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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!

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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 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. 

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. 

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My name is Dr. Meredith Schertzinger, and I am currently completing my postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Mark Bruner in the Groups for Youth Development (G4YD) lab. In addition to my fellowship, I am a course instructor for PHED 2026 Sport and Exercise Psychology and an assistant coach for the Nipissing women’s soccer team. As a Division 1 soccer player with no access to Sport Psychology during my career, I was passionate about pursuing a post-graduate education on the topic. I completed my master’s in Sport Psychology at the University of Stirling, Scotland. Following my master’s, I stayed in Scotland to complete my PhD at the University of St Andrews. My PhD utilized Self-Determination Theory and The Social Identity Approach to understand individuals’ physical activity behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. My current research interests center around applying the social identity approach to explore how enhanced team identification is associated with players’ well-being and proactively prepare athletes for sports career transitions. In my spare time, I enjoy taking my dog, Freyja, for walks around the lake and hikes in the woods.

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.