News | School of Kinesiology & Health Science /health/kinesiology Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:30:19 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Dr. Antony Chum and research team in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science find free prescriptions reduce youth mental health crises /health/kinesiology/2026/06/11/dr-antony-chum-and-research-team-in-the-school-of-kinesiology-and-health-science-find-free-prescriptions-reduce-youth-mental-health-crises/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:29:29 +0000 /health/kinesiology/?p=9048 Ontario’s OHIP+ program, introduced in 2018 to provide free prescription medications for people under 25, was designed to improve access to care. Recent research led by 91ɫ associate professor Antony Chum alongside postdoctoral researchers Peiya CaoԻYihong Bai, as well as PhD student Kristine Ienciu suggests the policy had an additional benefit: it helped prevent some youth mental health crises. Because the policy created a before-and-after scenario, researchers treated it as a “natural experiment” to study its impact. Chum and his team analyzed changes in outcomes following the introduction of free drug coverage. This research is also showcased in YFile.

Professor Antony Chum
Dr. Antony Chum
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Associate Professor Ali Abdul-Sater, in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science is co-lead on study showing atmospheric compounds formed from tire wear may pose human health risk /health/kinesiology/2026/05/29/associate-professor-ali-abdul-sater-in-the-school-of-kinesiology-and-health-science-is-co-lead-on-study-showing-atmospheric-compounds-formed-from-tire-wear-may-pose-human-health-risk/ Fri, 29 May 2026 17:52:09 +0000 /health/kinesiology/?p=8904 Associate Professor Ali Abdul-Sater, in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science is co-lead on a  published in the journal Environment International reporting chemicals released from tires can transform into complex mixtures in the atmosphere that may pose previously unrecognized risks to human respiratory health. Dr. Abdul-Sater has teamed up with researchers from Environment and Climate Change Canada at 91ɫ. For more information, see News@91ɫ article.

Dr. Abdul-Sater was also quoted in  and on  and showcased in YFile.

Dr. Ali Abdul-Sater

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A new study led by grad student Alireza Vaziri in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science is challenging a widely held belief about what causes fatigue during intense exercise. /health/kinesiology/2026/05/25/a-new-study-led-by-grad-student-alireza-vaziri-in-the-school-of-kinesiology-and-health-science-is-challenging-a-widely-held-belief-about-what-causes-fatigue-during-intense-exercise/ Mon, 25 May 2026 12:26:42 +0000 /health/kinesiology/?p=8873 The question of what causes muscle breakdown and how the brain and body respond during intense exercise, is published in  on central fatigue, a study from the School of Kinesiology and Health Science led by student Alireza Vaziri, supervised by Dr. Arthur Cheng, and co‑authored with Faculty of Health researcher Dr. Michael Paris. Further information is covered in YFile.

Alireza Vaziri
Dr. Arthur Cheng
Dr. Michael Paris

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Brain Star Award winner Dr. Jonathan Michaels from the School of Kinesiology and Health Science /health/kinesiology/2026/05/19/brain-star-award-winner-dr-jonathan-michaels-from-the-school-of-kinesiology-and-health-science/ Tue, 19 May 2026 13:00:10 +0000 /health/kinesiology/?p=8869 Dr. Jonathan Michaels in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science is the recipient of the . Dr. Michaels is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at 91ɫ. His research program focuses on how the brain controls movement, integrating large-scale neural recordings, behavioural studies, and artificial neural network modelling. Through this work, his lab seeks to uncover how the brain plans, executes, and refines skilled actions, with the long-term aim of advancing rehabilitation approaches and developing next-generation brain–computer interfaces. This news is also showcased on YFile.

Dr. Jonathan Michaels
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Firefighter Rescue Training in Corsica led by Dr. Olivier Birot in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science /health/kinesiology/2026/05/13/firefighter-rescue-training-in-corsica-led-by-dr-olivier-birot-in-the-school-of-kinesiology-and-health-science/ Wed, 13 May 2026 12:33:52 +0000 /health/kinesiology/?p=8858 Students in the BUT HSE program (Health, Safety and Environment) took part in a practical training session at the firefighters’ rescue center in Corti, Corsica. The session was led by Dr. Olivier Birot, Professor of Physiology in the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences within the Faculty of Health at 91ɫ.

The training focused on understanding the physiological and cognitive demands experienced by firefighters in operational settings. Using a portable physiology laboratory developed by Dr. Birot to merge field research with experiential learning, students conducted analyses of heart rate, muscle oxygenation, muscle fatigue, and cognitive stress.

This immersive hands-on experience provided excellent experiential learning opportunities in extreme environmental and exercise physiology, while highlighting the physical, thermal, and mental challenges faced by emergency responders.

Student (left), Dr. Olivier Birot (right)
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Highlights & Successes at Canadian Nutrition Society Annual Conference 2026 /health/kinesiology/2026/05/12/highlights-successes-at-canadian-nutrition-society-annual-conference-2026/ Tue, 12 May 2026 12:41:55 +0000 /health/kinesiology/?p=8849 The Canadian Nutrition Society Annual Conference 2026 took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia. MSc student (soon to be PhD student) Nicholas Cheng was chosen as 1 of 8 finalists (MSc and PhD lumped together) for the Graduate Student Oral Presentation competition. Cheng gave a stellar presentation and won 1st!  Top student presentation at the conference! 

