Student Research
Undergraduate and graduate students conduct research in the Faculty of Kinesiology.
Kinesiology's research areas
Research is an excellent way to explore areas of a discipline that interests you. Excellent research facilities and instructors can help you translate discoveries into applications that benefit local, national and international communities.
We have four main research themes in the Faculty of Kinesiology.
Recent research investments make a big impact for the faculty
The Taylor Family Foundation made a $20-million donation to create one of the most advanced post-secondary facilities for human performance, movement and sport science research. The funds will also revitalize existing spaces to improve labs and offices, enabling growth in undergraduate enrolment and drawing top scholars to the city — further strengthening excellence in both teaching and research.
Joan Snyder gifted $67.5 million to UCalgary of which $30-million was donated to the Faculty of Kinesiology. This helped to establish the Joan Snyder Fund for Excellence in Kinesiology. Joan was skilled at identifying gaps that needed to be addressed in our communities. One of those gaps was an investment in research and sports programs for women and girls. She also made a legacy gift of $2-million for the Joan Snyder Program of Excellence in Women’s Hockey Fund. Read more.
Tips to begin research
Attend lectures, journal clubs and research conferences on and off campus. Many faculties and institutes have undergraduate research symposiums where students can present their work. For example, you can attend the annual Research Revealed forum where undergraduate students in kinesiology, exercise, sociocultural and sport sciences in Alberta share their research findings. Or watch graduate students present their research at the three minute thesis competition. This will give you an idea about what is involved in conducting research. Or, get a little inspiration from other undergrads or grad students in Kinesiology.
It’s also helpful to spend time with professors, postdoctoral fellows and thesis-based graduate students as they can give you valuable advice. Consider volunteering in a laboratory as this may lead to authorship on a publication, a paid research position or pursuing further education. Once you find an area of interest, the next step is to find a supervisor.
How to find a research supervisor
It's important to find a professor with similar interests to supervise your research project.
Undergraduate research
Study what interests you with experts in the field. Kickstart your research career as an undergraduate.
Graduate research
The Faculty of Kinesiology offers two thesis-based degree programs, A Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy.
Meet our faculty
You will need a supervisor to conduct research. Our faculty members are national and international leaders in areas such as exercise, sport, nutrition, metabolism and genetics.
Student combines research and play
Patrick Pankow plays football for the Dinos and pursues an interest in sport concussion research with an MSc in Kinesiology.
Older adults put on their dancing shoes for their health
Alumna Jenna Magrath's research explores how dance instructors work with seniors