Dr. Heather O’Reilly (Johnston) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Science at McMaster University and Adjunct Scientist with the Institute for Work and Health. She received a PhD in Kinesiology and Health Science, as well as a Diploma in Health Psychology, from York University and is an associate ergonomist through the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists.
Combining ergonomics, biomechanics, and health psychology, she is passionate about an interdisciplinary approach towards the prevention and management of work-related injuries. Her research explores the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and other work-related outcomes like psychological injuries and mental stress to improve occupational health and safety (OHS) programs, policies, and practices. She is currently interested in understanding modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, measurement and assessment in the workplace, and knowledge translation.