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KINREC CONNECT: Dr. Shaelyn Strachan

March 4, 2016 — 

Every so often, we will profile and highlight a person of interest from our faculty through an informal, off-the-cuff Q & A feature entitled KinRec Connect. This offers a chance to meet and learn about the catalysts behind our exciting and dynamic faculty.

Get to know FKRM assistant professor Dr. Shaelyn Strachan a little better:

Where did you grow up?

I grew up here in Manitoba, in Carman.

Where did you complete your undergraduate degree?

University of Winnipeg: BA(H) Psychology

UofM_S_Strachan

Dr. Shaelyn Strachan

What teams, clubs, or groups were you a member of during your undergraduate years?

I was a part of the University of Winnipeg’s Peer Supporters. In my final year, I was co-leader of this organization. I was also a member of the Psychology Students Association.

Where did you complete your master’s degree, what did you study, and what were your main findings?

I completed my master’s degree at York University in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science. My thesis looked at anhedonia, or the diminished ability to experience pleasure, and over eating. We found that people who over eat  score low on anhedonia, suggesting they get a lot of pleasure out of natural reinforcers, such as eating. Our findings suggest that individual differences in the pleasure derived from food may be one influence on overeating.

Where did you complete your Ph.D. degree, what did you study, and what were your main findings?

I complete my PhD at the University of Waterloo, in the Department of Kinesiology. My thesis research looked at health identities, including exercise identity and heathy-eater identity. We found that strength of these identities influences self-regulation towards engaging in identity-consistent behaviour – so holding an identity in an area helps people engage in that behaviour.

What is your favourite course to teach and why?

Physical Activity Counselling. I love the applied nature of it and I enjoy being able to work with a small group of students who seem passionate about the topic.

Who are your favourite musicians, performances, sports teams, etc?

I am a big fan of folky artists like Paul Simon, Blue Rodeo, and more recently, bands like the Lumineers and Mumford and Sons. I’m not a big sports fan.

What are your hobbies?

In a previous life (before I became a prof and a parent) I used to run marathons. I trained with a running group and I loved it. I hope to return to marathoning again someday. For now, I run when I can. I like spending time in the outdoors – and running lets me do that. No treadmill for me. Food is a hobby for me. When I have time, I like to try new cooking and baking recipes. And I love to try new restaurants – looking for the best pizza or nachos in town.

If you could be or do anything else, what would it be?

I often think I would like to be a Starbuck’s barista. They always seem to be having so much fun and it smells really great in there. I’ve always been attracted to journalism and media… maybe something in that area.

What one word would you use to describe yourself?

Social.

What are you reading at the moment?

The Netflix Menu ;o); But I did just finish “Brooklyn.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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