Students Emily Fraschetti and Monika Nguyen also presented their work very well and sparked much interest. Dr. Andrea Josse also chaired a symposium on Nutrition, Exercise and Women’s Health to a packed audience. The speakers were colleagues from U of T and Waterloo KINE with others from 91ɫ. Overall, it was considered a great conference and the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at 91ɫ was well represented.

Dr. Andrea Josse & Nicholas Cheng (left); Monika Nguyen (middle left) & Emily Fraschetti (middle right)

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First-Year Master's Student in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Kimiko Taniishi, wins 3-Minute Thesis Competition /health/kinesiology/2026/05/11/first-year-masters-student-kimiko-taniishi-wins-3-minute-thesis-competition/ Mon, 11 May 2026 12:29:41 +0000 /health/kinesiology/?p=8839 First-year Master’s student, Kimiko Taniishi in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science won the 3-Minute Thesis competition at the 2026 Bodies of Knowledge conference, held at the University of Toronto.

KAHS grad students,
Jumana Waez and Jodie De La Cruz
join Kimiko Taniishi (far right).

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Three Students in School of Kinesiology and Health Science Among Student Leaders Presented Tiffin Awards at 91ɫ /health/kinesiology/2026/05/11/three-students-in-school-of-kinesiology-and-health-science-among-student-leaders-presented-tiffin-awards-at-york-university/ Mon, 11 May 2026 12:20:55 +0000 /health/kinesiology/?p=8836 Three students in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science among 12 91ɫ students being recognized with the Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award for leadership that contributes to the growth, development and vitality of 91ɫ.

Jaryeon Lee, master of science in kinesiology and health science

Lee’s passion for health sciences is apparent through her leadership in the field. As president of the Kinesiology and Health Sciences Graduate Student Association, Lee expanded outreach, strengthened the academic and professional community within the department and launched a new mentor-mentee program. She was also a graduate student representative on the Academic Council of Kinesiology and Health Science and is currently a representative for the Kinesiology and Health Science Curriculum Exercise meetings.

Nikan Movahedi, bachelor of science (specialized honours) in kinesiology and health science

Movahedi has led numerous initiatives at 91ɫ focused on health research and education. He is a coordinator for the largest health-oriented conference dedicated to undergraduate researchers in Canada and established the 91ɫ Blood Initiative, 91ɫ’s first structured transportation system to local donation centres. Additionally, Movahedi is a student health ambassador and a student representative for the  and has been both a volunteer research assistant and mentor.

Amy Yeung, bachelor of science in kinesiology and health science

Yeung, a kung-fu practitioner for more than 16 years, revived and rebuilt the Martial Arts Club at 91ɫ, which now has more than 75 members. Through the club, Yeung shares cultural traditions, community building and provides an accessible space for physical activity. Inclusivity is at the forefront of Yeung’s leadership practices within the Martial Arts Club, where the needs of women, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC and differently abled members are continuously advocated for.

Back row: Robert J. Tiffin, Alina Khan, Tariq Salim, Nikan Movahedi, Devonte Ellis, Cheyenne Schmidt-Harlick, Anaum Fatima Iqbal, Isabella Gouveia, Simone Elizabeth Pimenta
Front row: Niemat Yusuf, Rubaljeet Kaur, Dipanpreet Kaur, Jaryeon Lee, Narmada Murugarajan, Amy Yeung, Yvette Munro

More coverage in YFile.

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Professor Chris Perry, in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science Appointed Vice-President Research at 91ɫ /health/kinesiology/2026/05/11/professor-chris-perry-in-the-school-of-kinesiology-and-health-science-appointed-vice-president-research-research-at-york-university/ Mon, 11 May 2026 12:09:00 +0000 /health/kinesiology/?p=8833 Professor Chris Perry, in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science has been appointed Vice-President Research at 91ɫ, effective July 1, 2026.

Dr. Perry is a professor in the School of Kinesiology & Health Science within the Faculty of Health and currently serves as director of 91ɫ’s Muscle Health Research Centre. An accomplished muscle physiologist, his research examines the cellular and metabolic processes that contribute to muscle weakness in conditions such as muscular dystrophy, cancer, and diabetes, along with the role of exercise in supporting muscle health. His work spans human, pre-clinical, and cellular models, and is distinguished by strong collaboration with clinical and industry partners to translate discoveries into therapeutic advances.

Alongside his research contributions, Professor Perry has been instrumental in advancing strategic research initiatives and partnerships within the Faculty of Health, including fostering new collaborations and identifying funding opportunities. In his new role, he will support 91ɫ’s research priorities by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening partnerships that enhance the University’s impact at both local and global levels.

Image of Christopher Perry
Dr. Chris Perry

More information can be found in YFile.

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Study by Former Graduate Student in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science Links Prolonged Sitting to Increased Dementia Risk, Physical Activity and Sleep Found Protective /health/kinesiology/2026/04/27/study-by-former-graduate-student-in-the-school-of-kinesiology-and-health-science-links-prolonged-sitting-to-increased-dementia-risk-physical-activity-and-sleep-found-protective/ Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:35:14 +0000 /health/kinesiology/?p=8809  Lead author and researcher at 91ɫ, and former KAHS PhD student, Akinkunle Oye-Somefun, was quoted in about a new large-scale scientific review that has identified prolonged sitting, insufficient sleep and physical inactivity as significant, modifiable risk factors for dementia in adults. 

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