People profiles

The Health Studies program not only looks at human health from the level of the cell, it also looks at health from a systems-level creating innovative solutions for complex health challenges. 

What I like most about Health Studies is that it combines courses in both the natural sciences and the social determinants of health, allowing students to be well-rounded and appreciate a holistic approach to healthcare.

Kinesiology is such an interdisciplinary program. In the first two years, we get exposed to so many different subjects such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, neuroscience, and so much more. The freedom you then get in the upper years really gives you the opportunity to explore the subject areas you want to learn about in more detail.

Kimberly Lopez gives a voice to those who provide care within the long-term care sector using innovative research approaches to uncover racialized, gendered, and classed issues that structure care labour.

I like the atmosphere that surrounds Public Health as well as the Faculty of Health. I have always had an enjoyable experience with my peers and professors!

Caitlin McArthur is on a mission to improve rehabilitation for residents living in long-term care. As a physiotherapist, her first-hand knowledge is an integral aspect that guides her doctoral research.

Jeff is Director, Partnerships at Golf Canada, where he is responsible for integrating brands throughout the organization’s portfolio of assets, from the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open to Youth Development to Team Canada. He has spent his career in sports marketing, working for and with teams in the NHL, NBA, MLS, NFL, English Premier League, Serie A and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

I like the flexibility my program offers. This program is really great, especially if you know you want a career in the healthcare field but just can't decide which one or don't know yet! Health Studies will definitely offer you some clarity in one way or another.

I like that Health Studies gives me the opportunity to explore health from many different perspectives! The program has introduced me to a vast number of fields within health and several different careers that I can potentially pursue. 

I love how flexible Waterloo Kinesiology is! The first two years are packed with foundational courses, but then I can tailor my degree my way with the amount of electives we get in upper years.

Rebecca Genoe has long known that her life's work would be in the field of aging research. Now as an Associate Professor at the University of Regina, she recalls how her time at the University of Waterloo prepared her for academic life.

I like that my program offers multiple minors/specializations which allowed me to pursue a gerontology minor. I also like the flexibility of my program as there are a lot of free electives.

My program is amazing because it combines a basic foundation in science and math to various aspects of human health and how it impacts physical activity. It is the perfect pre-med pathway for me since it combines those necessary sciences with things that I am passionate about - nutrition, exercise, and wellbeing! 

I love that my program teaches me about multiple different aspects of health and not just the classic sciences. I love that I'm learning how to make health more accessible and make the world a better place through health. 

I really enjoy the variety of courses we take, not only do we cover the physiology of diseases, but also take a look at the upstream social determinants of health. Health Studies is a great program for really exploring different avenues in the field of health care. 

Luke Turcotte studies large health databases in order to determine which factors influence the path to recovery for rehabilitation patients. The goal of his dissertation work is to help older adults regain function and achieve independence again.

I like the broad scope of study in public health, you get the best of both worlds understanding the effects social and natural sciences have on individuals and the population.

I chose the recreation and sport business program because it allows me to combine my two passions together: business and sports! This program provides me with the knowledge I need to not only excel in a business career but also provides me with the real-world experience needed to pursue a career in the sports industry. 

My program is really social! This was really nice because coming into university can be overwhelming but being able to make friends easily was nice. As a student who is registered with AccessAbility I have had great experiences working with my profs to make things more accessible for me. I have been able to explore so many other courses as well, and am currently looking into a biology minor.

I like that my program covers the broad systemic factors that cause disparities in health like poverty, climate change, and more.

I like that my program is hands-on and I get to implement what I learn within the community. In one of my classes, I was able to apply what I learned when completing an accessibility assessment of a building on campus!

I like that my program allows me to combine my passion for sports and interest in business and bring them together for interesting learning opportunities. Other universities don't provide a program similar to this one and I like that class sizes are small so we can develop a strong sense of community with other students. I have a passion for sports but I also enjoy the business areas of sports and this program allows me to study both. 

