Margie H. Davenport, PhD PROFESSOR FUNDED BY: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC), Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI) Christenson Professor in Active Healthy Living
Education Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. 2010-2012 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
PhD Integrative Physiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
2005-2010
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
BSc Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. 2003-2005
BSc Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada. 1996-2001
Research Interests I have had the pleasure of working with pregnant/postpartum women and their children since 2005. During this time I have developed a keen interest in the role of exercise and healthy living during pregnancy on the short- and long-term health of both mother and children. I am excited to work with Edmonton women and their children to conduct research that could impact Albertan and Canadians health for years to come!
Personal Interests Outside of the lab I love spending time with my husband and daughters, especially in the great outdoors!
Craig Steinback, PhD PROFESSOR FUNDED BY: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC), Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI)
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada National New Investigator, Alberta New Investigator Education Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. 2010-2012 NSERC, Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions
PhD Integrative Physiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
2006-2010
NSERC, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
MSc Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
2001-2003
BSc Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. 1997-2001
Research Interests I am an exercise physiologist with an interest in adaptations to extreme environments (eg. altitude and diving). Through recent collaborations with Dr. Davenport we have developed a groundbreaking line of research related to the "extreme" (but natural!) adaptations that occur during pregnancy. In particular, my research examines how the brain controls cardiovascular function through the sympathetic nervous system (the body's "fight or flight" response).
Personal Interests In my spare time, I love to play with my wife and daughters, compete in road races and play in the mountains!
Brittany Matenchuk, MSc Doctoral Student 2021-present WCHRI Graduate Scholarship CIHR Doctoral Research Award
Education
MSc, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. 2016-2018
BSc Kinesiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. 2012-2016
Research Interests I am excited to leverage my knowledge of biostatistical and epidemiological methods while working with the PPPH. My research interests lie in studying sleep across the lifespan and how it interacts with lifestyle factors to impact health. My MSc research explored the factors which mediate the relationship between maternal education and infant sleep duration, and the relationship between infant sleep duration and the composition of the infant gut microbiota.
Personal Interests I love spending time in the great Canadian Rockies, learning agility with my dog, and cooking.
Chrstina Prevett, PT, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow 2023-present
Education
MSc, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. 2016-2018
BSc Kinesiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. 2012-2016
Research Interests I am a pelvic health physiotherapist who is completing a postdoctoral fellowship on the role of resistance training in the perinatal space with particular attention to its interaction with pelvic floor function. I completed my PhD at McMaster University in Rehabilitation Sciences looking at high-load resistance training in an aging population.
Personal Interests I am a competitive weightlifter and avid CrossFit athlete, mother of two and advocate for the protectiveness of strength training in capacity across the lifespan.
Amy Moolyk, MSc Masters Student 2022-present Mitacs Scholarship
Education
MSc, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. 2016-2018
BSc Kinesiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. 2012-2016
Research Interests I am interested in studying the impact of resistance exercise on bone health in postpartum women. The physiological changes women experience during the postpartum period are unique and remain under researched. As a strength and conditioning coach and clinical exercise physiologist, I am eager to help women regain fitness and strength following childbirth and beyond. Through collaboration with PPPH and Connect Physiotherapy & Exercise, I aim to develop an evidence-based postpartum exercise program that benefits women seeking to return to sport or who live an active lifestyle.
Personal Interests I enjoy Olympic weightlifting, cycling, and spending time with my husband, daughter and son.
Weiqi Ruan, MSc PhD Student 2024-present
Education
MEd kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China. 2020-2023
BSc Sport Rehabilitation, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Hubei, China. 2016-2020
Research Interests My research interests lies in optimizing exercise interventions to improve brain health in pregnancy. My goal is to find the lifestyle strategies to minimize the cognitive function decline during pregnancy and put it into practice.
Personal Interests I love CrossFit and hiking.
Laura Osachoff, BSc Research Assistant 2024-present
Education BKin in Adaptive Physical Activity, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada 2019-2024 Undergraduate Research Initiative Scholarship 2024 CIHR Graduate Studentship
Research Interests I am deeply passionate about the female response to exercise and how that research can be used to improve the quality of life within the general population. I am currently assisting with data analysis and collection for a study investigating sleep during pregnancy and cardiovascular outcomes. In the future, I hope to pursue a Master’s degree and continue research in women’s health.
