Members of the Sport Psychology and Physical Activity Research Collaborative in the Faculty of Human Kinetics had a busy end to the Winter 2025 semester, capping it off with presentations at two conferences.

The annual Kinesiology Research Day took place March 20 in the Human Kinetics Building, where professor Krista Chandler delivered the keynote address after receiving the faculty’s Research Excellence Award. She highlighted her work on mental health and physical activity, including the UWorkItOut UWin program, developed in collaboration with colleague Todd Loughead.

PhD candidate Melissa Paré, recipient of the Outstanding Doctoral Research Award, followed with a keynote titled “PhD in Ten: A Walk Through a Doctoral Degree Worth of Research.” Graduate students from the SPPARC lab also took part in poster presentations and a lab showcase led by PhD candidate Mason Sheppard.

Following this event, the lab travelled to London, Ontario, for the 29th annual Eastern Canadian Sport and Exercise Psychology Symposium. Eight SPPARC students gave presentations including doctoral candidates Ashley Flemington, Mason Sheppard, Megan Kalbfleisch, and Samanatha D’Agostino; PhD student Chris Coady; master’s students Darcee Hall and Jack Wright; and undergrad Travis Woods; while co-directors of the lab Drs. Chandler and Loughead were invited keynote speakers — both returning to their doctoral alma mater at Western University.

“These events are a celebration of our students’ growth as researchers and professionals,” says Chandler. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see their work recognized and to reconnect with our academic roots.”

Loughead adds: “Watching our students present their work with such confidence and passion is a proud moment for any mentor. It reflects the collaborative and supportive environment we’ve built at SPPARC.”

Follow the lab’s work on Instagram (@spparc) and X (@SPPARC_UWindsor).