Our team

Lead

Dr. Katie Misener is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies. Her research focuses on safe sport, particularly how community sport organizations can create environments that prevent maltreatment and promote athlete well-being. She also examines the capacity and social impact of nonprofit community sport organizations, with a particular focus on how capacity can be enhanced to support sport service delivery and foster social engagement through sport. In particular, she explores concepts such as social responsibility, social capital, volunteerism, and inter-organizational relationships. Her research interests also include the role of sport organizations in community health promotion and creating collaborative value through partnerships.

Email: k.misener@uwaterloo.ca

Dr. Heather Mair is Professor and Chair of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo. She earned her PhD in Rural Development in 2003, and for over two decades, her research has explored the ways leisure, sport, and tourism contribute to community life. Heather’s passion for curling research began in 2004, and since then, she has worked closely with stakeholders at every level—from volunteers in local clubs to provincial and regional associations, Curling Canada, and, most recently, World Curling, where she serves on the Sustainability Commission. Her research in sport has always centered on helping those who care about the game articulate its value to individuals and communities while identifying and addressing barriers to participation. She is committed to ensuring that more people have the opportunity to experience, enjoy, and stay engaged in this weird and wonderful sport. Beyond curling, Heather collaborates with other community sport organizations to support their efforts in fostering inclusive participation.

Email: hmair@uwaterloo.ca

Dr. Luke Portwarka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies. His current research projects are focused on sport participation and event impacts. Recently, Dr. Potwarka has worked with local events to examine their social and economic impacts to host communities of sport events. Dr. Potwarka also works with organizations to help understand the role events play in fostering local sport participation. Additionally, Dr. Potwarka has received media coverage for his research using neuro-imaging technology to examine how people process sport while watching it in real time.

Email: lrpotwarka@uwaterloo.ca

Dr. Kaleigh Pennock is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies. She completed her PhD in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education with a concentration in sport psychology at the University of Toronto. Broadly, her research interests lie in understanding constructions of risk, responsibility, and well-being in youth sport. Dr. Pennock’s work emphasizes the complex interplay of personal, social, and cultural factors that shape athletes’ experiences in sport and highlights the responsibility of sport leaders in safeguarding athletes and fostering positive development opportunities. Her research, grounded in principles of equity, safety, and community, aims to foster athlete well-being, and emphasizes community-oriented partnerships that drive positive changes in youth sport experiences. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, playing basketball and ringette, hiking, and watching women’s sports.

Email: kaleigh.pennock@uwaterloo.ca

Website: RISE Youth Sport Lab