Thesis title: Movement and Mindfulness: Exploring the Influence of Hatha Yoga on Stress and Physical Pain in Women Diagnosed with Endometriosis

Research summary: There is limited research exploring the physical and emotional well-being of women diagnosed with Endometriosis. My research looks to understand if Hatha yoga can influence a change in stress levels and physical pain for participants through pre- and post-testing.

My time so far as a graduate student at Brock has given me the opportunity to grow my understanding of the research process and academic writing. Through the support of my supervisor and other like-minded individuals, I have benefited from invaluable mentorship that has shaped me into a stronger and more confident researcher.

Supervisor: Dr. Sanghee Chun

Thesis title: Needs versus Wants: Understanding the Recreation Realities of Women Experiencing Poverty in Niagara

Research summary: Food and shelter are ‘needs’, while recreation is often categorized as a ‘want’. How can recreation be prioritized when ‘needs’ aren’t sufficiently met? My research seeks to understand how recreation is situated in relation to other priorities in the lives of women experiencing poverty to establish a ‘need’ for recreation.

My Brock graduate school experience: I have gained countless invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, social connection, and personal growth! While graduate school can be challenging, the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (especially the RECL department) has created an extremely supportive environment in which student success and wellbeing is the priority.

Supervisor: Erin Sharpe, PhD

Thesis Title: Prospects of the Good Lives Model: An Exploration of its Applicability in Guiding Therapeutic Recreation Services in Forensic Psychiatry

Research Summary: Forensic psychiatry programs (FPP) provide individuals with a mental illness who have come into contact with the law, the opportunity for rehabilitation, recovery, and community reintegration. My research will explore how recreation therapists in FPPs perceive the potential use of a strengths-based and person-centered model in guiding therapeutic recreation services.

My Graduate School Experience: From the opportunities I have experienced, and the skills that I have gained, I have been able to grow both personally and professionally during my time as a graduate student. The relationships with my supervisor, professors, and peers have allowed me to feel supportive during this challenging yet rewarding experience.

Supervisor: Pei-Chun Hsieh, PhD

Thesis Title: The Role of Free Time in the Recovery Process for Individuals with Substance Use Disorder.

Research Summary: To use a qualitative approach that would connect me with individuals in recovery to hear their personal perceptions and experiences of their free time. This would include connecting with individuals in different stages of recovery and those in supported care settings and non-supported care settings to recognize how free time can change throughout the recovery process.

My Graduate School Experience: My Brock graduate experience has allowed me to work closely with my supervisor to deeply understand a topic that has sparked my curiosity and interest for a long time. I have been able to work with other faculty members to deepen my understanding on the research process and connected closely with fellow graduate students to build strong relationships with like-minded people.

Supervisor: Tim O’Connell 

Thesis Title: The social benefits of intramural sport and campus recreation.

Research Summary: I am interested in exploring how students’ involvement in intramural sport contributes to their sense of belonging on campus.

My Graduate School Experience: I have received opportunities that have been invaluable to my personal and professional growth. These experiences have shaped my journey, allowing me to develop skills and build meaningful connections within a supportive academic environment.

Supervisor: Scott Forrester, PhD

Thesis Title: Sport participation policy in Canada: An interprovincial comparative analysis

Research Summary: Using a multiple case study approach, document analysis, and comparative policy analysis, I will examine how institutional, political, and cultural factors shape participation strategies across British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. My research will be guided by the institutional logics perspective.

My Graduate School Experience: My graduate school experience has been both rewarding and exciting! The welcoming environment here at Brock has helped me to adjust to campus life and the course content has allowed me to challenge myself. The many supports at Brock have helped me to grow as a student and researcher and I am excited to apply these skills to the remainder of my studies and my research.

Supervisor: Kyle Rich, PhD

MentHERship: A Phenomenological Analysis of Mentorship for Self-Identifying Girl Athletes

Research summary: My research looks at the relationship between mentorship and the healthy development of girls and women in sport. Specifically, I am interested in mentorship’s role in the positive youth development of girl athletes and how mentorship can be used to enhance life skills in sport and physical activity-based contexts.

My graduate school experience: My graduate school experience at Brock has opened numerous doors for me as a young professional. The close-knit community provides ample opportunities for graduate students to build positive relationships with other students and faculty, engage in relevant professional development offerings, and develop a passion for research and applied practice.

Supervisor: Corliss Bean, PhD

How is the Niagara region addressing the physical, social, and leisure needs of aging individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Research summary:  My interest in this topic stems from assisting my aging son with a disability live a life of meaning. I intend to understand how the Region incorporates the physical, social and leisure needs of aging individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities into community-based programming, and identify any gaps and barriers that exist.

My Brock graduate school experience: Initially, the thought of coming to Brock as a mature graduate was terrifying; however, attending classes and meeting peers made me more comfortable. The experiential learning that I am gaining from labs and seminars has provided opportunities  that I didn’t realize existed.

Supervisors: Colleen White, PhD & Maureen Connelly, PhD