Chelsea Pretty
Master’s candidate, Community Health
Supervisor: Deborah O’Leary
Research project title: “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Baroreflex function in Children: The Protective Effect of Physical Activity”
Recent recipent of a 2010 Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Awards
Hometown: Arnprior, Ont
Chelsea’s research focuses on the effect of a child’s early environment on cardiovascular health as they grow.

Who do you hope to help and how?

I hope to help children. I think that furthering our understanding of environmental factors and how they affect a child’s health will help to promote the changes necessary to create a healthier environment for children as they grow.

How did you become interested in your area of research?

During my undergraduate studies at Brock, I had the opportunity to take several courses that opened my eyes to the importance of one’s environment on health. In my second year I was hired as a research assistant for the HBEAT study (Heart Behavioural Environment Assessment Team). By working alongside of Dr. Deborah O’Leary and Dr. Terrance Wade, their love of research sparked my interest in this area of study.

What made you decide to pursue your graduate education at Brock?

I graduated from undergraduate studies at Brock in Community Health Sciences and through my program I had the opportunity to get to know my professors and get involved in their research projects. I also had an awesome experience completing my undergraduate thesis at Brock, which really made me want to stay here and continue to work with the HBEAT study.

What are your other interests/hobbies/activities?

Spending time with friends and family, exercising, swimming, playing ringette, and kayaking.