Kinesiology student named 2019 Vanier Scholar

The Faculty of Applied Health Science congratulates Kinesiology PhD candidate Steven Pretty, who is one of three University of Waterloo doctoral studies students named Vanier Canada Graduate Scholars.

Pretty's research will lead to a greater understanding of how falls affect soft tissue on the hip as he investigates the interaction between hip protectors and underlying soft tissues. His research proposal is titled Characterization of trochanteric soft tissue mechanics: Informing the development of personalized protective devices.

As a Master's student in Kinesiology, Pretty worked in Professor Andrew Laing's Injury Biomechanics and Aging Lab, where he gained exposure to hip impact testing and the role that geometric features of the femur play in determining impact characteristics. Pretty is also interested in balance recovery, compliant flooring and other fall intervention product testing.

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship was launched in 2008 to attract world-class doctoral students. Vanier Scholars demonstrate a high standard of academic excellence, leadership, and research potential in areas of health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.