Personal Interests I love sports and being active outdoors. I played hockey for 12 years and still enjoy playing on the outdoor rink and with my family. I also learned how to play Australian Football this past year. I love the challenge of learning new sports.
Lauren Ray, MSc CTRS Research Assistant 2020-present
Education MSc, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada 2020-2022 BTR, Douglas College, Vancouver, Canada 2018-2020 BHkin, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada 2009-2013
Research Interests I have worked with Dr. Davenport and the PPPH since 2020. My research experience includes using qualitative methods to describe the experiences of elite female athletes as they navigate pregnancy. I am currently working with elite climbers exploring sport climbing and bouldering during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Personal Interests Lauren lives in Whitehorse, YT and enjoys spending her time running, climbing and hunting in her freetime.
Sana Ayesha, MBBS, MSc Research Assistant 2024-present
Education MBBS, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal 2006-2012
MSc, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada 2022-2024
Research Interests I am interested in understanding neurovascular adaptations and (mal)adaptations in different populations and conditions. For my Master’s project, I studied the differences in cardiac health between people with and without Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Currently, I am assisting with data analysis for a study examining vascular responses in pregnant populations, both with and without heart disease. I’m particularly fascinated by how the body’s neurovascular system evolves throughout the different stages of a woman’s life, and understanding how these impact women's health.
Personal Interests I enjoy reading, spending time with my husband and daughters, and exploring new places.
Rojina Adhikari, BPH Research Assistant 2025-present
Education Lab Technology, Regional College of Health Science and Technology 2014-2016
Bachelor of Public Health Pokhara University, Pokhara, Nepal 2018-2023
Research Interests As a dedicated public health practitioner, my research interests embrace Epidemiology, Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition, and Mental Health. I've also been actively involved in field-based studies on undernutrition among U5 children, over nutrition and Anemia in Reproductive-age women and Adolescent girls, as well as Non-communicable diseases among the urban poor, through collaborations with institutions such as Kansai Medical University and HERD International and Action Against Huger Nepal. I am committed to inform policy makers through high quality research to population health outcomes. Personal Interests In addition to my academic and professional obligations, I have a strong interest in youth leadership and volunteering. I have actively participated in different community service projects. In my own time, I enjoy taking part in artistic endeavors, exploring Pokhara's natural surroundings, and discovering new digital tools that facilitate powerful public health storytelling.
Paris Jones, BSc Masters Student 2024-present CIHR Graduate Studentship
Education
BKin in Sport Performance, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada 2020-2024
Research Interests I am interested in the relationship between physical activity and injury during the postpartum period. Particularly, how breastfeeding, energy status, and conditions such as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) may play a role in determining injury risk during this time. As the benefits of partaking in physical activity during the postpartum period continue to be proven, I aim to help individuals participate in exercise in a safe and informed manner.
Personal Interests I enjoy travelling, taking my dogs to the park, reading, and I am a member of the University of Alberta Game Day cheerleading team.
Mackenzie Farris, BSc Masters Student 2024-present CIHR Graduate Studentship
Education
BKin in Physical Activity and Health , University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada 2020-2024
Research Interests I am interested in pregnancy and sport, specifically investigating sports where activity bursts are of longer duration such as soccer. The benefits of regular physical activity during pregnancy are well documented and I hope to contribute valuable information about safe and meaningful participation in sport throughout pregnancy.
Personal Interests I enjoy being physically active and spending time outdoors snowboarding and taking my dogs on walks.
