MyMSK Lab Members

PhD Kinesiology – 2^nd year 

Christina completed her M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary in 2023. Her M.Sc. project was focused on identifying the impact of physical activity on the bone health of children and adolescents. In a similar vein, Christina's PhD project aims to understand whether high intensity resistance and impact training can slow down bone loss in early menopausal women. Outside of school Christina enjoys exploring the mountains, crocheting, and finding new places to get a delicious cup of coffee. 

If you are curious about her work, you can reach her at christina.alexander@ucalgary.ca

PhD. Biomedical Engineering - 1^st year

Erin completed her undergraduate degree in Natural Science concentrating in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Calgary in 2022. After completing her MSc in Biomedical Engineering under the co-supervision of Dr. Leigh Gabel and Dr. Elizabeth Condliffe in the Movement and Musculoskeletal Lab (MyMSK) and Pediatric Onset of Neuromotor Impairments Lab (PONI), she continued into her PhD. Erin's research focuses on bone and muscle health in children with mobility impairments.

To learn more about Erin's work, you can reach her at erin.hodgson1@ucalgary.ca

PhD. Kinesiology - 2^nd year

Prior to attending the University of Calgary, Pat completed his Bachelor of Science of Kinesiology with Honours Conversion at Dalhousie University in 2022. Now our labs favourite Maritimer, Pat completed his MSc working on the STOP-EM project investigating changes in lean mass and performance in menopausal females. His PhD will focus on the definitive trial of his MSc work.

If you would like to know more about his work feel free to reach out at patrick.whitman@ucalgary.ca

M.Sc. Kinesiology - 1^st year

Jada completed her BSc (Hons.) in Exercise and Health Physiology at the University of Calgary in 2025. She is currently enrolled in the Leaders in Medicine program at the University of Calgary, pursuing her MD/MSc. Jada is working on the CanBSDS project investigating bone strength development in kids with Type 1 diabetes compared to typically developing kids. Outside of the lab, Jada is a dance teacher and loves to craft and read! If you have questions about her work, you can reach out to jada.kiss@ucalgary.ca

M.Sc. Kinesiology - 1^st year

Sarah completed her B.Sc. in Exercise and Health Physiology at the University of Calgary in 2026. For her M.Sc she is working on the STRONG-MOM project, investigating bone loss and recovery associated with pregnancy and lactation. Outside of the lab, she enjoys running, skiing, biking and climbing!

To learn more about Sarah’s work, you can reach her at sarah.cullinan@ucalgary.ca

B.Sc. Biological Sciences (Honours) - 4^th year 

Lavanya is currently working on the STRONG-MOM study for her honours, exploring how pregnancy and breastfeeding affect maternal bone health. She has previously looked at the impacts of reproductive history on menopausal bone health, and the effects of strength training on menopausal pelvic floor health. Outside of school, she enjoys badminton, pottery, touring the mountains and reading about monkeys! 

If you're interested in learning more about Lavanya’s project, you can reach her at lavanya.vashishta@ucalgary.ca

BSc Kinesiology (Honours) - 4^th year 

Maria's current project is under the CanBSDS project investigating bone strength development between children with Type 1 diabetes and typically developing kids. Specifically, she is interested in exploring the associations between their volumetric bone mineral density and levels/types of physical activity they participate in! Outside of the lab, Maria enjoys reading, trying new cafes and watching sports, namely hockey! 

If you would like to learn more about Maria's work, please feel free to reach out at maria.najam@ucalgary.ca