MSc (Thesis) Students

	Ashley Wright Ashley is a second-year master’s student in the thesis program working under Dr. Paolo Sanzo. She graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2024 at Lakehead University. She enjoyed her 4th year honour’s project, so she decided to take it a step further and pursue the MSc Kinesiology Thesis program. Ashley's research field is in rehabilitative science, focusing on shockwave therapy, blood biomarkers and osteoporosis. Ashley is looking forward to collecting and analyzing data for her project in the coming months. Outside of academics, Ashley enjoys travelling, cooking, watching sports and spending time outdoors
	Amy Brough Amy Brough is a second-year thesis-based Master’s student in Kinesiology at Lakehead University under the supervision of Dr. Paolo Sanzo. Her research examines how pickleball participation affects functional fitness and subjective well-being in older adults. As an undergraduate, Amy worked with Dr. Nicholas Ravanelli, investigating how alcohol influences physiological and perceptual responses during heat exposure, and she presented this work at the American Physiological Society’s conference in California. Passionate about helping others, Amy also works as a respite care provider for children with autism. Outside of academia, Amy enjoys exploring the outdoors by backpacking, hiking, kayaking and travelling.
	Milena Ljubicic Milena is a second-year master’s student in the thesis program at Lakehead University, supervised by Dr. Paolo Sanzo. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, she completed my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Lakehead University while competing on the women’s volleyball team. Her research focuses on health and rehabilitation, with a particular interest in balance and dual-tasking in older adults; a topic closely tied to fall prevention and healthy aging. She chose Lakehead University not only for its supportive research environment and outstanding faculty, but also for the opportunity to integrate athletics and academics throughout her studies. Looking ahead, she plans to continue with clinical research at the doctoral level. Outside of my academic work, Milena enjoys exploring Thunder Bay’s local restaurants (Nortenos, Foundry, Swell, and St. Paul’s) and staying active through volleyball and fitness.
	Shaghayegh Kiani Mehr Shaghayegh (Shag), is a second-year thesis-based master’s student under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Zerpa. Her research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of headgear liners in reducing concussion risk across different ground surfaces during simulated head impacts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Sport Science and a Master’s degree in Sport Management from Iran. With over 15 years of experience as a fitness trainer in her country, she developed a strong interest in the mechanisms of injuries, which ultimately inspired her to pursue her academic journey in Kinesiology with a specialization in Biomechanics. Beyond her academic pursuits, she enjoys watercolor painting, working out at the gym, hiking, and exploring nature.
	Kylee Henson Kylee Henson is a second-year Master Thesis student working under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Zerpa. Originally from Newmarket, ON, Kylee graduated from Lakehead University with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and a minor in Health and Aging. After both competing as and working with high level athletes, she has always been interested in how injuries occurred. This interest in injury biomechanics is what lead her to pursue a thesis-based masters. Her research aims to minimize the risk of concussion for Judo athletes through further investigation on how various under-mat systems can contribute to injury risk. Outside of academia, Kylee is a martial arts enthusiast, avid book reader and enjoys immersing herself in nature.
	Delight Adri Delight a second-year thesis-based student. He obtained his honour’s bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Ghana. He practiced as a licensed physiotherapist in Ghana for 2 years before commencing his graduate studies. Delight is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Sanzo. His research focuses on using ultrasound imaging to assess muscle composition in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis. Outside of his studies, he enjoys listening to music and watching movies.
	Bailey Jadischke Bailey is a first-year master's student working under the supervision of Dr. Erin Pearson. Originally from London, Ontario, Bailey graduated from Western University with an honours Bachelor degree of Kinesiology and a minor in psychology. Growing up as an athlete, Bailey has developed an interest in sport psychology. Specifically, her research will focus on the interaction of sport participation and mental health levels within young athletes. Outside of academics, Bailey enjoys spending time with her 4 dogs, travelling, and visiting her friends and family.
	Aaliyah Stewart Aaliyah Stewart is a second-year master’s student in the thesis program working in the field of the Psychology of Physical Activity, under the supervision of Dr. John Gotwals. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology from Lakehead University in 2024. Aaliyah’s research uses cognitive interviewing to explore the response processes individuals engage in when completing scales designed to measure Perfectionistic Strivings. Beyond academics, Aaliyah is actively involved in Residence Life at Lakehead, where she hosts educational programs for students living on campus. She also enjoys being immersed in music, watching soccer, and is an avid reader.
	Tyson Mayer Tyson is a second-year thesis-based student working under the supervision of Dr. Derek Kivi. His research focus is on the impact of menthol nasal inhalants on aerobic performance, with a sex-specific component. He completed his undergraduate honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Ian Newhouse. He has been an athlete on the Lakehead Track and Field team since 2019, with a passion for maximizing performance through any means. He hopes to continue his education at the doctoral level in the future or pursue a career in the healthcare industry.
	Mackenzie Nelson Mackenzie is a first-year thesis based master's student working under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Zerpa. She graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology program here at Lakehead. She completed research in her undergraduate degree under the supervision of Dr. Ravenelli looking into the effects of menthol on sweating during passive heat stress as well as assisting with other projects. In completing that research she got the opportunity to attend the American Physiology Summit in California and was awarded an abstract of distinction award. This experience in her undergraduate degree unlocked her interest in research and motivated her to pursue her MSc here at Lakehead. Her current research focus is on transtibial amputees in the field of biomechanics. Outside of academics, Mackenzie enjoys running with friends, weightlifting, and spending time with family and friends.
	Jessica Pettinger Jessica Pettinger is a first-year master’s student in the thesis program working under the supervision of Dr. Paolo Sanzo. She graduated from the Honour’s Bachelor of Kinesiology program at Lakehead. Her current research is focused on concussions and rehabilitation strategies within the community. Taking from her positive experiences at the undergraduate level I am excited to continue my education and research at Lakehead within the Kinesiology Department.
	Ryan Tremblett Ryan is a first-year thesis-based master’s student working under the supervision of Dr. John Gotwals. He graduated with his Bachelor of Kinesiology with a minor in psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2024. Ryan’s research will focus on sport psychology specifically the psychological trait of perfectionism within athletes. Outside of academia, you can generally find Ryan staying active through running, tennis or golf.
	Paniz Bashari Paniz is a first-year thesis-based master's student working under the supervision of Dr. Taryn Klarner. She is interested in exploring research topics within motor behaviours. She recently graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology program here at Lakehead University, and hoped to pursue further education. Outside of her academic studies, Paniz enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going on walks with her dog, and baking.
	Corrie Marin Corrie is a first-year thesis-based Master of Science in Kinesiology student at Lakehead University, working under the supervision of Dr. Erin Pearson. She graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from Lakehead, where her positive undergraduate experience inspired her to pursue graduate research. Her research interests are within the field of health psychology and promotion, with her specific thesis topic currently under development. Outside of academia, she enjoys playing sports, painting, listening to live music, and spending time with friends and family.
	Noah Lebano Noah is a first-year thesis-based student working under the supervision of Dr. Paolo Sanzo. His research will focus on rehabilitation science, specifically exploring post-operative recovery following total hip arthroplasty, utilizing combined patient-reported outcome measures, performance-based functional and clinical tests. Noah attended Lakehead University as an undergraduate student, graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology degree in the spring of 2025. Outside of his studies, Noah is also a CSEP-certified personal trainer and enjoys helping others develop a healthy relationship with physical activity. In his free time, Noah enjoys playing and watching sports, fishing, working out, and camping.