MSc (Thesis) Students

	Natasha Scavarelli Natasha is a first-year thesis-based masters student working under the supervision of Dr. Paolo Sanzo. She recently graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology program here at Lakehead University. Her research focus is in the field of rehabilitative science, and more specifically, the use of dry cupping as a therapeutic modality to increase range of motion and reduce functional limitations in the general population. She was born and raised in Thunder Bay and hopes to continue her education in medicine in the future. Outside of academics, she enjoys running and hiking on local trails with her dog Zola, trying new recipes and attending sporting events with her family and friends.
	KarLee Lefebvre KarLee, a first-year master's student, recently obtained an Honours Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from Lakehead. She began focusing on physiology in her final year of undergrad, encouraging her to pursue her masters under Dr. Ravanelli's guidance. KarLee will be researching thermoregulation with an emphasis on heat; this year, she will investigate how alcohol affects physiological response and perception under heat stress. Outside of her studies, KarLee enjoys golfing, travelling and exploring what Thunder Bay offers!
	Madeline Fabiano Madeline is a first-year thesis-based masters student working under the supervision of Dr. Erin Pearson. She graduated from Lakehead's Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology program in 2023 and looked to pursue higher education to explore the world of research. Madeline’s research interests are in the field of health promotion and psychology, specifically relating to physical activity participation. Outside of academics, Madeline enjoys travelling, painting, and spending time with friends and family.
	Kylee Henson Kylee Henson is a first-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.
	Christopher Brescacin Chris is a second-year masters student from Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Previously, Chris completed his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. His academic interests are within the occupational health and ergonomics sector. Under the supervision of Dr. Kathryn Sinden, Chris' master's thesis will focus on using knowledge translation theory to inform partnership development and identify mental health burden in a career and volunteer fire service. Chris obtained many awards during his undergraduate degree which include the J. Harry Ebbs Achievement Award (University of Toronto), the UofT Global Scholar Award (University of Toronto) and a Certificate in Physical Activity Instruction (University of Toronto). During his master's degree, Chris received a Graduate Entrance Scholarship (Lakehead University), a Faculty Research Award (Lakehead University) and a Returning Student Award (Lakehead University). Outside of academics, Chris enjoys golfing, fishing, learning guitar and video games.
	Yasamin Razi Yasamin is from Iran and working under the supervision of Dr. Nicholas Ravanelli. I graduated in Medical Science from Yazd University of Medical Sciences in 2018. After my graduation, I served as a general practitioner in governmental clinics for two years. Due to my interest in Kinesiology as well as its future career opportunities, I applied for this program. My interest areas include sports medicine and rehabilitation and I would like to enhance my knowledge and do research in these areas. I have an initial plan to work on the effect of heat stress during exercise on lactation in postpartum women. In my spare time, I enjoy doing workouts such as fitness, yoga and watching movies.
	Andrew Wingfield Andrew Wingfield is a second-year masters student supervised by Dr. Taryn Klarner. He is interested in the effects and differences between the reflexive and reactive neural pathways and how reaction time/reflex latency correlate to each other for different populations, including the differences that occur when reacting to different types and intensities of stimuli during different task conditions. Outside of school, he enjoys hiking, swimming, running, strength training, reading a good book, and playing video games with friends. He obtained his Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology at Lakehead University and has also recently become a Registered Kinesiologist with the College of Kinesiology of Ontario.
	Cassandra Sitar Cassandra is a second-year thesis-based masters student working under the supervision of Dr. Taryn Klarner. She was born and raised in Thunder Bay, ON and completed her undergraduate degree at Lakehead University from the Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology program. Her masters thesis will be focusing on “Investigating how treadmill walking with external stimulation on cutaneous nerves affects stride frequency.” Outside of school, she enjoys reading, working out, and spending quality time with friends and family.
	Dougie Newhouse Dougie is a second-year masters student from Thunder Bay. Under the supervision of Dr. Ravanelli, Dougie will be investigating the effects of common over-the-counter antihistamines on thermoregulation during heat stress. Away from school, Dougie is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his three dogs Lilly, Ella, and Chip.
	Justin Tremblett Justin is entering his second year of the Master of Science Thesis Program. Under the supervision of Dr. Erin Pearson, Justin will be completing his thesis looking at the barriers and facilitators affecting involvement among prescribers and recipients of Prescription to Get Active (RxTGA): an Alberta-based not-for-profit organization that serves to promote physical activity participation through health care provider endorsed prescriptions. Outside of academics, you can generally find Justin on the golf course or cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
	Aaila Wadhwa Aaila is a second-year Masters student who is working under the supervision of Dr. Erin Pearson. She graduated with an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Kinesiology at Lakehead due to her research interests in exercise psychology and health promotion, specifically in regards to underrepresented and marginalized populations. Outside of academics, Aaila loves to spend time with her pets, read books, and journal.