I really like how the program offers many electives that allow me to explore other subjects such as history, psychology, and sociology.

In addition to the close tight-knit community, what I love most about the program is that it is very hands-on, which has helped me both gain perspective and further develop my skills.

I love how Kinesiology offers a variety of courses that match my interest and can help me with my career path. I personally love the lab courses because they are very interactive and provide a lot of hands-on experience.

What I like best about my program is the global impact of public health research and the scope and variety of professions that one could go into following a public health degree.

I love to learn with friendly and knowledgeable professors while also having the ability to meet many new friends! The tourism industry is always changing and adapting which provides very interesting course material! 

Not only do we study the physiology of diseases, we also examine determinants of health at the population level. Public Health is a great program for exploring different tracks in the field of health care. The program is intensive and allows me to draw on knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines such as public policy, health science, epidemiology, behavioural sciences, etc. to critically assess a broad spectrum of public health issues. Lastly, the Co-op option provides the opportunity to gain practical work experience during which you can figure out what types of careers you are interested in within health care.

My favourite part about my program is the community. It is a decently small program so I am able to make meaningful connections with my classmates. Everyone is always willing to help out, friendly and approachable.

I like that my program provides its students plenty of opportunities to explore various health-related topics. I find that I'm never uninterested in any of the material we cover in each of our courses, which allows me to truly enjoy what I learn.

The best thing about Recreation and Leisure Studies is the flexibility of the program, allowing me to explore more of my interests from other faculties and learn from others. Not to mention, I absolutely love how this program contributes so much in the impacts of individuals' health and overall well-being.

What I like best about my program is the people! I couldn't ask for better peers, professors, advisors, etc. to support me throughout my undergrad. 

I love that all the students and staff are extremely helpful and care about each and everyone's mental health.

What I like best about my program is that everyone is a community that not only works together to improve our collective knowledge of the business side of sports, but also that we all share a passion for sports. 

I love the versatility of this program and how it really lets you go down the path you want to take. The first two years give you a solid understanding of the various Kinesiology topics that are out there, and then from there you can really specialize in a topic, if you desire to do so!

The thing I like the most about my program is how great a balance it has between the natural sciences and public health subjects. There is also a great amount of flexibility within the program which allowed me to go on a study abroad!

I like how the professors are very kind and willing to help you, and answer any questions and/or concerns you may have.

I like the wide variety of kinesiology courses our faculty has to offer. There are courses on topics you never would have thought or known about.

What I like best about my program is the courses. My favorite course is KIN 100 with the lab. I found it very useful during my co-op as a physiotherapist assistant.

What I like most about Health Studies is that it has prompted an immense curiosity and passion for the field of health, starting at the cellular and physiological level and expanding into system-level thinking surrounding broader social factors of health.

I like how Health Studies is a combination of "traditional science" courses but also adds in public health aspects. The program challenges students to explore how social determinants can impact ones health and challenges us to create solutions at the primary healthcare level.

I like how supportive the entire Faculty of Health is. The Public Health advisors are especially accessible and truly want the best for everyone in our program. They often go above and beyond to watch us succeed and know us personally. You really get a chance to get to know each person and you honestly build a little community on campus! There is so much to love about the Public Health program here at Waterloo. From the caring support system to the engaging, thought-provoking subject matter which draws on skills from different disciplines – you can't go wrong!

It's the perfect program to learn about the human body.

What I like best about my program are the students and faculty.

I like the opportunity we have to learn about health holistically by integrating knowledge from both science and health courses. Each course you take whether it be science, social science or health builds on to each other and allows you to view health from a different lens. I also enjoy the upstream approach we take when looking at the social determinants of health and public health intervention.

I like the wide range of course options, relevant lab experiences, and passionate faculty members. 

I like the tight knit community in the Health Studies program. There is so much room to grow, both inside and outside of the classroom, and further your dreams - whether that be through specializations, research or minors.