Meet the Team

Dr. Laura St. John is an Azrieli Accelerator Assistant Professor specializing in Exercise and Health Research for Neurodiverse Women and Girls. Through a biopsychosocial lens, her research examines the relationship between physical activity, health, and well-being in women and girls with neurodevelopmental disabilities with a focus on intellectual disabilities. She is particularly interested in understanding how physical activity and health fluctuate during menstruation and menopause in this population. Before joining the faculty, Dr. St. John was a postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, following the completion of her PhD in Exercise Science at the University of Toronto. 

Meet Abby Jigolyk-Carnell, our research coordinator! Abby is a former competitive athlete in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Her unique blend of personal experience and academic focus has fueled her passion for supporting neurodiverse individuals in sports. Abby is committed to developing strategies that enable people with various neurological conditions to maintain active lifestyles and contoinue participating in the sports they love. Abby's ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their diagnosis, has the opportunity to enjoy the lifelong benefits of physical activity and sports. Welcome, Abby!

Sam Beckman is a PhD student who is passionate about finding joy in movement. Her research interests in her Master’s research was surrounding balance, biomechanics, and creating dance-specific testing protocols. Currently in her PhD, she is focussing on research surrounding physical literacy and long-term development in dance. Through the St. John lab, she hopes to gain further knowledge/ appreciation for physical literacy as a conceptual model and how long-term development can be accessible to all no matter their abilities. Her favorite thing about working in the lab is the incredible people she has theopportunity to interact with each and every day! Sam’s hobbies include rock climbing, dancing, and running with her dog!

Anmol Panech is a master's student committed to addressing health inequities experienced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through research. Her work focuses on accelerated aging in this population, who face an elevated risk of health decline compared to the general population. Anmol’s research aims to identify early markers of accelerated aging and aging-related health outcomes, with the broader goal of developing timely interventions that can support individuals with IDD, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. Anmol's favorite thing about working in the lab is its collaborative and supportive environment, which encourages her to pursue her goals. Outside the lab, she enjoys going for long walks.

Isabella is a Master of Science (MSc) student in Kinesiology with an interest in adapted physical activity for children with intellectual disabilities (ID). Prior to her graduate studies, she earned an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin) from Wilfrid Laurier University. Currently, her research focuses on examining the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted physical activity program designed for preschool-aged children (ages 2–6) with ID. She aims to evaluate how the program supports thedevelopment of fundamental movement skills and social-emotional learning in this population. Isabella’s favourite part about working in the lab is being part of an inclusive environment alongside an inspiring group of women. Outside the lab, shehas taken up working out as a new hobby.

Noor Ul-Ain is a fourth-year kinesiology student passionate about inclusive physical activity programs for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Inspired by her cousin with autism, Noor has witnessed how systemic neglect leaves children without the support they need. She’s committed to improving access to effective interventions, especially in underserved communities. With roots in Kashmir, Noor hopes to use her education to bridge global gaps in care by bringing research-based solutions to overlooked populations. Outside academics, she’s reconnecting with her love for martial arts. Having wrestled throughout her youth and high school, Noor is now excited to begin training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, continuing to explore the power of movement in both her personal and professional journey.

Vipula Sundar is an undergraduate Bioinformatics student who is passionate about inclusivity and stakeholder involvement in developing healthcare tools. She is curious about how individuals’ experiences shape their satisfaction with healthcare resources and is optimistic about the integration of technology in healthcare. With research interests in scientific communication and health literacy, neurodiversity in females, and modelling and simulating biological systems, Vipula is eager to learn and grow.

Meet Paige Collings! Paige has a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Sciences and is currently pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) in Kinesiology. Paige's research is focused on designing and implementing a physical literacy ice-skating program for youth (ages 6-11) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is passionate about the transformative power of adapted physical activity and believes that this research is crucial for enhancing quality of life and well-being.