
Lab Trainees
Undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees in the Physical Activity and Health Promotion Laboratory research a range of topics within psychosocial oncology. All members strive to promote physical activity as a means to increase physical, mental, and social health in cancer survivors across the lifespan.
Current trainees (featured below) are exploring psychological mechanisms, body-image, self-concepts, mental health, and cognitive function.
Interested prospective students should contact Dr. Brunet directly.

Maude Lambert, BSc, PhD(c)
PhD Candidate, Neuropsychology
Awards: CGS-D (CIHR), ARCC, QEII-GSST, FRQS, OGS
Maude is a 5th-year PhD Candidate in the Physical Activity & Health Promotion Laboratory. Her research explores the extent to which a cancer experience impacts physiological mechanisms in breast cancer survivors by examining the secretion patterns of four key biomarkers. Her recently-defended dissertation explored the physical, behavioural, and psychological variables implicated in these dysregulations to help guide the development of targeted interventions promoting optimal health outcomes in cancer survivors. In her clinical work, Maude is training to become a pediatric neuropsychologist and she is currently completing her residency (2021-2022) at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto.

Jenson Price, BA, MA, PhD(c)
PhD Candidate, Health & Exercise Psychology
Awards: CGS-D (SSHRC), OGS, QEII-GSST
Jenson is a 4th-year PhD Candidate in the Physical Activity & Health Promotion Laboratory. Her research focuses on the design and evaluation of supportive care services/resources to promote overall wellbeing and quality of life among special populations. Her dissertation uses a participatory-based knowledge translation approach to (1) explore the role of yoga in cultivating positive experiences with self and others among gynecologic cancer survivors, and (2) co-create knowledge through collaboration with gynecologic cancer survivors and yoga instructors to determine feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of a yoga program. In her spare time, Jenson is a certified yoga instructor and C-License Head Coach for the Ottawa-Gloucester Hornets Soccer Club.
@jensonprice2

Sitara Sharma, BSc, MA, PhD(s)
MA Student, Health & Exercise Psychology
Awards: CGS-D (SSHRC), CGS-M (SSHRC), uOGRADflix
Sitara is a 1st-year PhD Student in the Physical Activity & Health Promotion Laboratory. Her research centers around improving brain health in clinical populations. Sitara's recently-defended MA thesis explored whether physical activity may help manage cancer-related cognitive impairment and promote quality of life for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. For her doctorate, she plans to build on this work in hopes of developing targeted physical activity-based trials and psychosocial supports for this population. Beyond her studies, Sitara enjoys running, hiking, painting, photography, and exploring new cafés.
@sitarashar

Darien Wrona, BHK, MHK
Research Administrative Assistant
Darien is the Research Administrative Assistant in the Physical Activity & Health Promotion Laboratory and a graduate of uOttawa's Master of Human Kinetics program, specializing in intervention & consultation. As a Mental Performance Consultant Candidate, Darien has worked with multiple levels of sports and people interested in elevating their physical activity levels. Specifically, she has contributed to athletes' and peoples' positive personal development and performance using various techniques, such as goal setting, motivational behaviour change, and emotional regulation. Using her prior knowledge and experiences, Darien is determined to contribute to the lab's objectives of providing resources to promote physical activity, health, and well-being with the highest quality!