Our Master's and Doctoral students in the School of Public Health Sciences are active researchers. Here is just a taste of the research that our students are making an impact with. Read their press releases to learn more about how the Faculty of Health is making a difference.
Surge in cannabis use among youth preceded legalization in Canada
Alex Zuckermann (post-doctoral fellow in SPHS) was the lead author in a study that found that national discussions on cannabis legalization, along with increased access to medical marijuana, may have encouraged more high school students to consume the drug years before it became legal in Canada.
Katelyn Battista (PhD Public Health and Health Systems) was also an author in this study.
New research suggests sugar taxes and labelling are effective
Doctoral student Rachel Acton (Public Health and Health Systems) co-authored a study that found that taxes on sugary products and labels on the front of packages can help reduce sugar consumption.
Dieting associated with risky behaviours in teenage girls
As a Master's student, Amanda Raffoul (Public Health and Health Systems) was the lead author on a study that showed that girls who diet are more likely to engage in other health-compromising behaviours. Today, she is pursuing her PhD at the University of Waterloo.
Mandatory nutrition policies may impact sugar consumption
While a doctoral candidate in Public Health and Health Systems, Katelyn Godin was the lead author on a study that investigated adolescents' purchase and intake of sugar-sweetened drinks.
Majority of teenagers need food education
Ken Diplock is a Public Health and Health Systems PhD candidate who led a study showing that teenagers need more education about food handling precautions, especially since they are the next generation to work in the food industry. He is now coordinator of the Bachelor of Environmental Public Health program at Conestoga College.
Truck driver pain and discomfort can be alleviated
While working toward her PhD Work and Health, Sonja Senthanar was the lead author on a Canadian study that found that almost 60 per cent of truck drivers reported musculoskeletal (MSD) pain and discomfort on the job, even though it may be preventable.
Inability to perform basic activities delays mental health patients’ discharge
Jerrica Little (PhD candidate in Public Health and Health Systems) was the lead author in a study that found that mental health patients who have difficulty performing daily living tasks are four times more likely to experience discharge delays.
Young hockey players interested in health protein, not French fries
PhD candidate Susan Caswell (Public Health and Health Systems) led a study that found that the greasy food being served at hockey rinks isn't really what young hockey players are looking for.
Obesity could be linked to early childhood behaviour
Katelyn Godin (PhD 2018) found that unhealthy behaviours among youth could be the greatest predictors of issues in adulthood.
Study shows how the brain controls food cravings
Cassandra Lowe, a recent PhD graduate in Public Health and Health Systems, researches brain functions. She was the lead author on a study that found that when activity in a specific part of the brain is suppressed, our desire for high-calorie foods increases.
Cannabis youth prevention strategy should target mental wellbeing
Alexandra Butler (MSc Public Health and Health Systems) was the lead author on a paper that revealed that high school students with positive mental health are less likely to consume cannabis.