Wei Zhang Visiting PhD Student from Zhejiang University 2024-2025
Gyan Bains Research Assistant 2017-2024
Aine Brislane Postdoctoral Fellow 2020-2022
Women and Children's Health Research Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship
Jenna Wowdzia Masters Student 2019-2022
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship
Miranda Kimber Masters Student 2019-2022
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship
Rachel Skow Doctoral Student 2015-2021CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship
WCHRI Graduate Studentship
Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Student Scholarship
Andrew Stewart Memorial Graduate Prize
Alberta Innovates Health Solutions Doctoral Research Award
Victoria Meah Postdoctoral Fellow 2018-2022CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship
WCHRI Postdoctoral Fellowship
Ly-Anh Reid Masters Student 2019-2021
CIHR Masters Scholarship
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship
Morgan Strynadka Undergraduate Research Assistant 2018-2020 Chenxi Cai, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow 2018-2020Laura Reyes, MD PhD Postdoctoral Fellow 2017-2020
Molly Towell Perinatal Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship
Sauleha Farooq Undergraduate Research Assistant 2018-2019Women and Children's Health Research Institute Summer Studentship
Frances Sobierajski Undergraduate Research Assistant 2015-2018Sobierajski F., Purdy GM, Usselman CW, Skow RJ, James MA, Chari RS, Khurana R, Stickland MK, Davidge ST, Devolin M, Steinback CD, Davenport MH. (2018). Maternal physical activity is associated with improved blood pressure regulation during late pregnancy. Canadian Journal of Cardiology In Press.
Women and Children's Health Research Institute Summer Studentship
Albert Innovates Health Solutions Summer Studentship
Amariah Kathol Undergraduate Research Assistant 2016Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism Undergraduate Research Excellence Award Winner
Ashley McCurdy Undergraduate Research Assistant 2016-2017McCurdy A., Boule N., Sivak A., Davenport M.H. (2017). Effects of Exercise on Mild-to-Moderate Depressive Symptoms in the Postpartum Period: A Meta-analysis. Obstetrics and Gynecology. In Press.
Brittany Matenchuk Undergraduate Research Assistant 2014-2016Usselman C.W., Skow R.J., Matenchuk B.A., Chari R.S., Julian C.G., Stickland M.K., Steinback C.D. and Davenport, M.H. (2015). Sympathetic baroreflex gain in normotensive pregnant women. JAP. 119(5):468-74.
Women and Children's Health Research Institute Summer Studentship
Charlotte Usselman Postdoctoral Fellow 2014-2015Usselman C.W., Wakefield P.K., Skow R.J., Stickland M.K., Chari R.S., Julian C.G., Steinback C.D. and Davenport, M.H. (2015). Regulation of sympathetic nerve activity during the cold pressor test in normotensive pregnant and nonpregnant women. Hypertension. 66(4):858-64.
Usselman C.W., Skow R.J., Matenchuk B.A., Chari R.S., Julian C.G., Stickland M.K., Steinback C.D. and Davenport, M.H. (2015). Sympathetic baroreflex gain in normotensive pregnant women. JAP. 119(5):468-74.
Sydney Schmidt Undergraduate Research Assistant 2014-2015
Fraser G.M., Morton J.S., Schmidt S.M., Bourque S., Davidget S.T., Davenport M.H. and Steinback C.D. (2015). Reduced uterine perfusion pressure decreases functional capillary density in skeletal muscle. AJP Heart Circ Physiol 309(12):H2002-7.
Schmidt S., Chari R.S., and Davenport M.H. (2015). Exercise During Pregnancy: Current recommendations by Canadian maternity health care providers. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. In press.
Paige Wakefield Undergraduate Research Assistant 2014-2015
Usselman C.W., Wakefield P.K., Skow R.J., Stickland M.K., Chari R.S., Julian C.G., Steinback C.D. and Davenport, M.H. (2015). Regulation of sympathetic nerve activity during the cold pressor test in normotensive pregnant and nonpregnant women. Hypertension. 66(4):858-64.
Alberta Diabetes Institute Summer Studentship
Women and Children's Health Research Institute Summer Studentship
American Physiological Society David S. Bruce Award for Outstanding Abstract
American Physiological Society David S. Bruce Award for Outstanding Undergraduate presentation
Henry Wiebe Undergraduate Research Assistant 2014
Wiebe H.W., Boule N.G., Chari R. and Davenport, M.H. (2015). The effect of supervised prenatal exercise on fetal growth: A meta-analysis. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 125(5):1185-94.
Emily King Undergraduate Research Assistant 2013-2014Steinback C.D., King E.C. and Davenport, M.H. (2015). Longitudinal cerebrovascular reactivity during pregnancy: a case study. APNM. Jan 20:1-4.
Alberta Diabetes Institute Summer Studentship