial aspects of stress on athletic performance in youth athletes. My current research interests are focused in sport psychology, particularly in athlete career transitions, including both voluntary and involuntary sport exits such as injury and graduation. I am incredibly excited and grateful to work alongside my supervisor, Dr. Mark Bruner to explore these interests. Outside of academics, I enjoy staying active in the community by coaching soccer and ski racing, spending time with my family and friends and being outdoors.

My name is Aidan Haghgoo and I am currently in the Master of Science in Kinesiology program. My general area of focus is transgender experiences in sport. I’m currently researching the experiences of athletic staff with transphobia, and how those experiences impact their ability to interact with and support their transgender athletes. Outside of school I have done extensive work within the realm of equity, diversity, and inclusion. I am also an alumni of the varsity cross country running team. 

Additional information coming soon!