Originally from Willaimstown, Ontario, Kassia moved to Kingston, Ontario, to complete her B.Sc.H. degree in Biology at Queen’s University. She is currently completing her M.Sc. degree in muscle physiology with Dr. Brendon Gurd. When not in the lab, Kassia enjoys staying fit and spending time with her family and her cats.

Originally from Madoc, Ontario, Kyra studied at Queen’s University where she received an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. In fourth year, Kyra completed a manuscript challenging the ‘master-regulator’ PGC-1a paradigm looking at exercise-induced activation of novel regulators of skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis. This paved an avenue for her M.Sc. work studying the reading protein expression of novel regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis across the early and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle.

Originally from Mississauga, Ontario, Matt completed his undergraduate degree in Bio-Medical Science at the University of Guelph. While attending U of G, Matt completed a 4th-year thesis and has had the opportunity to work closely with NHL and varsity-level hockey teams. Matt’s M.Sc. will focus on investigating molecular signalling pathways of PGC-1a and mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis.

Originally from Brampton Ontario, Ben completed his Undergraduate degree in Biology (Hons.) at Queen’s University in 2020. During his undergraduate years, Ben was a member of the Queen’s Gaels varsity football team and transitioned into the coaching role while pursuing his MSc. in 2020. Ben’s research focuses on the upstream molecular mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis at various high intensities of exercise.

Cary is a second year M.Sc. student, and his research interests are focused on understanding how exercise affects the expression and localization of noncoding RNA. In his spare time, Cary enjoys virtual photography. Over the past year, he has been learning to play electric guitar. However, the only song he currently knows how to play is “Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones.

Peter graduated from Queen’s Kinesiology in 2021. Currently, he is in a second year of his M.Sc. His research interests and focus is on maximizing the time-efficiency of bodyweight high intensity interval training.

Lauren is a 4th year PhD candidate from Toronto, Ontario. She completed her B.Sc. in Kinesiology from McMaster University and completed her M.Sc. with Dr. Gurd in the QMPL. She researches exercise prescription methodologies, with a specific focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying individual responses to exercise.

Kristi is a Ph.D. candidate in the Queen’s Muscle Physiology Lab, interested in the adaptations to exercise that improve carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Specifically, she is interested in how pre-exercise nutrition affects these adaptations. Before joining the QMPL, Kristi worked in science communication with a focus on nutritional ketosis and metabolic therapies. Outside of the lab, Kristi loves CrossFit, comedy, and cooking.

Originally from Brazil, Eveline completed her undergraduate degree in Physical Education at Federal University of Vale do São Francisco. She studied Exercise and Wellness at Arizona State University and was a research trainee at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She completed her M.Sc. in Functional and Molecular Biology at the State University of Campinas under the supervision of Dr. Leonardo Reis. 

My primary research aim is to understand the mechanisms by which both different intensities and different types of exercise improve mitochondrial function. In addition, I am interested in the impact that these improvements in mitochondrial function have in both health and disease. My research is currently has 3 main goals. First, to quantify the intensities of various different types of exercise across a range of skill and fitness levels. Second, to examine changes in both whole body fitness and mitochondrial function following exercise training of differing types and intensities and how these changes differ between active, sedentary, and overweight/obese young adults. Third, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying exercise induced mitochondrial biogenesis, specifically, to explore post-translational regulation of PGC-1alpha following exercise. It is hoped that this research will help increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which exercise can improve health and the optimal intensities and types of exercise to activate these mechanisms.